OK charter out of Marathon, would have been better with more planning
8 hr charter with 10 (teens - adults). Plenty of room, convenient location if staying in Marathon ($10 parking fee per car at marina). Weather wasn’t great but can’t control that, so made the most of the day and activities. Snorkeling was a highlight. Sandbar stop was also fun to explore. To get to sandbar from where boat anchored, you have to cross some coral/rock so recommend water shoes if you have them. Points to consider when booking charter: - Recommend to take a much more active role in planning what you specifically want to do during the charter. I filled out the questionnaire and provided our wishes for a great day on the water, but do not get the impression that this information translated to a personalized itinerary. It also did not seem that the information was ever shared with our captain as he asked us what we wanted to do when we met him that morning. Definitely an “on the fly” plan for the day and I regret not taking a more active role in making sure there was a clear plan for the best places to go to see/do the items on our wish list. - Captain plays a big role in the experience. Our Captain wasn’t very conversational or engaging. Drifted into a bridge while fishing, so didn’t really inspire a lot of confidence in his ability early on in the tour. - We were surprised of the additional costs for use of fishing equipment or snorkel gear. Likely an oversight on our part but wasn’t super clear from the listing. Additional fee for the fuel charge is much more clearly highlighted in the listing. - Fishing wasn’t great and this can happen, but having chartered a number of fishing experiences, would have expected more use of the fish finder or outreach to other boats to inquire who was having success or not and where. All that said, this isn’t a fishing charter, only an add on to a boat charter. If you are looking for a fishing experience recommend to look elsewhere.
Catherine, thanks for coming out with your group. Respectfully, a **2/5** doesn’t match the day we actually ran, or your own notes. I rarely respond publicly like this, but after multiple attempts to speak with you and make it right, I owe future guests the facts. Our online reputation matters to us and to people deciding whom to trust; leaving a 2/5 after the day you described is unjust. **1) What you asked for vs. what we delivered** * Your message: *“A mix of fishermen, sun worshippers, snorkel and sand bar enthusiasts… a little bit of it all.”* * What we ran: snorkeling (**your words:** “highlight”), a sandbar stop (“fun to explore”), and light inshore fishing. That’s the sampler day you requested. **2) “No plan” vs. flexible-by-design** * Your questionnaire and texts didn’t name must-do locations or target species, only “a little bit of it all.” * Our captain confirms priorities at the dock so we can tailor the order to real-time conditions and your group’s mood. That’s customization, not lack of planning. **3) Fishing expectations on a mixed-activity trip** * This is a luxury day charter with **optional, light fishing** for mixed groups; exactly as you noted: *“this isn’t a fishing charter, only an add on.”* * With ten guests splitting time between snorkeling, sandbar, and fishing on a slow bite, catch rates will vary. Expecting dedicated fishing-charter results on a multi-activity itinerary isn’t realistic. **4) Gear fees** * You asked if we had rods and snorkel gear; we confirmed we did. Optional gear carries a small per-use cleaning/maintenance fee, which is standard practice, and it’s reviewed before use. **5) Value you acknowledged** * You noted “plenty of room,” convenient staging for Marathon, a snorkeling **highlight**, and a fun sandbar stop—delivered on a brand new half a million dollar luxury vessel suited for groups your size. That experience is not a 2/5 day by any fair measure. We reached out on multiple occasions to discuss and make it right; you specifically declined. I attached our initial message to you the moment we saw your review. We stand behind the day we delivered—guest-led, flexible, and aligned to your request. If you’d like to talk directly, I’m still available. — JP, Owner
