Plan Your Trip – Coastal Marine Charters
Planning a charter should feel exciting—not overwhelming. This resource pulls together everything you need to pick the right time, boat, and route, then show up relaxed and ready. Use it as your central hub before you book, a checklist the week of your trip, and a quick reference the morning you head out.
Quick Start: Book in Three Steps
- Check pricing and options on our Charter Rates page to choose your ideal duration and experience tier.
- Confirm dates on the Availability Calendar—weekends and holiday windows fill first.
- Pick the closest launch on Departure Points so your day starts near where you want to explore.
Tip: If your group is flexible, compare a morning vs. late‑afternoon slot on the Availability Calendar—lighter winds or a sunset finish can elevate the whole trip.
How to Choose the Right Charter (and Why It Matters)
Every group is different. Here’s a quick matching guide so you book the best fit:
- Snorkel‑first groups (Phil Foster Park, Peanut Island): Aim for windows near high slack tide for peak clarity; pair that with a 2–4 hour charter. Start planning on Charter Rates, then cross‑check the Availability Calendar for tide‑friendly slots.
- Relaxed island days (sandbar + casual snorkeling): Choose a half‑day charter, leave time for a picnic, and launch from the Departure Point closest to your island of choice.
- Families with kids: Shorter charters with easy entries work best. Pick a launch with straightforward parking from Departure Points, and confirm life‑jacket needs in your booking notes.
- Photography/wildlife hunters: Book around the clearest water and the fewest boats—weekday mornings on the Availability Calendar are gold.
Mid‑plan nudge: when you’ve sketched the day you want, revisit Charter Rates to lock duration and add‑ons before finalizing a spot on the Availability Calendar.
Weather, Tides, and Timing (Plan Like a Local)
West Palm Beach conditions change quickly. Two checkpoints make the biggest difference:
- Tide window: Clear ocean water pushes in on the incoming tide; high slack is the short lull with great visibility for snorkeling. If your plans include drift snorkeling, aim your charter window toward that peak—our staged snorkeling trips and the mapped Phil Foster Park snorkel trail make timing that window simple.
- Wind & rain: Sub‑15‑knot winds and 24 hours without heavy rain typically mean calmer water and better clarity.
Helpful resource to skim mid‑planning: a clear NOAA tide tutorial explaining why incoming and high‑slack windows deliver the best visibility.
Departure Points: Start Where the Day Makes Sense
Choosing the right launch saves time and maximizes your water hours—if you’re eyeing calm coves and easy entries, Peanut Island is a reliable crowd‑pleaser, and a mid‑day pause at the Jupiter Sandbar keeps the day relaxed. Head to Departure Points for maps, parking notes, and typical run‑times to popular sites. If you’re island‑hopping or adding a sandbar stop, tell us your top priority in the notes—we’ll stage your pickup to match the day’s flow.
- Closest to snorkel highlights: Look for launch options that minimize transit to the day’s first site.
- Easiest parking: For larger groups or families, prioritize ramps with simpler load‑in.
- Sunset considerations: Pick a western‑view return route if you want photos on the ride back.
What’s Included vs. What to Bring
We typically provide: safety briefing, required safety gear, cooler space, and route planning tailored to conditions.
You should bring:
- Photo ID, payment card used for booking
- Water, snacks, and any preferred beverages (no glass, please)
- Sun protection (hat, sunglasses with strap, reef‑safe sunscreen—apply 30 minutes before departure)
- Swimwear, rashguard, towel, and a dry bag for phone/keys
- Snorkel gear if you have it (we can advise on rentals if needed)
Packing light keeps the deck comfortable. If you’re unsure about gear, check Charter Rates for add‑ons or ask us in your booking notes.
Booking Policies in Plain English
- Start times: We ask groups to arrive 15 minutes early so we depart on time and catch the best water.
- Cancellations & weather: Safety first. If conditions don’t cooperate, we’ll work with you to reschedule. See specifics on Charter Rates.
- Group size & age limits: Listed on Charter Rates; tell us about little swimmers so we prep appropriately.
- Payments & holds: Your spot isn’t guaranteed until payment is processed through our booking system.
Booking Policies in Plain English
- Start times: We ask groups to arrive 15 minutes early so we depart on time and catch the best water.
- Cancellations & weather: Safety first. If conditions don’t cooperate, we’ll work with you to reschedule. See specifics on Charter Rates.
- Group size & age limits: Listed on Charter Rates; tell us about little swimmers so we prep appropriately.
- Payments & holds: Your spot isn’t guaranteed until payment is processed through our booking system.
Final Checklist (Night Before & Same Day)
Night before:
- Confirm meeting time and Departure Point address
- Recheck the Availability Calendar time slot and any messages from our crew
- Pack light: ID, sun protection, water/snacks, towel, snorkel kit
Same day:
- Apply sunscreen 30 minutes before arrival
- Hydrate and eat a light snack
- Arrive 15 minutes early to load in and brief
- Bring a positive attitude—conditions change, and our captains will adapt your route to find the best water
Ready to plan?
Start with Charter Rates, check the Availability Calendar, and pick your Departure Point—then lock your spot on Book a Charter so we can stage the tide and timing for you. We’ll line up the tide, timing, and route so your day just flows.
Memories Made on the Water
What Our Guests Say
Join the growing family of guests who have discovered the joy of coastal cruising. Let our testimonials inspire your next adventure.
Destin and Dixie were the best! We had so much fun. Destin was a great captain he knew exactly how to make our boat day a great day. Would definitely book with Destin and Dixie again and will recommend him to any and everyone! Destin’s boat was so comfortable and clean. We had plenty of space for me and 3 other people. Water floats were perfect!
Perri
Reviews
The captain is very professional, polite, and super kid friendly, and will always make sure you have an amazing time on the water. His commitment to ensuring every moment is enjoyable is clear throughout the charter. I would recommend Coastal Marine Charters to everyone I know without hesitation.
Kris Winters
Facebook Reviews
I had a wonderful time with Destin—he made every moment of our charter truly memorable with his friendly and professional approach. Destin ensured that our experience on the water was filled with fun, relaxation, and a genuine sense of adventure. I highly recommend Coastal Marine Charters to anyone looking for an exceptional water adventure.
Mike Ardizzone
Facebook Reviews
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I book?
As early as possible for weekends/holidays. Use the Availability Calendar to find gaps—weekday mornings often have the clearest water.
How do I pick duration?
If snorkeling is your priority, choose a length that overlaps the high‑slack window. Price your options on Charter Rates.
What if the forecast looks iffy?
We evaluate marine conditions and make safety‑first calls. If we can’t operate, we’ll help you reschedule.
Which departure point is best for Peanut Island?
Check Departure Points for the closest launches and typical run‑times; we’ll confirm final pickup after we assess the day’s wind and tide.
Contact Coastal Marine Charters Today
Coastal Marine Charters
Address: 809 Hummingbird Way, North Palm Beach, FL 33408, United States
Phone Number: (561) 401-8856
Google Maps: Find Us Here
Business Hours
Monday: Open 24 hours
Tuesday: Open 24 hours
Wednesday: Open 24 hours
Thursday: Open 24 hours
Friday: Open 24 hours
Saturday: Open 24 hours
Sunday: Open 24 hours