Frequently asked
questions

Location: The check-in booth is located at the very end of William Street, just to the right of the Western Union sign.

From Elizabeth Street: Keep the water on your left and follow Lazy Way Lane past the shops on your right. Continue walking, and you’ll see The Marker Resort on your right and the Schooner Wharf Bar on your left. Once you pass the bar, glance to your left to find the Appledore check-in booth.

Paid parking is available at the Key West Bight Parking Lot (at the corner of William and Caroline Streets) and Old Town Garage (at the corner of Caroline and Grinnell Streets). Street parking is limited, and we recommend not spending time searching for it.

The Florida Keys and the living reef are full of wildlife and it is common to see fish and marine animals, however, that can’t be guaranteed. In addition, there are many beautiful birds such as bald eagles, frigates, herons, and ospreys that call the Florida Keys home. Our Bugeye Backcountry Eco Tour is a great way to learn about the Florida Keys ecosystem and the best chance to see a variety of fish and birds all in one trip.

We try to use the ship described in each tour but there are times where the Schooner Appledore II or Schooner Appledore Star are substituted for the other vessel.

At Key West Schooners, the safety and enjoyment of every guest is our top priority. All guests under 18 years of age must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Please bring a valid, government-issued photo ID, as some activities and the consumption of alcoholic beverages require age verification.

Alcohol Consumption

We love that our tours are a great way to relax and celebrate, and we want to make sure everyone has a safe and enjoyable experience on the water. In the interest of guest safety, we ask that all passengers follow our onboard alcohol policy. On the Bugeye Backcountry Eco Tour, all snorkeling activities must be completed before any alcoholic beverages are consumed. This ensures the safety of every guest in the water.

Our crew reserves the right to refuse service to any guest who appears intoxicated or whose behavior poses a risk to themselves or others aboard.

Schooner Appledore’s Cancellation Policy
If your tour is canceled due to the Captain’s discretion and/or weather then you will receive a full refund or option to re-book your tour on another date based on availability. Guests canceling their tour reservations 48 hours or more prior to departure are eligible to receive a full refund or can elect to re-book the tour on another date based on availability. Guests canceling their tour reservations less than 48 hours before departure are not eligible for a refund and will forfeit 100% of their payment.

Trip Protection
We are also pleased to now offer Trip Protection! For a small fee, Trip Protection can be added to any booking, allowing cancellation up to just 2 hours prior to departure! Trip Protection can be purchased at check-out.

Guests not purchasing Trip Protection and canceling their tour reservations less than 48 hours before departure are not eligible for a refund and will forfeit 100% of their payment unless our cancellation insurance was purchased at the time of booking.

We do not have lockers or storage facilities in our office. Parties are welcome to bring a beach bag or backpack with personal belongings on our boats. However, if you have large luggage or suitcases these would be best stored at your hotel or vehicle.

No, in Key West your tour is all-inclusive. Each tour is different, look at your tour description to see what is included in yours. Food on the Bugeye Backcountry Eco Tour is served buffet style – so come hungry! Drinks again differ by tour, look to see what is included with yours.

On our Bugeye Backcountry Eco Tour, we provide you with all snorkel equipment, including sanitized snorkel, mask, fins, and buoyancy compensator vest. If you already own snorkel equipment, you are welcome to bring it along and use it on the tour.

On the Bugeye Backcountry Eco Tour, it is easier to wear your suit to the tour. There aren’t any changing facilities at our office. However, if you do need to change after boarding, there is a very small changing area in the head.

Yes, each Schooner Appledore ship is equipped to maximize your comfort with a head (that’s nautical for ‘bathroom’). In addition, Schooner Appledore Star has a freshwater rinse.

While there are no bathrooms at our office, there are public bathrooms conveniently located nearby the marina. Out of our office, turn right and continue past Schooner Wharf. The bathrooms are on the right-hand side before you reach Turtle Kraals.

For daytime sails, bring along your sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, and camera. For the Bugeye Backcountry Eco Tour, grab your towel and wear a swimsuit. For sunset sails, bring along your hat, sunglasses, and camera. If you want to drink alcoholic beverages on your tour, remember your photo I.D. to show you are at least 21 years old.

It is customary to tip your crew and always appreciated. Similar to a restaurant, a 15-20% tip is appropriate.

Children are welcome on all of our tours! We love having families aboard and want everyone to enjoy sailing on the water together.

The one exception is our Schooner Champagne Sunset Sail, which is specifically designed for couples and groups of couples looking for a romantic evening on the water. Children are permitted on this sailing, however please note that they will be charged the full adult fare rate.

If you have any questions about which tour is the best fit for your group, feel free to contact us — we’re happy to help you find the perfect sailing experience for your family!

Best Tours for Families: Our top recommendations for families are the Windjammer Sunset Sail and the Windjammer Day Sail — both are perfect for guests of all ages and make for a wonderful, shared experience on the water.

For families with adventurous kids, the Buggy Back Country Trip is a fantastic option and is great for children ages 4 and up. Infants are also welcome aboard, though we want families to know that it is a full-day outing, so please plan accordingly.

If you have any questions about which tour is the best fit for your group, feel free to contact us — we’re happy to help you find the perfect sailing experience for your family!

Seasickness is a common concern for first-time sailors, and we completely understand! Here are a few tips to help you have the most comfortable experience possible:

Before Your Trip

• Consider taking an over-the-counter motion sickness medication such as Dramamine or Bonine at least one hour before boarding. Non-drowsy formulas are available if you’d prefer to stay alert and enjoy the sail.
• Seasickness wristbands (acupressure bands) are another popular and drug-free option that many guests find helpful.
• Eat a light meal before boarding — an empty stomach can make nausea worse but avoid heavy or greasy foods.
• Stay hydrated and avoid excessive alcohol before and during the tour.

During Your Trip

• Position yourself in the middle of the boat where motion is least felt and focus your gaze on the horizon.
• Fresh air is your friend — stay on deck rather than going below.
• Let a crew member know how you’re feeling — our team is experienced and happy to help make you as comfortable as possible.

About Our Waters We sail in relatively calm, protected waters, so rough conditions are uncommon. Most guests find the experience smooth and enjoyable!