Frequently Asked Questions
Everything You Need to Know Before Your Private Charter
Welcome aboard!
Thank you for choosing Aqua Sol Adventures for your private charter experience. Whether you’re joining us for snorkeling, shelling, island hopping, dolphin watching, a sunset cruise, or simply a relaxing day on the water, we’re committed to making your trip safe, enjoyable, and unforgettable.
Because every charter is private, no two trips are ever exactly alike. We customize each trip around your group, the weather, the tides, and what you’d like to experience.
Below are answers to the questions we’re asked most often. If you don’t find the answer you’re looking for, please don’t hesitate to call or text us. We’re always happy to help!
Before you Book
Absolutely!
Every Aqua Sol Adventures trip is a 100% private charter. That means your group will never be combined with another party. It’s your boat, your captain, your family and friends, and your adventure.
Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, anniversary, engagement, family vacation, or simply spending a relaxing day on the water, your trip is customized specifically for you.
Absolutely! That’s one of the biggest advantages of booking a private charter.
We don’t start the day with a strict itinerary. Instead, we let Mother Nature and our guests help dictate the day.
Depending on the wind, weather, tides, water conditions, and the amount of time you’ve booked, we’ll do everything we can to accommodate whatever you’d like to do.
Want to spend more time snorkeling?
No problem.
Want to spend longer on the sandbar?
Absolutely.
Rather dolphin watch than shell?
Let’s do it!
Every charter is different because every group is different.
Depending on the length of your charter, you can mix and match activities including:
• Snorkeling at Egmont Key
• Island hopping
• Shelling
• Dolphin watching
• Sandbar relaxing
• Paddleboarding
• Floating on our Chill Pad
• Grilling
• Waterfront restaurant and bar hopping
• Private sunset cruises
Your captain will help customize your day to make the most of your time on the water.
Yes.
The United States Coast Guard counts every person onboard—including infants and small children—as one passenger.
Our maximum is six passengers.
If your group has more than six people, please contact us. We can often accommodate larger groups by arranging a second vessel.
We are huge dog lovers here at Aqua Sol Adventures and have dogs of our own.
That being said, many of the places we visit are Florida State Parks, and pets are not permitted on many of the islands.
Because of this, bringing your dog may affect where we can and cannot go during your charter.
Please note:
• There is a $50 non-refundable cleaning fee for each dog brought onboard.
• We do not provide life jackets for dogs. If your dog will be getting in the water, you must provide a properly fitted life jacket.
• Someone familiar with your dog must remain responsible for your pet at all times. As your captain, our responsibility is safely operating the vessel—we cannot act as dog sitters while you’re exploring or swimming.
• We understand that most dogs don’t want to sit on the boat all day. We’ll work with you to plan a trip that accommodates both your group and your four-legged family member whenever possible.
If you’re planning on bringing your dog, please let us know when booking so we can help plan the best experience for everyone.
Absolutely!
We love helping guests celebrate birthdays, anniversaries, engagements, graduations, and other special occasions.
If you’d like to bring decorations, please contact your captain by phone or text before your trip so we can discuss what types of decorations are appropriate.
Because the boat is constantly moving, we want to make sure decorations are secure and won’t blow into the water or create hazards for marine life.
We ask that decorations do not damage the boat or leave behind tape, glue, glitter, confetti, or residue.
We’re happy to help make your celebration both memorable and environmentally responsible.
Gratuities are not included in the price of your charter.
While never required, gratuities are always greatly appreciated if you feel your captain provided exceptional service.
Like many in the hospitality industry, our captains work hard to provide you with a safe, relaxing, and unforgettable experience.
If you feel your captain has gone above and beyond, please feel free to take care of them in any way you choose.
Preparing for your Trip
Dress comfortably for a fun day on the water.
We recommend:
• Swimsuit
• Cover-up or lightweight clothing
• Flip-flops or water shoes
• Hat
• Sunglasses
• Sun shirt
Keep in mind that depending on the activities you choose, you’ll likely get wet.
Feel free to bring any food and beverages you’d like, including beer, wine, liquor, and other alcoholic beverages.
You’re also welcome to bring:
• Small coolers
• Inflatable rafts
• Children’s toys
• Snorkeling gear
• Shell bags
• Pool noodles
We provide:
• Snorkeling gear (although you’re welcome to bring your own)
• Pool noodles
• Two onboard coolers stocked with ice
• Multiple cans of sunscreen in case you forget yours or run out during your trip
We recommend bringing:
• Sunglasses
• Towels
• Sunscreen
• Hats
• Sun shirts
• Plenty of water
We ask that you avoid bringing glass bottles whenever possible.
