

F.A.Q.
How many people can I bring on a trip?
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All our charters are booked on a private boat basis and are limited to 6 people. There are no exceptions to this rule due to boat size and Coast Guard regulations. The boat is reserved only for your party for our trips regardless of how many guests you book up to 6. The price of this charter is the same regardless of the number of people that participate. If you have more than six people, we work with other captains and can book extra boats. Give us a call and we’ll see what we can do! We cater to all ages and everyone is welcome and encouraged to join us!
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What should I bring?
Please bring towels, sunscreen, polarized sunglasses (this greatly helps spot wildlife) and hats. Swimming attire is recommended as this is an immersive experience. There is plenty of dry storage available if you would like to bring dry clothes. Also don't forget a non plastic bag for your collected shells. Plastic water bottles are not provided to cut down on waste. We encourage that you bring re-usable water bottles with you, the earth will thank you!
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Do you provide snorkel gear?
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Yes! Snorkel gear is provided and sanitized before every trip. Note that water temperature may prohibit comfortable snorkeling during the winter months but we won't stop you if you'd like to jump in! If you would like to bring your own snorkel gear you are more than welcome.
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Where do trips leave from?
All trips leave from the north end of Sanibel Island and you will be notified of the exact address before your charter due to hurricane damage and day to day recovery efforts.
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What is your refund and cancellation policy?
Once your deposit is received, your trip is booked for the date and time you choose. Your deposit is fully refundable up to one week (or seven days) prior to your scheduled booking. After the seven days, your deposit becomes non-refundable. If a rebooking is needed, we will work with you to make it as hassle free as possible. Please note-your safety and comfort is our primary goal. If the captain needs to cancel the trip due to conditions beyond her control (e.g. weather, etc.) she will happily work with you on rebooking.
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Is there shade on the boat?
Yes! We have a front dodger shade on request and a large T-top is always available for hot and sunny days.
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Are your rates per person?
No, all prices are per tour. The boat books at one price regardless of how many people you bring aboard. There is a maximum of 6 people regardless of age.
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Is there a bathroom on the boat?
There is not a bathroom on the boat. However, we are never further than 20 minutes from a bathroom.
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What can we bring?
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Whatever you would like! You are provided a full size cooler with ice included to put your personal food and beverages in (alcohol allowed). There is ample dry storage as well.
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What will we see and do on a charter?
Everything we can! We love finding wildlife, shelling local undeveloped beaches and searching for dolphins and manatees. We also enjoy snorkeling our local sand flats to observe nature. Local history will also be explored and interpreted.
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Where do we go?
Our charters occur near the areas of Sanibel, Captiva, North Captiva and Cayo Costa State Park. We also explore Pine Island Sound and the Gulf of Mexico.
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Are you licensed and insured?
Yes! All charters are run by our licensed and insured Captain. Your safety and enjoyment are our number one priority. Coast Guard required safety equipment is provided for everyone aboard on every charter regardless of age. If there are any very young guests please make a note on the booking page so we can accommodate them with appropriately sized life jackets.
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Tell me more about custom charters.
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All custom charters are booked on a per trip basis depending on what you would like to do. We offer many services beyond typical charters. We are happy to help with anything you need! Please call or text us at 239-309-8257 for more information.
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Do you have a hurricane Ian and Sanibel Update?
The island is devestated but we are working on rebuilding. Flip Side Charters did
well overall dealing with the hurricane. Our boats survived and we are ready to get back to normal and to continue to provide our guests the best experience possible. The beaches and waters are back to normal, the grass flats are looking great and the wildlife has returned.
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Tips are always welcome
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