Why book with VesselParty
How booking a boat in South Florida works here, point by point, and what you can check before you pay.
The price you see includes the fee
Cards and listings show the all-in price for the whole boat: the trip plus the VesselParty service fee. A refundable security deposit, when a boat asks for one, is shown separately.
A captain on every trip
Every trip on VesselParty includes a professional captain who runs the boat. You don't need a boating license or any experience, and nobody in your group has to drive.
Card payment through Stripe
You pay by card, and the payment is processed by Stripe. There is no cash at the dock and no transfer to someone's personal account. If someone asks you to pay outside the platform, it is not a VesselParty booking.
Instant booking on real availability
The calendar only offers times the boat can actually take, based on its hours, its minimum notice and the bookings it already has. You pick a time and book online, without asking for a quote.
Each boat's cancellation policy, before you pay
Every boat sets its own cancellation and weather policy. You can read it on the listing and again before you pay, so you know the terms before you commit.
Full refund if the provider cancels
If the provider cancels your trip, you get your money back in full.
Provider documents are reviewed
Providers certify that they hold the licenses and insurance their trips require, and VesselParty reviews the documents they submit. A provider who doesn't meet the requirements can be suspended.
What VesselParty is
VesselParty is a marketplace. Independent providers list their boats and run the trips; VesselParty handles the booking, the payment and the messages between you and the provider. Questions about a specific boat, such as what you can bring aboard, are answered on the listing or by its provider.
Frequently asked questions
Is VesselParty the boat operator?
No. Independent providers own or operate the boats and run the trips. VesselParty is the platform where you find a boat, book it and pay for it.
Can I pay in cash or by bank transfer?
No. Bookings on VesselParty are paid by card through Stripe.
What happens if the provider cancels?
You get a full refund.
What if I need to cancel?
The boat's own cancellation policy applies. It is on the listing and shown again before you pay.
Do I need a boating license?
No. Every trip includes a professional captain.
Find your boat
Compare boats, prices and policies in one place.