Policies & Guidelines

Welcome to MYA Boat Charters. Our policies are designed to keep your experience safe, smooth, and enjoyable. They outline what you can expect from us, and what we ask from you in return, so that every trip runs fairly and on time.

Please take a few minutes to review the policies below. By confirming a booking with us, you acknowledge and agree to these terms.

Cancellation & Refunds

Cancellations are sometimes unavoidable, and we aim to handle them with fairness and transparency.

24 hours or more: Reservations canceled 24 hours or more before the scheduled departure time qualify for a full refund.
Within 24 hours: Reservations canceled within 24 hours of the scheduled departure time are non-refundable.
No-shows: Guests who fail to arrive for their booking without notifying us will be treated as no-shows and will not be eligible for a refund.
Weather cancellations: If a trip is canceled due to unsafe weather conditions before departure, you may reschedule or receive a full refund.
Refund process: All refunds are processed back to the original form of payment and are completed within 5–10 business days, depending on your bank or payment provider.
Emergencies: We understand that unexpected situations can arise. While our standard policies still apply, we encourage you to contact us as soon as possible in the event of an emergency so that we can review options and do our best to assist.

Weather Policy

The safety and comfort of our guests is our top priority.

Before departure: The final evaluation of weather conditions takes place at the time of departure, as conditions may improve or change throughout the day. Guests are encouraged to stay on schedule so that an accurate on-site assessment can be made. If it’s determined that conditions are unsafe or unsuitable to depart, guests may choose to reschedule to another available date or receive a full refund.
Guest choice under safe conditions: When conditions are considered safe but not ideal (such as light or moderate rain), the decision to proceed is left to the guest’s discretion. If you choose not to depart under these circumstances, you may reschedule to another available date or receive a full refund.
During the trip: If weather conditions change while you are on the water, you may choose to continue or return early, provided conditions remain safe. Light rain or scattered showers do not automatically cancel a trip. If you decide to return early under these conditions, your charter will qualify for a partial refund based on unused time.
Final safety decision: The final determination of safety is made by our team in consultation with the captain.

Our weather policy is designed to give guests control over their experience, while final safety decisions are made by our team in consultation with the captain.

Rescheduling

We recognize that plans may change, and we strive to accommodate rescheduling whenever possible.

With advance notice: If you notify us ahead of time that you need to change your trip, we are pleased to reschedule your charter at no additional charge, subject to availability. Advance notice allows us to adjust schedules without disruption and without incurring unnecessary costs.
Within 24 hours of departure: Change requests made less than 24 hours before the start time are not guaranteed but may be considered at our discretion.
Without notice or after a missed trip: If you fail to arrive on time or do not provide sufficient notice for us to adjust operations, we may still offer a rescheduled date. In these situations, however, a rescheduling fee may be required to help cover costs already committed, including captain arrangements and vessel preparation.

This approach allows us to remain flexible for guests who plan responsibly, while also ensuring fairness when last-minute changes result in operational expenses.

Arrival & Timing

Timeliness is essential for keeping your trip smooth and enjoyable.

Guests should arrive 15 minutes before the scheduled departure to allow time for check-in, boarding, and a brief safety review.
Trips begin and end according to the schedule. Late arrivals are still welcome to board; however, the trip will conclude at the originally scheduled return time, reducing time on the water.
If arrival is significantly delayed and there is not enough time to safely complete the trip, the charter will not take place and the booking will be treated as a No-Show
Lost time due to late arrival is non-refundable.
If you expect a delay, please contact us as soon as possible. While adjustments cannot be guaranteed, advance notice gives us the best chance to assist when operations allow.

No-Shows

Failure to arrive for your scheduled trip, without prior communication, is classified as a No-Show.

Guest Guidelines

To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience, guests must follow these guidelines

Capacity: Maximum of 10 passengers, including children and infants.
Age requirement: At least one passenger must be 18 years or older.
Identification: The Primary Guest listed on the reservation must present a valid government-issued photo ID at check-in.
Shoes: Shoes must be removed before boarding and placed in the designated basket.
Sunscreen: Please apply before boarding to protect seating and upholstery.
Smoking: Smoking is not permitted onboard. Vaping is only allowed in designated areas.

Prohibited Items (to protect guests, the vessel, and the environment):

Weapons of any kind
Controlled substances
Hazardous or flammable materials
Red wine — prohibited due to risk of permanent stains on vessel surfaces.
Open flames or spark candles — strictly prohibited onboard.
Balloons & Glitter — prohibited under Florida water regulations due to risk to marine life.

Conduct: Guests are expected to act responsibly at all times. Unsafe, disruptive, or disrespectful behavior may result in early termination of the trip without refund.

Accessibility

We welcome all guests and strive to make our private boat charters as safe and enjoyable as possible. Please consider the following when planning your trip:

Mobility limitations: Boarding requires stepping onto the vessel from the dock. Unfortunately, our vessels are not wheelchair accessible. Guests who require assistance should be accompanied by someone able to help them safely embark and disembark.
Strollers: The vessel is stroller-accessible, and guests are welcome to bring strollers onboard.
Pregnant guests: Expectant mothers are welcome aboard. Participation should be based on personal comfort and consultation with a healthcare provider. Guests are encouraged to consider any medical advice relevant to their condition before boarding.
Physical conditions: Guests with back problems, heart conditions, or other serious medical concerns should consult a physician before participating.
Children and infants: Children are welcome but must always be supervised by an adult. In compliance with Florida law, life jackets are required for all children under 13 years of age, and these are provided onboard.
Service animals and pets: Service animals are welcome onboard. Well-behaved pets are also permitted, provided they remain under the owner’s supervision at all times.

These guidelines are in place to protect your health and safety, and to ensure that all guests have a safe, positive experience.

Communication

Clear communication helps us create the best possible experience for you.

If you expect a delay, change of plans, or encounter an issue, notify us as soon as possible.
Advance communication allows us to provide solutions, including rescheduling or adjustments when possible.
Failure to communicate may result in forfeiture of your reservation, as options become limited once a trip has begun or missed its departure window.

Our team is here to support you, and timely communication ensures we can serve you better.

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