While the boat can comfortably seat up to 12 people, US Coast Guard Regulations limits the capacity of a trip with SWFL Coastal Encounters to 6 passengers, regardless of age. Small children and infants are included in this maximum occupancy, and cannot be in addition to 6 adults.

Most customers are picked up at The Sanibel Marina located at 634 N. Yachstman Dr on Sanibel Island. My customers can park for free and walk to the small shelter with the blue metal roof at the end of the middle row of docks. Have a seat on the white benches and Captain April will meet you there.

If you are a registered guest at Tween Waters Resort, on site pick up is available at the Tween Waters Marina for an extra fee.

Captain April can also arrange pickup at The Green Flash Waterfront Restaurant and Marina for customers on Captiva, or at Tarpon Point Marina for customers in Cape Coral. There is an extra fee for alternate pickup depending on location.

No, Gratuity is not included in the Encounter price. While tipping is not required, it is welcomed and appreciated by your Captain for a job well done. Gratuities vary widely, but average anywhere from 15-20%. Additionally, tipping dock hands at the marina or other visited facilities is highly appreciated - $5 to $20 is recommended.

You must notify SWFL Coastal Encounters of any cancellations by phone call or text message. SWFL Coastal Encounters has the following cancellation policy:

1. All bookings will require a $100 deposit to secure the day and time for your Encounter.

2. If you cancel between the day after you book up to 7 days prior to your scheduled Encounter, you will be refunded your deposit, less a $25 cancellation and processing fee.

3. If you cancel between 6 days prior to and 48 hours prior to your scheduled Encounter, you will forfeit your deposit of $100. No refund will be issued.

4. If you cancel within 48 hours of your scheduled Encounter, no refund will be issued and you will be subject to an additional fee equal to the cost of the booked Encounter. This is a 100% penalty. Your card will be charged the remaining balance of the Encounter if you cancel within 48 hrs or if you are a no-show.

While going out on a boat ride provides an excellent opportunity to fill your body and mind with relaxation, beauty and maybe even a little thrill, the answer is yes, a certain level of balance, agility and strength is required to make sure your experience is a pleasurable and safe one. While Captain April provides a step ladder to assist with getting in and out of the boat, it may still be a struggle for those with bad knees, bad ankles, or bad wrists.

For those interested in a Beach Encounter, you will be required to use a boat ladder to both board and disembark the boat from the water. The ladder can be difficult for those with bad knees, bad ankles or weak legs. Captain April will try to anchor in calm waters, however that may not always be possible and rolling waves can create an additional hazard when using the boat’s ladder. Please use your best judgement and personal knowledge of your physical capabilities when considering a Beach Encounter.

Additionally, like driving a car, boating can sometimes require a last minute directional correction, so if you have poor balance, you may not be able to safely handle a sudden stop or change of direction. If you have any physical concerns or medical conditions that you feel may prevent you from enjoying the cruise, please reach out to Captain April prior to booking so she can further explain the physical requirements necessary.

The boat is not handicap accessible.

The following is a list of equipment that may be needed by passengers during the trip.

Life Jacket

All passengers will be provided a life jacket on board. For those that do not know how to use a life jacket, Captain April will train those passengers so they know how to don a life jacket in case of emergency. Please refer to the question regarding life jackets for more specific life jacket requirements.

Beach Ladder

For those interested in a Beach Encounter, you will be required to use a boat ladder to both board and disembark the boat from the water. The ladder can be difficult for those with bad knees, bad ankles or weak legs. Captain April will try to anchor in calm waters, however that may not always be possible and rolling waves can create an additional hazard when using the boat’s ladder. Please use your best judgement and personal knowledge of your physical capabilities when considering a Beach Encounter.

SWFL Coastal Encounters does not provide any other equipment besides those listed here.

Yes, life jackets are required and per local regulations, each person will be provided with a Type I USCG-approved personal flotation device (PFD) onboard. Children ages 6 and under will be required to wear a life jacket any time the boat is underway. Children ages 7 and older will be provided a life jacket, and while the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission AND SWFL Coastal Encounters recommend a passenger where a life jacket at all times while a boat is underway, the wearing of a life jacket will be at the discretion of the child’s parent/s or guardian. A throwable Type IV life ring is also onboard at all times.

Yes, there is a bathroom (head) onboard and while the head is a great amenity, we ask it only be used if absolutely needed. Marine toilets are notoriously difficult to maintain and clog easily, so expect instructions from Captain April if you absolutely need to use it.

For Beach and Shelling Encounters, the answer is yes!! Captain April will do her best to get the boat as close to shore as possible, but be prepared that you will be exiting the boat via a rear step ladder and you may be in chest-deep water. To re-enter the boat, you need to be physically capable of climbing up the same ladder while the boat is bouncing in the waves, so consider your physical capabilities before booking a beach day. And don’t forget your towel.

Yes, I am a US Coast Guard Licensed Operator of Uninspected Passenger Vessels, Upon Near Coastal Waters, Not More Than 100 Miles Offshore.

I also am a member of The Maritime Consortium who provides guaranteed compliance with the coast guard's drug testing regulations.

