FAQ
Here are the answers to some of the most Frequently Asked Questions guests have about our charters and the booking process. If you have any other queries that are not addressed here, feel free to reach out to us. Our knowledgeable team is here to help!
What is a Private Charter? Will there be other people sharing the boat with us?
A Private Charter is just that – a private outing for your party only. There will be no other passengers on the boat with you even though the boat’s legal carrying capacity might be quite a bit larger than the size of your group.
Will there be a Captain on board?
Yes! All charters include an experienced USCG licensed Captain to sail your boat. All USCG Captains must pass licensing exams and meet required levels of sea time experience. USCG Captains are randomly drug tested and are also safety officers trained in CPR and First Aid. Trips with groups of more than 6 guests will additionally include a deckhand to help the Captain run the boat and see to your safety and enjoyment of the charter.
How far in advance should I book a charter?
Charter time slots are booked on a first-come-first-served basis, so the earlier you book, the greater the chance that you will be able to lock in your first choice of date/time. The early booking period (winter through March) is generally done through the back office by submitting a request through our site or calling us at 631-668-2826. Self-booking options via the web site become available starting in March.
What if it rains?
We don’t expect anyone to sail in the rain or other inclement/dangerous weather conditions. If the Captain must cancel a trip due to weather, you will be offered your choice of rescheduling your outing for another date/time or simply receiving a 100% refund. We ask that you include a cell phone number in your charter booking so that we may contact you in the event of a cancellation. Please note that we do not cancel trips based on advance forecasts, only actual weather. Read our full Weather & Cancellation Policy here.
May we bring food/beverages on board?
Absolutely! While we do not sell any refreshments, please feel free to bring along food and drinks. Passengers of legal drinking age may bring beer, wine, or “spiked seltzers” so long as consumption is kept light and responsible. No hard alcohol, please. While glass is okay for wine bottles, drinking glasses should be plastic or paper. We also offer for purchase reusable 16oz shatterproof Tritan stemless wine glasses that make a great souvenir of your Mon Tiki outing.
Eating on board is best thought of as casual/picnic style so things like sandwiches/wraps/sushi/pizza work well, as do hors d’oeuvres and “light bites.” We can supply you with information on local food/beverage providers if you’re looking for catering ideas.
Are your boats safe for children?
Yes! The decks of our 65′ and 40′ USCG Certified catamarans are fully protected by a sturdy 40″ high rail to make sure the little ones are safe. On our 26′ catamaran, we provide life jackets for all children 12 and under. Kids have a blast on our boats (especially if they’re Moana fans!) and parents can relax knowing they’re in good hands with our crew.
Are your outings suitable for seniors and/or people with mobility issues?
Generally, if you can climb a step-ladder with confidence, you can sail with us at any age. We’ve hosted a birthday party for a 91 year-old man! We also do our best to assist passengers with other special needs. If you’re concerned about access for yourself or a member of your party, call us at 631-668-2826 and we’ll be happy to chat.
Please note that due to the 26′ catamaran Mon Tiki Mini’s lower profile, guests with mobility concerns may prefer the more traditional seating options on our 40′ (the original Mon Tiki) or 65′ (Mon Tiki Largo) catamarans.
Should I be worried about getting seasick?
The motion on our catamarans is very easy, and we operate in the sheltered waters on the Sound side of Montauk—not the open ocean. The catamaran design is very stable, and there’s none of the “heeling” (tipping) you may have experienced on other sailboats. We often describe it to guests as like being on a floating patio. There’s no diesel smell either! It’s honestly very rare for guests to feel seasick on our catamarans. If you’re extremely sensitive though, modern over-the-counter seasickness remedies are usually effective.
What should I wear?
Whatever you might wear for a walk on the beach is probably perfect for day sails or sunset cruises. For a SUP/swim trip, pack as you would for an outing to the beach with towels and sunscreen. We do recommend bringing along a sweater or jacket especially for evening charters; wind across the water is always a touch cooler than it is on land and it will cool off more rapidly after the sun goes down.
For footwear, non-marking “deck shoes” are perfect. Sandals, sneakers or bare feet are fine too. If you come in high or spiked heels or shoes that scuff, we will ask you to stow them for the trip.
May we play music on our trip?
All of our vessels are equipped with Bluetooth stereo systems, so all you have to bring along is a device with your playlist.
May I bring my dog?
Yes, you may bring a well behaved dog along on any of our vessels, but please make sure you have a designated person who will be responsible for making sure your furry friend does not interfere with our crew performing boat operations.