Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why is Island Girl a great choice for a large group private catamaran tour in St. Lucia?

Island Girl is built for any size group. Couples charter her all the time and love having her all to themselves — and she’s certified for up to 38 guests. Most sailing catamarans only take 20 to 25 guests, and for a reason: limited usable space. A luxury power catamaran has the real extra space — which is what makes Island Girl perfect for large groups of 20 to 38 that sailing catamarans can’t accommodate. She's a 47-foot luxury power catamaran, so instead of the nets and rigging of a traditional sailing catamaran, your group gets a solid front deck where all 38 can gather, an upper fly deck with covered seating, and open space to spread out and be together.

2. Can I wear my heels on the catamaran for wedding photos if it's a barefoot boat?

Island Girl is considered a barefoot boat, which means all shoes must be removed before boarding. You may bring your heels and put them on for wedding or posed photos. For safety, comfort, and to protect the boat, guests must be barefoot while moving around onboard.

3. Where do Caribbean Girl Luxury Charters' private boat charters depart from?

Our home port is Rodney Bay Marina in Gros Islet, St. Lucia, and most of our private boat charters depart from there. We can also board you at Castries, Marigot Bay, or the Soufrière dock, and cruise ship guests are picked up right in Castries. Staying at a resort? We board directly at Sandals Grande, the Landings Resort, Harbour Club, and Windjammer Landing, whose docks fit our boat, and directly from Jade Mountain and Viceroy Sugar Beach. For Ti Kaye at Anse Cochon, we bring you out to the boat by dinghy.

4. Is transportation to the marina included?

No, transportation to your departure location is not included. However, we do offer a seamless coordination service with trusted local taxi drivers — we handle the booking and reminders, to help ensure your transfer and overall day run smoothly. Please note that transportation is paid directly to the taxi driver, and cash is required for this service. The charge will not appear on your invoice.

Ground transportation isn't included in your charter price, but we're happy to arrange it for a seamless day. You pay the driver directly — it's never added to your invoice — and there's no markup through us: we can get you a quote, or give you the driver's name so you can book direct. The fare is the same either way.

5. How do I secure my booking?

Of course — your date is yours the moment your deposit is received. That's what secures your booking and takes the day off the calendar, reserved for your group. Until then we keep dates open and treat every inquiry equally — no date is held without a deposit — so when you're ready, your deposit locks it in. Once it arrives, your confirmation follows within 48 hours, and your booking-confirmed email brings everything for your day: your updated invoice showing your deposit, your terms and agreements, what to know about your charter day, and your security waiver.

6. When is payment due?

Of course — a 50% deposit is due when you book, and it secures your reservation. If your charter date is more than six months away, you can split it: 25% down now, and the second 25% two months before your charter date. That arrangement is the same in every season. When the balance itself is due depends on how you pay — see "When is my final balance due?" below.

7. When is my final balance due?

Everything is paid and cleared before your charter departs — here's how the timing works, so it's easy. Credit card payments are due at least five days before your charter date, because they take several days to reach us — and the same five days applies to Venmo or PayPal when purchase protection (goods and services) is turned on. Between friends and family, Venmo and PayPal are due the night before your charter: if you've never used them outside the United States, a first payment can hit snags, and the night before leaves time to sort it out. Cash is welcome at the dock before boarding. If you'd like to pay by card inside that five-day window, our card processor requires additional identity verification first, so please plan ahead — or simply choose Venmo or cash, and you're all set.

8. What payment methods do you accept?

We accept credit cards through Stripe, Venmo, PayPal, and cash for final balances — whichever suits you best. Here's how the processing fees work, so there are never any surprises: credit card payments carry a 4.2% processing fee. Venmo and PayPal are fee-free when sent between friends and family. If purchase protection — goods and services — is switched on for a Venmo or PayPal payment, a 3% fee applies instead. That fee comes out of the payment before it reaches us, so it remains the guest's to cover, even if it was switched on by accident. Cash carries no fee at all.

