Charter Guidelines

Our goal is simple: a seamless, elevated experience from departure to return. The following guidelines ensure every charter remains safe, comfortable, and refined.

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Your Private Charter

All charters are conducted under a bareboat charter agreement, meaning you are reserving the vessel for your private use during your scheduled time.

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For safety and insurance compliance, a USCG-licensed captain is required for all charters. You will select your captain from our list of insurance-approved independent captains, based on availability for your reserved charter date.

The captain is independently contracted by you and is not an employee or agent of Destin Luxury Yacht Charters.

We coordinate availability to make the process smooth and effortless.

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Captain Compensation & Gratuity

Captains in the Destin area typically charge approximately $125 per hour, consistent with local industry standards. Depending on the vessel and the needs of your charter, this may include the captain alone or additional crew support.

All captain compensation arrangements are made directly between you and your selected captain.

Gratuity is discretionary. Many guests choose to extend approximately 20% in recognition of exceptional service. Gratuity may be added during checkout or provided directly at the conclusion of your charter.

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Guest Capacity

Each vessel accommodates up to 12 guests, including adults and children, in accordance with insurance and safety regulations.

Your captain will provide a brief safety orientation prior to departure and remains responsible for safe operation at all times.

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Reservation & Payment

The Destin Honey and/or the Destin Honey II are chartered on a day basis for the number of hours stated in the Charter Agreement. For charters booked more than four weeks before disembarkation, fifty percent (50%) of the Charter fee is payable at the time of signing this charter agreement and the balance shall be payable four weeks before disembarkation. For charters booked less than four weeks before disembarkation, the full Charter fee is payable at the time of signing this Charter Agreement. Owner shall be entitled to payment by Charterer of $500 refundable deposit to cover any ordinary cleaning or damage cause by Charterer, which shall be refunded at the conclusion of the charter if no extra cleaning or damage has occurred. Extra cleaning is defined as spills or food dropped on the deck or fabrics requiring additional cleaning by the crew or Yacht management company. This deposit in no way limits Charterer’s liability for damage caused by Charterer to the Yacht. Deposit will be refunded in 5-7 business days after charter, provided there is no charge. The charterer and their guests must arrive at the Yacht at the agreed upon disembarkation time. The Charterer shall aim to return the Yacht as close as possible to the return time or an agreed upon extension of the Charter, which may be affected by sea and weather conditions.

 

In the event that the Charter is not possible because of weather conditions or mechanical breakdown, the Charter fees shall be refunded to Charterer in full, and Owner shall have no further liability to Charterer whatsoever. Destin Honey and/or Destin Honey II shall be returned in a clean condition and in the same condition of repair as accepted by the Charterer. Charterer shall be responsible for any and all damages to Destin Honey or Destin Honey II that is caused by the Charterer, their family, guests, or servants.

 

Weather & Safety

Your safety and comfort are always our highest priorities.

Weather conditions on the Gulf Coast can change quickly. Your selected captain will make the final determination as to whether conditions are safe to proceed.

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If conditions are deemed unsafe for operation, you will be offered:

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• Rescheduling based on availability
• A charter credit valid for one year

 

Passing showers, light rain, cloud cover, or forecast uncertainty do not automatically constitute unsafe conditions.

 

Arrival & Timing

Please plan to arrive 20–30 minutes prior to your scheduled departure time to allow for boarding and safety orientation.

Charters depart promptly at the reserved time. Late arrivals do not extend charter duration.

 

Aboard the Yacht

We kindly ask that all guests respect the vessel and follow the captain’s guidance at all times.

To protect the yacht’s finishes, upholstery, and decking, the following items are not permitted onboard:

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• Spray sunscreen products
• Suntan oil or bronzing oils
• Colored tanning lotions or staining body products
• Glass containers or glass bottles
• Red wine or other dark staining beverages
• Messy or sticky foods that may damage upholstery (such as Cheetos or heavily colored snack foods)
• Confetti, glitter, balloons, or decorative items that may blow into the water or damage the vessel
• Illegal substances
• Firearms
• Open flames or fireworks

• Pets

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Service animals are welcome in accordance with applicable regulations.

Lotion-based sunscreen applied prior to boarding is recommended.

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Guest Conduct

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Age Requirement

The individual booking the charter must be at least 21 years of age and must be present for the duration of the charter.

 

Alcohol Policy

Guests under 21 are not permitted to consume alcohol onboard under any circumstances. Compliance with all applicable laws is required at all times.

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The captain reserves the right to limit alcohol consumption if safety becomes a concern.

 

Safety & Behavior

All guests are expected to behave responsibly and follow the captain’s safety instructions at all times.

Destin Luxury Yacht Charters reserves the right to conclude a charter early without refund in cases of illegal activity, dangerous or unsafe behavior, excessive intoxication, or failure to follow safety instructions.

Our goal is for every charter to feel relaxed, refined, and memorable.

 

Safety Equipment & Waivers

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U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets are available onboard.

Children age 6 and under are required to wear a life jacket while underway. The captain may require life jackets for any guest if conditions warrant.

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All guests — whether paying or complimentary — are required to sign a liability waiver prior to departure.

 

Damage Responsibility

The charterer assumes responsibility for any damage beyond normal wear and tear caused by guests during the charter period.

 

Acknowledgment

By booking your charter, you acknowledge that:

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• You are reserving the vessel under a bareboat charter agreement.
• You will independently select and directly compensate a licensed captain.
• Captain compensation is your responsibility.
• You agree to these Charter Terms & Experience Guidelines.

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We are committed to delivering an exceptional, polished experience from departure to return.

We look forward to welcoming you aboard.