FAQ

Bookings

Why doesn’t the website allow me to book on certain dates and times?

The time you selected is already booked. During our high season, we are booked up in advance. Please check to see the next available dates and we recommend booking ahead of your boating adventure with Goldstar.

What is the minimum age to rent a boat?

You must be 21 years of age with a valid drivers license.

What is the minimum rental period?

On weekdays, the minimum rental period for both boats is 2 hours. On weekends, the minimum rental period for boats is 3 hours.

Is gas included in the price?

Yes! Gas is included in the price.

Why can’t I reach you by phone?

Due to high volume of calls and bookings, our employees are busy providing our customers assistance or on the other line. It is best to handle your bookings online or reach us by email. We try to reply within a business day.

Requirements

What do I need to rent a boat?

A valid drivers license and credit card for deposit are needed. You get charged $200 upon your booking for deposit fee.

Do I need a boating licence?

No, you do not need a boating license to rent our boats. We supply you with a commercial captain that is knowledgeable of the surrounding areas with plenty of experience so we can make sure everyone has a great time out on the water!

Can we drive the boat ourselves if we have a boating license?

Due to increased damages to boats and to ensure everyone’s safety, our policy has changed to providing professional commercial captains for our guests. The benefits of this change is that it will make guest experiences much more pleasant and safer allowing you to enjoy the scenery, use the BBQ, and not worry about driving our luxurious pontoons in areas you are unfamiliar with.

What to Expect?

How do I prepare for my trip?

We always suggest bringing food, snacks, drinks, utensils, propane and cutlery to enjoy our onboard BBQ. We provide the BBQ, cooler, and tongs; guests should bring ice. We recommend outerwear for chillier days, medication if you get seasick, sunscreen, and if you plan on riding during the evening, bug spray. (Please note that there is no BBQ on the Aqua Patio)

When should I arrive for my booking?

We ask for you to arrive 30 mins prior to your booking to ensure you have time to complete the necessary paperwork and safety briefing. If you are late, this will cut into your booking time in order to keep all bookings running on time. 

Is there a BBQ on the boat?

Yes, all our luxury pontoons except for the Aqua Patio offer a small BBQ. We recommend hot dogs or simple BBQ items to avoid flareups. 

Do you have music on board?

Yes, all our boats come equipped with top of the line stereo systems that connects to all devices via USB or Bluetooth.

Do you provide safety equipment?

We provide life jackets and all the safety equipments required from the Transport Canada.

Is drinking/alcohol allowed on the boat?

Alcohol/drinking is not allowed on the boats. We have the right to refuse rentals to anyone we believe are under the influence of alcohol.

Do you provide ice?

No, we provide coolers but not ice.

Rules on the Water

What happens if you speed where you’re not supposed to?

There is a hefty fine of $2,000 for speeding in the 5 knot zones. We take the safety of our environment and sea community very seriously. Please refrain from speeding where you are not supposed to.

How long does it take to go past the buoy where you can increase your speed past 5 knots?

From our location, it takes about 20 minutes to pass the buoy after the Burrard bridge.

General

Is there parking at the Goldstar Marina Rentals?

Yes, there is paid metered parking in the surrounding area as well as paid valet parking at the Westin Bayshore Hotel. 

Is there a washroom at the marina?

We recommend our customers use the washrooms in the hotel before their booking time. 

Cancellations

What is the cancellation policy?

Cancellations are allowed and refunds are provided for our pontoons. We cannot offer a refund for yacht bookings but rentals can instead be rescheduled. You must inform of your cancellation 7 days prior to your booking for a full refund. Failure to cancel 7 days prior will result in the loss of your deposit. Refunds on cancellations will deduct $6.10 from Stripe processing fee. Please note, it may take up to 15 business days for a refund to be returned (depending on your bank).