You must be 18 years or older, or accompanied by someone who is, in order to rent a kayak, paddle board or sailboat.

All participants must be able to swim.  The minimum eligible age is 4 years old.

Kayaking and paddle boarding are low­ impact activities that can be performed by just about anyone after some quick instruction.  Beginners should aim for a day with little/no wind for best results.   Check out our Weather Information page for more info.

Catamaran renters should have previous sailing experience and be confident in their abilities to handle a Hobie in all reasonable conditions.  If there is any doubt in your mind, avoid the hassle and schedule a lesson.  We guarantee you will get more out of your experience and you’ll end up a better sailor.

A $50 tow fee will apply if we need to send someone out to retrieve your boat – for example if you do not know how to sail upwind or if you do not return on time.

We do not take reservations for kayaks and paddle boards.  We have several of each and they are readily available except during peak times.  Even during peak times the wait will generally be short as equipment is returned.

We do recommend reservations for sailboats as that allows us to rig your boat and have it waiting for you when you arrive.

For a full refund, a minimum of 7 days notice is required.

Cancellations made less than 7 days in advance – but more than 48 hrs before departure time – will be charged 50%.

No-shows and cancellations made 48 hrs or less before departure time will be charged full price.

Safety is ultimately our top priority.  We will not operate in hazardous weather conditions such as heavy rain, thick fog, high winds or thunder and lightning.  If severe weather cancels your reservation we will make every effort to reschedule for another day.  Otherwise, a full refund will be issued.

However, no guarantees can be made that every part of every day will be perfectly sunny.  So we will operate as usual in overcast conditions, light fog and in intermittent sprinkles.  Guests should dress appropriately for changeable weather and bring a positive attitude!

The final decision on weather related cancellations rests with the us and reservations should be considered upheld unless we contact you directly.  

To leave enough time for our check-­in procedure, we recommend your party arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled rental time.  Leave yourself some margin for traffic or parking related delays, pre-departure bathroom stops, etc.  Renters arriving late must still return at the regularly scheduled time.  There will be no refunds for those arriving late.  Equipment is often scheduled multiple times per day and keeping a strict schedule ensures that all of our reservations are honored.

Renters will need a valid photo ID and a form of payment if they have not prepaid.  Most renters bring water, a towel, hat, sunglasses and sunscreen.  You will be on the water so we recommend wearing clothing and shoes that you don’t mind getting wet.

We are happy to provide a small dry bag for your valuables.  This might include a cellphone (to contact us in an emergency) or a camera.  If you will not be bring a phone, make sure somebody has a waterproof watch.  It is YOUR responsibility to bring the boat back on time.  We will not be able to signal you or warn you.

Note:  Down Cape Charters & Boat Rentals assumes no responsibility for items stored in a dry bag. 

Sailboats are restricted to staying within our field of vision at all times.  Renters can explore approximately 3 square miles of Big Pleasant Bay and potentially beach the boat and explore designated areas of nearby islands.

Kayaks and paddle boards usually do not get very far from our dock in a one hour rental.  Our rental staff will be happy to direct longer rentals to some interesting locations nearby, including several islands and creeks.

We do not offer off-site rentals or delivery at this time.

Yes.  PFD’s must be worn by everybody using our equipment.  The life jacket will keep you afloat if you are tired or cold and is a critical piece of safety gear.  It is very difficult to put on a life jacket when you’re in the water, so better to wear it all the time.

We have life jackets for all shapes and sizes.  Younger children are welcome to bring their own life jacket if they are more comfortable, provided it is Coast Guard approved (no arm floaties).  Otherwise, we have several kids sizes.  Note that the age minimum for participants is 4.

No, we do not allow pets on any our rental equipment.

Renters are allowed access to any part of the resort that is normally open to the public.  This includes multiple restaurants, parking lots and restroom facilities.

However, the resort pool, deck area and beach chairs are strictly reserved for registered guests only.

Possibly.  If there are no other existing reservations for your boat then we’d be happy to extend your rental period (assuming we are not about to close).  We ask that you check in with us at the conclusion of your rental.  If we have a reservation the boat will have to be returned as scheduled.