Pacifica Sailing Charters San Diego Terms of Service / FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions About Your Sail With Us

Q: Is There A Bathroom Aboard?

A: Yes, there is a bathroom (head as it's known on a boat) equipped with exceptionally clean electric toilets that are very simple to use. Number One Only Please!

Q: Where Are You and What About Parking?

A: We’re located at Marina Cortez, 1880 Harbor Island Dr, San Diego, CA 92101. To park in the marina’s guest parking area (currently free) Please park in the East or first parking lot when arriving at Marina Cortez, 
We’ll meet you right there at the gate mentioned in your confirmation eMail.

Q: How Do We Make A Reservation?

A: To reserve your charter, simply choose the Buy Tickets tab or call us direct at 619-887-5443.
If you have any questions simply give us a call.

Q: What Time Should We Arrive?

A: Please allow plenty of time for traffic and parking and try to arrive at the marina. Please arrive 10 minutes before your boarding time. Your boat leaves the dock promptly at the time listed above.
If you are running late, please give us a courtesy call BEFORE your scheduled boarding time.
If you do not, the boat may leave and you will forfeit your cruise without refund.
There is a $40 rebooking fee if you miss your boat.

Q: What Clothes Should We Bring?

A: Dressing in layers is a good idea as San Diego’s temperature can vary by time of day. It’s typically calm in the morning but sometimes breezy in the afternoon, with plenty of sunshine for most of the day. Make sure to bring a sweatshirt or jacket, your sunscreen, sunglasses and hats, along with comfortable, light soled non-slip shoes (no high heels or black bottom shoes of any type, please!).

Q: What About Food/Drinks Aboard?

A: We supply water and a variety of chips and snacks all included at no charge, but you’re certainly welcome to bring any other food or drinks you wish, including your own alcoholic beverages.

Q: What About Seasickness?

A: Our large luxury yacht, sailboats and catamarans are known for being exceptionally stable and very few people get queasy because we usually stay within the calm waters of the bay. If you’re prone to seasickness you can always pick up an over-the-counter medicine at any drug store. If you’re on a whale watching trip or any excursion that takes you out into open waters–and you or somebody in your party might be prone to seasickness–we advise that they take a medication such as Bonine at least 2 hours prior to departure and maybe again one hour before boarding the catamaran. Being seasick is not fun for anyone!

Q: Are your boats Handicap Accessible?

A: Some levels of disability can be accommodated so please call us to discuss your needs prior to making a reservation. We’ll try our very best to help you.

Q: Are There Any Age Restrictions?

A: That depends, kids and boats go together like San Diego and Sunny Weather. Sailors of all ages are welcome but minors must have adult supervision at all times. We supply life jackets for all on board and please be aware that the USCG (United States Coast Guard) requires that children aged twelve and under wear a PFD (personal flotation device or life jacket) at all times when outside on the boat.
Infants are not recommended.

Q: Is Smoking Allowed?

A: ABSOLUTELY NOT.

Q: What Makes You Better Than The Competition?

A: Our Sailboat and powered yacht cruises are not “cattle boat” tours that pack people in then bellow out facts and figures on a loudspeaker during a quick whisk around the bay. Our excursions are casual and personal–informative, discreet or maybe hands on but always focused on allowing you and your friends or family to simply relax and take in the beauty of San Diego. Our captains are professional, knowledgeable, and friendly.

Q: What About Bad Weather And Cancellations?

Our sails generally run in light rain and other moderate weather situations, but if you decide at the dock that the weather is just too cold or too wet and windy, we can reschedule or offer you a complete refund. We will only cancel due to severe or unsafe weather conditions (very rare in San Diego) and will, of course, offer you the chance to reschedule.

Q: Can We Bring Our Pet?

Unfortunately, boats are not very pet-friendly environments. It's not fair to take your pet along only to him him get seasick. This includes Therapy Dogs.

Q: How do I redeem a Groupon or Living Social Coupon?

A: Simply click the REDEEM COUPONS banner at the top of this website - Follow the simple instructions and schedule your cruise.

Q: What happens if my coupon expires before I can use it?

A: The value of your coupon purchase price will be applied towards another date you are available. Simply pay the difference for the type of cruise you purchased and we will get you rescheduled.

Q: I want to book a cruise using a coupon, but the coupon is only for two people and we have a third person that wants to go. Do we need to purchase an additional coupon for just one more person?

A: Yes, each coupon is for two people only. These coupons are basically half off, so purchasing an additional coupon for your guest is still an amazing deal and you are still saving money.

Q: When I call your phone number, all I get is an automated response, why can't I talk to a real person?

A: We spend almost all day sailing, so we are unable to answer the phone. Many of the questions that are are typically asked can be answered here if you continue reading. If you can't find the answer you are looking for, simply send an email to our office and we will get right back to you when we return from sailing.

Q: How do I know what days are available?

A: We suggest you send us the days YOU prefer to sail, as we do our best to accommodate you.
You can always view our calendar and see what days are available. There is a delay on updates to our calendar, so some days that seem to be available may already be booked.

Q: Do you have an office?

A: We are using the power of the Internet to keep your costs down. By NOT having an office and employee's, we are able to pass the savings on to you. This is why we are less expensive than EVERY other Sailing Charter Company in San Diego.

