Welcome to the FAQs for Backwater Cat Adventures, a one-of-a-kind boat touring company. This page is here to help you with any questions about our scenic boat tours, rules, payments, licenses, refunds, and just about anything else. If you have a question that is not answered here, please contact us, and we will answer it quickly. We could possibly add it to this page if it can benefit other people.
We look forward to seeing you on the water, driving your own boat and having the experience of a lifetime.
In the event you have an odd number party, one person will ride with the tour guide on the lead boat. We do have an option to rent the entire boat as a single for an additional charge.
A credit card is the only way to reserve your spot (please call if you plan to pay cash so we may get your credit card on file). 100% refunds are given when you cancel outside of 72 hours of your boat tour or for bad weather conditions. We’re sorry, but no refunds if you cancel within 72 hours of the tour, if you are late arriving and miss the departure, or if you simply “No Show.”
Yes, the weight limit is 300 lbs per person for safety reasons.
Generally, we have two tours to choose from daily, 7 days a week. Please click “BOOK NOW” to see the schedule and availability.
We will not go out in rain, dangerous conditions/high winds, or when the temperature is below 65 degrees. In the event of bad weather, we will try to reschedule you for a different day. If we are not able to reschedule, all monies paid will be refunded. Backwater Cat Adventure does provide rain pants and a jacket in the event of rain while on the tour.
The boats are designed not only for fun but with safety in mind. We designed these boats from the ground up with multiple hours of testing to ensure stability and comfort. We have a perfect safety rating and intend to keep it that way.
If you plan to drive our boat, were born after January 1, 1988, and are at least 18 years of age, you must take the Temporary Boaters License Course online at Boattests101.com and show proof of completion on your phone before going on the tour. We will e-mail the exact link for the test. Boattests101 charges $13.95 for the certification, which Florida law requires.
You must be 18 years old with a valid drivers license to drive the boat.
Children 5 years old and up may ride on the boat with an adult. Child life preservers are provided.
We provide bottled water for each boat. You may bring snacks and other drinks.
1 hour, 15 min tour, and we have a 2 ½ hour boat tour
Custom-designed 2-seater, outboard-powered catamaran boats for safety, maneuverability, and a good time.
We have a small dry box located on our boats, so feel free to bring small items like keys, wallets, or phones. Please refrain from bringing large items or bags. Many guests wear sunglasses to avoid any water splashing in their eyes. You really don’t need to bring anything specific for your tour.
For certain circumstances, we may offer group rates. Please contact us at 904-753-7631 to make special arrangements.
Our tours are guided tours, and each tour will have a lead boat with a tour guide in front to keep you safe on the water. Our tours aren’t private, and there may be other guests in addition to your group. If you’d like to arrange a private tour for your group contact us at 904-753-7631 to inquire.
We typically host tours with up to 8 guests, but we can accommodate up to 24 guests in most locations.
Depending on the location of your boat tour will determine if their are restroom facilities to use. Please contact the location you would like to schedule a tour with to see if they have onsite restrooms of bathroom breaks during one of the boat tours.
Each boat has a small cooler, and we provide ice and bottled water for your tour. You’re welcome to bring additional beverages and snacks. Guests operating the boat are not permitted to consume alcohol.
We are flexible since the weather often changes here in Florida! We will not run tours if there’s lighting, high winds, or rough water. We will make the call about an hour or two before the tour start time. If we need to cancel, guests have the option to reschedule for a different date or receive a full refund.
Unfortunately not. Our boats aren’t large enough to accommodate.
Each boat has a canopy, and your face and arms remain covered for the most part, although your legs and feet will be exposed to the sun.
We designed these boats to stay dry, however on choppy days you may get a little spray, but not soaking wet.
We almost always see dolphins on our tours. We occasionally see sea turtles and manatees. We always see shorebirds and lots of beautiful scenery on our tours. All of our tours make short stops (on the water) to visit various points of interest unique to this part of the Intracoastal Waterway. Our longer tour makes a stop near the historic Fort Matanzas and Matanzas inlet where we beach the boats for a short time.
Yes, life vests are required for all guests. We provide self-inflating, lightweight vests for your safety and comfort.
Our boats can go up to 35mph.
In warm months, we recommend wearing clothes that dry quickly or bathing suits. It’s also recommended to avoid wearing sneakers or boots. Flip flops, crocs or sandals are the best options for footwear in warmer months. If your tour takes place in the cooler months, bundle up since it’s cooler or the water.
Tips are always appreciated. We do our best to make it convenient for guests to either tip online when booking or in person after your tour.