Boating, like a local.
Adventure Tips
How to pick the right adventure
This is your adventure, so plan on enjoying it. Whether you want to try something daring, or something chill - think about it beforehand. This will help you pack for your adventure - and will help us bring the gear you will need. Want to try snorkeling? Great - we'll bring the gear. Want to try paddleboarding? - we have that as well. Daring or chill - your choice. We encourage you to reach out to us to have a discussion about your adventure ideas so we can provide you with the best possible experience.
What To Wear
That depends.
The season and types of activities play a large part in what to wear. Fishers Island Sound is typically comfortable for in-water activities from late-June through mid-September, when the water temps range from mid-60's to mid-70's. If you have a wetsuit, you may be more comfortable in the cooler water.
On-water activities are less dependent upon water temps, and can be enjoyed any time we leave port. Rosalita is a motorboat, so anything to protect you from the wind would be a good call.
For the feet - boots, high heels, or dress shoes are a bad call. Rubber soled shoes are ideal. While flip-flops are comfortable - they aren't the perfect primary footwear for boating - but they can be helpful after a swim.
If you plan on snorkeling or paddleboarding, water shoes are really helpful. They help prevent blisters from fins, and are useful for shore excursions.
10 Tips On Packing For An Adventure
Check the weather, and count on it being cooler on the water.
A sweatshirt or sweater is always a good idea.
Bring the sunscreen! Getting burnt can ruin a great day on the water.
Bring multi-use clothing - a raincoat can double as a windbreaker, synthetic shorts can double as swim trunks.
Bring a hat and sunglasses - you'll be able to see more without the glare!
Bring water and other refreshments - after all, you're here to enjoy yourself!
Definitely bring a camera (does anyone really have one of those anymore?).
While Rosalita generally has towels on board, bringing your own is a good idea.
Wetsuits are a good idea if you cannot stand cool water - water temps get into the mid 70's during July and August.
Bring a "left-everything-behind-I'm-on-my-time attitude!"
Weather-Related Questions
Captain George will make weather-related recommendations for your party, including delays, postponements, and cancellations. If your party is a little hinky about the weather, the Captain will do everything possible to address your concerns. If the Captain cancels due to weather, your party receives a full refund.
For those times when the weather doesn't cooperate, here are some quick answers to weather-related questions...
What happens if it rains on our adventure date?
We will motor when occasional light stuff is forecast, but if rain is projected for your entire charter, the Captain will likely cancel.
What are some no-go conditions?
Heavy rain...no-go.
Thunderstorms...no-go.
Fog that is not likely to burn-off during the day...no-go. Fog at the time of your charter that is expected to burn off may result in a delayed start.
What if there are high winds?
High winds = big waves, which may impact the sort of adventure you have chosen. Depending on your adventure, a recommendation to adjust your itinerary - or to cancel, may be made by the Captain.
The Boat, The Captain, and The Crew
How many passengers can be taken on an adventure?
Coast Guard regulations limit us to six passengers only (not including crew). Depending on your adventure, four passengers may be more appropriate (e.g. beach excursions, snorkeling, swimming). Prior discussions with us can provide you more detail about ideal group size.
Is there a bathroom on board?
We do have a porta-potty with privacy on board for bathroom "emergencies".
Is it easy to get in and out of the boat?
It is easy to board Rosalita from a dock. If swimming or snorkeling is part of your adventure, you will have to be able to board by a ladder - which is a little trickier.
What about licensing and insurance?
Captain George holds a USCG 100 Ton Master License, maintains CPR/AED and First Aid certifications, and RIA is fully insured. Your crew is extremely experienced on Rosalita, and in local waters.
Questions you might want to ask "for a friend"
Is alcohol permitted on board?
Yes, but be mindful that all passengers must remain in control of their faculties during the trip. Also, please refrain from bringing red wine on board.
Can we bring food on board?
Sure, bring whatever you would like to have...with one exception.
Absolutely NO BANANAS! (Don't ask - Its an old superstition of the sea that your Captain subscribes to).
Is smoking/vaping allowed on board?
There are many combustibles on board - including the boat itself. So, no.
Are...uh...other 'intoxicants' permitted on board?
Absolutely not. The USCG and Federal Law regulates charter boat operators. Substances that may be legal in the jurisdictions we travel through remain in violation of Federal Law, which is the prevailing law of the sea. This results in a Zero Tolerance Policy for substances that are either edible or drinkable.
Cancellation Policy
Our Cancellation policy is straightforward and fair.
Cancellations made at least two weeks (14 days) in advance will receive a full refund.
If cancelling at least 2 hours before the scheduled departure time, you will receive 100% credit for a charter on another day, or be charged a 10% cancellation fee - your choice.
Cancellations made within two hours of departure time, or failure to show for a departure, will not receive a refund.
Cancellations made or recommended by the Captain, because of weather or other factors receive a 100% refund.