What is included in an overnight charter?

Overnight charters come with a fully licensed captain (USCG Masters 100 Ton) and include all meals, snacks, and drinks consumed aboard. Meal and drink preferences can be discussed and planned in advanced. Guests are provided with fresh linens, towels, and blankets.

What is not included?

Charters do not include any purchases made ashore, such as meals from restaurants, shopping, or any transportation to/from the agreed upon pickup and drop off locations. While we will do our best to cater to your preferred meals, drinks, etc., guests are welcome to BYO wine, liquor, or other food that they would like to incorporate into their experience.

What are guest sleeping arrangements?

All guests are provided with fresh bedding (linens, blankets, pillows) and towels. There is one private state room with two twin bends for guests, and a connected toilet (head). For parties of more than two people, guests will have access to four additional bunks that convert from benches in the salon. This is shared space amongst passengers, and for parties of more than two guests, all should be made aware of and comfortable with these sleeping arrangements. Crew accommodations are forward of the engine room and separate from guest quarters. See photos of accommodations in the “About the Boat” page.

What should I consider for packing?

Please pack into a soft duffel bag. There isn’t really room for hard suitcases, so something that can be compressed and fit into a tight storage space.

• Flip flops, crocks, or slippers for the boat. Something easy to slip on/off while on deck

• Hiking or running shoes for shore excursions

• Bathing suits (the water is cold, but cold plunges are part of the experience!)

• Warm clothing and hat. Even in the summer, it's always much colder on the water. 

• Light jacket, something that's rainproof 

• Warm pajamas to sleep in. 

• Sunscreen

• Motion sickness remedies. Argonaut is typically a smooth ride, and we tend to stay in very protected waters. However, seasickness can affect people at unexpected times. 

• Phone chargers. Guests have access to 120v outlets. 

• Consider a waterproof bag for shore excursions (I may have some to provide you with)

• Eco-friendly toiletries. I try to have extras of most things aboard in case you forget something. I provide all soap, shampoo, etc.  

• A good book for reading in the hammock

Will I have access to cell service or WiFi?

Sometimes this experience is best enjoyed unplugged. However, there is Wifi on the boat. T-Mobile has great coverage in the San Juan Islands, while Verizon and AT&T can be spotty. Radios are provided to call back for a pickup from shore excursions. 

What is the food like aboard Argonaut II?

Food is a core part of the cruising experience. We will discuss in advance any food restrictions and preferences you may have. All food will be provided on board. I do love to cook, and for those interested in participating in a hands-on meal, I love to scratch make sushi, dumplings, and pastas which are fun group activities. Sometimes, we can stumble upon people who like to come say hello to Argonaut and often give us prawns, crab, halibut, salmon, or oysters. The islands also offer lots of local fruits, vegetables, eggs, bread, meats, and cheeses. I am happy to incorporate any food we pickup along the way into a dish. 

Can we go fishing?

Fishing, crabbing, prawning is all seasonal and I will carry an appropriate license if we see an opportunity. However, Argonaut is not well suited for fishing. I can help you coordinate a separate fishing charter experience if you'd like, and we can always throw a crab pot in the water (so long as we are in season). It's also usually pretty easy to find fresh-caught seafood and we can make this a priority if you wish. 

What are bathroom facilities like?

There are two bathrooms (called a "head" on a boat), but only one has a shower. Guests are welcome to take showers, but we do need to be cautious of our water consumption. Boat toilets can be finicky, and there is strictly no flushing of anything that didn't come out of you. Trust me, you want to follow this rule. 

Can I participate in operating the boat?

Yes! This is neither required or expected, but many guests wish to be fully part of the experience and participate in the daily operation of Argonaut. I am more than happy to share/teach any safety, navigation, and operating knowledge with those who are interested. If you wish to drive (don't worry, I'll be there for supervision!), it's a fun experience to stand behind the original ship's wheel and think about the hundreds' of years and hundreds of thousands of miles navigated from that pilot house. Decks need scrubbed, lines coiled, fenders stored, anchors weighed, zerk fittings greased, brass polished, crabs picked, prawns deveined...the list can go on forever. All Argonaut adventures come with unlimited free varnish lessons. 

Can we consume alcohol on board?

Yes - for those who choose to drink, I love to make a good cocktail and will provide beer, wine, and mocktails to guests. We can discuss preferences in advance and I will try and provision accordingly. If you enjoy finer wines or spirits, you are welcome to BYO. Guests are strictly encouraged to be responsible with alcohol on the water, and kindly understand that it is at the Captain's discretion to restrict consumption for safety. Safety is at the core of everything we do on the water. There are no exceptions. 

What wildlife will I see aboard Argonaut II?

The Pacific Northwest is loaded with wildlife and we will be cruising through the habitats of bald eagles, seals, sea lions, sea otters, dolphins, porpoise, and whales (Orcas, Gray, Minke, Humpacks). It is always special to enjoy a wildlife encounter, but there is no guarantee. If you are specifically looking for a whale watching experience, I recommend booking through a tour operator who utilizes faster boats, and a network of whale watchers to know where the animals are. Argonaut cruises at a leisurely 7 knots, perfect for soaking up the scenery and enjoying any spontaneous wildlife encounters.