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

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. On Rumrunner cruises, small coolers — coolers you can carry with one hand — are welcome.

Loud or aggressive dogs

Illegal drugs

Cigarettes/cigars

Parking & Check-in Information

We ask that you arrive at least 20 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). The marina lot is a paid parking lot so be sure to allow extra time for parking. Click link for area parking map https://www.fbfl.us/1186/Paid-Parking-Area-Map

When you’re ready, Look for the gray pirate shack near the boardwalk — this is our primary check-in location. If possible, have your confirmation email pulled up on your phone to make the process smoother.

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.

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

We reserve the right to cancel any voyage at our sole discretion, at any time we deem necessary, including but not limited to circumstances involving safety, operational concerns, or insufficient bookings. In the event of such a cancellation, affected customers will be notified promptly and offered a full refund or alternative arrangements where possible.

We are not liable for any additional costs incurred due to a cancellation, including but not limited to airfare, accommodation, or other travel-related expenses.

All bookings are final and non-refundable unless you purchase Trip Protection. With Trip Protection, you may cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours prior to departure. Reservations may be adjusted within 24 hours of booking, as long as your departure is at least 24 hours away.

Trip Protection Policy

Trip Protection must be added at the time of purchase. Trip Protection allows for rescheduling (subject to availability) or refund of tickets up to 24 hours prior to departure time, for any reason. Tickets purchased within 24 hours of cruise departure will be a final sale, and non-refundable. Refunds will reimburse the full amount of each ticket, including the cost of Trip Protection and processing fees.

Trip Protection is voided, and no refunds will be issued if:

Guest(s) do not cancel at least 24 hours prior to the departure time

Guest(s) no show without notification.

Private full ship reservations may be cancelled or rescheduled until 30 days before the scheduled voyage date unless trip protection is purchased. Outside of 30 days, a full refund will be issued. Within 30 days of the scheduled voyage date, we will be happy to work with you to reschedule your voyage. Except in special circumstances, though, refunds will not be issued for private full ship reservations cancelled within 30 days of the scheduled voyage date.

With Trip Protection, you may cancel or reschedule your booking for any reason up to 14 days before your scheduled departure time. If you cancel within this window, you will receive a full refund of your entire purchase, including ticket costs, Trip Protection, and any applicable fees.Trip Protection must be selected at the time of booking and cannot be added later.

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.

  • 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.