What Ye Need to Know

What to Bring on Your Voyage

  • Appropriate clothing — In the cool season, it always feels colder on the water. Bring that extra layer. In summer, consider throwing in a light rain jacket.

  • Sun protection — Winter or summer, you’ll want a hat and sunglasses. We strongly recommend applying sunscreen before boarding, rather than after.

  • Bug protection — Occasionally, bugs can be bothersome on the water. If it’s warm and calm — especially on sunset cruises — throw in some repellent.

  • Binoculars — We see lots of wildlife — eagles and ospreys, wading birds, wild horses & more.

  • Well-behaved dogs — Good dogs are welcome but must be leashed the entire cruise.

What not to Bring on Your Voyage

Glass containers

Coolers — You’re welcome to bring your own cold drinks and snacks, but we ask that you not bring a cooler larger than an insulated lunchbox except on Rumrunner cruises.

Loud or aggressive dogs

Illegal drugs

Cigarettes/cigars

Parking & Check-in Information

We ask that you arrive around 30 minutes before the scheduled departure time so we can get everybody checked in and oriented.

Follow directions to Fernandina Harbor Marina, 3 Front St, Fernandina Beach (map). There’s usually plenty of free parking in the marina lots.

There is a restroom on the boat, but we encourage guests to use the nearby public restrooms before boarding. Restrooms are located at the Amelia Island Welcome Center directly across the train tracks from the marina at 104 Centre St.

When you’re ready, come on out to the boat and our crew will check you in. If possible, have your confirmation email pulled up on your phone to make the process smoother.

Cancellations, Refunds & Weather

WEATHER POLICY

As long as the captain deems conditions safe, cruises will proceed as planned. Please understand that cruises will not be cancelled for heat, cold, or rain — only for weather that creates unsafe conditions, such as high winds or lightning in the area.

In the event we have to cancel a cruise for weather, we’ll send an email to all passengers as soon as the decision is made. You’ll receive a full refund within 24 hours. Of course, we hope you’ll re-book, and we’d be happy to help with that.

CANCELLATION POLICY

All cruises are paid for in full at the time of booking. If you need to cancel or reschedule more than 48 hours before the scheduled departure time, you’ll receive a full refund. Please email us to request cancellation or rescheduling. Be sure to include the full name of the person who made the reservation plus the booking ID if you have it.

Except in special circumstances, refunds will not be issued for trips cancelled within 48 hours of the scheduled departure time

Pirate Voyage FAQs

  • Our voyages are in protected waters. At most, we might encounter a 1-foot wind chop or possibly some gentle swells near Fort Clinch.

  • While there are no guarantees, the chances are very small. Again, we stay in protected waters, and the Dutchman is big and stable. On most voyages you won’t feel any movement from the waves at all.

  • Yes, there is a small restroom with a single toilet on board. It’s always a good idea to use the restroom before boarding. There are public restrooms across the train tracks from the marina in the Amelia Island Welcome Center.

  • Well-behaved dogs are welcome aboard the Dutchman. Please don’t bring dogs that will make the voyage less enjoyable for others by barking or acting aggressively toward people or other dogs. Keep in mind too that it can be hot on board during the summer, so bring a small bowl and some cool drinking water.

  • Not at this time.

  • If the captain believes weather conditions will make the voyage unsafe, it will be cancelled and you’ll receive a full refund. In the case of cold or hot temperatures, light to moderate winds, or light to moderate rain, we’ll still sail.

  • We provide cold bottled water and assorted light snacks on board. Feel free to toss a buck or two in the crew chest, but there is no charge.

  • You’re welcome to bring your own snacks, soft drinks, and water, but for space reasons we ask that you not bring a cooler larger than an insulated lunchbox. If you have medications or foods that must stay cold, please let us know ahead of time. On Rumrunner cruises, small coolers — coolers you can carry with one hand — are welcome.

  • Any confirmation or receipt email received from us can serve as your ticket. We can also check you in with just your name, but it’s faster for everybody if you can pull one of our emails up on your phone.

  • We strongly advise booking your trip ahead of time. That said, we make every effort to offer walkup sales at the dock up until about 15 minutes before departure.