Frequently Asked Questions

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Buoy 5 offers a safe and enjoyable time on the water in the Sitka area.  With a background in the Coast Guard, safety of passengers, crew and vessel is priority #1 and an enjoyable time on the water with a wildlife and scenery adventure. We offer free water, non-alcoholic beverages and snacks for your adventure.  Personal drinks and meals are welcome on board as well.  Our Hewescraft Pacific Cruiser is heated for your comfort.  There's plenty of seating and standing room.  We have a forward cuddy cabin to safely stow away your belongings that need to be out the way or to lie down and take that well deserved nap.  We also have a flushable toilet for your convenience.  

Buoy 5 departs out of Eliason Harbor in Sitka behind Lakeside Market.  We will meet at near the ramp down to the docks.  We can make arrangements to pick up and/or drop off at the cruise ship terminal as well.  If you need transportation, please let us know.  

Buoy 5 recommends taking Dramamine or the equivalent per medical direction or instructions even if you think you do not get sick.  Scopolamine seems to work the best, but it is only available by prescription from a doctor.  Nothing ruins a day on the water like being seasick.  Taking Dramamine after you feel sick on the water has proven not to work with previous guests.  We do carry saltine crackers, ginger ale, and mints at all times in case you are in a pinch. 

Buoy 5 is not handicap accessible.  If you have a handicap or health concern, please contact your doctor before making a reservation.  

Standard refunds are 7+ days out you will receive a full refund, 7days or less, no refund.  Buoy 5 understands it is very hard to avoid life or Murphy.  If you have any concerns, please feel free to reach out.  If Buoy 5 cancels for any reason (unsafe conditions, bad weather, mechanical issues) you will be given a full refund and/or offered a future trip.    

More likely than not, it will be wet.  Please bring warm clothes and rain gear.  If it happens to be warm and dry that day, we have plenty of room to store your rain gear.  Waterproof shoes/boots are recommended.    Any food or drinks you would like outside of the provided beverages and snacks.   

Times will vary based on adventure.

No, we do not, but we often seen them.  If we do see them, we cannot make them dance or jump either.  

Yes! Please bring any snacks, meals, or drinks you wish to have. There is a table in the cabin. NO bananas. 

Yes, kids are more than welcome. Please let us know if you will be bringing small children so that we can plan to have the appropriate life jackets available.   

Dogs are not allowed.  We are sorry.  

Yes there is a toilet on board for your convenience.     

Yes there is a heater inside the boat cabin.

Yes we have built in speakers both inside and outside the cabin. Let us know what kind of music you prefer and we will have a playlist ready for you!