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
