Captain Rod and Pura Vida Excursions are dedicated to the safety of all passengers. Weather conditions will be reviewed by the Captain days before the trip and continuously monitored up until the morning of departure. If the weather is deemed unsafe or not conducive to an enjoyable experience, the Captain will cancel the trip. However, if conditions are slightly rough, making some passages uncomfortable, the Captain will thoroughly explain the circumstances and allow the party to decide if they feel comfortable proceeding. We appreciate your understanding—our priority is ensuring a safe and enjoyable trip for everyone.

A $400 non-refundable deposit is required to hold the date of a trip. Cancellations must be made 14 days in advance for a full refund. Cancellations due to weather can either be rescheduled for another day or receive 100% refund. In the case that you do not show, or last-minute rescheduling, or want to return to shore after we leave the dock for any reason, the trip will not be refunded.

Gratuities are greatly appreciated. A 20% gratuity will be automatically added to any trip with four or more anglers. A 4% processing fee applies to all payments made with a credit card. This fee does not apply to cash payments.

If you are interested in keeping fish to eat, our crew will gladly clean and bag your catch after the trip for an additional fee.

Absolutely! We encourage catch and release. If you do not plan to eat the fish, it will be released unharmed to bite another day.

Whatever you catch on your fishing trip belongs to you. You can certainly offer extra fish to your crew, but it is certainly your decision.

Pura Vida Excursions wants all our passengers to feel completely comfortable with the ocean. We offer a variety of excursions which hopefully will help you make your decision on which trip to take. May we suggest you make a list of your priorities prior to booking a trip. Determine which fits you and your group the best. Whether it is the amount of time on the ocean, the distance offshore, the specific species you want to target, or last but not least your budget. Booking a fishing charter should be a personalized experience. For this reason, we do not take reservations on-line as every customer is different, and thus we try to tailor every trip to a customer's interest. If you need to ask questions about each excursion, please contact us at 919-696-3203.

Yes. Children are welcome on board the boats. It is your discretion as to whether you think a child is suitable for the environment.

Everyone is affected differently to being on a boat in the ocean. Unfortunately, there is not a complete remedy for sea sickness. Everyone reacts differently. We suggest you start by taking a Dramamine (which is a motion sickness pill) the day before at dinner. We suggest you take another pill with food at least 1 hour prior to the departure time the day of your trip. Do not take any more pills at they will only make you feel drowsy and lethargic. A second option would be to wear a motion sickness patch behind the ear at least 4 hours before the morning of your trip.

Everyone is affected differently to being on a boat in the ocean. Sea Sickness is no fun, so the best thing to do is stay in the fresh air. If you feel like you will vomit, grab a bucket and get it over with. You will feel dramatically better afterwards. However, if at any point you no longer wish to endure this feeling, you can instruct the Captain to take you back to shore at any time. It is your prerogative & call; the crew is there for your pleasure and comfort.

We provide everything you need except food & beverages. (including rods & reels, tackle, bait, ice, & fishing licenses) You are responsible for bringing your own personal items such as food & drink. (you can store them on the boat in one of our coolers). We do suggest you bring hats, windbreakers, sunscreen, light color soled nonskid shoes, (NO black sole allowed) wear comfortable light colored sole shoes. If you want to bring your catch home, please bring a cooler with ice. Leave the cooler in your vehicle until after we return.