If you bring liquor in a glass bottle (such as rum, tequila, whiskey, etc.), please keep it secured in a safe location onboard and pour your drinks into a cup rather than carrying the bottle around the vessel.
If you have questions about bringing anything else, just give us a call or send us a text.
Absolutely!
You’re welcome to bring birthday cakes, cupcakes, cookies, desserts, or any other treats to help celebrate your special occasion.
We offer onboard grilling during your charter.
The $50 grill fee covers the use of the grill and the captain preparing your food.
Guests are responsible for bringing their own food unless they’ve selected one of our meal options.
If you’d like Aqua Sol Adventures to provide food, please let us know at least 72 hours before your trip.
We’ll discuss your preferred menu, provide pricing, and have everything prepared before your charter.
Arrival to the Marina
All Aqua Sol Adventures charters depart from the Gulfport Municipal Marina.
Meeting Location:
We meet at the fuel dock, located at the front of the marina.
Look for our beautiful white and gray 2019 Robalo R272 named “Chasin Dreams.”
If you have any trouble finding us, simply call or text your captain and we’ll guide you right to the boat.
Yes!
The Gulfport Municipal Marina offers free parking for our guests.
Parking is available throughout the marina parking lot. During busy weekends and holidays, parking can fill up quickly, so we recommend arriving a little early.
Please do not leave valuables visible inside your vehicle.
Please plan to arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled departure time.
Arriving early allows everyone to get settled, complete any last-minute paperwork, load your belongings, and receive a brief safety orientation before we leave the dock.
Being ready to depart on time allows you to enjoy every minute of your charter.
Before stepping onboard, we recommend:
• Use the marina restrooms. There are no restrooms onboard or on the islands we visit.
• Apply sunscreen before boarding. This helps us leave on time and lets you enjoy more time on the water.
• If you’ve recently applied heavy amounts of sunscreen or tanning lotion, please place a towel underneath you while seated to help protect the upholstery from staining.
• Double-check that you’ve brought everything you’ll need for the day, including medications, sunglasses, hats, and towels.
Yes.
The marina has a small convenience store where you can purchase many last-minute items including:
• Ice
• Drinks
• Snacks
• Beer
• Basic boating supplies
• Sunscreen
• Miscellaneous convenience items
If you forgot something, there’s a good chance you’ll find it there before we leave.
What Happens If We’re Running Late?
We understand that traffic, accidents, and unexpected delays happen.
If you’re running late, please call or text us as soon as possible.
If we do not have another charter scheduled immediately after yours, we’ll do everything we reasonably can to make up lost time.
However, if another charter is scheduled after yours, your late arrival unfortunately reduces the amount of time available for your trip.
Your scheduled charter begins at your reservation time, not your arrival time.
Communication is always appreciated and gives us the best opportunity to work with you.
Although it’s extremely uncommon, weather, bridge openings, marine traffic, or other unforeseen circumstances can occasionally delay our return to the marina.
If that happens, we’ll make every reasonable effort to ensure you receive the full amount of charter time you’ve booked.
If that’s not possible, we’ll make it right through an appropriate adjustment.
Our goal is always to provide the experience you’ve paid for.
Do You Offer Pick-Ups?
Sometimes.
Pick-up service is available on a case-by-case basis depending on:
• Your location
• Water depth
• Dock accessibility
• Insurance restrictions
• Scheduling availability
There is a $100 pick-up fee for approved pick-up locations.
Please remember that travel time to and from the pick-up location counts as part of your charter.
For example:
If you reserve a four-hour charter and it requires one hour of total travel to pick you up and return you afterward, you’ll have approximately three hours available for activities.
If you’d like to arrange a pick-up, please contact us before booking.
On the Water
Absolutely!
One of the most popular options on our private charters is stopping at one of the many fantastic waterfront restaurants or tiki bars around Tampa Bay.
Whether you’d like lunch, dinner, appetizers, or simply a tropical drink while enjoying the waterfront atmosphere, we’ll gladly take you.
Please remember that your charter time continues while you’re enjoying your stop, so longer restaurant visits will reduce the amount of time available for other activities.
While we can never guarantee wildlife sightings, we see dolphins on the vast majority of our trips.
Dolphins are incredibly active throughout Tampa Bay and often swim alongside the boat.
Manatee sightings are also very common, particularly during the warmer months.
