Half-Day Charter in the Hamptons
Half-Day Private Charter in the Hamptons
A half day charter is the easiest way to get on the water out here, and it is our most booked trip. You get about four hours, a USCG captain, and a private boat. It is a good first time choice if you are not sure what you want yet.
We are Charters in The Hamptons, cousins running a family charter out of Shelter Island. We grew up on these waters, so we know how to make four hours feel like a full day.
What Four Hours Gets You
Four hours is plenty for a real day on the water, as long as you know what to expect. Here is a rough idea by where we pick you up.
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From Shelter Island. The back creeks, a swim stop in a calm cove, and a loop past Dering Harbor.
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From Greenport. The Greenport waterfront, a swim anchor nearby, and a slow cruise along the North Fork shore.
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From Sag Harbor. The Sag Harbor wharf, a run along the Shelter Island shoreline, and a swim stop on the way back.
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Your captain builds the route around the wind and the tide that day. If the open bay is choppy, we duck into the sheltered back creeks, which stay calm when the rest of the water is rough.
Good Reasons To Book A Half Day
A half day fits a lot of plans. A swim and a cruise on a warm afternoon. A first taste of the water if you have never chartered before. A birthday or a small celebration. A relaxed morning before a dinner reservation. You do not need a special reason. Sometimes four hours on the bay is the reason.
One Honest Limit
Montauk is a full day trip, not a half day. If Montauk is the goal, ask about our full day charter instead. For most groups, four hours is the sweet spot for a swim, a cruise, and a stop close to home water.
Half Day Or Full Day?
Go half day if you want a swim and a cruise without a full commitment. Go full day if you want to hop islands, reach a North Fork winery dock, or take the long run to Montauk. Not sure? Call us and we will tell you honestly which one fits your plan and your group.
Do You Need A License?
No. You do not need a boating license to charter with us. Our captain is the operator, and you are a guest. New York's Brianna's Law, in full effect since January 1, 2025, requires the person driving a motorboat to carry a safety certificate. With a captained charter, that is our job, not yours. You just enjoy the day.
Morning Or Afternoon
Mornings are usually calmer, which is nice for an easy cruise or a family trip. Afternoons are warmer for swimming and good for a run into the early evening light. Ask us what is open for your date and we will help you pick the slot that fits.
What To Expect On Board
Your boat comes with a captain who knows these waters. You bring the food, the drinks, and the playlist. Tell us if you want to swim and we will set the boat up for it. The day is private, so it is your group only, start to finish.
What To Bring And How To Book
Bring sunscreen, water, a hat, and a layer. A small cooler works well for a half day. We run out of 63 S Menantic Rd, Shelter Island, NY 11964, with pickup at Greenport and Sag Harbor.
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Every captain holds a USCG (US Coast Guard) license. Mike and JT earned their licenses in 2019 and have run more than 200 charters since. Call (631) 251-1777 for a quote on your date.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is a half day charter? About four hours on the water. It is enough time for a swim, a cruise, and a stop, without committing to a full day.
Do I need a boating license? No. Our captain is the operator, so you do not need a license or a safety certificate. You are a guest, and the captain handles the boat.
Can you reach Montauk on a half day? No. Montauk is a full day run from Shelter Island. For a half day we stay closer, around Shelter Island, Greenport, and Sag Harbor.
Do you pick up at Greenport and Sag Harbor? Yes. We pick up at Greenport on the North Fork and Sag Harbor on the South Fork, plus our home base on Shelter Island.
Is a captain included? Yes. Every charter we run includes a USCG licensed captain. We do not do uncaptained rentals.
Is four hours really enough? For most groups, yes. From the middle of the two forks we do not waste time getting anywhere, so four hours covers a swim, a cruise, and a stop with room to relax.
