What Is a Bareboat Charter (and How Sip N’ Slip Tours Stays 100% Legal)
If you’ve been researching boat tours in Sarasota or party boat experiences in Siesta Key, you may have seen the term “bareboat charter.” While it sounds technical, bareboat charters are actually one of the safest, most transparent, and most legally compliant ways to enjoy a private boat experience on Florida waters.
At Sip N’ Slip Tours, we operate strictly under U.S. Coast Guard–recognized bareboat charter guidelines—and we go above and beyond to make sure every guest experience is not only unforgettable, but also fully legal.
Here’s exactly what that means 👇
What Is a Bareboat Charter?
A bareboat charter is a private vessel rental where:
The charterer (you) temporarily assumes control of the boat
The boat owner does NOT provide a captain
The charterer has the freedom to select or hire a licensed captain independently
The vessel is not operating as a “for-hire” passenger vessel
This structure is recognized by the U.S. Coast Guard and allows guests to enjoy private experiences like:
Bachelor & bachelorette parties
—all without being subject to the limitations of traditional passenger tour boats.
Why Bareboat Charters Matter (Legally)
Many people don’t realize that most boat tour violations happen because operators blur the lines between a tour boat and a bareboat charter.
At Sip N’ Slip Tours, we never blur those lines.
Bareboat charters are legal only when these rules are followed:
❌ The boat owner cannot assign the captain
❌ The captain cannot be paid by the boat owner
❌ The experience cannot be advertised as a “captained tour”
✅ The charterer chooses the captain independently
✅ A valid charter agreement is signed before departure
You can learn more about how this works on our How It Works page.
How Sip N’ Slip Tours Keeps Everything Legal
1️⃣ Proper Bareboat Charter Agreement
Every charter begins with a written bareboat charter agreement that clearly transfers control of the vessel to the charterer for the duration of the trip. This document is signed before departure and aligns with Coast Guard guidelines.
👉 See our Bareboat Charter FAQs for common questions.
2️⃣ Independent, Licensed Captains
We do not provide or assign captains.
Instead:
Guests may hire a properly licensed U.S. Coast Guard captain
Captains operate independently
Captains are paid directly by the charterer
This structure is explained in detail on our Captain & Charterer Responsibilities page.
3️⃣ Captain Dismissal Clause (Your Control)
Our agreements include a captain dismissal clause, meaning:
The charterer retains authority
If safety rules are violated, the captain can be removed
Control always stays with the charterer—not the boat owner
This is a key compliance point many operators overlook.
4️⃣ Pre-Departure Safety Orientation
Before leaving the dock, every charter includes:
Safety equipment review
Vessel orientation
Emergency procedures
Clear operating guidelines
You can review what to expect before boarding on our Safety Information page.
Why This Is Better for Guests
Operating as a bareboat charter allows us to offer:
Private party boat experiences
BYOB booze cruises
Flexible itineraries (sandbars, sunset cruises, dolphin spotting)
Unique onboard features like our boat-mounted trampoline and waterslide
—all while staying fully compliant with maritime law.
Unlike crowded tour boats, you get a true private experience with your group only.
Explore all available options on our Private Boat Tours page.
Transparency You Can Trust
At Sip N’ Slip Tours, we believe:
If you’re going to do it, do it right—or don’t do it at all.
That’s why we:
Educate guests about bareboat charters
Operate within Coast Guard guidelines
Use detailed charter agreements
Maintain clear safety procedures
No gray areas. No shortcuts.
Book With Confidence
If you’re looking for:
A legal party boat in Sarasota
A private boat tour in Siesta Key
A booze cruise done the right way
👉 Book your bareboat charter here and experience the difference.
📍 Sarasota & Siesta Key
🌊 Private Bareboat Charters
🎉 Party Boats | Sunset Cruises | Sandbar Trips