OTTAWA YACHT

PRIVATE CHARTERS & SHARED CRUISES

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’ll be sharing the yacht with other guests. Same stunning river. Same polished service.

❓ What’s the cost?

Private Charters start at $299/hr. Shared Cruises are $89–$119/person depending on the day and vibe. Fireworks Nights are $149/person. Taxes extra.

❓ Do you offer discounts for kids or seniors?

Nope. 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 7+ days in advance. Less than that, 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, or décor allowed. 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 sweet boards—curated locally and served yacht-style. Pre-order 24+ 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 drinks when booking.

❓ Is there a bar on board?

Yes. We carry wine, beer, prosecco, cider, and non-alcoholic options. All sales are cashless.

🛥️ Tour Details

❓ How long is the cruise?

You choose! Private Charters are available in 1, 2, or 3-hour durations. Shared Cruises are usually 1.5–2 hours. Fireworks Nights are 3 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 weather.

❓ 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 accessible, but our yachts are not fully wheelchair-accessible. Please call us to discuss individual needs before booking.

🌧️ Weather & Rescheduling

❓ What happens if it rains?

We still sail! Our cabin is covered, and the yacht has side panels we can zip down. In extreme weather, 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, insured, and your crew is trained in first aid and emergency response.

❓ Do I need to wear a lifejacket?

Nope—but lifejackets are on board and easily accessible if needed. Children under 12 must wear one while outside the cabin.

❓ 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 Hull Marina (Quai Brébeuf), just across the river from downtown Ottawa. 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 can't delay the tour.

❓ Can we bring music?

Our yacht has a great sound system 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 marine toilet on board. It’s small but 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, photo shoots, and even a tiny wedding. 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.