1. You send us the basics (WhatsApp or email)
We need six things to check availability:
- Date (and a backup date if you have one)
- Number of people, and ages of any children
- Half-day or full-day
- Where you're staying (for meeting-time advice)
- Fishing experience — first time, casual, or you bring your own gear
- Anything we should know: seasickness, allergies, someone who can't swim
You don't need to fill a form. A few lines in a message is enough.
2. We reply fast, then check with the captain
During working hours we usually reply within about 10 minutes — we answer as soon as we see the message. We don't run the boat ourselves; we coordinate with local captains. We send your details to the captain, check weather and sea forecasts for your date, and come back to you with a yes, or with an alternative date or plan. The captain's answer can take a little longer if he's out at sea.
3. One confirmation email
When the captain says yes, you get a single email that is the binding record of your trip:
- Date, meeting time, meeting point (with a map pin)
- Boat and captain
- Headcount and the final total (all-inclusive price + any gear rental)
- What to bring, what's included, what's free on request
- A link to place a card hold
If anything in that email is wrong, reply and we fix it before anything else happens.
4. Card hold — not a payment
To secure the booking, PayPal places a temporary authorization on your card for the amount in the email. Nothing is charged. If you join the trip, we release it the same day. If the captain cancels for weather, we release it. Only a late cancellation or no-show may be charged under our policy. You don't need a PayPal account — you can do it with a card as a guest.
5. The evening before: one message each way
We message you the evening before with the final go/no-go from the captain (weather can change a plan). You reply with one line — "see you at 6" is enough. This is the one thing we ask of every guest: that reply lets the captain sleep.
6. On the day
- You meet the captain at the port. If you can't find the boat, WhatsApp us — we're awake.
- The captain handles the fishing; we handle anything that needs Japanese: sashimi on board if the catch allows, a cooler to take it home, an ATM that takes foreign cards, a taxi back.
- Back at the dock, we release the card hold. Done.
7. If something changes
- You need to cancel: message us as early as you can. Our cancellation policy is [here].
- Weather: the captain decides, usually the evening before or early morning. If it's called off, the hold is released in full and we help you rebook if you have another day.
- Running late: message us. Boats can sometimes wait a little; sometimes they can't — we'll tell you straight.