Yes, there is a small amount of shade on the boat for one or two people who are nervous about spending too much time in the sun. The boat does have an additional sunshade that can be raised to cover the bow of the boat, however this can only be raised when the boat is not underway.

While we cannot make guarantees about whether or not someone will get seasick, Captain April will do her best to keep everyone comfortable and having fun! Most of our tours are in the calmer waters of Pine Island Sound where the waves are not as rough as the waters in the Gulf of Mexico, reducing the likelihood of getting seasick.

If you are worried about getting seasick, some helpful tips include maintaining your fluid intake to prevent dehydration, eating a light meal before your Encounter and not boating on an empty stomach, keeping your eye on the horizon line and not looking down at items like your phone for extended periods of time, stay sitting up or standing and avoid laying down, and lastly you can consider your personal preference of an over-the-counter medication or sea sickness device. Examples of these include nausea relief wrist bands, anti-nausea ear patches, and antiemetic medications which are best taken at least one hour prior to your Encounter. We are not doctors and this is not medical advice; you know your body best, so plan accordingly if you believe seasickness might be an issue. No refunds will be issued if an Encounter needs to end early due to seasickness.

We do see dolphins on the many of our excursions, however manatee sightings are less frequent. Manatees tend to be more shy than dolphins and they generally prefer very shallow waters that can be difficult to navigate by boat. While manatees are best left alone, dolphins are typically more social and sometimes they even like to put on a show for you! Dolphins and manatees are wild animals in their native environment and therefore seeing them cannot be guaranteed. Sightings depend on the nature of their activity, weather, and sea conditions. No refunds will be issued in the event that we do not encounter dolphins or manatees.

The rain here in SWFL can come and go rather quickly. Captain April watches the weather forecasts closely and while she wants to ensure your cruise is safe, enjoyable, and memorable, she we will cancel the trip due to unsafe weather conditions. Lightning can strike up to 10 miles away from a rain cloud, so even if it isn’t raining on the islands, Captain April may still cancel a trip due to lightning in the area. Captain April will at her discretion also cancel a trip for heavy rain, high winds and any other inclement weather or dangerous water conditions.

We will contact you as soon as possible so you can join us at another date/time, and if you are unable to reschedule, we will be happy to process a full refund of your deposit.

No, you do not need to bring your own cooler. Your boat has a built-in chest cooler and ice will be provided by your Captain for you to cool your own drinks or snacks. If you’d like to bring your own cooler, you may, soft-sided coolers are allowed on the boat.

Yes, SWFL Coastal Encounters happily allows your friendly dog, of any breed, to join in on the fun!

IF YOU WILL BE BRINGING A DOG ON YOUR ENCOUNTER, THE MAXIMUM NUMBER OF HUMAN PASSENGERS WILL BE REDUCED TO FOUR!

If you are participating in a shelling and beach Encountlr, please note that dogs are not allowed on the beaches at Cayo Costa State Park, even if they’re on a leash. If you want to bring your dog to the beach, your choice will be limited to North Captiva Island. Dogs are also not allowed at Cabbage Key.

You know your dog best, please do not bring your dog if you think there is a risk of them disturbing local wildlife. This includes, but is not limited to, chasing birds, jumping in the water to visit with a dolphin, digging up sea turtle nests, etc. Some dogs experience anxiety on the water. If you feel your pet will be uncomfortable or nervous in the boat, please consider other arrangements for your pup while doing your Encounter.

Pet Policy:

• For one dog, the maximum weight of the dog allowed on board is 75 lbs. A non-refundable pet fee of $50 will apply for one dog.

• The maximum number of dogs allowed on board is two. If you have two dogs, they cannot weigh more than 35 lbs each. A non-refundable pet fee of $100 will apply for two dogs.

• Dogs must be leashed at all times while on the beach

• You must clean up after your dog/s and dispose of the waste properly

• You assume 100% responsibility for the safety of your dog/s. Captain April and SWFL Coastal Encounters cannot be held responsible or liable for your dog’s actions or safety while on the boat, in the water, or on the beach.

No!! Ice cold water will be provided on your Encounter. Any other beverages you will need to provide on your own.

Yes, you are allowed to bring your own alcohol on the boat. Please drink responsibly while on board. Excessive drinking is not acceptable and any intoxicated individual exhibiting rude or irresponsible behavior will be returned to their pickup location. No refunds will be issued if a trip ends early due to alcohol impairement.

No, smoking cigarettes, cigars or pipes is not allowed while on board. Vaping is allowed.

Yes, please bring your own towels if your Encounter involves going to the beach, as you will be getting wet.

The picture at the top of this page is a Portuguese Man-O-War. We do have Man-O-War in our area and at certain times of the year they can wash up on our local beaches. Their long tentacles pack a very powerful, venemous sting. These *jellyfish can continue to sting, long after they’ve washed ashore, so you want to avoid them even if they’re stranded in the sand. Luckily, most of the time, the Man-O-War stays out in the Gulf of Mexico beyond where our Encounters normally traverse. (*Actually, did you know a Portuguese Man-O-War isn’t really a jellyfish at all? Ask me on the boat and I’ll tell you more!)