Plan Your Charter
Before you set sail.
The questions guests ask most before a private charter in St. Petersburg, answered plainly. Anything specific to your date is confirmed when you book.
How many people can come on a charter?
Every Well Played charter is private, and both yachts, the 4160 Regal Commodore and the 410 Sea Ray Sundancer, take groups of up to 13 guests. That count includes everyone in your party, such as a photographer or officiant. Guest numbers are limited by the vessel and can't be exceeded on the day, so book for your full group.
How long is a charter?
Charters run 4, 6 or 8 hours. Four hours suits a sunset cruise or a relaxed outing. Six or eight hours gives you time to anchor at a sandbar or island, swim, and still be on the water for sunset. The right length depends on what your group wants from the day, and we're happy to help you choose.
What should we bring on a yacht charter?
Bring sunscreen (reef-safe is ideal), a hat and sunglasses, a light layer for the breeze late in the day, and a swimsuit and towel if you plan to swim. Add your food, drinks and a cooler with plenty of ice and water, plus a playlist. A waterproof phone pouch is handy for photos of the skyline and sunset.
The full packing checklist →What should we wear on the boat?
Dress for sun and water: light clothes over a swimsuit if you'll swim, a hat, sunglasses and a layer for the evening breeze. On deck, soft-soled shoes or bare feet are best. Hard soles and heels can mark the finish, so most guests go barefoot once aboard. Leave anything you'd hate to lose overboard at home.
Can we bring our own food and alcohol?
Yes. You're welcome to bring your own food and drinks aboard, including champagne for a celebration. Most groups pack a cooler with drinks, ice, water and snacks, and some bring a cake or charcuterie. Your captain can help you plan coolers, ice and timing so nothing slows the day down, and we confirm the specifics when you book.
Is a yacht charter good for kids?
Yes. Families love the swimming, shelling and dolphin spotting, and your captain can choose calmer, protected-water routes for younger guests. The calm, shallow water around Shell Key Preserve makes it a family favorite. Four hours is plenty for a relaxed family outing, while six or eight hours allows for several stops and a sunset finish.
Can we swim or stop at a sandbar?
Yes. Sandbar stops, swimming and island visits are some of the most popular parts of the day. Your captain plans the stops around the tides and conditions, and can anchor off places like Shell Key Preserve or Pass-A-Grille so you can swim and wade. Tell us what you have in mind when you book.
What happens if the weather is bad?
Every charter is run by a licensed captain, who has final authority over the vessel and the route and decides on the day whether it is safe to go out. The captain may also end a charter early on safety grounds. The weather and cancellation terms for your charter are the ones shown when you book and set out in your booking confirmation.
Is a deposit required to book?
Prices, deposits, cancellation terms and weather policy for your charter are the ones shown when you book and set out in your booking confirmation. An enquiry or quote doesn't hold a date: your date is held once the booking is confirmed to you in writing. If you have a payment question before booking, call or email us.
How far ahead should we book?
The earlier the better, especially for weekends and around holidays. Dates are held only once a booking is confirmed in writing, so it's worth locking in your date as soon as your group agrees on it. Reach out with your date and group size and we'll find a time that works.
What if someone gets seasick?
Sip water through the day and go easy on alcohol and caffeine, which can dehydrate you. Stay on deck in the fresh air and keep your eyes on the horizon, which helps your balance settle. Over-the-counter motion sickness tablets work best taken before you set out, so read the label and check with a pharmacist. Your captain can also choose calmer, protected-water routes.
More tips to stop seasickness →Is gratuity included in the price?
Fuel, gratuity, food and drinks are handled separately depending on your plan, and we walk you through exactly what to expect when you book. What every charter includes is a licensed captain and professional crew, private use of the yacht for your group of up to 13, and a route planned around your occasion.
Where do charters leave from?
Well Played Charters is based in St. Petersburg, FL, and cruises the waters around St. Petersburg, St. Pete Beach and Tampa Bay, with stops like Pass-A-Grille, Shell Key Preserve, Egmont Key and the Sunshine Skyway Bridge. Your departure point and meeting time are confirmed when you book, so your group knows exactly where to be.
Still have a question? We're happy to help.