Q: What should I consider when booking a charter?

A: Some things you may want to know or consider:

  • Boats leaving from the Cruise Ship Terminals usually visit heavily traveled anchorages while boats leaving from Red Hook visit St. John's National Reef Monument where the reefs are vast and protected.

  • Some boats may advertise lower rates, but they take more than six passengers, up to 50+ people even.

  • A fast sailboat gets to the best spot the quickest.

  • Not all charter boat lunches are created equally! You will love ours!

Q: Where do you sail to?

A: We have so many great places to go and usually go further into the National Park compared to most boats. We let the wind, waves and your preferences determine which is best for the day. We do NOT go to the overcrowded stops frequented by the "cattle boats" where the reefs are not as good. That is not what we are about.

Q: What should I bring?

A: Keep it simple and light; towel, camera and sunscreen (no sprays or oils). If you prefer your own snorkel gear bring it, but we do provide very good gear on the boat. Additional cash for souvenir T-shirts, hats and customary gratuity for the crew (15-20%).

Q: How do we get to the boat?

A: We are an easy cab ride for the people arriving from cruise ships and on island guests who are not driving. Ask us to help arrange transportation if you need it.  Those who wish to drive should know parking is limited, but we recommend parking in the paid parking lot across the street from the ferry terminal and behind the new colorful shopping plaza, "Red Hook Plaza", on the hill.
Once you get to Red Hook (East End), walk down to the waterfront behind the American Yacht Harbor Plaza (red tin roof) and we will meet you in the marina on the boardwalk next to "B Dock", two docks down from the huge flagpole. The dingy to Rumbaba is bright yellow, you can't miss it!

Q: What forms of payment do you take?

A: We prefer cash and it is the easiest! There are several ATMs in the marina and we can bring you to them. We are able to accept Visa, Mastercard and AMEX but it takes extra time to process.

Q: Do we need passports?

A: No, we don't sail to the British Virgin Islands (B.V.I.).

Q: What is the minimum number to book?

A: We usually need four (4) for the full day sail. If there are less than four we can put you on standby or you may check on our private charter prices. Please don't hesitate to contact us as we often have others waiting to book too. Half day sails are done only as private sails.

Q: What if I can't swim or I am worried about getting sea sick?

A: That's O.K. But if you are terrified of the water this may not be the best thing for you to do. We have lifejackets or a safety belt you can wear that inflates in emergencies, if that would make you feel more comfortable.  If you have a tendency to get sea sick, over the counter medications like Dramamine may be effective if you follow the label instructions or talk to your doctor about other effective means, like the Scopolamine Patch.

Q: Is getting on and off the boat hard?

A: Boarding the boat requires a 1 minute dingy trip. Getting in and out of the dingy and getting in and out of the water is like climbing a ladder. If you are fit you will have no problems. If you need special assistance let us know and we will accommodate you.

Q: How many people can you take?

A: A maximum of six (6). Children and even infants count, per U.S. Coast Guard law.

Q: Will my kids like this?

A: Depends on the kids. Most do. We love kids and enjoy showing them a good time.
We have games, rafts and costumes most kids enjoy playing with!

Q: Do you take special requests?

A: We try and usually find we can work around any reasonable requests. If you like special wines, liquor, etc. you are welcome to bring them along! If you are celebrating a special occasion, let us know!

Q: What do you need to hold my reservation?

A: We take a credit card number to hold your space. We do not run the card until the day of the charter unless you do not cancel at least 48 hrs in advance. If you pay cash on the day of charter, we shred our records of your card numbers.

Q: What if some of our party doesn't show or we are late?

A: Wow, this is hard! We try to work with you if you give us advance notice (like a call, email or text message), but please understand sometimes we have to get underway because other people may be waiting. We commit to you and expect the same consideration. If you cancel, it must be 48 hrs in advance or we will charge you unless we get another booking last minute. If your cruise ship or plane is late then we will not charge you.

Q: What if there is bad weather on the day of our charter?

A: Even if rain showers are expected, they are usually small and only last 30 minutes in the Tropics.  If the weather and ocean conditions will provide for a safe day, then the Captain usually decides to sail.  But, if it is determined to be unsafe to sail then the Captain will cancel the day and you will not be charged. We will try and reschedule if you want to.  We have rain gear and a sitting area in the cabin to wait out those short rain showers.

Email us your other questions at Info@RumbabaCharters.com