Covid-safe Tours of Washington DC
are our private boat tours a safe way to sightsee during the coronavirus pandemic?
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why is a private tour of DC potentially safer on a chartered cruise?
Q: Are there other people on board who I may be exposed to?
On our 25-foot open boats, there are two separate seatings areas. Maximum guest capacity is 6 passengers, but they’re always part of your private group, only.
A: Our cruises are private, so you will be traveling with your group only, throughout the cruise. We trust that you are a single family or a single “pod.” Also onboard is our captain, who will be fully masked throughout the trip and will keep as much distance as is possible and requested.
Q: Can I maintain 6 foot distance from other guests?
A: Again, the guests are only members of your private group, but depending on the size of the group, this may be possible, yes. Our 25-foot open boats have seating in the front (bow) and in the back (stern), allowing, for example, two couples to be more than 6 feet apart while still able to talk freely.
Q: Do we need to wear masks throughout the cruise?
A: Not necessarily. If you would wear masks with your private group in other settings, you may choose to. Otherwise, it’s not required except when embarking and disembarking or needing to be in very close contact with the captain. Your captain will be masked throughout the cruise to protect everyone.
Q: Do we need to have been vaccinated for Covid-19/Coronavirus prior to a cruise?
A: No. We recognize that access to vaccines is challenging.
Q: Do we need Covid-19/Coronavirus tests prior to our private cruise?
A: No, but if you are exhibiting any flu-like symptoms, the captain reserves the right to cancel the cruise prior to departure, or during the cruise. If you have a fever, cough, fatigues, aches, or other Covid-19 symptoms prior to the cruise, please advise us and we will reschedule.
Q: How many people can be aboard one boat?
A: The USCG maximum is 6 passengers total, plus our crew. If you need more people, contact us to reserve additional boats.
Q: Are your boats indoors or outdoors?
Plenty of fresh air on our open boats, especially in the bow seating area at speed! Remember, though, this is your private cruise so you select our pace.
A: It depends. Our “open boats” are, as you would expect, fully open with tons of fresh air at all times. The exception is the toilet, or “head” compartment. We will have a virus-killing aerosol spray available for that compartment and recommend wearing your mask in the event the head is needed. Our larger vessels (example here), have both indoor and outdoor spaces. The indoor space will be carefully cleaned and ventilated prior to your cruise, and you will be the only guests within that space. The captain on these cruises runs the yacht from the bridge level which is open-air and completely separated from your party. However, it is possible that the captain will need to assist indoors at times. If so, he or she will wear an N-95 or double masks. Note that it is possible to remain outdoors at all times on the larger yacht charters, if desired.
Q: Are all your locations open during Covid-19?
Larger yachts offer an interior salon, galley, dining area, and full bathroom in addition to outside spaces. But, your family or private party will be the only guests in the space. A thorough cleaning is performed before and after every cruise.
A: Yes, and we are the only private operator with official permission at 10 area docks and marinas within Washington DC, Virginia and Maryland. View locations, or contact us for advice on the best embarkation location for your needs.
Q: Will you have hand-sanitizer on board?
A: Yes, hand-sanitizer will be available, but we recommend bringing your own as well.
Q: Are you deep-cleaning the vessels between cruises?
A: Yes. We will clean all exposed surfaces with a virus-killing solution and ventilate any interior spaces between cruises. We will also allow as much time as possible between cruises. Our larger vessels (example here), with indoor spaces require an additional cleaning fee during the pandemic (hopefully only 2021), and may not be chartered more than once per day.
Q: Are your captains vaccinated for Covid-19?
A: As USCG-licensed captains, we are all in possession of federal-level transportation worker credentials (TWIC). This credential provides earlier access to vaccines than the general population. We will update this page as our captains are vaccinated.
Q: Why do you recommend a private cruise during a pandemic?
A: It’s all about avoiding crowds and unknown people. On the private charter, it’s just your group and the captain. You can’t see everything, but you’ll see plenty of iconic sights from a unique perspective. See our gallery to get a better sense for the boat and yacht tour experience.
Q: Can you guarantee my safety from the Covid-19 virus?
A: No. Just like any endeavor beyond your home, you’ll have to accept inherent risks. We’ll do everything we can to protect you and genuinely think private boat tours away from crowds and in fresh air is extremely safe. But, no guarantees can be made, and we will have a waiver for you to sign prior to departure.
Have more questions about Covid-19/Coronavirus safety on our boat-based private tours around Washington DC?
Please see more details here.
You may also visit our full FAQ page, or contact us!
