Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to the questions we hear most about our private snorkeling tours, dolphin and sandbar cruises, fishing charters and scuba on Anna Maria Island. Don't see your question? Call or text Captain Ethan at 941-580-2931.

Booking & Payment

How do I book a trip?

Call or text Captain Ethan at 941-580-2931, or send a trip request with the form on our home page and he'll call or text you back. Dates book up fast, so reserve early.

Do I need to pay a deposit?

No. No deposit is required to hold your trip. You pay on the day of your charter.

How do I pay?

Cash, Zelle or card. The prices on our website are cash and Zelle prices, with no added fees. Credit and debit cards are processed on the boat through Square with a 3.5% processing fee. There's no ATM at the boat ramp, so bring cash with you if you plan to pay cash. Ask for our Zelle details when you book.

Are prices per person or per boat?

Snorkeling and sightseeing tours are priced per boat for up to 6 guests. Inshore fishing charters include up to 2 anglers, plus $50 for each additional angler, up to 6. Deep sea charters are priced for the entire private boat. PADI Discover Scuba Diving and scuba courses are priced per person.

What is your cancellation policy?

If your plans change, please call or text at least 72 hours before your trip so we can offer the date to another group. Guests who don't show up without notice won't be able to book with us again. See our payment and cancellation policy for full details.

Should we tip the captain?

Tipping isn't required, but it's always appreciated.

Weather & Safety

What happens if the weather is bad?

Your safety comes first. Captain Ethan watches the forecast closely and will contact you if conditions look unsafe. We advise against going out when waves are over 2.5 to 3 feet and building, or when sustained winds are over 15 mph. If it's not safe, we'll reschedule your trip or give you a refund if a new date doesn't work.

Do you go out in the rain?

Light rain usually doesn't cancel a trip. The captain may end a trip early if thunderstorms or other unsafe weather develop, and if weather cuts your trip short, you're charged only for the time spent on the water.

What if someone gets seasick?

A trip only ends early if everyone in the party agrees, and we'll do our best to keep anyone feeling seasick comfortable. Minimum charges apply if a fishing trip ends early because of seasickness. If you're prone to motion sickness, talk with your doctor before your trip.

Who is the captain?

Captain Ethan Brannock is a U.S. Coast Guard licensed captain and a PADI Master Scuba Diver Trainer who has fished and dived the waters around Anna Maria Island for more than 30 years. Meet Captain Ethan.

Your Trip

Where do we meet?

All snorkeling tours, sightseeing tours and fishing charters depart from the Kingfish Boat Ramp, 752 Manatee Ave, Holmes Beach, FL 34217. You can drive your car or golf cart right to the ramp, and parking is available on both the east and west sides. Please arrive 10 to 15 minutes early.

Is there a restroom?

The Kingfish Boat Ramp has a porta potty. Our offshore boat used for deep sea trips has an onboard restroom.

Is the boat private?

Yes. Every trip is a private charter for your group only, with up to 6 guests. You never share the boat with strangers.

Are your trips good for kids and beginners?

Yes. Our snorkeling tours, sightseeing tours and inshore fishing trips are family-friendly and beginner-friendly, and Captain Ethan enjoys teaching kids. PADI Discover Scuba Diving and scuba courses are for ages 10 and up.

Will we see dolphins and manatees?

Dolphins, manatees, sea turtles and rays are often spotted around Anna Maria Island, Egmont Key and Tampa Bay. Wildlife sightings are never guaranteed, but Captain Ethan knows the local waters and where to look.

What's included?

Snorkeling tours include a mask, snorkel, fins and defog solution for every guest. All boat trips include a cooler with bottled drinking water. Fishing charters include rods, reels, bait and Florida fishing license coverage for everyone on board.

What should we bring?

Sunscreen, towels, a hat and polarized sunglasses. You're welcome to bring your own cooler with food and drinks. Guests 21 and over may bring alcohol in cans or plastic containers only, no glass.

Do we need to buy bait or a fishing license?

No. Bait and fishing license coverage are included on our fishing charters, and there's no bait shop at the boat ramp.

Can we keep the fish we catch?

Yes. On both inshore and deep sea trips, Captain Ethan fillets and cleans your fish and bags them up for you to take home.

Which trip should we choose?

For snorkeling and history, choose an Egmont Key snorkeling tour. For dolphins, manatees and sandbars, choose a sightseeing and sandbar tour. For calm-water fishing with kids, choose an inshore fishing trip. For bigger fish in the Gulf, choose a deep sea fishing charter.

Scuba Diving

Can I try scuba without being certified?

Yes. PADI Discover Scuba Diving is made for complete beginners ages 10 and up who are comfortable swimming. You'll dive from a local Anna Maria Island beach in 10 to 15 feet of water with Captain Ethan beside you, and all scuba gear is included.

How do I get scuba certified?

Complete PADI eLearning at home, then finish with 2 days of in-water training with Captain Ethan. Certification classes run May through October.

Do you offer guided boat dives?

No, we don't offer guided boat dives.

Is there a medical form for scuba?

Yes. Every diver completes the PADI medical questionnaire before diving. If you answer yes to any question, you'll need a doctor's approval before your dive.

Still have questions?

Call or text Captain Ethan at 941-580-2931.