Q: Can I bring my own food and alcohol?

A: YES, We allow BYOB and encourage you to bring your favorite beverages and munchies. We recommend finger foods (small sandwiches, cheese and crackers, etc), as they are easiest to eat on the boat. We call it BYOB for a reason, as we do not keep cups,plates, and napkins on the boat. While having a bit to drink on a boat is a lot of fun, having too much to drink can be a safety hazard, so we request people have a great time, but not overindulge. We do not charge a corking fee!

Q: Will we have the boat to ourselves or will there be others sailing with us?

A: If you want to have the boat to yourselves, you may book a PRIVATE CRUISE. This does not apply to discount coupon holders. Discount coupon vouchers may have an additional couple or two sailing with you. So far, we've seen some fantastic new friendships made on our cruises, so don't worry about sailing with strangers, as they could end up being your newest best friends and sharing their wine and food with you. We don't sail with more than 6 people per cruise, so there is plenty of room to have fun.

Q: Can I bring my dog?

A: NO - We don't want our furry friends to get sick, so we discourage bringing any pets.

Q: What about service dogs?

A: Sorry - No Pets !!!

Q: Can I bring our infant?

A: No infants please. Unless you have reserved the entire boat for a cruise, no infants are allowed!

Q: Are children allowed on your cruises?

A: Yes, children over the age 7 are allowed. Sailing with kids under 7 can be stressful for the parents and the crew. We don't have time to help you babysit your child and there are plenty of ways they could get hurt.
We discourage bringing children along unless you reserve the entire boat. Kids from 7-10 are more mature and seem to follow instructions and can get involved in the sailing of the boat.

Q: How long does a sailing cruise usually take?

A: Our cruises are between 2.5 and 3.0 hours

Q: What will I see on our cruise?

A: We always see Sea Lions, Pelicans and Gulls, and Dolphins are quite frequent playing in the bay.

Q: What should I wear to go sailing?

A: This depends on the time of year we are sailing. Summer is hot, and Winter is much cooler. We always send a list of what to wear, what to bring, and what not to bring along with every confirmation we send out. We suggest dressing in layers (T-shirt, sweatshirt, wind jacket is the minimum of what we'd suggest, long pants or wind pants are recommended in winter. Any extra warm clothes can be kept down below inside the boat if you don’t use them. Hats that can be tied on are also good.
 
Please wear soft-light soled shoes such as tennis shoes or sneakers; No black bottom shoes, heels or cowboy boots, which can become slippery on the wet decks. Try to wear shoes that are non-marking (white or light soles sneakers preferred) Also, don’t forget your cameras & sunscreen!
 
For winter trips dress warmly. We recommend a warm jacket, gloves and a hat that doesn’t come off easily. You can also wear long underwear and or wind-pants if you get cold easily. Remember it will be cooler on the water than on the land because of the wind.

Q: What if the weather goes bad and we can't sail?

A: We will cancel trips the day of the trip if the weather is bad and you will receive the choice to move your reservation to a better day or receive a full refund if you live out of town. If the fog is drizzling or there is absolutely no wind you will be given a choice. You may go out anyway because you want to see the ocean and all the sea creatures that live there or you may reschedule to another day OR receive a full refund if you live out of town, if that would be your preference.

Q: What is your cancelation policy?

A:  If you must cancel less than 72 hrs before your trip please understand that we have probably turned other guests away while holding your spot so unless we are able to book another charter for the same time & duration, no credits or refunds will be issued. To be fair if we can re-book the date we were holding for you, we will give you a full refund or reschedule you for the next available cruise you had purchased.

Please eMail our office as soon as you know you need to cancel and we can usually work something out.

We will cancel trips the day of the trip if the weather is bad and you will receive the choice to move your reservation to a better day or receive a full refund if you live out of town. If it is foggy or drizzling, or there is absolutely no wind, you may be given a choice. You may go out anyway because you want to see the ocean and all the sea creatures that live there, or you may reschedule to another day of your preference.

We accept same day cancellations due to heavy rain, lack of visibility or winds in excess of 20-25 knots.

Additionally, we are happy to provide you with a gift certificate that can be transferred to anyone and has no expiration date, so you never lose the value of a trip. If neither of these options works then we will negotiate a fair compensation with you based upon our expenses and time incurred with regards to Crew and Captain scheduling.

The bottom line is we want your sailing adventure to be wonderful, and we will do our best to make that happen. Cancellation within or less 72 hrs are not acceptable (full amount forfeited) unless we are able to rebook the date for the same charter duration. No show ups will be charged the full amount and forfeit their cruise.

Private and Group Charter Cancellations:

Private Charters - Private Charters cancelled 31 days or more prior to the charter start date
will be charged a $250 cancellation fee or 10% of original booking fee, whichever is greater. 
Cancellations less than 30 days (one month) prior to departure, results in no refund.
Rescheduling is permitted with adequate notice.

Group Charters - Group Charters cancelled 31 days or more prior to the charter start date
will be charged a $250 cancellation fee or 10% of original booking fee, whichever is greater. 
Cancellations less than 30 days (one month) prior to departure, results in no refund.
Rescheduling is permitted with adequate notice.

Got More Questions?
Email us at PacificaSailingCharters@gmail.com  or call us at 619-887-5443

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