Frequently Asked Questions – Destino Charters
1. What types of sailing experiences does Destino Charters offer? Destino Charters offers a variety of private sailing experiences, including:
Private Day Sails: Ranging from 3 to 12 hours, ideal for sailing, sightseeing, sunset cruising, or learning more about iconic spots like Key Biscayne, Stiltsville or the Biscayne Bay. Even snorkeling and paddleboarding on 5 hours or longer charters.
Overnight & Multi-Day Adventures: Multi-day charters to Key Largo, Islamorada, Marathon, or Key West, with flexible itineraries and all the onboard comforts and fun of a capable 40 feet sailboat.
2. Where do the charters depart from? Our primary departure point is Coconut Grove, with its direct access to Biscayne Bay. Pickups from Key Biscayne, South Beach (+$), or Coral Gables can be arranged upon request.
3. What is the capacity of the sailboat? Our Beneteau Oceanis sailboat comfortably accommodates up to 6 guests, offering an intimate, safe and personalized experience.
4. What amenities are available on board?
Spacious cockpit and ample deck space
Interior saloon, galley, and bathroom
Outdoor and indoor freshwater shower
US Coast Guard-approved safety equipment
Individual floaters, cushions
Gas grill, coffee maker
Paddleboards and Snorkeling gear available upon request ($)
5. Are meals and beverages provided? Yes. We offer several dining options, including:
Appetizers such as charcuterie or empanadas ($/pp)
Optional three-course meals with dishes like shrimp cocktail, grilled meat or fish, and dessert
Guests are also welcome to bring their own beverages, and there is no cork fee.
6. What activities are available during the charter? Depending on your itinerary and sea conditions:
The Swing ($100/group on privates, $30/pp on semi-privates)
Snorkeling (reef or wreck). We have gear available for rent, if you prefeer not to bring your own ($25/pp)
Paddleboarding. Stable (long and wide) paddle boards available for rent ($45/each). Unpon request
Swimming and lounging
Sunset watching
Exploring Biscayne Bay landmarks like Stiltsville and Key Biscayne
7. How can I book a charter? Bookings can be made directly on our website at www.destinocharters.com or by calling/texting +1 (305) 987-5744.
8. What is your cancellation policy? All reservations are paid in advance. Cancellations due to no-shows are non-refundable. Rescheduling may be offered at the Captain’s discretion. In case of unsafe or extremely unpleasant weather, we may reschedule or issue a refund.
9. Are your captains certified? Yes. All captains are US Coast Guard-certified, experienced, and fluent in English and Spanish, with conversational proficiency in French and Portuguese.
10. Is gratuity included in the pricing? No. Gratuity is not included. A customary tip of 15–22% is appreciated if the experience meets or exceeds your expectations.
11. What is included? What is not?
Day Sail Inclusions and Add ONs:
Inclusions:
Our vessel, a stylish 40 foot Beneteau sailboat built in 1996 and a classic in its own right, that can accommodate up to 6 passengers and 1 crew comfortably;
Private Charter: We will design the experience based on your preferences, our sailing expertise and what weather dictates;
Cooler with ice, water, towels, toilet, outdoor shower, comfortable saloon, 2 twin bed cabins, full kitchen; Snorkeling gear, floaties, low folding chairs;
US Coast Guard certified, experienced, and fun Captains fluent in English and Spanish and conversant in French and Portuguese.
Optional (add-ons):
The Swing: ($100 per group)
Paddleboards ($45/each) / Paddleboard lessons ($40/group): Want to learn to paddle board? or do you know and want to go for a ride while out there? no problem! just let us know; A great way to work out while you play and wonder around, paddle-boarding promotes balance and superb core strength with a sense of freedom, gliding over the water with the best view of the underworld;
Snorkeling Gear: ($20/set)
Action Cameras and Media Package ($100)
Yummy food: Appetizers ($35/pp) or Three Course Meals (starting at $45/pp). Some options include a loaded charcuterie board or empanadas; gazpacho + grilled beef, fish or chicken + dessert; charcuterie board + ceviche + dessert. Inquire about our current menu options;
Gratuities: Price does not include customary gratuity of 15% - 22% for captain and crew, upon completion of the cruise, if you consider the experience was above and beyond expectations
Multi day sail inclusions and extras
Inclusions:
Our vessel, a stylish 40 foot Beneteau sailboat built in 1996 and a classic in the industry, that can accommodate up to 4 passengers comfortably, and up to 6 close friends + crew;
Private Charter: We will design the experience based on your preferences, our sailing expertise and what weather dictates;
Fridge/Freezer, water, towels, toilet, outdoor and indoor showers (no hot water), comfortable saloon, 2 Full bed cabins, full kitchen;
All the add-ons for a day sail are complementary on Multi day sail trips.
