Six Fins Charter Company
Frequently asked questions.
Everything you need before you book — jet ski tours, private boat charters, what’s included, where to show up, and what happens when the weather doesn’t cooperate.
Local crew. Small groups. Private experiences.
Straight answers from a small Key West operator. These FAQs explain how private charters, small-group tours, locations, safety, and booking work before you arrive.
Private Boat Charters
Boat charter questions
What is a Six Fins private boat charter?
A Six Fins private boat charter means your group has the boat, captain, and day to yourselves. No strangers, no shared deck, and no fixed party-boat script.
Most private charters run on the 30-foot Jeanneau NC 895 with a USCG-licensed captain, shaded cabin, private head, cooler, swim platform, and the flexibility to shape the route around sandbar, snorkeling, sunset, dolphin watching, harbor cruising, fishing, or a custom mix.
Which private boat charter should I book?
Book the Secret Local Sandbar Escape if you want one great shallow-water stop. Book the Private Snorkel Adventure if snorkeling is the priority. Book the Private Sunset Cruise for a slower romantic evening. Book the Patch Reef Fishing Charter if fishing is the focus.
If you want more than one activity — sandbar plus snorkeling, dolphins plus eco, fishing plus swim time, or sunset after a full day — book the Custom Combo Charter. It is Six Fins' most popular private charter because the 6- or 8-hour format gives your group enough time to do more than one thing without rushing.
How many guests can come on a private boat charter?
Most Jeanneau NC 895 private charters are designed for up to 6 guests, with captain and fuel included. A 7th guest adds $150 and an 8th adds $300 under a bareboat structure, where the Charterer (21+) hires the captain separately at $65/charter-hour and fuel runs $35/charter-hour, on eligible non-fishing charters.
Larger groups should call Six Fins before booking. The Hurricane Hole pontoon or partner-fleet vessels may be better for parties, wedding groups, or groups larger than the Jeanneau should comfortably carry.
What is included on a private boat charter?
Most private boat charters include the USCG-licensed captain, fuel, USCG safety gear, cooler with ice, bottled water, and the onboard gear listed for that charter, such as snorkel gear, lily pad, floats, towels, or Bluetooth music.
You bring food, drinks, sunscreen, swimwear, towels if you want extras, and gratuity if the captain earns it.
Where do boat charters depart from?
Most Six Fins boat charters depart from Perry Hotel & Marina, Dock A, Slip #32, at 7001 Shrimp Rd, Stock Island / Key West.
Your confirmation will include the exact dock, arrival time, parking instructions, and any special boarding details. Plan to arrive early enough to load coolers, get the safety briefing, and leave on time.
Can we bring food and drinks?
Yes. Most private boat charters are BYO for food, drinks, snacks, and playlist. Six Fins provides cooler space, ice, bottled water, and the boat setup listed for the charter.
Alcohol is allowed for guests on private boat charters, but the captain stays sober and remains responsible for vessel safety. Avoid glass when possible.
Does the boat have a bathroom?
Yes. The Jeanneau NC 895 has a private enclosed marine head, which is one of the reasons Six Fins uses it for premium private charters.
That matters on longer days, sunset cruises, family trips, bachelorette charters, and any private day where comfort is part of the experience.
Are boat charters good for kids?
Yes. Many Six Fins boat charters are family-friendly, especially sandbar, snorkel, eco, dolphin, harbor, and Custom Combo days.
Tell Six Fins the children's ages and swim comfort before departure. The captain can plan life jackets, water depth, route, swim stops, and pace around the family.
What happens if boat-charter weather is unsafe?
If Six Fins or the captain determines conditions are unsafe, guests may be rescheduled or refunded according to the applicable booking policy.
Light rain or clouds do not automatically cancel a charter. Lightning, unsafe wind, small-craft conditions, visibility, route safety, and captain judgment matter more than whether the sky is perfectly blue.
What is the cancellation policy for boat charters?
For direct boat charters, cancellation terms are different from jet ski terms. Full refund if you cancel at least 7 days before your scheduled departure. Inside 7 days, direct boat bookings are non-refundable, except when Six Fins cancels for unsafe weather or another operator-side issue, which gets a full refund.
