Explore All There Is
It doesn't matter whether you're a local, here on vacation or looking for a quick get away,
the waters of the Palm Beaches are sure to be an experience you won't forget.


Our Promise To You
Sandhill Charters wants to ensure you and your guests, up to 6 total passengers, has the safest and most enjoyable time aboard our vessel(s) and will make every effort to ensure amazing memories are made.
WE PROMISE AND CERTIFY THAT:
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The Bonnie Lee is staffed with a Licensed Captain, issued by the U.S. Coast Guard
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Our Captain is enrolled in a randomized drug and alcohol testing program.
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We are legally qualified and equipped to take passengers on Inland and Offshore Charters, being in full compliance with all laws and regulations.
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We carry and maintain all required life saving devices and in most cases carry more than what is required.
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We promise not to take any unnecessary risks that could potentially put passengers, crew, vessel or others in harm's way and to avoid bad weather to the fullest extent possible.
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We posses and maintain proper liability insurance, fishing license, business license(s) and permits for operation in Palm Beach County


About Our Captain
Captain Matt has a lifetime on the water. Growing up in Ohio, he spent a lot of time on fresh water lakes. He attended Power Squadron classes with his parents at a young age for navigating Lake Erie before GPS and state of the art electronics were mainstream. In 2007, Captain Matt moved to Florida where he spent much of his time on on Florida's inland waters with a heavier focus on Lake Okeechobee as he competed locally in Largemouth Bass Tournaments. Since that time, Captain Matt has owned numerous vessels transiting both Gulf waters around Sanibel and Marco Islands and a much heavier presence in the waters of the Palm Beaches.
While being a life long recreational boater, Captain Matt took professional schooling at Chapman School Of Seamanship in Stuart, FL to obtain his Merchant Mariner Credential aka, captains license. He is trained in First Aid/CPR/AED and also volunteers spare time with the Palm Beach County Sherriff Volunteer Marine Unit. Captain Matt holds a USCG issued Master Inland 25t/OUPV Near Coastal License with towing assistance.
Captain Matt knows how to have a great time on the water while maintaining a special emphasis on safety. He has maintained a flawless boating record with zero recorded incidents at sea. As such, Captain Matt wants all guests to have a great time on board the Bonnie Lee as safely as possible and has final authority in all matters relating to the operation of the vessel.

