Know before you go
A practical reference: fees/permits, fuel/trash/pump-outs, communication realities, and seasonal hazards. Keep it simple, keep it accurate.
Guide
Fees, permits, rules
- Know which areas are managed by NPS and what fees apply.
- Confirm current rules for fire, pets, and sensitive areas.
- Respect no-wake zones and busy marina channels.
Fuel, trash, pump-outs
- Have a fuel plan before you leave the marina area.
- Bring extra trash capacity; pack-in/pack-out is real here.
- Know where pump-outs are (and your backup plan).
Comms + navigation reality
- Assume you won’t have cell service when you need it most.
- Download offline maps and share your “check-in” routine.
- Carry charging redundancy (power bank + backups).
Seasonal hazards
- Wind days happen — plan shore activities and local options.
- Heat and sun are serious; set a hydration/sunscreen routine.
- Storms can be sudden; pick protected water early.