Asked and Answered

Up to six guests on a normal captain-and-crew charter, the federal passenger limit for an uninspected passenger vessel. Groups of 7-12 run under a bareboat charter structure, with the captain hired separately by your group. Every trip is private to your group.

A 50% deposit reserves your date and the remaining balance is due 14 days before your trip. You can also pay in full when you book. Credit-card payments include a 3% processing fee, shown before you pay.

The 50% deposit is nonrefundable. If a customer pays in full and cancels more than 14 days before the charter, we refund 50% of the total charter price. Cancellations within 14 days are nonrefundable. Trips booked within 14 days of the charter date are payable in full at booking and nonrefundable. If Bluebill or the captain cancels because of unsafe weather, mechanical problems or another operational issue, the customer can reschedule or receive a full refund.

The captain watches the forecast and makes the final call. If Bluebill or the captain cancels because of unsafe weather, mechanical problems or another operational issue, you can reschedule or receive a full refund.

Yes. Bring whatever you would like aboard, alcohol included. A refrigerator and a cooler with ice keep everything cold. One firm rule: no glass containers - cans, plastic bottles and boxed wine only.

Layers, sun protection, soft-soled shoes and any food and drink you want for the day. On fishing trips, all gear, bait and tackle are provided. The full checklist lives on the what to bring page.

Yes, if you are 16 or older and plan to fish: a California sport fishing license, available online from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. One-day licenses work fine. Islands trips also require Mexican licenses and FMM permits, which the crew helps you arrange.

Prevention beats cure: take medication the night before and the morning of, hydrate and eat a light breakfast. If it hits anyway, fresh air and the horizon help, and the crew knows the drill.

Guest pickup is at 1548 Quivira Way in Mission Bay, San Diego - the ABC pickup dock next to Aquarius Bar & Grille (Bluebill's home port is 1500 Quivira Way). Arrive about 20 minutes early.

Yes. Bluebill is run by a fully licensed, experienced captain. Equipped with U.S. Coast Guard-required safety equipment, including adult and child life jackets. Every trip starts with a short safety briefing.

Yes to both. Child-size life jackets are aboard, and well-behaved pets are welcome too.

Tipping is customary and never expected under pressure. When the day is well run, 15 to 20 percent of the charter price for the crew is the industry norm.