Other wildlife you may encounter includes:
• Stingrays
• Sea turtles
• Horseshoe crabs
• Starfish
• Sand dollars
• Ospreys
• Pelicans
• Bald eagles
• Countless other native birds and marine life
Every day on the water is different, and that’s part of what makes every trip unique.
Absolutely!
Guests are welcome to collect and keep shells during the trip.
The only rule is that the shells must be unoccupied.
If a shell contains a living animal, it must remain in its natural habitat.
We are committed to protecting Florida’s marine ecosystem and appreciate your help preserving it for future generations.
Yes!
Guests are welcome to fish from many of the islands we visit.
Please note:
• You must have a valid Florida fishing license if one is required.
• Aqua Sol Adventures does not provide fishing licenses.
• Fish caught from the islands may not be brought back onto the boat.
Fishing is simply another fun activity available during your private charter.
Yes.
We love seeing the incredible aerial footage our guests capture.
Please let your captain know before launching a drone so we can help ensure it’s done safely and in an appropriate location.
Guests are responsible for following all FAA regulations and flying safely.
Absolutely!
Our boat is equipped with a Bluetooth sound system.
Simply connect your phone and enjoy your own playlists throughout your charter.
Whether you prefer country, classic rock, reggae, today’s hits, or relaxing island music, it’s your charter and your soundtrack.
Yes.
USB charging ports are available onboard.
Please remember to bring your own charging cable, as phone models and charging connections vary.
Safety, Weather & Policies
SAFETY IS OUR TOP PRIORITY
At Aqua Sol Adventures, nothing is more important than the safety of our guests. We want every charter to be fun, relaxing, and memorable—but above all, safe. Our captains continually monitor weather, tides, marine conditions, and vessel traffic throughout your trip to provide the best experience possible.
Florida weather can be unpredictable, especially during the summer months.
It’s very common to see a forecast showing a 40–60% chance of rain. That does not necessarily mean your charter will be canceled. Most summer showers are isolated, move quickly, or completely miss our area.
In many cases, we simply adjust our route or delay departure briefly while a shower passes.
Unless you hear directly from Aqua Sol Adventures, please arrive at the marina as scheduled.
If weather conditions become unsafe due to lightning, strong winds, rough seas, or other hazardous conditions, we’ll either:
Delay your departure until conditions improve.
Reschedule your trip.
Refund your deposit if we must cancel and rescheduling isn’t possible.
We’ll never risk your safety simply to complete a charter.
Usually, no.
A passing rain shower rarely lasts very long in Florida, and we can often work around it.
We cancel only when weather conditions create an unsafe environment or would prevent you from enjoying the experience you’ve booked.
If a brief shower moves through, we’ll normally continue the trip or seek temporary shelter until it passes.
Florida weather changes quickly, and many storms last only a short time.
Your captain will always make decisions with your safety and enjoyment in mind.
Yes.
Our vessel carries all U.S. Coast Guard-required safety equipment, including life jackets for every passenger onboard.
We also have several children’s life jackets available for continuous wear throughout the trip.
If you have a child who will need a specific size, please let us know before your charter.
I’m Not a Strong Swimmer. Is That Okay?
Absolutely.
Many of our guests aren’t confident swimmers.
Please let your captain know as soon as you board if you or anyone in your group is uncomfortable in the water.
We’ll make sure you have the appropriate flotation equipment and help you enjoy the water safely.
Our goal is for everyone to have fun—regardless of swimming ability.
Yes.
Many guests snorkel for the very first time with us.
Your captain will explain the equipment, help you get comfortable, and answer any questions before entering the water.
We encourage everyone to stay within their comfort level.
Vaping is permitted onboard.
For cigarettes and cigars, we ask that you wait until the boat has come to a complete stop before smoking.
Whenever possible, we encourage smoking while standing in the water rather than onboard.
If smoking onboard:
Please be mindful of others.
Never place ashes or hot materials on the upholstery.
Dispose of cigarette butts and cigars in the onboard trash—not in the water.
Help us keep Florida’s waterways beautiful.
Yes.
Guests who are 21 years of age or older are welcome to bring alcoholic beverages.
Please drink responsibly.
The captain reserves the right to end alcohol consumption for any guest whose behavior becomes unsafe or disruptive.
The safety of everyone onboard always comes first.
No.
There are no restrooms onboard the boat.
Please use the marina facilities before departure.
Likewise, the islands and sandbars we visit generally do not have restroom facilities.
Planning ahead will help make your day much more enjoyable.
Our captains are trained to respond quickly and appropriately.
The vessel carries required U.S. Coast Guard safety equipment, communication equipment, and first aid supplies.
