Frequently Asked Questions
What services do you offer?
We offer private charters, seafood cruises, special event cruises, holiday celebrations, and regularly scheduled outings. For more information about what we do, click here or check out our calendar of upcoming events.
Are food and beverage available for purchase on every cruise/charter?
We offer a selection of beer, wine, spirits, cocktails, and soft drinks on each cruise. You can view our beverage menu here.
Please feel free to bring your own food to enjoy on your trip. You may also bring your own food or catering onboard for private events.
Outside alcoholic beverages are strictly prohibited onboard due to State regulations.
How do I make my reservation?
If you are interested in attending one of our public events, tickets may be purchased through Eventbrite.
In order to reserve a date and time for a private charter, please contact us to request your date. When we receive your inquiry, someone from the Half Shell Adventures team will reach out to you within 24-48 business hours to discuss your request and confirm or deny our availability. A non-refundable deposit is required in order to secure your date. Full payment should be made 30 days prior to your reservation. Please note that requesting a date does not guarantee Half Shell Adventures' ability to accommodate your party.
What are your prices? Are discounts available?
Learn more about our private charter and public cruise ticket pricing here. To be the first to know about discounts and special offers, follow us on Facebook or subscribe to our newsletter.
Do you sell gift cards?
Yes! Click here to purchase a digital gift card. You will be able to email or print your gift certificate immediately or email it to its recipient on a future date.
How do I redeem a gift card?
Gift cards can be used on any of our public cruises or for a private charter. To redeem your gift card on Eventbrite, simply enter your gift card number in the promo code box. The promo code box is located on the page where you select your tickets. To purchase multiple tickets with your gift card, you will need to purchase each ticket separately and apply your promo code each time. We apologize for this inconvenience.
What forms of payment do you accept?
In order to reserve your service, we accept major credit and debit cards (Visa, MC, American Express, etc.) or check (mailed to Half Shell Adventures at 3375 Bayside Rd., Huntingtown, MD 20639). While aboard the Half Shell, we accept cash and credit or debit cards to purchase beverages and merchandise.
Can I bring my child aboard the Half Shell?
Of course! We happily welcome kids aboard the Half Shell. We can currently carry 20-25 individuals and always have adult- and child-sized life jackets available.
Can I bring my dog aboard the Half Shell?
Out of respect for our guests, please feel free to bring your well-behaved pets onboard for private events only. Stay tuned to our Facebook page and newsletter for dog-friendly public cruises.
Do you have a canopy/covering to block sun/rain?
Half Shell does not currently have any covering/shade. We have a wheel house that may be able to shelter one or two guests, but no sun shade is guaranteed. We recommend you wear lots of sunscreen and sun-protective clothing!
When should I arrive?
Arrive at the dock no earlier than five minutes before your scheduled charter time. We ask that you refrain from congregating near the apartments behind Bugeye Grill before or after your cruise. Please be respectful of the private property behind the restaurant on your way to the dock.
Where do I park?
Parking is available in the public lots across the street from our pier, located behind Bugeye Grill - 14470 Solomons Island Rd. Solomons, MD 20688.
Is there a bathroom onboard?
Yes, we have a traditional boat head (bathroom) on board.
What should I bring with me on my Half Shell Adventure?
You are always welcome to bring your own food onboard with you, however, no outside beverages are permitted. There is no need to wear a life jacket on our vessel, but we have plenty onboard in order to comply with Coast Guard safety regulations. Feel free to bring a camera, sunscreen, and a smile!
What sights will we see during our cruise/charter?
You’ll see a stunning array of wildlife, scenery, and iconic buildings, businesses, and landmarks. Learn more here.
Should I tip the crew?
Our crew works hard to deliver rockstar service and a memorable experience while you’re onboard! It’s customary to tip your bartender just as you would any “on-land” server or service worker. Gratuity for your first mate/deckhand and captain is optional and greatly appreciated. Please be sure to tip each crew member individually, as tips are not split among our crew! Thank you.
What is your cancellation policy?
Tickets purchased for public cruises cannot be refunded or exchanged for credit toward a future Half Shell cruise except in extreme emergencies, similarly to tickets you might purchase for a sporting event or theatrical production. Partial refunds will be given for private charter reservations canceled at least 1 week prior to charter date. Half Shell Adventures will retain payment for any cancellations made within 1 week of charter date.
What happens in the case of inclement weather?
Half Shell Adventures will make necessary decisions regarding the cancellation of an event due to rain, thunderstorms, or otherwise dangerous weather. These decisions will be made on a situational basis, and can be made as far as 48 hrs. and as near as 2 hrs. to an event, given the variables of ever-changing weather conditions and the preparations necessary to provide you with an excellent experience aboard the Half Shell.
In the event that our team cancels a public cruise, we will email ticket holders to notify them of the cancellation. Guests will have the option to receive a refund or hold their purchase as a credit toward a future event.
If a private charter cancellation is made due to weather, we will first attempt to reschedule your event to another preferred date. If no other dates are suitable, we will happily offer a full refund.
Still have questions? Contact us and we would be happy to help.