9. Can I pay on the day of the charter?

Yes — in cash, settled at the dock before boarding. Cash is the only payment we can take on the day itself. Every other way of paying has an earlier deadline: five days ahead for cards and for Venmo or PayPal with purchase protection turned on, the night before for Venmo or PayPal between friends and family — all set out under "When is my final balance due?"

10. What happens if we delay our departure?

Life happens — and a delay isn't always about arriving late. Even if you're right on time, an unpaid balance or unsigned waivers can hold us at the dock while they're sorted out. Whatever time we leave the dock, your charter still ends at the time in your booking. The easy fix is to have your balance settled and your waivers signed before you arrive — then your whole booking is spent out on the water, where it belongs.

11. What if we're having such a good time that we don't get back on time?

We love that — it usually means the day went exactly right. Your charter ends at the time in your booking, and we allow a 15-minute grace period on the return. If the charter runs more than 15 minutes past its end — say the group stays in the water and can't quite gather itself together in time to make it back — an additional hour is charged. That hour is paid before anyone leaves the boat: by the card machine on board, by Venmo or PayPal between friends and family, or in cash. It's the same as departure — just as everything is settled before the charter can leave, it's settled before anyone leaves the boat. If you'd like more time on purpose, just ask the crew — extending is easy when it's arranged ahead. For more information on the forms of payment we accept, and the timeline for each payment, please see our Terms & Conditions.

12. What happens when we get back to the dock?

The ride back is the time to gather your belongings, so when we tie up, your group is ready to step straight off and carry the day with you. Our returns often run a few minutes late — on a sunset return, we let you linger over the colors a little longer — and the 15-minute grace period covers that; it isn't extra time. Once we've docked, though, the charter has ended — and we share the dock with other boats, so once we return, another boat is usually waiting for our spot. Staying on board to keep the music playing, socialize, or pour another drink is additional time, and an extra hour is charged and settled before anyone leaves.

13. Can I customize my St. Lucia boat charter?

Absolutely — customizing is what we do, and there's rarely anything we can't do. You choose your departure and return times: sleep in and start your half day late, or head out early and be back for lunch. You choose the length, from 2 hours to 9 or more, and where we go — the beaches, the snorkel stops, a run down to the Pitons on a longer charter, lunch at a favorite spot. And it doesn't stop at the waterline: we build in land excursions beyond the typical Land & Sea list — the Tet Paul hike, a waterfall hike, a spa stop at a resort, a special dining reservation. We don't just set your hours and your stops; we help you plan the events of your day. Celebrating something? Weddings, birthdays, proposals, a chef on board. And if the day you're imagining doesn't fit the clock, that's fine too — additional hours can be added to make it fit. Tell us the day you're imagining, and we'll build it with you.

14. What happens if payment is not completed on time?

It depends on whether we're discussing the deposit or the balance. Without a deposit, a date simply isn't secured yet — it stays open for other guests (see "How do I secure my booking?"). And if you've been offered a booking discount in writing — an early-booking discount, or a quick-booking discount on a date many groups are asking about — it comes with a stated time to make your deposit. If the deposit isn't received within that time, the discount expires and your charter price may change. Your balance must be completed and cleared before we can leave the dock, by the deadlines under "When is my final balance due?" If it runs late on the day, we'll wait with you at the dock while you sort it out — but a delayed balance works just like a delayed departure (see "What happens if we delay our departure?"): the end time doesn't move, and there isn't another day held for you. And if the balance can't be completed at all, the charter is cancelled: the deposit is lost, with no refund, no credit, and no rescheduling. That's because by then your crew is hired and your boat is at the dock ready for you, and those costs are already spent. If you can see a payment problem coming, call us before your day — changing how you'll pay is easy to arrange in advance.

