⛵ Frequently Asked Questions — Barefoot Sailing Cruises Nassau
Have questions about your upcoming Bahamas boat charter? We have answers! Browse our most common questions below regarding the sailing experience, logistics, and booking policies.
🏝️ The Experience & What to Expect
⛵ Will we really SAIL on our cruise?
Yes, absolutely! We are 3rd-generation Bahamian sailors. We physically hoist the sails, turn off the loud engines, and truly SAIL. We firmly believe this is the most peaceful and beautiful way to enjoy our islands!
⛵ What sizes are your sailing yachts?
Riding High: Our spacious 56′ Gulfstar Ketch accommodates up to 26 guests.
Wind Dance: Our cozy 41′ Morgan Out-Islander Sloop accommodates up to 12 guests.
Comfort First: Both of our sailboats are stable comfort cruisers, not performance racing boats, ensuring you enjoy a smooth, stable, and highly comfortable ride on the water.
⛵ What types of Nassau cruises do you offer?
Something for Everyone: We offer a 3¼H Sailing & Snorkeling Cruise, a 4¼H Rose Island Half Day Cruise, a 6H Rose Island Day Cruise (which can be extended to 7 or 8 hours for private charters), and a romantic 2-hour Sunset Cruise. Every option is available as a shared public cruise or a fully customizable private charter. Check out our Cruises Menu at the top of the page for full details!
⛵ Are kids welcome on board your sailboats?
Absolutely! Kids are warmly welcome on every single cruise. We provide fun, high-visibility yellow swim/float belts so you don’t need to pack bulky pool floats or noodles. Beach toys are also highly encouraged on our beaching cruises for building sandcastles!
⛵ Where do your sailing tours go in Nassau?
Island Chain Route: We sail all along the beautiful Nassau and Paradise Island chain of islands and cays. Our absolute favorite anchor spots are at Rose Island (both north & south sides), Green Cay, and Atholl Island.
Scenic Highlights: You will experience a visual feast of pristine beaches, vibrant coral reefs, and miles of spectacular turquoise water. On private charters, we can also circumnavigate Paradise Island, sail through historic Nassau Harbour alongside the giant cruise ships, and cruise directly under the iconic Paradise Island Bridges.
⛵ Where do we stop to snorkel?
Marine Park Reefs: We snorkel on fantastic coral reefs in shallow, clear water (about 10–20 feet deep) around Rose Island and Atholl Island. Because these spots sit within a protected marine park, they are completely teeming with colorful tropical fish and marine life.
⛵ Is snorkel gear included in the tour price?
Yes, completely included! We carry top-quality snorkel gear on board in all sizes (masks, snorkels, and fins), along with our safe and comfortable swim waist belts. Modern full-face snorkel masks are also available to rent on board if you prefer them.
⛵ Can we bring our own snorkel gear?
Of course! You are more than welcome to bring along your personal snorkeling equipment if you prefer to use your own.
⛵ Is the snorkeling good for both beginners and experienced snorkelers?
Experienced Snorkelers: You can jump right off the sailboat or climb down the swim ladder. Even if you snorkel the entire time we are anchored, there is far more incredible coral reef to explore than there is time to see it!
Beginner Snorkelers: On our 4¼H and 6H cruises, you have the option to wade into the water and snorkel right from the shallow beach shore. If you ever want a quick snorkeling refresher or full instruction, just ask your friendly crew!
⛵ Can we swim with the pigs or see sea turtles?
Yes! You can easily add these incredible wildlife experiences to your itinerary. See our customization options below for details.
⛵ Can we customize our private charter itinerary?
Design Your Own Day: Absolutely! Your itinerary changes and add-ons can include a wreck snorkel, swimming/snorkeling with wild sea turtles (no additional charge for these!), a stop at an authentic out-island beach bar, a fun swimming pigs experience, or high-energy private watersports like parasailing, jet skis, and banana boat rides.
Ultimate Freedom: Visit our Private Charter page to see even more ways to make the day your own—including taking the captain’s wheel yourself, or booking a relaxing “cruise to nowhere” with no island stops at all.
⛵ Do you offer high-speed watersports?
Yes! We can easily arrange jet skis, parasailing, and banana boat rides as add-ons for your charter. See our customization notes above.
⛵ Can we celebrate a special occasion on board?
We love celebrations! We regularly host birthdays, anniversaries, proposals, honeymoons, and family get-togethers. Let us know what milestone you are celebrating when you book, and we will do our absolute best to make it unforgettable.
🧭 Practical Information & Logistics
📍 Where is your departure location in Nassau?
You will meet your sailboat and crew directly at the Montagu Beach Public Dock. We are incredibly centrally located—just a quick 5-7 minute drive from Paradise Island, downtown Nassau, and the Cruise Ship Dock, and a 20-minute drive from the Cable Beach resort area.
📍 Do you offer hotel or cruise ship pickups?
