FAQs | Cool Cat Charters

Frequently Asked Questions

Booking the Charter:

Q: What is the process once I am ready to book?

A: Once you are ready to book, we will place a complimentary, no-obligation hold on the yacht of your choosing for 1 - 2 weeks so that you may execute the contract and pay your first payment. The contract will be delivered to you electronically for your signature and will subsequently be signed by the yacht owner and the clearinghouse (aka stakeholder). It is best practice not to send funds or purchase airfare, etc. until the agreement is signed by all parties.

Payment Information

Q: What is the payment schedule?

A: Twenty five percent of the charter fee is due when the agreement is fully executed, 25% is due 6 months before charter start date and 50% is due 60 days before charter start date.

Q: What methods of payment are accepted?

A: We accept payments by ACH or wire from your financial institution.

Cancellation Policy:

Q: What is the Cancellation Policy?

A: Once a contract is executed, and dates on the calendar are allocated to a booking, in the event of a cancellation by the guest, any funds paid toward the charter will be forfeited unless the yacht is able to secure a booking for all or part of the timeframe originally booked. In that case, you may be entitled to a pro-rated refund less 20% of the charter fee, which will be used to cover administrative costs of making the booking. As a result, we highly recommend trip insurance in case an unforeseen situation arises.

Trip Insurance:

Q: Where can I learn more about trip insurance?

A: Insubuy.Com and InsureYonder.Com allow you to specify the types of insurance you are looking for and propose various insurance companies to compare.

Next Steps

Q: What is the process after I book? Once your agreement is executed, payments may be made according to the schedule indicated above. About a month before the charter, you will receive a preference sheet that will allow you to indicate your favorite food and drink items, any allergies or special dietary requirements, your favorite activities. That info will be passed on to your crew and before the charter they will reach out to you to introduce themselves and answer any questions you might have.

On the trip:

Q: What is the Itinerary?:

A: Typically, charters don't have a rigid itinerary. Captains visit the places each charter group is most interested in, depending on your likes and dislikes. Some guests want more of a party scene while other groups prefer deserted anchorages. This is one of the things that makes a private charter vacation so special. Your crew will get to know your preferences (based on the preference sheet you fill out) and will work with you to hit all of the best spots you will enjoy the most. With that said, destination suggestions may be found at this link: https://www.coolcatcharters.com/destinations

Q: Do you cater to special diets?

A: Yes, all of the yacht chefs are accustomed to special dietary requirements and will carefully collect your preferences prior to the trip.

Q: May we fish while on the trip?

A: Please inquire of your broker or yacht captain. Each boat must have its own fishing license and anglers over 14 must have a fishing license. Visit www.bvi.gov.vg for the required forms. Allow 10 - 15 business days for processing the license application.

Q: What is Ciguatera Poisoning?

A: Something many visitors may have never heard of, but vital to know when eating fish in the tropics.

Ciguatera is a natural toxin found in some reef fish living near shore in tropical waters ( ex. Snapper, Grouper, Barracuda)

It comes from algae on coral reef. Fish look, smell, and taste normal
It can make you sick, and symptoms can last weeks, months, and may remain dormant in your system for a lifetime

Risk varies by island. It is generally more common in parts of the northern Caribbean, and a fish can be safe in one place but not another.

What fish do not feed on reef systems and are generally considered safe (no ciguatera risk)?

Open ocean fish, such as:

Mahi-mahi

Wahoo

Tuna

Simple takeaway:

Reef fish = be more cautious in certain region. Open ocean fish = generally safe choice
This is not meant to scare, just to share awareness so people can enjoy the amazing seafood here with confidence.

Q: What should I pack?

A: This list may vary by yacht, so check with your broker or Captain, but here is a good starter list:

Soft-sided luggage is strongly recommended, as hard suitcases are difficult to store onboard.

Clothing

• Lightweight casual clothing

• Swimsuits / coverups

• Light long-sleeve sun shirt or rash guard

• Dinner outfits (sun dress/collard shirt) for evenings ashore)

• Light sweater or windbreaker for breezy evenings

• Sleepwear

• Undergarments and socks

• Workout attire (optional)

Footwear

• Flip flops or sandals

• If you prefer not to be barefoot aboard, Non-marking boat shoes or clean non-marking sneakers dedicated to wear on the boat only

• Water shoes (optional for rocky beaches)

Personal Items

• Passport / travel documents

• Medications (bring enough for the entire trip)

• Sunglasses

• Hat or visor

• Deodorant and personal toiletries

• Hairbrush / makeup / shaving kit

Many yachts provide shampoo, conditioner and body wash

• Phone + chargers

• Waterproof phone pouch (optional)

Helpful Extras

• Book or Kindle

• Motion sickness remedies if you are sensitive to boats

• Snorkeling gear if you prefer your own mask/snorkel

• Non-marking shoes, dedicated to wear only on the boat if you would prefer not to go, barefoot aboard

What We Provide Onboard

• Towels & beach towels

• Bed linens & pillows

• Snorkeling gear

• Hair dryers

• Basic first aid supplies

Please Avoid Bringing

• Hard-sided luggage

• Tinted Sunscreen, Spray sunscreen and Oil (can make decks slippery and stain decks)

• Excessive valuables or jewelry

• High heels (not yacht-friendly)

We look forward to welcoming you aboard!