One night at a Marina, which includes a pool area, BBQ, hot showers and access to restaurants and bars;
US Coast Guard certified, experienced and fun Captains fluent in English and Spanish and conversant in French and Portuguese.
NOT included but required:
Meals:
2 Days/1 Night: Lunch for the 2 days; Breakfast on day 2; Dinner on day 1. Snacks. Cost: $190/pp
3 Days/2 Nights: Lunch for the 3 days; Breakfast on days 2 and 3; Dinner on days 1 and 2. Snacks. Cost: $230/pp
4 Days/3 Nights: Lunch for the 4 days; Breakfast on days 2, 3 and 4; Dinner on days 1,2 and 3. Snacks. Cost: $330/pp
5 Days/5 Nights: Lunch for the 5 days; Breakfast on days 2, 3, 4 and 5; Dinner on days 1, 2, 3 and 4. Snacks. Cost: $430/pp
9 Days/8 Nights: Lunch for the 8 days; Breakfast on days 2 through 9; Dinner on days 1 to 4, then days 6, 7 and 8. Snacks. Cost: $750/pp
OPTIONAL:
Nights at a Marina, with access to shore power (will allow us to run the A/C on the boat), hot showers and may include pool area, BBQ and access to restaurants and bars; ~$200/night
Gratuities: Price does not include customary gratuity for captain and crew, upon completion of the cruise, if you consider the experience was above and beyond expectations
12. How does a 5 day/ 5 nights Miami to Key West itinerary looks like?
We will meet at the marina in Miami at 0900 to get underway. Dependent on weather conditions and forecast, tides, gulfstream strength and most importantly wind direction and speed, the Captain will decide if to stay on the bay or out on Hawk channel on the way down to Key Largo, our first stop. If staying on the bay on Day 1, this would be our itinerary (more or less, as the beauty of sailing is to connect with Nature and take the best of what she dictates):
Day 1: We will stop for lunch along the way around 1300, probably by Elliot Key. After taking some time to relax and maybe a swim, snorkel or just take a nap on our ‘big crib’, we will resume our expedition, aiming to reach Pumpkin Key by 1800. We will unwind and prepare a nice dinner. We might even go to bed early. Alternatively, we might decide to keep on sailing down, propelled by our zero footprint engines, without stopping in Elliot Key. The itinerary is a reference, but not a set agenda.
Day 2: After a nice breakfast with freshly baked bread, scrambled eggs with chorizo and brewed coffee, we will leave the bay to head to some wonderful coral reefs. Carysfort, Christ of the Deep, Grecian Rocks are some of the snorkeling options on the menu. We could paddleboard at some point along the way, or just relax, sunbathing on deck. Lunch will be served. In the late afternoon, we would head down to spend the night at anchor by Tavernier.
Day 3 has lots of fun in store. We will start the day with some reconnaissance paddle board ride around the area where we spent the night at anchor, then begin our sail from Tavernier to Marathon. We will stop to snorkel at Conch Reef early morning and Alligator Reef by noon. We should arrive at the marina around 1800 (6PM) for a nice hot shower and get ready to hit some cool dive bars.
Day 4: Some paddleboarding around the marina is in order to start our 4th day of sailing adventure. Breakfast will be ready upon our crew's return to ship and after a short sail we will be back underwater to explore another wonderful South Florida Reef, have some lunch, sail and snorkel some more to then reach our destination for the night, Bahia Honda State Park. We should arrive early enough to take a walk around the park and it’s beautiful views from the old bridge and shower before dinner.
Day 5: We will start the day with a paddleboard around, maybe take another shower before we start our sail into Key West. We will stop at a shipwreck and two reefs along the way if the energy allows. The Captain will most likely insist as the beauty of the reefs along the way is worth the extra effort. We would time our arrival to catch the splendid Key West sunset. This is our last night together so we will make it count, heading to some cool dive bars and a restaurant!
We will part ways the following morning around 9AM, unless you want more and decide to extend your adventure and come back with us to Miami.