Frequently Asked Questions
What's your weather policy?
East End Charters withholds the right to cancel any charter due to unsafe weather conditions, including a high chance of thunderstorms, high winds (over 25kts), or steady rain. We will make this decision no more than 2 hours prior to your scheduled charter. We do not cancel for small (less than 50%) chance of showers or cloudy weather. If your charter is cancelled by East End Charters, you may choose to reschedule or be refunded in full.
Can we bring more than 6 guests on Surprise?
No, Surprise is limited to 6 passengers due to Coast Guard regulations.
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If your group is larger than 6, you can book a charter on Bonnie Lynn.
Are dogs allowed?
No, dogs are not allowed onboard.
Can we go swimming?
Groups of 12 or less guests may choose to add a swim stop to your sail if your charter is 3 hours or longer. We do not allow swimming for groups over 12 guests.
What else should I bring?
Aside from food and beverages, bring anything you need to be comfortable on the water. We recommend bringing a light layer, non-aerosol sunscreen, and a sun hat that won't blow away.
Where do you depart from?
Private Charters & Public Sails on Surprise and Bonnie Lynn will depart from our home dock at 1100 Manhasset Ave, Greenport, NY.
For private charters, if you would like to be picked up or dropped off at a different port, please contact us before booking to arrange.​
Are food and drinks included?
All private charters and public sails are BYO food and beverage, unless otherwise noted in the description.
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Check out our Catering Options for boat-friendly menus curated by some of our favorite local restaurants and caterers!
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On private charters, we provide ice, waters and seltzers, and our crew will gladly serve whatever you bring or have delivered using our dishware, napkins, cutlery, etc. onboard.
How do I book a charter?
You can book a charter through the website, or by contacting us directly. Please note that no booking is finalized until we receive your payment.
What kind of shoes should I wear?
Please plan to wear non-marking, enclosed shoes. Or, you may elect to put your shoes in a basket upon arrival if you prefer to go barefoot.
Is there a bathroom onboard?
Yes, there is a bathroom (known as the "head" on a boat) on both Surprise and Bonnie Lynn. To access the heads, you will need to walk down a set of steps.
Where will we sail to?
From Greenport, depending on the weather and length of sail we may sail around Orient Harbor, Gardiner's Bay, Shelter Island, and/or the Peconic River.
What if I need to cancel my charter?
Private Charters
If you cancel:
14+ days in advance = 100% refund
7-13 days in advance = 50% refund.
Less than 7 days in advance = no refund.
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Public Sails
Ticket sales are non-refundable.
If you cancel 7+ days in advance, you may request a change of date, or credit for future sail, If you cancel less than 7 days in advance, you forfeit your ticket.
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Please note that on all of our public sails we require a minimum of 7 passengers to sail. In the event we do not have enough passengers to fulfill the minimum, you will be notified at least 2 hours before departure time, at which time the sail will be cancelled and you can choose to reschedule or receive a full refund.
Is there a minimum age requirement?
Private Charters - No, all ages are welcome!
Public Sails - Yes. Minimum age of 5 years.
Please note that children and infants also count toward the passenger count.
Do you have a speaker onboard?
Yes, we have bluetooth speakers you are welcome to connect to.