OTTAWA YACHT

PRIVATE CHARTERS & PUBLIC TOURS

FAQ.

OTTAWA YACHT

PRIVATE CHARTERS
& PUBLIC TOURS

FAQ

📅 Booking & Pricing

❓ How do I book a tour?

Easy! Just head to OttawaYacht.ca and book online. We use FareHarbor to securely process all bookings.

❓ Difference between Private Charters and Shared Cruises?

Private Charters are just for your group—up to 12 people. Shared Cruises are public, so you could be sharing the yacht with other guests. Same stunning river. Same polished service.

❓ What’s the cost?

Private Charters start at $549/hr. Shared Cruises are $79.50/person depending on the day and vibe. Fireworks Nights are $149/person. Taxes extra.

❓ Do you offer discounts for kids or seniors?

No. Everyone counts toward our 12-passenger max, regardless of age. We don’t charge more for fun adults either.

❓ Can I cancel or reschedule?

Sure, as long as it’s in advance. Too short notice, and it’s non-refundable—but you can gift it to someone else.

🍽️ Food & Drink

❓ Can we bring our own food or drinks?

No outside food, drinks. But we’ve got you covered: gourmet eats, curated drinks, and even custom charcuterie. All pre-orderable.

❓ What kind of food do you serve?

Gourmet sandwiches, premium charcuterie, and indulgent deserts—curated locally and served yacht-style. Pre-order 48+ hours in advance.

❓ Can we drink alcohol on board?

Yes, legally and responsibly. Our crew is certified and our bar is licensed. You can pre-order special drinks when booking (we add the usual restaurant markup for this service).

❓ Is there a bar on board?

Yes. We carry wine, beer, prosecco, and non-alcoholic options. All sales are cashless and drinks are paid for at the end of the tour, like at a restaurant.

🛥️ Tour Details

❓ How long is the cruise?

You choose! Private Charters are available in 1, 2, or 3-hour durations. Shared Cruises are 1 hour. Fireworks Nights are 2.5 hours.

❓ What’s the route?

We cruise past Parliament Hill, the Chateau Laurier, Rideau Falls, Rockcliffe, and more. Routes may vary depending on tour type and duration.

❓ Can we swim?

Yes, for private charters only and only if you pre-select the swim option. The captain will find a safe cove and toss the anchor.

❓ Is it accessible?

Our boarding dock is not accessible; our yachts are not fully wheelchair-accessible. Please call us to discuss individual needs before booking.

🌧️ Weather & Rescheduling

❓ What happens if it rains?

We usually still sail! Our cockpits are covered and have side panels we can zip down. In extreme weather (thunder or heavy rains or heavy winds), we’ll contact you to reschedule.

❓ Can I reschedule due to weather?

Only if the captain deems it unsafe. Otherwise, dress for the weather—it’s part of the adventure!

⛑️ Safety & Crew

❓ Is it safe?

Absolutely. We’re Transport Canada certified, licensed, commercially insured, and our crew is trained in first aid and emergency response. We have first aid kits, a defibrillator, and EpiPens (for adult or child) on board.

❓ Do I need to wear a lifejacket?

Nope—lifejackets are on board and easily accessible if needed. Children under 12 must wear one while out front on the bow.

❓ Is tipping expected?

Tips are never expected, but always appreciated. Our crew works hard to make your day unforgettable.

🚤 Boarding & Logistics

❓ Where do we board?

At the Pirate Marina, 1067 Jacques-Cartier Street, Gatineau, which is 5km (a 10-minute drive) from the Ottawa Byward Market, with ample free parking nearby.

❓ What time should we arrive?

Arrive 15 minutes before departure. We leave on time—and we mean it. If you're late, we won't delay the tour.

❓ Can we bring music?

Our yachts have great sound systems and Bluetooth. You’re welcome to be the DJ—or let us set the vibe for you.

❓ Is there a washroom?

Yes, there’s a private washroom on board each yacht. It’s small and fully functional and always clean.

❓ What should we wear?

Dress like you’re going sailing with Beyoncé: casual, classy, and weather-appropriate. We recommend layers and non-slip shoes.

❓ Are pets allowed?

Sorry, no pets. We love animals, but our space is limited and not suited for furry crew members.

💬 Other

❓ Do you sell gift cards?

Yes! Digital gift cards are available on our site—perfect for birthdays, anniversaries, or just because.

❓ Do you do special events or proposals?

Absolutely. We've hosted surprise proposals, weddings, anniversaries, bachelor and bachelorette parties, photo shoots. Contact us for custom requests!

❓ Can we each pay separately?

Yes. Just like at a restaurant, each guest can pay their share at the end of the cruise. We use Square, and you can pay by card, tap, Apple Pay, or even cash if needed.

❓ How do we tip the crew?

You can tip when settling up at the end of your tour. Use any payment method you like—card, tap, Apple Pay, or cash. We process all payments through Square.

❓ Where can I see pictures of yachts?

We have hundreds of posts with photos and videos on our Instagram account: OttawaYacht.