Bad Weather Does Not Equal a Bad Cruise

No one ever plans to jump on a boat in the pouring rain, but sometimes it happens. However, bad weather does not equal a bad cruise. First let me state that our weather policy permits our captain to make the call on whether we depart the dock or not. Our captains are all U. S. Coast Guard Certified and our boats are constantly inspected. We trust our captains to have full authority when it comes to making weather decisions for our company. We have at least two captains in on any such decision. After nearly 25 years in business, believe me, we have given plenty of refunds for our tours. When we cancel a tour, we will give you the option to rebook your cruise or to receive a refund. Often, that decision is not made until about one hour before departure… a couple of times we have made the call at the time of departure to cancel. Weather is not always predictable, but what is predictable is the fact that Amelia River Cruises will never take passengers out on a dangerous boat tour. With that said, if you chicken out, you are not entitled to a refund if you simply decide not to join the other passengers. Of course, all tickets may be refunded if requested at least 72 hours before departure.

Now, let’s look into why bad weather is not always a bad cruise.

Wildlife Encounters: Bad weather often leads to more wildlife sightings. Animals like dolphins and sea turtles are active even in overcast conditions, making for unique and memorable experiences. We’ve seen snakes and alligators on unusual high tides, flying fish in the rain, and more.

Dramatic Skies: Stormy weather can create stunning, dramatic cloud formations, especially at sunset. The contrast of dark skies with vibrant landscapes can provide a breathtaking backdrop for your cruise. Sometimes the skies take on a golden glow that casts a magical appearance on our already spectacular scenery.

Rainbows: After a rain shower, the sun can peek through the clouds, often resulting in beautiful rainbows. We’ve seen rainbows that appear to lead directly to a pot of gold on Cumberland Island. Snap a picture with a dolphin jumping in the foreground and you will have a photograph to treasure forever. This natural spectacle can be a highlight of your trip.

Fewer Crowds: Inclement weather tends to deter other boaters, meaning you can enjoy a more peaceful and less crowded experience on the water. While inclement weather may stir up the sea a bit, we stay in the rivers, so there is less chop. But, fewer boats mean we won’t be jumping the wake created by other boaters. This also means fewer boats intruding on your picture-perfect scene.

A Photographer’s Dream: The moody atmosphere and changing light conditions can make for incredible photography opportunities. Capture the beauty of nature in a different way. Play with your light settings, or your video and portrait settings on your phone for the most unusual images. You may just capture that perfect vacation selfie!

Cooler Temperatures: Hot, sunny days in Florida can be exhausting. A cooler, overcast day can make for a more comfortable cruise, allowing you to enjoy the scenery without overheating. There will still be maritime forests, wilderness beaches, and marshgrasses to see.

The Sound of Rain: The gentle sound of rain on the water can be soothing and adds a unique ambiance to your cruise, creating a tranquil experience. Watching the wild horses shake off the rain, or birds seeking shelter under a large limb of a live oak give you a vision of nature not always seen.

Birdwatching: Many birds thrive in various weather conditions. Rain can bring out shorebirds and migratory species, offering excellent opportunities for birdwatching. Watching them dive at impressive speeds into the water for prey and come up with lunch in its beak is a rare visual indeed.

Historical Tours: The majority of Amelia River Cruise tours offer historical commentary, which can be engaging regardless of the weather. Learn about the rich history of the area while enjoying the sights. The not-so-perfect weathery may help you drift into yesterday when a comfortable dry shelter was not easily found for scared young soldier. Or how early families chased down the promise of a new life on foreign land traveling from another continent on a cold leaking boat crowded with strangers and scarce of a warm meal or privacy.

Adventurous Spirit: Embracing the elements can foster a sense of adventure! Weather can create a more exhilarating experience, making it feel like an exciting journey rather than just a leisurely cruise. A white cap, a splash of water, the sound of thunder in the distance can make a calm boat ride come alive when your fight or flight senses become elevated, though you are in a safe environment.

With these reasons in mind, it’s easy to see how bad weather does not equal a bad cruise.

Categorised in: Cruises & Events