Have a question for Captain Matt?
Charter Agreement
The Charter begins at the designated departure time, not the time the Charteree arrives. Charter duration includes docking, undocking, as well as travel to and from destination. Please allow extra driving time in case of traffic. If you do not show up at the dock the day of your charter, you will forfeit your deposit. If you show up late and not ready to leave at the agreed departure time, you will be losing charter time. Again, the clock starts at the agreed departure time. All members of the group are recommended to be at the boat at least 5-10 minutes prior to departure. If an unforeseen circumstance occurs that could delay the group, a call should be made to the Captain (561-316-7528) to relay this information to prevent cancellation. Sandhill Charters or Captain reserves the right to cancel any charter where the party fails to arrive within a reasonable time of the scheduled departure time. The Captain in his sole discretion reserves the right to cancel the trip within 1-2 hours before the departure time due to strong winds, rough seas or any situation that could pose a safety risk. If this occurs, customers will receive a full reimbursement or an alternative day may be scheduled pending availability. In the event the trip has to be terminated after it has already begun due to inclement weather, the Charteree may opt to receive a refund for unused time up to a full refund at the Captains discretion based on variables at that time. In the event someone suffers sea sickness or has the captain return early for any reason, no refund will be given. All cancellations must be made by the Charteree at least 7 days prior to the departure date. Failure to do so will result in the forfeiture of 50% of the deposit amount. Any cancellations made with 72 hours or less notice, will not be refunded. In the rare occasion that the boat experiences any mechanical issues or difficulties, refunds will be issued in full. Sandhill Charters adheres to a strict Zero Tolerance Policy. No Firearms, illegal substances, Cannabis/THC of any kind even if prescribed, may be brought on board the vessel. There is a Zero Harassment Policy to protect both crew and guests. Legally prescribed medications are permitted on board (excluding anything containing TCH/Cannabis). Beer and Wine (no red wine) are the only alcoholic beverages allowed on the vessel, and may only be consumed by persons aged 21 or older. Glass bottles are not permitted. Tanning oils or spay sunscreen is not permitted. Coolers are permitted with at least 24hrs advanced notice. Sandhill Charters will provide 20lbs ice for cooler along with water and bringing your own food and beverage is permitted and encouraged. If you require additional ice please call ahead or bring your own. Person(s) appearing to be intoxicated or under the influence of drugs or alcohol will not be permitted to board the vessel. If an illegal drug is found on board or is in the possession of any individual(s), or captain determines that any individual(s) are unstable due to excessive drinking, the trip will immediately be terminated without refund and in the case of illegal drugs, will be released to notified and awaiting authorities. Marijuana/Cannabis/THC possession on a boat remains a Federal Crime. Sandhill Charters and crew strictly abide by all State and Federal Saltwater Fishing, Safety rules and regulations and will not deviate from them under any circumstance. For the passengers' safety and the well-being of the vessel, we require that all guests/charterees on board wear soft soled tennis shoes, deck shoes or sandals. NO hard shoes, boots, high heels, wedges or stilettos will be allowed. The Captain may require a passenger to remove their shoes if proper foot attire is not worn. All passengers under 6 years of age are required, per Florida law, to wear a life preserver while underway at any time. Our Type I vests required to be carried on board are not very comfortable so it is recommended you bring with you, your personally owned life jacket that is USCG approved and in serviceable condition. Children who have not reached their 13th birthday are recommended to wear life jackets while underway and required any time in open ocean waters. Sandhill Charters makes use of sound and video recording devices and you agree any photos obtained may be used for digital marketing purposes across our website and social media platforms unless otherwise instructed by passengers. This agreement shall be construed in accordance with the admiralty and maritime laws of the United States of America and the State of Florida.
Cancellation Policy
Client/Customer Cancellation: We ask that when guests book a charter, they should be certain that they will enjoy the boat that day. Once a client books a trip, we notify all subsequent inquires that "the boat is unavailable or taken" So for this reason we have the following refund policy. 100% Refund- A full refund will be given for cancellations made 7+ days prior to the scheduled charter date. Partial Refund - A 50% refund will be given for cancellations 3-6 days prior to the scheduled charter date. Or may reschedule for a later date. No Refund - There will be no refunds given for cancellations made less than 72 hours prior to scheduled charter date or if you end or request to return to port early during an "already-in-progress" charter for any reason. If the captain deems it necessary to end a trip early due to guest misconduct, intoxication, gross safety violations, drugs, harassment or in any way a risk to the boat, crew or guests, refunds will not be given. Refunds will be issued within 48 hours of cancellation, to the original form of payment. If charter is canceled for any reason by Sandhill Charters or Captain, a Full Refund will be issued.
Weather Policy
We strive to provide the best possible boating experience you can ask for and your safety is our number one priority. South Florida weather often changes by the hour and a forecast issued the day before may be substantially better or worse than anticipated the day of your charter. We have a no-rain and small craft advisory policy so we do not depart the dock if it is currently raining/storming or rain/storms are imminent in the latest forecast model. During otherwise nice weather, if a small craft advisory is posted, and still safe to do so, we will continue to operate within the protected Intracoastal Waterway. The boat will never go into open water during an active, small craft advisory, when sea conditions exceed 3-4ft, or winds exceed 25mph. We will generally make cancellation decisions 1-2 hours before departure time. Please feel free to call before driving to the departure location. If our Captain decides not to cast off due to weather or advisories, you have the option to reschedule to an open available date or receive a full refund. If availibility exists, we can change trip times the day of to avoid and allow weather to move out of the area. If we cast off on a mediocre weather day, and finish a charter for the agreed allotted time, discounts or refunds will not be given. If you and the captain agree that conditions are undesirable or unsafe and the decision is mutually agreed to return to port early, a calculated per hour rate will be issued for lost time based on the per hour rate of your trip.