Yacht Charters during Coronavirus
- Go By Yacht
The latest Covid-19 lockdown restrictions effecting yacht charters during Coronavirus in Florida and the Bahamas.
Updated: April 22, 2021
Frequent revisions to local regulations occur as countries and states introduce the phased lifting of lockdown restrictions. To assist those particularly interested in getting back onto the water and those wanting to plan a yacht charter, we provide extracts from the latest changes to pertinent regulations for Florida and the Bahamas.
Florida Status: Open with restrictions
Broward and Miami-Dade counties:
Miami-Dade County Emergency Order 21-20, May 13
Broward County Emergency Order 20-09, May 7
See also: Broward website, Miami-Dade website
Boat Ramp Protocol
- Ramps may be open between 6 a.m. and 7 p.m. (Broward) / 8 p.m. (Miami-Dade) daily.
- Facial coverings shall be worn while on shore and until such time as the vessel is fully loaded and has departed the marina.
- One boat per launch ramp shall be permitted at a time; vessels shall be prepared in advance to launch, such as plug secured, dock lines tied, and safety equipment and provisions already onboard; all passengers shall board the vessel once it is launched.
- Upon returning to the dock, all passengers shall remain on the vessel until the boat is ready to be loaded onto the trailer; once loaded, all passengers shall return to their vehicles and exit the launch facility immediately.
Charter Vessels
- Captain, crew and patrons shall wear facial coverings and practice social distancing both on shore and on the vessel.
- CDC cleanliness guidelines shall be posted in restrooms/heads; restrooms shall be sanitized and disinfected at least hourly and after each trip, or more frequently as needed; and water and soap, hand sanitizer, or both, shall be provided for patrons.
- All persons shall practice social distancing and utilize facial coverings at land-side and including check-in locations.
- Vessels shall delineate safe social distance positions for those waiting in line to check in or out with tape or other markings.
On-Water Activity
- Boats shall remain 50 feet apart at all times.
- Tying up to posts or structures that are condemned or unoccupied in Stiltsville is prohibited.
- Gatherings of more than 10 people are prohibited.
- Rafting up or beaching of boats is prohibited.
- Landings and anchoring at sandbars are prohibited.
- Capacity of boats:
- Boats less than 25 feet: 4 adults maximum, plus children 17 and under. Maximum of 8 (Miami-Dade) / 6 (Broward) people on the boat.
- Boats 25 feet to 36 feet: 6 adults maximum, plus children 17 and under. Maximum of 10 (Miami-Dade) / 8 (Broward) people on the boat.
- Boats greater than 36 feet (Miami-Dade) / 37-60 feet (Broward): 8 adults maximum, plus children 17 and under. Maximum of 10 people on the boat.
- Boats over 60 feet (Broward): 10 passengers maximum, inclusive of adults and children, but not including crew members.
- Jet ski rental operations shall be single riders only.
Bahamas Status: Open with restrictions
Latest Press Release, April, 22
See the latest Travel Update Statements
Effective May 1, those traveling to The Bahamas from outside of The Bahamas will be exempt from taking a COVID 19 test once they are fully vaccinated and have passed the 2 week immunity period. All residents and travelers must still adhere to the social distancing and mask wearing protocols, but once fully vaccinated, they can resume Indoor dining.
Those within The Bahamas that have been fully vaccinated will be immediately exempt from COVID 19 test requirements when traveling throughout the Islands.
Non-vaccinated travellers entering The Bahamas must obtain a negative COVID-19 RT-PCR test taken no more than 5 days prior to the date of arrival.
- Children age ten (10) and under and Pilots and crew of commercial airlines who remain overnight in The Bahamas., are not required to take this test.
Once in possession of a negative COVID-19 RT-PCR test result, apply for a Bahamas Health Travel Visa at travel.gov.bs
As part of the Travel Health Visa application, travellers will be required to opt-in to COVID-19 health insurance that covers them for the duration of their stay in The Bahamas.
The cost of insurance is included in the Travel Health Visa application fee.
Travel Health Visa applications take up to 48 hours to process and should be completed with adequate lead time.
Wear a face mask and practice social distancing when in public places.
Visitors will be required to adhere to all island restrictions, including curfew and lockdown measures, applicable to the island they are visiting.
Go By Yacht Measures
Safety
We are continually taking action based on guidance from public health experts on our yacht charters during Coronavirus. In order to maintain a safe environment and address guest concerns, the measures include:
- Enhanced cleaning protocols. We are supplementing our thorough cleaning service by disinfecting all of the touchable surfaces on the boats before and after each charter.
- Additional antibacterial products. We have increased the quantity of sanitizers and disinfectant wipes available for guests aboard their yacht.
- Protective equipment. We provide a supply of face masks and gloves aboard our yachts for those arriving without their own.
Cancellation of Bookings
Should lockdown restrictions be revised which prevent you from chartering as per your booking terms and conditions we will refund all payments made without penalty. Regular cancellation and re-booking rules otherwise apply, and you are able to re-book your charter accordingly.
