BOOKING INFO - HOW TO RESERVE YOUR CHARTER TODAY
Charter a yacht in the San Juan Islands - be part of one of the world’s most pristine cruising grounds. See eagles soar high in the sky, watch whales breach off in the distance. Cruising the San Juan Islands will change your life!! Come explore with us.
It’s as easy as 1,2,3 …
Select the yacht you desire and the cruising dates you prefer. Then:
- Call Bellhaven at 1-360-733-6636 or email us at bellhaven@bellhaven.net to check on boat availability. Once you chose your boat and dates, we will send you a quote, a copy of our Charter Agreement and boaters resume for your approval. We can “hold” your boat for up to 10 days over the phone, pending receipt of your 30% reservation deposit. Note: there is a 3.5% service charge to use a credit card.
- When we receive your reservation deposit, the initialed and signed charter contract as well as your completed boating experience resume you’ll be ready to go. The balance of your charter fees will be due 60 days before your charter begins.
- Once we receive your final charter payment we send you a copy of the Owner’s Notes from the owner to get you acquainted with your boat along with a list of equipment aboard your yacht. We will also schedule your Safety Meeting and Vessel Check Out time.
Security Deposit/Personal Liability:
Charterer agrees to pay a non-refundable daily liability & hull insurance against minor loss or damage, to prevent careless docking, loss of fenders, equipment and varied preventable boating mishaps. In addition, a one-time fully-refundable damage deposit will be charged which covers major hull damage and third party liability. Fees vary as shown on the rate schedule and are based on the value of the vessel and insurance deductible. The Charterer is then jointly covered with the boat owner and Bellhaven under a minimum of $1,000,000 personal liability coverage in the event of loss or damage to the vessel, her equipment and appurtenances.
Reporting Damage: Charterer is required to report all accidents, groundings, and injuries to Bellhaven. All costs of incidents not reported to Bellhaven in accordance with State of Washington WAC 352.70.040, will be the sole responsibility of the Charterer.
Qualifications:
Chartering a boat requires some skills, and you will be asked to provide a resume that shows your qualifications and recent boat handling experience in operating a similar size and type of vessel, and ability to navigate in tidal waters.
On checkout your assigned skipper will run through the boat operating systems with you and in the checkout ride will observe your boating skills. If desired, an experienced instructor can help sharpen your docking skills (power or sail) or provide a half day or more orientation on your boat on an hourly or daily rate.
If you do not feel qualified to assume full responsibility for the boat, or just wish to relax, a friendly skipper can be hired for a daily fee, plus meals and accommodations. Call for details.
Charter Week:
During Prime Season our charter week starts on Saturday after vessel checkout with boat return the following Friday for noon check-in.
During Low Season, charters of 3 night/4 days or more are available with a variety of departure days. Call us to work out your schedule.
Cancellations:
If your reservation is cancelled more than 60 days before your charter is to begin, your deposit is returned in full less a $100 service fee. If your reservation is cancelled within 60 days of the beginning date of your charter, your deposit will be returned ONLY if the cancelled dates are re-booked, less $100 service fee. If we are unable to re-book your dates Bellhaven will retain the entire deposit. Bellhaven reserves the right waive these fees if the occasion merits.
If you have any questions about chartering a boat in the San Juan Islands, please contact the charter office.
