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GUIDED BOAT TOUR
Frequently Asked Questions
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.
General
Safety & Restrictions
Weather
Food & Clothing
- 01Generally, we have two tours to choose from daily, 7 days a week. Please click “BOOK NOW” throughout our website to see the schedule and availability. Likewise, you can click the buttons below to check current availability for all upcoming tours.
- 02You must be 18 years old with a valid drivers license to drive the boat. Additionally, if you are between 18-35 years of age, the state of Florida requires you to take a quick quiz to receive a temporary boating license. You can get that license using the following link. We recommnd you doing this before your tour time, but if you need help be sure to arrive a minimum of 15 minutes prior to your excursion to ensure you get this completed.
- 03If you plan to drive our boat and you are between 18-35 years of age, the state of Florida requires you to take the Temporary Boaters License Course online at Boattests101.com and show proof of completion on your phone before going on the tour. The link for the test is https://boattests101.com/united-states/florida/florida-rental Boattests101 charges $13.95 for the certification, which Florida law requires. If you are 36+ years of age, you are not required to take this course.
- 04In the event you have an odd number in your tour 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.
- 05We offer two different tour options including a 75 minute tour and a 2 ½ hour boat tour.
- 06Our boats are custom-designed 2-seater, outboard-powered catamaran boats. They are perfectly designed for safety, maneuverability, and of course, a good time.
- 07Yes, for certain circumstances, we may offer group rates. Please contact us at 386-241-5728 to make special arrangements.
- 08Our 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 386-241-5728 to inquire more information.
- 09We typically host tours with up to 8 guests, but we can accommodate up to 9 guests in most locations.
- 10We designed these boats to stay dry, however on choppy days you may get a little spray, but not soaking wet.
- 11Looking for a Palm Coast dolphin tour? We almost always see dolphins on our eco-tours, but with nature, nothing is guaranteed. What we can guarantee that our tours are filled will amazing local wildlife that Florida has to offer. We occasionally see sea turtles and manatees, but you always expect to see shorebirds and lots of beautiful scenery on our tours. All of our guided 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. If you're seeking to find dolphins in Palm Coast, we're here to do our best to make that happen.
- 12Tips are always appreciated. We do our best to ensure you and your group come away from your eco-tour with loads of smiles and great memories. To make it convenient for guests, you can either tip online when booking or in-person after your tour.
- 13Absolutely! Backwater Cat Adventure provides great family-friendly activities in Palm Coast, especially if you and your group enjoy wildlife, water, and adventure. To us, our family-friendly boat tours is one of the top things to do with kids in Palm Coast. Note: Children must be 5 years of age or older to ride.
- 14Yes. Backwater Cat Adventure offers self-drive boat tours. This means you get to be your own captain and drive your own boat. Our guides will be there to lead you through the Palm Coast Waterways, but you get to zip around, have fun, and steer your own way.
- 15In our opinion we believe our guided boat tours are one of the top things to do in Palm Coast. That's why so many people from surrounding areas such as Ormond Beach, Flagler Beach, Daytona Beach, St. Augustine, and event Orlando make the drive to visit us.
- 16If you are seeking romantic date ideas in Palm Coast, you may want to add Backwater Cat Adventure to the list. Sign up for one of our day cruises, or even better, an evening sunset cruise. Our Palm Coast eco-tours make great anniversary outings, birthday gifts, or even a day date.
- 17Our guides will be taking photos along the way so you can soak up the moment and enjoy the journey. When we slow down for points of interest, you can use your phones at your ow risk. We don't want you to miss the Instagram-worthy views, scenic sunsets, and wildlife photography opportunities but note that Backwater Cat Adventure is not liable for lost or damaged phones.
- 18Yes. At Backwater Cat Adventure we offer easy boat tours. So, whether you are an experienced driver or new to the waters, you're sure to enjoy your daytime adventures around Palm Coast
- 19If you're looking for one of the best things to do in Palm Coast, Backwater Cat Adventure offers an experience unlike any other. Instead of simply sitting back as a passenger, you'll captain and drive your own custom-built Backwater Cat boat while following an experienced local guide through the scenic Intracoastal Waterway of Palm Coast.Our guided eco-tours combine everything people love about Northeast Florida in one unforgettable outing. Along the way, you may spot playful dolphins, sea turtles, shorebirds, ospreys, pelicans, and even the occasional manatee while exploring hidden waterways and learning about the area's rich history and unique coastal ecosystem. Whether you're planning a family-friendly adventure, a romantic sunset tour, a vacation activity, or simply looking to experience Florida's natural beauty from the water, every tour is designed to create lasting memories. Conveniently located in Palm Coast, we're just a short drive from Flagler Beach, St. Augustine, Ormond Beach, Daytona Beach, and surrounding areas, making us a favorite destination for both locals and visitors. From breathtaking scenery and incredible wildlife encounters to the excitement of driving your own boat, it's easy to see why Backwater Cat Adventure has become one of Palm Coast's most unique outdoor experiences. We look forward to welcoming you aboard one of our upcoming tours.
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