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1. Booking & Logistics

How do I book a tour? You can book directly through our online calendar. If you have a specific date in mind that appears unavailable, or if you are interested in a multi-day custom workshop, please contact us via email.

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What is your cancellation and refund policy? See refund policy page. Refund Policy | Stillwater Charters

 

Where do we meet for the tour? We operate out of several launch points depending on the season and the specific wildlife we are tracking. You will receive a confirmation email 24 hours before your trip with a pinned Google Maps location for our meeting spot.

2. Photography & Equipment

Do I need to be a professional photographer to join? Not at all. Our tours cater to everyone from world-class professionals to enthusiasts using smartphones. We focus on getting the boat into the best position for light and composition regardless of your gear.

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What camera gear should I bring? For wildlife, we recommend a telephoto lens (at least 300mm to 600mm). For landscape and ecotours, a wide-angle lens is great for capturing the scale of the Mid-Atlantic marshes. We also highly recommend bringing extra batteries and high-capacity memory cards.

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Do you provide photography instruction? While these are primarily "charters" designed to get you to the right place at the right time, our captains are experienced in the field and are happy to offer tips on settings, lighting, and animal behavior throughout the trip.

3. The Experience

How many people can fit on the boat? To ensure everyone has a clear "line of sight" for photography and a personalized experience, we typically limit our charters to 1–3 passengers. Please contact us for larger group inquiries.

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What should I wear? The temperature on the water is often 10–15 degrees cooler than on land. We recommend dressing in layers, wearing polarized sunglasses, and choosing non-marking, rubber-soled shoes for safety and stability on the deck

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Are there restrooms on board? Our specialized shallow-water vessels do not have onboard restrooms. We recommend using the facilities at the marina before departure. For longer tours, we can plan for a brief shore break if requested.

4. Stewardship & Wildlife

What kind of wildlife can we expect to see? Depending on the season, we commonly see wild ponies, bald eagles, ospreys, herons, and various migratory waterfowl. While we have a high success rate in finding wildlife, these are wild animals in their natural habitat, and sightings are never guaranteed.

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Do you follow ethical wildlife viewing practices? Absolutely. We pride ourselves on low-impact ecotourism. We maintain a respectful distance from all wildlife to ensure they are not flushed or stressed for the sake of a photo. We follow all local and federal guidelines regarding protected species.

5. Miscellaneous

Should I tip the captain? Tipping is not required but is greatly appreciated if you felt the service and the experience exceeded your expectations. A standard gratuity in the charter industry is 15–20%.

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Can we bring food and drinks? Yes. You are welcome to bring snacks and reusable water bottles. We provide a cooler with ice to keep your items fresh. We kindly ask that you avoid glass containers on board.