FAQs2023-04-11T08:27:28-04:00

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What would you like to know about cruising with us? We hear many of the same questions from guests and have provided the answers here. If you don’t see the information you need, call us at 239-472-5300. We would love to hear from you and answer your questions.

Do I have to make reservations?2019-12-02T20:49:56-05:00

Yes – reservations are required for all cruises. That said, you can walk up and purchase tickets just prior to a cruise, however, we never suggest that. Not only could the cruise be sold out, but it could be departing from a different location, cancelled due to weather, a private charter or any number of reasons. It is always best to have a reservation or at least call before coming.

How far in advance should I reserve?2019-12-02T20:50:25-05:00

We typically do reservations over the phone up to one week in advance. Our website schedule is usually out at least one month in advance for daily cruises and allows you to book further in advance. Groups should book with as much notice as possible.

May I make a reservation with my credit card and then pay cash on arrival?2020-06-24T13:30:21-04:00

No – all reservations require a credit card for payment and charges are posted to that credit card at the time of your reservation.

I am traveling with other people, may we give you one credit card and pay separately upon arrival?2019-12-02T20:54:09-05:00

No – You may pay separately, but it must be done at the time of your reservation. You must make individual reservations under each billing name and credit card. This may not be done at check-in as the credit cards are charged prior to your arrival.

(Note: If you are joining us for Useppa, please mention the party name with whom you would like to be seated. Useppa has two lunch seatings so we want to make sure you are in the same seating!)

Are children allowed on the boats?2019-12-02T20:54:41-05:00

Yes – All of our cruises are family friendly. Some cruises may be more appropriate than others depending on the age and your individual children. Feel free to speak with a representative about their recommendations.

I have an infant or 1 year old, do they have to pay?2019-12-02T20:55:04-05:00

While children under 2 are complimentary, they still require a ticket to board the vessel and count in the overall passenger count on board. Please make sure we know about them!

What happens if it rains?2019-12-02T20:55:51-05:00

Our policy is rain or shine as long as the conditions are safe. Some boats and/or venues are more subject to cancellation than others. i.e. cruises on the Lady Chadwick, which has an enclosed lower deck cabin, are less likely to be cancelled than cruises on our Catamaran Sailboat which is completely open to the elements. If the Captain deems conditions unsafe, every effort will be made to contact passengers with as much advance notice as possible, and reservations may be refunded or re-scheduled.

What is your cancellation policy?2020-06-24T13:14:41-04:00

A $5 cancellation fee applies to all reservations cancelled outside of 24 hours. If the reservation is cancelled within 24 hours of cruise departure time, tickets are NON-REFUNDABLE and NON-TRANSFERABLE. We do not compensate for no-shows or late arrivals.

If I ordered my tickets online, do I need to check in at the office?2020-06-24T13:26:39-04:00

In the past, our passengers have always picked up their tickets and checked in at the ticket office located at the vessel departure location, either McCarthy’s Marina or South Seas Island Resort. During this time of COVID-19, our passengers may go directly to the vessel, where the crew will check you in with the boat manifest. No tickets needed. Please be sure which departure location your cruise will be departing from!

How soon should we arrive before departure?2019-12-02T20:57:44-05:00

30 to 45 minutes prior to your scheduled departure time.

Will I get sea sick?2019-12-02T20:59:28-05:00

Most of our boats travel in Pine Island Sound (the bay side of the islands) and only travel along the Gulf if the weather and calm seas permit. The boats travel on the bay side of the islands so you are always in sight of land and the average depth is about 4.5 feet. This results in a very calm experience, making the onset of sea sickness unlikely.

Are the boats handicap accessible?2019-12-02T20:59:51-05:00

Please speak with one of our representative about your specific needs and comfort level as each of our boats have different boarding procedures.

Do I need to bring a life jacket?2019-12-02T21:00:20-05:00

No – our boats are USCG certified with life jackets for everyone on board. No one is required to wear a life jacket on our boats (except for the 6 passenger boats). If you have your own life vest and would like to bring it, please feel free to do so.

Are your boats covered?2019-12-03T14:32:43-05:00

Yes – All of our boats have some type of coverage. The Lady Chadwick has an enclosed, air-conditioned lower deck and both the Playtime and Santiva have canopies covering the back 2/3 of the boat. The Adventure sailboat has a small Bimini top covering the helm and the 6-pack boats have small cabins and overhangs over the helm. Meet our fleet.

Do your boats have restrooms?2019-12-02T21:05:28-05:00

All of our vessels have a bathroom with the exception of our 6-passenger boats.

Do you serve drinks or food on your boats?2019-12-03T14:28:52-05:00

The Lady Chadwick offers a full service cash bar as well as snacks (chips, pretzels, etc.). The Playtime, Santiva and Adventure sailboat offer limited beverages for sale on a cash basis. You may double check which boat is being used when you make your reservation and more information is available about each vessel. Meet our fleet.

Are pets allowed on the boat?2019-12-02T21:11:07-05:00

No – While we love animals, we do not allow pets on our vessels other than service animals with the proper papers.

Do you sell fishing licenses?2019-12-02T21:11:42-05:00

No – but last we knew they were available at Jensen’s Marina on Captiva or The Bait Box or Bailey’s on Sanibel.