15. What is your cancellation policy?

The full policy is in our Terms & Conditions, and we strongly recommend reading it before you book — it sets out exactly what refund or credit applies at each point before your charter date. The short version: what you receive back depends on how far in advance you cancel, so the earlier you let us know, the better. No-shows are non-refundable, and the full balance remains due.

16. What happens if the weather is bad?

Don't panic at the forecast. It rains somewhere on this island every day of the year — that rainforest rain is where our waterfalls come from. The rain in your forecast usually amounts to passing showers: one may cross the boat, and then it's gone — we call it liquid sunshine — and there's covered seating up top while it passes. It doesn't mean rain all day, and it doesn't mean a ruined boat day. An ordinary forecast of rain is never a reason to change your date. Rain alone never brings a refund: bad weather is not a severe weather warning, and the difference matters. We track conditions closely, radar included, and we can shift your departure earlier or later, move around the rain, and choose protected areas with calmer seas. On the rare day we can see will be truly miserable — rain all day — if another day is open and it fits your schedule, we'll move you to it. If you can't move, your charter goes ahead as scheduled, and we'll work around the weather as much as we possibly can. Only an official severe weather warning cancels a charter. That warning comes from the Coast Guard, and it grounds the boats — it isn't our call or yours, and we won't go out under one, even if you'd still like to go. If another day is open that fits your schedule, we can move your charter to it; if not, you receive a full refund.

17. Do I need to sign a waiver?

Yes — every single guest, no exceptions. Each adult signs their own electronic waiver, and a parent signs for each child. Your waiver arrives with your booking confirmation, and the best move is to sign it days ahead: we check them off in advance, so nobody is held up at the dock while signatures are verified. Nobody boards until the waivers are in. The one exception is a busy cruise ship dock, where we may let you step aboard to clear the congestion — but the boat simply hovers until every signature is collected, and only then do we leave. And if you'd rather not sign, that's your choice — it simply means you can't take part in the charter.

18. Can I bring food or drinks?

Of course — bring whatever makes your day more enjoyable: food, drinks, alcohol, all welcome aboard. You're never limited to our food and beverage upgrades; if you'd rather bring your own favorites, we're happy to have them on board.

19. Can we bring our own chef?

No — outside chefs can't work in our galley. Anyone working aboard has to be boat-certified crew, and a land-based chef doesn't hold that certification. If you'd like a chef for your day, tell us: a chef on board is one of our special arrangements, and we'll set it up with one of our own.

20. Is alcohol allowed onboard?

Of course. Alcohol is served on board, with beverage packages including upgraded options, and you're welcome to bring your own. We ask only that you drink responsibly — alcohol and swimming are a dangerous mix. Consumption is at your own risk, and the crew may limit or refuse service, or restrict activities — in the water or on board — for anyone who has had too much.

21. Can the itinerary change?

Yes — before your charter and during it. Routes, stops, and activities can all be adjusted, subject to the captain's approval, based on weather, safety, conditions on the day, and the time involved. Two things can't move once they're set: arranged extras such as a chef on board or a dining reservation — those parts of your day are fixed. And a change can change your price: added time, or added distance beyond what your original proposal included, is charged.

22. What should I bring?

Very little: towels, sunscreen — please apply it before you board — your swimwear, any personal items you'll need for the day, and a change of clothes if you're planning a dining experience. We're a barefoot boat, so shoes come off before boarding.

23. Is gratuity included?

No — gratuity isn't included in your charter price. It's customary throughout the charter industry, and our crew relies on it: a gratuity of 10–20% is standard, paid directly to the crew for the day they gave you.

24. Are we allowed to swim or do water activities?

Yes — swimming, snorkeling, and even cliff jumping are all part of the day when conditions allow. Everything you choose to do in the water or off the boat — including diving and jumping in — is voluntary, at your own risk and your own responsibility, and covered by your liability waiver, which must be signed and in place before you take part. Be straight with your crew about your ability in the water — if you don't swim, today isn't the day to learn. Tell them, and they'll assist you and keep an eye on you. Sea conditions set the limits: the captain may restrict an activity on the day, and the captain's word is final.

