Reopening After the COVID-19 Shutdown

[Updated: 06/05/20] The New York Media Boat team is excited that New York Governor Cuomo and New Jersey Governor Murphy allows ‘For-Hire’ vessels to start operating again on June 8th! We will be running tours for single groups, and full compliance with Covid-19 precautions is in effect.

In order to limit potential exposure to our crew and passengers, we are currently only taking single-party bookings. That means every tour will be a private charter at our temporary special rate structure [subject to change at any time]. Call us to check for availability and to make your booking!

Private Charter up to 4 passengers: $480
Private Charter up to 6 passengers: $600
Private Charter up to 9 passengers: $950

IMPORTANT:

  • When at the dock, we ask that you stay 6-feet apart from other people at all times.

  • Your captain will give instructions on the boarding procedure.

  • All high-touch areas on the boats are sanitized before and after each charter.

  • We have disinfectant hand-wipes available for your use and encourage everyone to use them.

  • You must bring your own jacket. We are not allowed to provide any equipment.

NEWS RELEASE

TRENTON – Governor Phil Murphy today signed Executive Order No. 146, which allows charter fishing services and for-hire vessel activities, as well as watercraft rental businesses, to open with required social distancing measures. These businesses can open on Sunday, May 17 at 6 am.

“Reopening charter fishing services and watercraft rental businesses restores an extremely important component of our Shore economy.” said Governor Murphy. “The social distancing measures that we are putting in place will ensure that these businesses can sustain themselves while still adhering to public health guidance.”

Charter fishing services and for-hire vessels will be allowed to reopen to the public so long as they adopt policies that include:

  • reduced capacity to no more than 10 people on a vessel at any one time;

  • electronic or telephone reservation and payment systems;

  • no make-up or open boat trips;

  • social distancing measures on the vessels and in waiting and boarding areas, including demarcation and signage;

  • prohibiting sharing of fishing equipment, bait, and gear;

  • limiting the use of nets or gaffs to the crew;

  • infection control and hygiene practices;

  • providing sanitization materials to passengers and crew;

  • frequent sanitization of vessel and high-touch areas;

  • The crew and passengers must wear a mask while aboard the vessel;

  • prohibiting food and beverage service; and

  • briefing all passengers prior to embarking on social distancing, capacity limits, and hygiene requirements.

Watercraft rental businesses will be allowed to reopen so long as they adopt policies consistent with the “curb-side pickup” restrictions that apply to retail establishments pursuant to Executive Order No. 142.