Sandy Bottoms Sailing
Private Sailing & Snorkeling Tours in Puerto Rico -- Palomino, Icacos, Lobos, & Culebra
Frequently asked questions...
COVID INFORMATION:
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Sandy Bottoms Sailing is taking all possible precautions for the health & safety of our guests during the Covid-19 pandemic. Because of the ever changing strains of Covid-19, we ask that you monitor your entire group's health while on the island.
Please don't ignore symptoms. We strive to provide our guests with the highest level of service and care. We ask that you reciprocate, and help us protect our crew & their families by informing us of any possible threats.
OUR STAFF IS FULLY VACCINATED AND OUR BOAT IS STERILIZED AFTER EVERY USE.
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*If you or any of the guests in your group are feeling unwell at anytime during your visit to the island, please contact us to reschedule or receive a refund.
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Thank you for your understanding and cooperation. We look forward to sailing with you and wish you all the best of health. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact us via email at Sandybottomspr@gmail.com or 787-400-2409.
*Due to United States Coastguard Regulations, private charter boats like Sandy Bottoms Sailing, are only allowed 6 guests maximum, per charter.
Why should I sail with Sandy Bottoms?
We are glad you asked! We have a passion for everything ocean & travel. We have over 25 years of sailing experience and love to share our culture & knowledge of Puerto Rico with you. We provide personalized trips, designed around your wishes and needs. We offer a first class, "boutique" sailing experience. Our maximum capacity is 6 passengers, guaranteeing you will have a relaxing and enjoyable voyage without crowds. Our food is always prepared with care and customized to your dietary needs. We strive to make your sailing journey as memorable as possible, helping you create life long memories of the Caribbean!
What do Trips Include?
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Please refer to your trip for information:
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$1,100 - Snorkeling Trip or One day sailing lesson: Morning pastries & coffee. Local beer & rum, premium vodka, and white wine. Bottled water, sodas, assorted juices, a cheese & fruit platter, dips, and an assortment of snacks. Snorkeling equipment, paddleboards, and floats are onboard and available for your use.
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*You may bring additional food for lunch or beverages. We have a refrigerator - freezer, and extra coolers on board. For insurance reasons, you are not permitted to cook on the boat.
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*You should bring a beach towel and a non-spray sun block, preferably one with only zinc or titanium dioxide.
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$1,500 - Snorkeling Trip with Lunch made on the boat and premium bar: Morning pastries & coffee. Appetizers, gourmet fruit & cheese platter, dips, and an assortment of snacks. Beer of your choice and our local beer Medalla. Wine, Cava, & Prosecco menu. Premium alcohol including: Tito's Vodka, 1800 Tequila, Jack Daniels, Don Q Crystal Rum (Puerto Rico's Best Rum), assorted Darks Rums, Tanqueray, and more. Lunch is made on the boat. Menu options will be sent to you. Gluten free, vegetarian/vegan options. Options include: Skirt Steak, Island Shrimp, Jerk Chicken, and Rosemary Chicken. Veg/vegan include Black Bean Burger or Pasta with veggies. Salad and option of coconut rice or rice and beans are served as sides. Desert options are included in menu.
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SAILING LESSONS:
Live Aboard Sailing Lessons: Accommodation on the boat is included. Bed linens, bath towels, and beach towels are all provided. All meals while on the boat are included. You are responsible for all meals and beverages on shore. Basic non-alcoholic beverages are included. You are allowed to bring your own "adult beverages" on board for evenings, when we are finished our lesson for the day. Text books, tests, and certification are all included.
**Our office manager will be in contact with you to discuss your preferences and any special needs you may have during your trip.
Is Gratuity Included?
No, gratuity is not included. If you had a great trip or lesson and you would like to tip your captain, crew or instructor, you can give directly to them or you may use your credit card through our web site. Just let us know!
Are the departure times flexible?
Scheduled departure times may vary a little with seasonal daylight and will be confirmed upon booking if other than the published time. Please contact us prior to booking to discuss this possibility of altering times for your charter.
Do I make full payment when booking?
If you make your booking online, full payment will be charged to your credit card. Payments can also be made via your pay pal account. Live aboard sailing lessons and charters require a 50% deposit at time of booking. The remaining balance is due 30 days before departure. These payments will be invoiced by our office.
What happens if I have to cancel?
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Our Covid-19 Cancelation Policy:
During this time, Sandy Bottoms Sailing is offering full refunds for cancellations due to Covid-19 as long as you contact us three hours before your scheduled departure time. If you have possibly been exposed, are presenting Covid-19 symptoms, or are just feeling unwell, please contact us for a full refund.
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NORMAL Cancellation Policy (not during Covid-19):
You may cancel a day sailing lesson, snorkel or sunset tour within 48 hrs of trip for a full refund. Cancellations made between 24 & 47 hrs receive a 50% refund of booking price. There will be no refund for failure to show or cancellations less than 24 hours before the departure time. Rescheduling is an option, depending on our availability. Please contact our office for inquires.
For ASA Sailing Lessons and Overnight Charters, we offer a full refund for reservations made at least 60 days in advance, a 50% refund to all cancellations made 30-59 days in advance and no refunds for cancellations within 29 days of scheduled event.
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What happens if there is bad weather?
If we cancel a trip due to weather or water conditions, you will be completely refunded. You will have the option to reschedule for the next available date. We monitor the weather and ocean carefully and will notify you if we feel we need to reschedule our trip or lesson. Weather in the Caribbean often produces passing showers, but these showers pass quickly and often effect the main island vs the off islands where we will be sailing.
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**Weather is constantly monitored by the captain and our trips are at his discretion. Your safety and enjoyment is our priority.
Are there age, health, or weight restrictions?
Children under 3 years old are not allowed due to the unpredictably of the ocean. We invite all other ages to join us, however, please be sure you are in good health and are physically active.
We do not have weight restrictions, but you should be in good physical health as sailing is an active sport, requiring a workout.
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*We recommend you have a basic knowledge of swimming.
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Pregnant women, 6 months, and under are allowed on our local one day sails. Women 6 months and onward are not permitted for your safety and that of the baby/s. Pregnant woman must disclose their condition to us at time of booking. *Because of the distance to a major hospital, no pregnant woman are allowed on our overnight trips to the islands.
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If you have a medical condition such as heart problems or back issues, sailing is a risk. The ocean conditions are unpredictable and to avoid injury we do not recommend sailing.
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If you are prone to sea sickness we recommend you take a product like Bonine to prevent you from feeling ill.
Is smoking or chewing of tobacco allowed on our boat?
No, smoking & chewing is not allowed on the boat, however, when we go to shore, you can smoke/chew as you please.
What should I bring? What to wear?
Day lessons & trips: bathing suit, light sun-protective clothing, flip flops or boat shoes, cream sun block (no sprays please,) dry clothes for the drive home, beach towel etc. Black soled shoes are not allowed. Barefoot is encouraged and recommend!
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**ASA Lessons & Charter Guests will receive a complete information packet at the time of booking.
Where are you located? Do you offer transportation?
Our boat is located in the largest marina in the Caribbean, Puerto del Rey Marina. This beautiful & modern marina is located on the East Coast of Puerto Rico in the town of Fajardo.
If you have a car, the marina offers free parking. If you need transportation, we can offer you a list of drivers or you may choose to take a car app service, taxi, or rent a car. The marina is about a 75 minute drive from San Juan.
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Puerto del Rey Marina Address: 4900 State Road 3 Km. 51.4, Fajardo, 00738.
Sandy Bottoms is located on Dock 10, slip number 1058. Our boat is called: The Beach House.
GPS coordinates are 18.285430, -65.638364