How long has Captiva Cruises been in business?2019-12-02T21:12:46-05:00

Captiva Cruises celebrated it’s 30th anniversary in October 2016.

Do we have to make reservations at the restaurant?2019-12-02T21:20:16-05:00

No, individuals do not need to make reservations at the restaurant. The islands expect us every day and know how many people we are bringing as a whole. The only exception might be for larger groups of 15+ people. Please discuss your group needs with a representative from our office.

Is lunch included in the ticket price?2019-12-02T21:20:39-05:00

No – You may purchase your lunch at the restaurant on the island.

May I bring my own lunch?2019-12-02T21:21:11-05:00

No – Each island has its own unique restaurant so you can take the day off from food preparation!

How should we dress? Should I wear a bathing suit?2019-12-02T21:21:59-05:00

Island casual is fine…there is no need to wear a bathing suit as there are no beaches on the islands. (Useppa does have an artificial beach, but it is reserved for members only.)

What should I bring?2019-12-02T21:22:25-05:00

There is a full-service cash bar on board the Lady Chadwick, and you are going up the islands for lunch, so you really don’t need to bring much. We usually suggest a camera, hat, and sunscreen…items you normally like to travel with.

What type of boat will we be on?2019-12-02T21:23:05-05:00

Typically this trip goes out on our 148 passenger double deck boat, “Lady Chadwick,” however, at times the Lady Chadwick may be booked for a private function or maintenance in which case the trip would run on one of our 49 passenger power catamarans. Let us know if the vessel being used is important to you!

Is there a bathroom on the boat?2019-12-02T21:23:43-05:00

Yes – separate men’s and ladies’ rooms on the Lady Chadwick.

Is it a long walk to the restaurant? What if someone in my party has trouble walking?2019-12-02T21:24:11-05:00

The Cabbage Key Inn overlooks the marina where the boat pulls in and is not a long walk. On Useppa, there is a docent that greets you at the base of the island and does a little walking tour (about a 10 minute walk) up to the restaurant and museum. On either island, if someone has trouble walking, the crew will be happy to assist and can take them to the restaurant in a golf cart. Please call our office with specific mobility needs.

Is there a charge for the museum on Useppa?2019-12-02T21:24:41-05:00

Yes – the museum does ask for a $5 donation, and it is worth every penny!

Are we guaranteed to see dolphins?2019-12-02T21:56:48-05:00

While we cannot guarantee dolphin sightings as they are in the wild (we often joke that they are not on our payroll), we do see them about 95% of the time.

What else will we see on the dolphin cruise?2019-12-02T21:57:24-05:00

Birds and on rare occasions sea turtles, stingrays, and they will also talk about the history of the area and other points of interest.

Will we see manatees?2019-12-02T21:57:46-05:00

Manatees are usually best seen from the docks where we depart.

Will we get wet? Should I wear a bathing suit?2019-12-02T21:58:08-05:00

You will not get wet, and island casual is fine. You do not need to wear a bathing suit. Some people may dress in swim suits as they are coming from the beach while others may be dressed for dinner.

Is 4pm the best time of day to see dolphins?2019-12-02T21:58:39-05:00

Not necessarily…we have a resident dolphin population of over 100 dolphins that live here year round so it’s possible to see dolphins on any of our cruises at any time of day.

May we swim with the dolphins?2019-12-02T21:59:06-05:00

Feeding or interfering with marine mammals is illegal according to the Marine Mammal Protection Act. There are places where swimming with the dolphins is permitted in the Florida Keys or north at the Clearwater Aquarium.

What type of boat will we be on?2019-12-02T21:59:30-05:00

Typically this trip goes out on our 148 passenger double decker boat “Lady Chadwick,” however, at times, the Lady Chadwick may be booked for a private function or maintenance in which case the trip would run on one of our 49 passenger power catamarans.

Is it narrated?2019-12-02T22:00:06-05:00

Yes – It is narrated by a volunteer from the Sanibel Captiva Conservation Foundation. (If one is not available – All of Captiva Cruises crew members have been through the same training program as the SCCF docents.)

What should I do if I see a manatee or dolphin?2019-12-02T22:00:47-05:00

Enjoy the moment and appreciate their grace and beauty. Do not reach out to them or get in the water to swim with them.  The best way to enjoy their company is to observe them from a distance.

Is it okay to give dolphins, manatees or other wildlife food and water?2019-12-02T22:01:21-05:00

Feeding or interfering with marine mammals is illegal according to the Marine Mammal Protection Act.

May I bring my own drinks?2019-12-02T22:03:48-05:00

No – there will be a cash bar available on board depending on which vessel is used; The Lady Chadwick offers a full service cash bar while the Santiva and Playtime offer limited beverages on board for purchase.

May I bring snacks?2019-12-02T22:04:13-05:00

Sure. If the Lady Chadwick is used, there are snacks available for purchase.

What type of boat is it?2019-12-02T22:04:54-05:00

Depending on the time of year, we will use either the Lady Chadwick OR one of our 49 passenger powered catamarans (not a sailboat).

Is there a bathroom on board?2019-12-02T22:05:26-05:00

Yes.

Where do they go?2019-12-02T22:05:59-05:00

It’s really up to the Captain and depends where they have been seeing dolphins, but they will certainly be around Red Fish Pass at sunset so that you may see an unobstructed view of the sunset.

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