If you booked through an OTA or partner platform, that platform's policy may apply. Keep direct bookings and OTA policies separate.
Jet Ski Tours
Jet ski tour questions
What jet ski tours does Six Fins offer?
Six Fins offers three Yamaha WaveRunner VX experiences: the 2-Hour Flagship Guided Island Tour for $209 per ski, the 90-Minute Premium Guided Tour for $189 per ski, and the 1-Hour Freestyle Jet Ski Ride for $160 per ski.
The 2-hour tour is the biggest ride: 28 miles. Six Fins offers the longest jet ski tour in Key West and the Lower Keys.
Can I just rent a jet ski and go out on my own?
No. Six Fins does not offer unguided jet ski rentals. All Six Fins jet ski experiences are guided or guide-supervised for safety, route control, and responsible operation in Key West waters. If your group already owns jet skis, see Bring Your Own Jet Ski + Hire a Guide instead.
Key West waters include tide changes, shallow flats, channels, sandbars, yacht traffic, and route-specific hazards. Local guides know the safe lines and may ask riders to stay in the guide's wake or follow a specific route through certain areas.
What is the closest option to riding independently?
The 1-Hour Freestyle Ride is the closest Six Fins option to independent riding, but it is still guide-supervised. Your guide leads you to an approved free-ride area, watches conditions, manages traffic and route safety, and gives you room to ride under supervision.
Think of it like hiring a ski instructor in unfamiliar terrain: the guide gets you safely to the right area, then gives you room to enjoy the ride.
Where do jet ski tours depart from?
Six Fins operates jet ski tours from Perry Hotel & Marina and Hurricane Hole Marina on Stock Island / Key West. The exact launch depends on the tour, schedule, and conditions.
Your confirmation will give the correct marina, arrival time, check-in instructions, and any required pre-arrival steps.
How many people can ride one jet ski?
A Yamaha WaveRunner VX may carry up to 3 riders, subject to the 530-lb total combined weight limit, rider comfort, sea conditions, and guide approval.
Pricing is per ski, not per person. Two riders sharing one ski pay the same base per-ski price as one rider on that ski.
What are the jet ski age and ID requirements?
Drivers must be at least 16 with a valid government-issued photo ID. Passengers must be at least 6.
Any child rider must ride with an adult 21 or older on the same ski. Parents or guardians must complete the required paperwork for minors.
Do I need a boating safety certificate?
If you were born on or after January 1, 1988 and want to drive a jet ski in Florida, you need approved boating safety documentation.
If you do not already have it, a temporary certificate course may be completed before arrival or at the dock where available. Drivers who need it can take the FWC-approved Temporary Boater Safety Course online ahead of time and bring proof — the fee is $9.99.
How many skis are in a normal group?
Standard Six Fins guided tours are capped at 6 customer skis plus the guide. That smaller cap helps the guide manage the group, watch riders, and keep the tour moving safely.
For private groups, bachelor parties, or unusual logistics, call Six Fins before booking.
What should I bring for a jet ski tour?
Bring photo ID for every driver, boating-safety documentation if required, swimwear, reef-safe sunscreen, sunglasses with a strap, and a towel for after the ride.
Do not bring anything you cannot get wet. Phones, wallets, and keys should stay in a dry bag, car, or other secure place unless you have proper waterproof protection.
What happens if jet ski weather is unsafe?
Wind does not automatically cancel a jet ski tour, but safety comes first. Six Fins may adjust the launch, route, timing, or ride area based on conditions.
If Six Fins or the guide determines conditions are unsafe, guests may be rescheduled or refunded according to the applicable booking policy.
What is the cancellation policy for jet ski tours?
Direct jet ski bookings require 48-hour notice for cancellation. Bookings made within 48 hours are non-refundable unless Six Fins cancels for unsafe weather or safety conditions.
OTA bookings follow the platform policy. Reservation Refund Protection, when purchased, follows its own terms and should not be mixed with the standard direct-booking policy.
Still have a question?
Call or text — we’re at the dock most mornings. If you prefer to write first, email works too.