Frequently asked questions
For questions and reservations, please email us at info@sunshinesailing.com . Email is the best way to connect with us, because we are usually out at sea teaching – which makes it tough to answer the phone!
We require 50% of total fee upon reservation and the balance is due at your arrival. We accept checks as payment.
Unless your instructor tells you otherwise, classes begin at 12:00pm on your first day of your sailing lesson and ends at 4:00pm on your last day.
Yes, you will need to purchase your books and study prior to your sailing class. The required books are listed in the Sailing Lessons page. We highly recommend that you read the books and take the review quizzes at the end of each chapter, prior to your trip – especially if you are new to sailing. This will make your time on board much more relaxing! All books are available online at either https://asa.com/textbooks/ or www.amazon.com
Where we go during the trip depends totally on the weather. We will be exploring the Ocean Side (Atlantic Ocean/Florida Straits) and the Bayside (Gulf of Mexico). Every trip includes some fishing, some snorkeling, some sailing, and some island explorations.
All meals are made fresh and are healthy and organic. We serve a variety of foods and try to mix in some freshly caught fish or lobster (if it’s Lobster Season). While under sail in the Gulf Stream, your captain may put out a fishing line or two – you might get lucky and catch a Tuna!
No, you don’t need a fishing license. It is included in the price.
Please let us know what dietary needs you may have. We can accommodate mostly everyone. In case of major needs, we ask that you bring what you need.
Hurricane season is from June 1st through November 30th. In the event of extreme weather conditions, the captain will make the final decision regarding whether to continue with the sailing lesson or seek shelter on the mainland. In the case of cancellation due to extreme weather conditions, fees will be refunded based on the percent of the programs cancelled.
Sunshine Coast Adventures is not able to refund any fees related to meals, lodging or transportation incurred as a result of an evacuation. These expenses remain the responsibility of the participants. We strongly recommend trip insurance to cover your travel expenses.
Winter and Spring temperatures vary from 50°F possible in the evenings, to 80°F during the day, with varying wind speeds and a humid climate. Water temperatures in the winter can dip to 72°. A wool shirt under a rain jacket is advisable during chilly, wet days on the water. In clothing preparation, please keep these factors in mind. Hypothermia is a potential concern during this time of year on the water.
Summer temperatures vary from 85°F to 95°F night and day, with high humidity and light breezes, and afternoon rain squalls. The water temperature averages 84° in summer. Concerns are to dress cool, have rain protection and sun protection.
Click HERE to download our gear list. It is very important to make sure you bring everything noted for your trip. But remember to keep it light and no big roller suitcases on board, please.
Each participant must fill out a liability waiver and a student Information form. If participant is under 18, a parent/guardian must also sign the forms.
Yes, you should be able to swim and be comfortable in deep water over your head. Weather permitting, while on overnight anchorage trips, we try to snorkel on the coral reefs. We recommend buying your own snorkel gear and practicing in a pool prior to your trip.
You will need a mask which covers your nose, a pair of fins and a snorkel. Please note that if you wear prescriptions glasses you need to get a mask with prescription lenses. We strongly recommend getting familiar with your gear prior to the trip by making sure that is in working conditions.
We suggest that you don’t try to fly in or out the same days that your class starts and ends. If your budget allows, it will make your trip much more enjoyable if you plan to stay at a local hotel.
There are many great hotel options in the Florida Keys. We recommend the following resorts:
Ocean Pointe Resort and Suites
Phone: 800-882-9464
Island Bay Resort
Phone: 800-654-KEYS or 305-852-4087
Once you get to The Florida Keys it's easier to find where you're going if you know the "Mile Marker" and what side of US 1 to turn (Ocean Side or Bayside). Here’s what we mean:
US 1 is our main highway in the Keys and you'll find little green mile marker signs on the side of the road starting with Mile Marker 127 in Florida City all the way down to Mile Marker Zero in Key West.
Also, in the Keys we refer to either Oceanside (East) or Bayside (West) to know what side of US 1 something is on.
Sunshine Coast Adventures is located at MM 94.5 on the Ocean Side.
When you reach Mile Marker 94.5 in Tavernier, you’ll see a Circle K in the middle of the highway. Turn there and head East (towards the Ocean) on Burton Drive.
Turn right on Banyan Lane, which is the 3rd street.
Curtis Marina will be on your left.
Our address is:
229 Banyan Lane, Slip #5
Tavernier, Florida 33070
The drive from Miami Airport to Key Largo is approximately 1 ½ hours – depending on traffic. You can either take a shuttle service from the airport or rent a car.
Shuttle Services:
Keys Shuttle
Phone: (305) 289-9997
To’N’Fro
Phone: (305) 393-0955
Car Rentals:
Almost all car rental companies are available at both Miami and Fort Lauderdale airports. If you are going out on an overnight anchorage trip, we suggest you use one that you can drop off your car for the duration that you will be out on the boat. Thrifty Car Rental has an office just 5 minutes from our marina and they allow drop-off from the airport.
Thrifty Car Rental – MM 91
Phone: (877) 283-0898
There are so many great restaurants in the Keys, here are a few of our local recommendations….
Best Overall Restaurant:
Old Tavernier – MM 90
Phone: (305) 852-6012
Best Burger:
M.E.A.T. – MM 88
Phone: (305) 852-3833
Best Cuban Food:
Sunrise Market – MM 91.8
Phone: (305) 852-7216
Best Breakfast:
Cafe Moka – MM 91
Phone: (305) 453-6271
Best Lunch:
Chad’s Deli - MM 92
Phone: (305) 853-5566
Best Dinner:
Lazydays - MM 79
Phone: (305) 664-5256
For over 35 years the American Sailing Association (ASA) has been educating avid sailors across the country. With over 350 sailing schools nationwide and over 500,000 certified sailors, ASA has the largest and most established network of sailing schools in the United States. You'll be proud of yourself after receiving a certification from an ASA course and it will provide the confidence to pursue your dream of a sailing life. Visit ASA's website to learn more about them and the benefits of becoming ASA members.