25. Can I book a charter the night before?

The best days start early: our guests book as far as two years ahead — 18 months is common — because that's how you get the full custom experience, every option open. The closer your date gets, the narrower it all becomes. The soonest a charter can normally be booked is 72 hours ahead, and we don't take charters on 48 hours' notice or less; a short-notice booking still requires its deposit, with payment options and add-ons more limited. Rare exceptions are sometimes possible when a date is open, especially in low season, but always at a higher price — last-minute is never the cheaper way to book. And if you're holding a proposal, don't sit on it: delay your deposit until your date is close, and your price is subject to change and your payment methods will be limited.

26. How many people can your boat comfortably hold?

Island Girl is certified for 38 guests, and she carries them comfortably — a solid front deck, an upper fly deck, and room to spread out. A sailing catamaran her size typically holds comfortably only about half that many, having no large hard deck or covered fly deck.

27. Can we end our charter at sunset?

Yes — every charter we run can end with a sunset cruise in St. Lucia, whatever its length and wherever it departs from. It's one of the custom options we're proudest to offer: we'll time your day, or extend it, so your return becomes a private sunset cruise — a romantic sunset cruise for two, a celebration cruise with your whole group, or a champagne sunset cruise option.

28. Does it cost extra to end with a sunset cruise?

A sunset cruise return is complimentary with Rodney Bay departures. From every other departure point, a sunset return may be added.

29. Can we play our own music, and is there WiFi on board?

Yes — connect to our Bluetooth speaker system and stream your own playlists, and there's WiFi on board to do it with. And you don't have to be your own DJ: if you'd rather not, just ask, and the crew is happy to play Caribbean music for you. If you're offered the connection and you'd prefer a quiet boat, that stands too — the crew won't start music unless you ask for it.

30. Are there places to change clothes or rest?

Yes — there are two changing rooms and two bathrooms on board. The changing rooms are private and quiet, and they double as a good spot for a child to nap.

31. Can we smoke on board?

Yes — smoking is permitted in the designated areas. Just ask the crew and they'll point you to the spot.

32. Can we start before sunrise or go into the evening?

Yes to both, arranged in advance, with additional fees. Early starts are no problem — just know we don't run sunrise-viewing charters: the sun rises on the east side of the island, and it can't be seen from any of our west-coast routes. Evenings are a beautiful time to be out, and on special occasions — New Year's Eve, or a full moon — night charters are available by request.

33. Can we rent the whole boat for one flat fee and bring our own food and drinks?

Pricing always depends on your guest count, your time aboard, and the route you choose — there are no flat rates. But the day can be as unbundled as you like. Ask at the start of your proposal and we'll leave our standard drinks and snacks off, so you can bring your own food and drinks aboard. You can arrange your own taxis and shore plans too — and if you'd like to dock at Soufrière and spend time ashore on your own, without a land tour, that's fine: it simply adds the dock fees to your charter. Our custom service is happy to arrange every detail — but if you love the boat and want to handle the rest yourselves, that works beautifully too.

34. Is there a discount for children?

Children are very welcome aboard — family days are some of our favorites. On pricing, though, there is no discount for children: ages 2 and up pay the standard rate. The one exception is babies under 2, who are free. A baby still counts toward the guest count — the boat holds 38 guests in all, so a baby takes one of those 38 places.

35. I got a price quote months ago — can I still book at that price?

Yes, you can still book — just not at that price. Promotional pricing in a proposal is honored for 14 days only. After that, current pricing and current availability apply, and we'll send you a new proposal for your date.