Easy Transit Options: While we do not inherently include transportation in our base rates, we can easily arrange a private minibus for your group. This is highly convenient and usually costs significantly less than a standard local taxi!
📍 What do we need to bring on the boat tour?
Your Checklist: Pack your swimsuits, cameras, hats, sunglasses, and a change of clothes. Please bring sunscreen lotions only (strictly no spray sunscreens or tanning oils on board, as they make the decks dangerously slippery). And most importantly—don’t forget your towels! There is plenty of dry, safe space on board to store your bags.
📍 Is it really a “barefoot” cruise?
Kick off your shoes!: Yes, it is. We kindly ask all of our guests to remove their footwear upon boarding so that the decks of your sailboat stay beautifully clean, comfortable, and safe for everyone walking around barefoot.
📍 Are there restrooms on board the sailboats?
Yes! There are two marine restrooms (heads) located below deck on both Riding High and Wind Dance.
📍 Do I need to know how to swim to join a tour?
Not at all! We take fantastic care of everyone regardless of their swimming ability. To keep you safe and comfortable, we provide multiple options:
🤿 Fantastic Swim Belts: Our comfortable waist belts offer superb flotation support, making it easy and relaxing to float around the reef.
⚓ Lifejackets on Demand: For absolute peace of mind, both yachts are fully stocked with standard, Coast Guard-approved lifejackets in all sizes.
🏝️ Dry Beach Transit: On our 4¼H and longer cruises, we bring our small tender boat so we can drive you directly to the shore without you ever getting wet.
📍 Can you accommodate guests with mobility issues?
Limited Mobility Access: We can frequently accommodate guests with limited mobility, but please note that our sailing yachts are not wheelchair accessible. Boarding the vessels requires stepping down from a public dock, and there are no ramps or mechanical lifts on board. Please contact us directly to discuss your specific physical needs so we can let you know exactly what is safely possible.
📍 Do you offer deep-sea fishing or SCUBA diving?
Protected Eco-Zone: Because all of our primary cruising grounds are located within a protected Marine Park, fishing is strictly prohibited. However, this is a massive win for you, as it means the reefs are completely pristine and overflowing with fish to see while snorkeling! We do not offer SCUBA diving, but our shallow, crystal-clear anchor spots give you world-class visibility with just a basic mask and snorkel—no heavy tanks required.
📋 Booking Policies & Cancellations
💳 Do you require a minimum number of guests to go out?
Shared Cruises: Yes, our public shared cruises require a minimum headcount to launch. If your personal group is smaller, don’t worry! We will place your booking on hold and actively work on building up the trip passengers. We keep you closely posted well before your date so you are never left guessing, and no payment is ever collected until your trip is officially confirmed to go out.
💳 Do you offer group or repeat-guest discounts?
Yes! We love welcoming back old friends and hosting big groups. Reach out to us directly and we will happily talk through custom options for your party.
💳 Can we bring our own food or alcoholic drinks on board?
What’s Included: Every cruise comes packed with great food and drinks! We include unlimited water, juices, and soft drinks throughout the tour, plus a fresh snack tray and complimentary, unlimited Bahama Mamas on the sail home. You are always welcome to bring along any of your favorite personal snacks.
Outside Alcohol Policy: Because we keep a fully stocked and highly affordable cash bar on board, standard outside alcohol is generally not permitted.
Private Charter Flexibility: If you are booking a private charter, we love to customize your experience! We offer all-inclusive open bar packages, customized brand requests to stock your preferred premium spirits, or a standard corkage fee if you wish to bring your own special bottles on board. Simply reach out to us ahead of time to coordinate your preferences!
💳 How do I pay for my sailing tour?
Convenient Methods: We accept several highly secure and convenient payment methods. Once your booking dates and details are fully set up, we will walk you through the quick payment options.
💳 What is your trip cancellation policy?
Clear Terms: You can ask us for details anytime before booking, and you will find your full policy breakdown outlined in your confirmation email once you do.
Weather Policy: If your Captain decides to cancel a trip due to unsafe weather conditions, there is absolutely no penalty to you. We will first try our best to delay or reschedule the trip to a better day. If that doesn’t fit your vacation schedule, you will receive a 100% full refund.
💳 What happens if there is bad weather on our tour date?
No Bad Days: Your Captain is right out there on the water with you, and he doesn’t want to sit in a storm either! If weather conditions genuinely will not make for a beautiful, enjoyable day at sea, we will not take you out. Your safety and enjoyment are our top priorities.
💳 What if I am prone to getting seasick?
Smooth Sailing Tips: Very few of our guests ever experience seasickness on our boats! Nassau has an incredible layout where there is almost always a calm, protected, leeward side of the islands to sail along. If the water is a bit choppy on one side, we simply head to the smooth water on the other side.
Pro-Tips for a Great Sail: To ensure you feel 100%, we highly recommend eating a good breakfast before boarding, skipping a heavy night of partying the evening prior, and staying up on the open-air deck to look at the beautiful horizon rather than going into the cabin to read!
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