Pura Vida Charters

What to Expect

• Big boat (32ft) with shade and a toilet
• Child-friendly
  trips
• Trips for both beginners and experts

• Fishing license for all anglers
• All necessary fishing gear and live bait
• Weather
  protection
• Ice box for fish and drinks
• Catch cleaning and filleting

• Captain Greg Macfarlane

Fish You'll Reel In

• 
  Spanish Mackerel
• 
  King Mackerel
• 
  Mangrove Snapper
• 
  Gag Grouper
  December is prime for Gag Grouper—peak fun and catch rates
• 
  Amberjack
• 
  Scalloped Hammerhead Shark

Boat Features & Amenities

• Length 32 feet This boat is bigger than the average boat in St. Petersburg, FL—enjoy extra space and comfort!
• Capacity 6 people (excluding captain)
• Rods, reels, tackle All necessary fishing gear is provided and included in the trip price
• Live bait well Live bait is provided and included in the price for each trip
• Fish finder
• Wireless trolling motor
• Ice box For fish & drinks
• Shade Prevents sunburn on boat trips; don’t forget sunscreen and sunglasses
• Toilet For longer journeys, enjoy increased comfort with an onboard toilet!

Where do the trips start?

Bay Pines Marina, 5000 92nd St N, St. Petersburg, FL, United States Good location 23-minute drive from St. Petersburg city center

Show on map

Pro Tip: To maximize your time on the water, we recommend arriving around 15 minutes before the trip begins.

What is included?

• Rods, reels, tackle All necessary fishing gear is provided and included in the trip price
• Live bait Live bait is provided and included in the price for each trip
• Fishing licence For all anglers
• Fish cleaning & filleting At the end of the trip, the captain will clean and fillet the fish you caught
• Ice box For fish & drinks

What to bring?

• Sunglasses & sunscreen We recommend bringing sunglasses, sunscreen, and appropriate clothing for the weather (your captain will advise you the day before). And, of course, don't forget your phone to capture memorable moments with photos :)
• Snacks (if you want) The cooler has ample space for your favorite snacks, sodas, or alcoholic beverages should you choose to bring them. For trips of 6 hours or more, we recommend packing a lunch. A sandwich or any easy-to-eat option would be ideal for enjoying while fishing.

How to book & pay?

• Step 1: Choose the trip you like and request the captain's availability online. You will receive a confirmation within a couple of hours.

• Step 2: Secure your booking with a prepayment made directly to the captain. Typically, this is 10-30% of the total trip price. Captain accepts PayPal, Visa, Mastercard, American Express or Cash. Please note, a transaction fee of 5% applies to credit card payments. Cash transactions are exempt from this fee.

• Step 3: Pay the remaining balance directly to the captain on or before the day of your trip.

Cancellation & Refund policy

• You can cancel or modify your booking free of charge up to 3 days before the trip date. Your prepayment will be fully refunded.
• If you cancel or modify your booking after this period, or if you fail to show up, your prepayment will not be refunded.
• If the captain decides it is not safe to proceed with the trip (for instance, due to weather conditions or because the boat needs maintenance), the captain can cancel the trip at any time before it starts. In such cases, your prepayment will be fully refunded.
• You can request a trip cancellation by simply replying to your reservation confirmation email.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What does the trip price include when booking with Pura Vida Charters?

  Everything you need for a successful fishing trip is provided, including rods, reels, tackle, live bait, an ice box, and fishing licenses for all anglers. Your catch cleaning and filleting are also included in the trip price.

• Do I need to have prior fishing experience to go fishing with Pura Vida Charters?

  No, prior fishing experience is not required to enjoy a trip with Pura Vida Charters. Whether you're casting a line for the first time or you're an experienced angler, you're sure to have a memorable experience. Captain Greg Macfarlane is well-equipped to introduce beginners to the basics of fishing, covering common techniques and essential tips. For those with more experience, he will offer advanced tips and tricks, as well as insights into the distinctive fishing opportunities the region has to offer.

• Does Pura Vida Charters offer family-friendly trips?

  Absolutely! Pura Vida Charters prides itself on offering trips that are suitable for all ages, making it a fantastic experience for families. Children are especially welcome. The captain not only educates kids about different fish species and fishing techniques but also ensures they get hands-on experience. There's nothing like the thrill of catching fish, and we love providing that joy to young anglers.

• Do I need to leave a tip?

  While tipping is not mandatory, it is greatly appreciated as a gesture of satisfaction with the service provided. We suggest a gratuity of 10-20% of the charter cost, reflective of your experience.

• Is there a toilet facility on the Pura Vida Charters boat?

  Yes, the Pura Vida Charters boat has a toilet onboard. Enjoy increased comfort for longer journeys!

• Where do trips with Pura Vida Charters begin?

  All trips with Pura Vida Charters commence at Bay Pines Marina, 5000 92nd St N, St. Petersburg, FL, United States. This location is particularly convenient for those staying in St. Petersburg, with an approximate drive time of 23 minutes from the city center.

• Do I need a license to go fishing with Pura Vida Charters?

  No, you do not need a personal fishing license. A fishing license for all anglers is included in the price of each trip.

• What is the passenger capacity of the Pura Vida Charters boat?

  The Pura Vida Charters boat can accommodate up to 6 people, in addition to the captain.

• What can I do with my catch?

  After your trip, the captain will clean and fillet your catch for free, allowing you to either take it home or enjoy it at a nearby restaurant with waterfront dining.