36. Why a luxury power catamaran?

A sailing catamaran is built around its sails — and sails come with strings attached: masts, rigging, and netting stretched across the front. A cruising power catamaran like Island Girl runs on engines instead. With no rigging in the way, her front deck is solid — a hard deck where your whole group can gather, lay out in the sun, or break into a spontaneous dance party — and above it sits a fly deck with covered seating. The fly deck and the hard front deck give a power catamaran far more usable room than a sailing catamaran her size, which is why power catamarans normally carry larger groups comfortably — with everybody together instead of split up.

37. What is the best private catamaran charter in St. Lucia?

The best private catamaran charter in St. Lucia is the one that's completely yours. Ours is built on three things nobody else offers together: the most customizable day on the island, only one charter per day, and the option to end any charter with a sunset return. Your group is the only group aboard — departure time, return time, route, and stops all built around you — aboard Island Girl, our 47-foot luxury power catamaran out of Rodney Bay Marina and ports all along the west coast.

38. Do all charters include snorkeling?

No — snorkeling is included when it's listed in your proposal, so check your proposal details; not every charter is planned with a snorkeling stop. When we do plan one in, it's at the marine reserves along the west coast, and it works best for smaller groups: equipment sets are limited, and there isn't the crew to safely supervise an entire boat of snorkelers in the water at one time. It isn't part of a Land & Sea day, where the time goes to the land stops and the drive. Large groups should inquire in advance about snorkeling on their proposed day, and plan on bringing their own gear so everyone can be accommodated — and it must be planned ahead, because it changes your proposal: extra personnel are hired for supervision.

39. Can we swim during a sunset cruise?

Typically, no — a two-hour sunset cruise doesn't leave time for an anchor swim stop while still covering the coastline. But if a sunset swim is what you want, we'll build it in: a shorter cruise, anchored early, and you'll simply cover less distance. It's a custom charter — the day is arranged around what you want.

40. What is the best thing to do in St. Lucia on a cruise day?

For most cruise passengers, it's the Pitons and Soufrière — best seen on a private St. Lucia land and sea tour. We offer private shore excursions aboard Island Girl, a 47-foot power catamaran, with direct pickup at Castries Bay and a schedule built around your ship's time in port.

41. What is the number one thing to see in St. Lucia?

The majestic Pitons rising out of Soufrière Bay — there's nothing else like it. You'll experience them on every full-day charter, and get up close and personal on our St. Lucia land and sea tour.

42. Can we see the Pitons on a half-day charter?

It depends on where you're departing from: not every location can reach the Pitons within a half day. Tell us your departure location on your inquiry and we'll let you know what itinerary options are available.

43. Can we extend our charter while we're already out on the water?

Yes — that's easy. Call your Tour Designer and okay it with her, and the extra time is yours. The additional hours are paid on board at the time you ask, by an instant payment: the card machine on board, Venmo or PayPal between friends and family (purchase protection or goods-and-services payments aren't instant, so they can't be used for this), or cash. In every case, the balance is settled before anyone leaves the boat. For more information on the forms of payment we accept, and the timeline for each payment, please see our Terms & Conditions.

44. I've received my proposal — what comes next?

If it looks right, send your deposit — that's what secures your date (see "How do I secure my booking?"). Within 48 hours you'll get your booking confirmation, with your updated invoice, what to know about your charter day, and your waiver links. If anything needs adjusting first, call us — a quick conversation is the fastest way to shape the day.

45. We've already booked a charter. Can we add more people or change the date?

Guest counts move — we know that, especially with weddings and reunions, and we're flexible. Your deposit secures your date, not your final number: most proposals are written with a guest-count range, and inside that range your per-person price holds, so your total can be updated easily, even right before your charter. Final counts are due about a week before, and the sooner you tell us about an increase, the better we can provision the boat for you. Counts outside the quoted range — above it or below it — may change your per-person price, and a count below the range may mean the proposal is rewritten. Unannounced extra guests are paid for at the dock before boarding, and their waivers must be signed — nobody boards without one. Changing the date: if your new date is available, we're happy to move you — we need at least one week's notice for a date change. Changes to a chef booking or to food need two weeks' notice.