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.
USCG-licensed captains
FWC-permitted guides
Private trips only
Stock Island, Key West
Private Boat Charters
Boat charter questions
What is a Six Fins private boat charter?
Your own private 30-foot Jeanneau NC 895 Weekender, a USCG-licensed local captain, and the whole Florida Keys backcountry to yourselves. Cold cooler, Bluetooth speaker, swim platform, and a captain who knows every hidden sandbar and reef off Key West. You set the agenda; we handle the boat.
What’s included?
Fuel, your USCG-licensed captain, Type III life jackets for all guests, a cooler stocked with ice and cold water, and a complimentary Perry Hotel & Marina day pass — pool, on-property restaurants, and The Perry’s complimentary shuttle between the hotel, Higgs Beach, and A&B Marina downtown. Snorkel gear is included on snorkel charters.
Where do charters depart from?
All charters depart from Perry Hotel & Marina — Dock A, Slip #32, 7001 Shrimp Road, Stock Island, FL 33040. Free guest parking is on-site, a short flat walk from the lot to the dock. Arrive 15 minutes before your charter for check-in and boarding.
Who captains the boat?
Every Six Fins charter is captained by a USCG-licensed local who manages navigation, safety, and local knowledge so you can focus on the day. Our captains know where the dolphins feed, which sandbar is uncrowded that afternoon, and when to head back ahead of a weather shift.
How long are charters and what do they cost?
Our standard private charter is 4 hours from $1,195. We also offer 5-hour half-day and 8-hour full-day options. Pricing is per trip (not per person) — so the more people in your group, the better the per-person value. Up to 6 guests on most charters.
Can we bring our own food and drinks?
Absolutely — bring anything you like. Beer, wine, champagne, seltzers, a full picnic. Glass is fine on this boat. We provide cold water and ice; everything else is up to you. If you’d rather we handle a simple spread, ask when you book and we can arrange it for an add-on fee.
Does the boat have a bathroom?
Yes. The Jeanneau NC 895 has an enclosed marine head (private bathroom) inside the cabin with a closing door. There’s also interior seating for shade breaks or anyone who needs a moment out of the sun.
Is this good for kids and families?
Very. The swim platform and ladder make the water easy to enter and exit. The boat is stable in calm conditions. We carry properly-fitted life jackets in all sizes from children to adults. Sandbars are knee-deep over soft sand — there’s nothing sharp on the bars we use. Kids of all ages welcome.
What should we bring?
Reef-safe sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses with a strap, towels, swimsuits, and whatever food or drinks you want. We provide everything else. Leave anything you don’t want wet in the car.
What’s the cancellation policy?
If your captain cancels because conditions are unsafe, you get a full refund or a free reschedule — your choice. If you cancel 48+ hours before departure, we refund the deposit. Cancellations within 48 hours are subject to a partial hold. Light rain and passing clouds typically don’t cancel a trip.
Do we get access to Perry Hotel amenities?
Yes — a complimentary Perry Hotel & Marina day pass is included with every Six Fins booking, even if you’re not staying there. Pool access, restaurants, the marina lounge, and the complimentary shuttle between Perry, Higgs Beach, and A&B Marina downtown.
Can we customize the charter route?
Absolutely. Tell the captain what matters to you — more time on the sandbar, a snorkel stop, watching for dolphins in the backcountry channels, or a sunset run along the Key West waterfront. He’ll read the day’s conditions and build the trip around your priorities.
Jet Ski Tours
Jet ski tour questions
What tours does Six Fins offer?
Three tours: the 1-Hour Freestyle Ride ($160/ski) — supervised freestyle riding, no fixed route; the 90-Minute Premium Guided Tour ($189/ski) — a led tour through the backcountry and open water; and the 2-Hour Flagship Guided Tour ($209/ski) — a full 28-mile lap of the island of Key West, exclusive to Hurricane Hole Marina. All three use brand-new 2024 Yamaha Waverunners that seat up to 3 riders at the same flat per-ski price.
Where do the tours depart from?
Two locations on Stock Island, both about 10 minutes from Old Town: Perry Hotel & Marina (7025 Shrimp Rd, Dock J, Slip 1) and Hurricane Hole Marina (5130 Overseas Hwy). The 2-Hour Flagship Tour departs from both marinas. The 90-Minute Premium Tour is Perry-only. The 1-Hour Freestyle Ride is Hurricane Hole-only. We’ll recommend the right launch based on wind conditions and which tour you book.
What’s included?
Fuel, a FWC-permitted local guide on guided departures, Type III life vests for every rider, the Yamaha Waverunner VX Series (seats up to 3 riders at the same flat per-ski price), and a complimentary Perry Hotel & Marina day pass for every booking. Florida sales tax and gratuity are the only items added at checkout.
What are the age and ID requirements?
Drivers must be at least 18 years old with a valid government-issued ID. Riders (non-drivers) can be younger; a parent or guardian must sign for minors under 18. No boating license is required in Florida for personal watercraft rentals supervised by a licensed livery.
What if it’s windy?
Wind direction matters more than wind speed. When north or northeast wind chops up the Gulf-side launches, Hurricane Hole’s south-facing protected basin runs smooth. When south wind is the problem, Perry’s north-facing basin stays calm. We use both launches specifically so we can keep running on most weather days. Genuinely unsafe conditions get a full refund or free reschedule.
Who are the guides?
Our jet ski guides — JJ, Manny, Carter, and Drew — are Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) permitted local guides. FWC permits are the specific credential required for personal watercraft livery work in Florida. They’re local, they know the water, and groups are capped at six skis so the ride can actually flex for the pace your group wants to set.
How many skis are in a group?
Maximum six skis per guide. That cap is real — it’s why we can run the guided tours the way we do instead of herding a parade. Groups of 8 or more should call us directly; we can run two departures back-to-back.
What should I bring?
Reef-safe sunscreen, water shoes or old sneakers, a small towel, and sunglasses with a strap. Don’t bring anything you don’t want getting wet — phones, wallets, and keys should stay in a sealed bag or in the car. We provide life vests and the full safety briefing.
What does the Perry Hotel day pass get me?
Every Six Fins booking — jet ski or charter — includes a complimentary Perry Hotel & Marina day pass. Full access to the pool, the marina restaurants, and The Perry’s complimentary shuttle between the hotel, Higgs Beach, and A&B Marina downtown. You’re already at the resort after a Perry launch; at Hurricane Hole it’s a five-minute drive over.
Still have a question?
Call or text — we’re at the dock most mornings. If you prefer to write first, email works too.