Salty Sam's Marina

To Whom it may concern, I rented a boat yesterday and upon returning was handed a receipt for $30 +/- for fuel consumption. The gentleman at the dock stated that "I was ALL SET" and wished me a good day. I was just emailed a receipt for $950 ($1,000 deposit - less $50) for returning the boat without paying for fuel and charged an additional $21.81 for fuel on my CC. I called just now to explain the situation to a woman on the phone, I thought that when I was handed a fuel receipt, that I had in-fact paid for the fuel. Which would make sense, being handed a receipt and saying you're all set. To add insult to injury, the woman I spoke to lied and said I handed back the map to the office and said I would be back to pay for the fuel and never returned, which is absurd and simply a fabrication/not true. She told me repeatedly that I was told upon renting the boat that I had to stop back in the office and pay for the fuel after getting the fuel ticket. I explained that I was told literally a hundred things including signing and initialing and watching a video, so no, I don't remember that. She also said, "well everyone else does”. So, is your staff / company implying I'm not only a thief, but an idiot too? I remained calm and factual throughout my conversation while the woman's attitude grew increasingly irritated. I am amazed, as a small business owner myself, about how many companies remain in business with treating customers like the way I was just treated. At the end of the day, I was overcharged $40 +/- dollars, good for your company, I guess you need it more than me. I consider this a small price to pay for a great day on the water with my family. It's the principle of the situation that is really irritating me which will be reflected in my honest review of your establishment and how you treat your customers. Best Regards! Hi Michael, Thank you for reaching out and sharing your feedback regarding the fuel charge at the end of your boat rental. I’ve spoken with our team to get a full understanding of what happened. First, I apologize if anyone came across as short or dismissive—that's never our intention. As you can imagine, it can get a bit hectic at the docks with multiple boats returning at once, and our crew works hard to keep things running smoothly. That said, I appreciate you bringing it to our attention so we can continue to improve. Regarding the fuel payment, we do inform renters multiple times throughout the process—verbally at check-in, in the confirmation email, and again when the dock crew greets you upon return. That said, I understand how a quick “You’re all set” might have been misinterpreted, and I’ve already spoken with our Dockmaster to make sure the team reinforces the fuel payment and map return instructions more clearly moving forward. According to our records, you did return the map and mentioned you'd be right back to settle up, but unfortunately, we didn’t see you again—so the fuel charge was deducted from your deposit. We certainly don’t want any part of your experience to feel confusing or frustrating, and I truly appreciate you taking the time to let us know. It helps us tighten up communication and ensure a smoother process for all guests. Thanks again, Ryan Ryan VanDenabeele Director of Marketing, Operations P| (239) 463-7333 Ext.113 F| (239) 463-3947 Hi Ryan, Thank you for your email. And yes, I believe more communication by dock attendees is needed as a reminder for next steps in paying fuel bill. Despite the fact that you tell customers repeatedly that they have to pay after getting what clearly looks like a receipt. Or perhaps setting up payment directly at dock for fuel eliminating the need for an additional step would be helpful to Customers. Maybe you can check your surveillance cameras too as you and your staff are adamant about me stopping in your office saying I’d return to pay for fuel and then not returning. I am 100% sure you will not see me as I never stepped foot back in your store after returning the boat! I continued straight past the restaurant to my vehicle. I will be all too happy to see you in person to review your video alongside you to stop the lies as I NEVER stopped back in to say I’d pay for fuel and then didn't. Keep up the good work in public relations and I will continue to do my part in warning future customers about your awesome company.

Nice place! Friendly folks

All in all, Salty Sams is a GREAT Marina. The docks are currently under construction so there is no power. The water hose for one dock has to be shared by many users. I rented the spaces so I could get a boat detailed and were given grief by dock hands and other boaters because we were using water.

Samantha was awesome. She helped us get in without any issues.

It’s nice to be greeted by a friendly, knowledgeable dock hand - that was Jim! Check in gal in the office was pleasant too. Nice docks.

The marina has nice floating docks but is definitely more focused on the small boat rental business than transient boaters. Two small showers that were pretty dirty. Two good restaurants on the property.

Great service. Dockmaster came to help us in when we called on 17. Store staff and bar staff were really friendly. Many worked there for several years, which says a lot for how well the business is run. We were on D dock. There is a fairly strong current caused by the tide. I would recommend caution either side of high tide when it seemed strongest. We saw a lot of birds, tarpon and even dolphins around the docks. We enjoyed it so much we have now permanently moved our boat there.

Great Marina with two restaurants & occasional live music. The office is not really aware of what’s going on at the marina. It’s best to call the Dockhands on Channel 17 if you need anything.

Everyone is very friendly and helpful. Floating docks are nice. We also enjoy the restaurants.

Boat ramp closed all weekend and they acted like I was putting them out to open it for me to bring boat in and take boat out.

Nice marina. Fun watching the pirate ship come and go.

Previous review posted was old. This time they put us on the floating dock. It was great. Unfortunately no dock hands showed up to assist with docking. We did fine but how did they know? Only other issue is with Dockwa. We were billed when we made the reservation rather than after our visit. That is a terrible policy.

Helpful dock hands and a fun place

Nice place! Enjoyed our stay. Clean

All good. Facilities a bit dated.

Courteous dock staff for assistance unto and out of our slip. So nice.

This marina is NOT accommodating to transient boaters!! We were placed on a dock that was allowed to fly politically affiliated, foul languaged flags. The bathrooms are not clean, and I would NEVER shower in there. The laundry room was filthy and stinky. When asked employees regarding who cleans that area, I was told nobody knew, and nobody really cared. Rude attitude from girls in office. Who is in charge of this run down marina?!?!? Just walking to the restroom area is stinky with trash bins. THIS is not worth the money!!! However, the city of Ft. Myers beach remain to not be able offer any mooring balls because they allow people to park unattended boats to rot on their balls, and spend NO money around their area. Unfortunately there's not really any other choices in Ft. Myers beach for boaters when storms are impending. NOT going to be a cruiser's stop if they don't get things straightened out around here.

If you want to rent a boat this is the marina to go to; HOWEVER, if you are a transient and have other options, I would stay elsewhere. We arrived with vague directions and no assistance whatsoever. Had to plead for a pump-out and actually hunt down someone to get that accomplished (took 2 days), were treated disrespectfully by office when we politely asked when water would be available in the showers as there was no water at all when I tried to take a shower on Saturday morning. It is obvious they prioritize the portion of the marina that makes the money with little regard for cruising mariners who are seeking a place to stay as they travel.

Beautiful, professional marina with great restaurants and plenty of ways to have fun!

Busy place. Not much walking opportunity. Parrot Key restaurant was good.

What an absolute gem, the docks are excellent and the staff is even better. We are a 37ft monohull with a 5ft draft and it had more than enough water depth. The restaurants are delicious.

Staff was helpful. Fuel prices were reasonable. Definitely stay here again.

Two restrooms, not in best of shape. People friendly and restaurant good. We were on the Fuck Biden dock D. Which not comfortable with.

Enjoyed our stay. Floating docks. Dock hands. Lively restaurants.

Only complaint is that wifi didnt work the whole week we were there. Other than that, a great stay