Schooner Clearwater — Local services in Clearwater

Was turned away for having a dog and then refused a $75 refund booking through Viator. Probably wouldn’t be posting an additional 1 Star review here were it not for the owners response on the Viator review, which I don’t have the option of responding to. Regarding the owner comment asking why I didn’t call to find out if bringing a dog was acceptable, it was because a.) I’ve been able to bring my dog aboard SEVERAL VESSELS in the past and in fact NEVER refused, and b.) I didn’t see your policy about no animal’s because it’s hidden in the overview section and you have to scroll down and click another menu to actually SEE it. I know this because I went back and looked - Information considered so important it had to be listed as “additional.” So yeah, that’s how I missed it and that’s why I didn’t call first. Perhaps I should have called after reading your other requirements which seemed overly stringent to me. In the Viator review you cited “providing a safe experience” to cover some of the reasons for this, but I didn’t see anything in the photos or the instructions about providing life vests to the passengers when even my dog had one. Regarding the comment about someone possibly being allergic (i.e. providing safety), I have no idea why that’s a point you’d bother making since, if that were a concern, you could have easily asked the passengers if they had any allergy objections (in open air no less) rather than make that something I ought to assume would be the case under the circumstances. Regarding your somewhat smarmy comment about it being a memorable day for you too since none of your 15k customers has ever tried to bring a 60 lb dog aboard (it’s 48 lbs. by the way) - being the only one to do something doesn’t make it ridiculous - it’s just you trying to make it appear so. And to your last comment, I DID take up the refund with Viator. The reason for your 1-star review on Viator was because the tour operator (which I’m assuming was you) said I should be able to get the refund, and yet Viator said they refused the refund after taking it up with you. The 1 star review was the consequence of Viator making you appear to be complicit in their ruling. If I’m somehow wrong about that, well then I’m sorry, but up until that point, I had been understanding about being turned away. Why wouldn’t I? It’s your rules. In any case, I won’t be dealing with Viator ever again, and if this was such a rarity then I guess you don’t have to worry about over-inflating dog sizes and making customers you take free money from look crazy. Since you seem to respond to reviews I’m sure I’ll get another response I won’t be able to respond to, but at this point I’d rather just move on from the experience anyway.

UPDATE: the full refund was given after practically having to wage a Twitter war with both parties. Unfortunate that it had to take this...

Wow - I am still smiling from our time aboard the Schooner Clearwater! If I could give more than 5 stars, I would. My group of 12 friends enjoyed a sunset cruise last night for my bachelorette party - we are a group of new and old friends from all over the United States, and none of us had ever been to Clearwater Beach. I had selected Schooner Clearwater based on the consistent 5-star reviews, the description of the peaceful sailing experience, and the pictures of the beautiful boat. I wanted something different than a typical party boat - I was looking for a classy, relaxing, peaceful evening. I was not disappointed!

From the time I booked the reservations over the phone, I was blown away. Maryellen helped me make the reservation that would be best for my group, answered all my questions, and made me feel valued and prioritized. Leading up to our cruise, communication was very clear via email. When we arrived to check in, Captain Mark and First Mate Zach took the wine and snacks we had brought with us and put them on the boat - they even put our wine on ice for us and offered to uncork our bottles before we left the dock.

When we boarded, we were greeted with smiles and, as they saw we were a bachelorette group, with congratulations. Mark and Zach were very safety-conscious without being overbearing: we appreciated that they explained safety rules and measures right away, and also told us why they were doing various things throughout the cruise (as many of us were completely new to sailing). My friends and I really enjoyed that we were able to sit nearly anywhere on the boat (in addition to the seats themselves). Mark and Zach made an effort to greet and connect with each of us while respecting our privacy - they struck the perfect balance between cordial and professional. Mark spotted some dolphins and sailed toward them, but none of us realized that he had seen more than one. We were absolutely blown away at how many we saw, how frequently we saw them, and how close they came! We saw at least 10 dolphins and from the boat we could hear them communicating with each other. The sunset was gorgeous, and Mark guided us into calm water to watch the sun set and the dolphins play.

The cruise was absolutely the highlight of our trip and a special memory that we will treasure for a long time! My friends keep saying that they had the time of their lives. I would absolutely book this cruise again when I next visit Clearwater Beach. Thank you to Mark, Zach, and Maryellen for making my bachelorette weekend so...

A Spectacular Sunset Cruise with Schooner Clearwater!

I recently had the pleasure of joining the sunset cruise offered by Schooner Clearwater, and I must say it was an absolutely fantastic experience! From the moment we set sail to the breathtaking sunset on the horizon, everything about this tour was truly memorable.

First and foremost, I'd like to commend Captain Mark Tilly for his exceptional kindness and professionalism. His expertise in sailing was evident as he skillfully maneuvered the boat, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable ride for everyone on board. Mark's passion for sailing shines through, and his warm demeanor made the trip even more enjoyable.

A special shout-out goes to Corey, who played a crucial role in making this sunset cruise truly outstanding. Corey's photography skills were remarkable, and he went above and beyond to help everyone capture breathtaking moments on camera.

Another standout aspect of this sailing tour is the freedom to bring your own drinks on board. This flexibility adds a personal touch to the experience, allowing guests to enjoy their favorite beverages while taking in the beautiful surroundings. In addition, the availability of sparkling water provided by the company was a thoughtful gesture, ensuring that everyone had refreshments to enjoy.

I must also mention Corey's attentiveness when it came to guest comfort. He made sure that everyone felt at ease while moving around the boat, enhancing the overall relaxation and enjoyment of the journey. His friendly demeanor and willingness to assist with anything needed made the experience even more memorable.

I highly recommend this sailing tour to anyone looking for an unforgettable adventure on the water. Whether you're a sailing enthusiast or simply seeking a peaceful and picturesque escape, Schooner Clearwater is the...