If a medical emergency occurs, we’ll immediately coordinate with emergency responders and head to the nearest safe location as needed.
We strongly recommend avoiding glass whenever possible.
Plastic cups and cans are much safer on a moving boat.
If you bring liquor in a glass bottle, please leave the bottle secured and pour drinks into plastic cups before moving around the boat.
This greatly reduces the risk of broken glass and injuries.
Soft-soled sandals, flip-flops, or water shoes are perfectly fine.
High heels and shoes that may damage the boat’s flooring should not be worn onboard.
Many guests spend most of the trip barefoot.
Yes.
Our boat features a large hardtop that provides shade for much of the seating area.
However, because we’ll spend several hours on the water, we still recommend bringing hats, sunglasses, sunscreen, and lightweight sun-protective clothing.
About the Boat, Final FAQ & Book your Adventure
Your adventure takes place aboard Chasin Dreams, our beautiful 2019 Robalo R272 Center Console, designed for comfort, safety, and fun on the water.
Boat Features Include:
Twin Yamaha 200 HP outboard engines
Spacious seating throughout the boat
Large hardtop providing shade
Premium Bluetooth stereo system
Easy-access side boarding door
Four-step swim ladder
Two onboard coolers filled with ice
Snorkeling equipment
Paddleboards
Pool noodles
Chill Pad floating mat
All required U.S. Coast Guard safety equipment
Whether you’re cruising at sunset or anchored at a sandbar, Chasin Dreams was built to provide an incredible day on the water.
Absolutely.
Safety is our number one priority.
Aqua Sol Adventures is operated by a U.S. Coast Guard Licensed Captain, and our vessel is fully equipped with all federally required safety equipment. We maintain our boat to the highest standards because we want every guest to enjoy a worry-free day on the water.
Without question!
Families make up a large percentage of our guests.
Whether it’s your child’s first boat ride, first dolphin sighting, first snorkeling adventure, or first trip to a sandbar, we love helping families create memories they’ll talk about for years.
Guests of all ages are welcome aboard.
Y
Absolutely!
There’s no better place to celebrate than on the beautiful waters of Tampa Bay.
We regularly host:
Birthdays
Anniversaries
Engagements
Marriage proposals
Graduations
Family reunions
Bachelor & Bachelorette parties
Retirement celebrations
Vacation outings
Corporate outings
“Just Because” days on the water
If you’re celebrating something special, let us know when booking. We’ll do everything we can to help make your day unforgettable.
Please do!
Some of our favorite moments are seeing families and friends capturing memories together.
Your captain is always happy to help take group photos so everyone can be in the picture.
Don’t forget to tag Aqua Sol Adventures on social media—we love seeing your adventures!
Absolutely.
GoPros, underwater cameras, DSLR cameras, drones (where permitted), and smartphones are all welcome.
We recommend using waterproof cases or floating straps whenever possible.
Please keep wallets, keys, phones, and electronics in waterproof bags or cases whenever possible.
Although we’ll do everything we can to protect your belongings, Aqua Sol Adventures cannot be responsible for lost, stolen, or water-damaged personal items.
There are plenty of boats in Tampa Bay.
What makes us different is the experience.
When you book with Aqua Sol Adventures, you’re getting:
✔ 100% Private Charters
✔ Award-Winning Service
✔ U.S. Coast Guard Licensed Captain
✔ Fully Insured Operation
✔ Family-Owned & Operated
✔ Flexible, Custom Itineraries
✔ No Crowded Tour Boats
✔ No Fixed Schedule
✔ Personalized Service
✔ Comfortable, Modern Boat
✔ Local Knowledge of Tampa Bay
✔ A Captain Who Truly Loves What He Does
From the moment you step aboard until the moment you return to the dock, our goal is simple:
Treat every guest like family and give them the best day possible on the water.
THANK YOU!
Thank you for considering Aqua Sol Adventures.
We know you have many choices when booking a private charter, and we’re honored that you’re considering spending your day with us.
Whether you’re looking to snorkel the historic waters of Egmont Key, search for shells on Shell Key, watch dolphins play in their natural habitat, enjoy an incredible Gulf Coast sunset, or simply relax with family and friends, we’ll customize the perfect trip just for you.
At Aqua Sol Adventures, you’re never just another reservation.
You’re part of our family.
READY TO BOOK YOUR PRIVATE CHARTER?
Let’s make memories together!
Whether it’s your first visit to Florida or you’ve lived here your entire life, we’d love the opportunity to show you why so many of our guests return year after year.
Aqua Sol Adventures
Award-Winning Private Charters