Captain Sarah Mckenna welcomed our publisher and friends aboard for a sunset cruise recently. We caught up with her to find out more about Syren Yacht Charters and her journey.
Sue G. Collins: You grew up in Old Naples riding your bike to the pier and your family was fishermen, spending most weekends, summers, and holidays on a fishing boat between Florida, the Bahamas, and Costa Rica. After attending UCF as a chemistry major, you realized you'd rather spend your days on the water than in a lab and moved to Hawaii, became a Divemaster on a dive boat, and spent more hours of the day in the water than out. This love of the water and long history led you to get your USCG Captain's License. Why did you return to Naples to continue your career?
Captain Sarah Mckenna: My decision to move back to Naples was based on a desire to live closer to family and the coast coupled with the opportunity to run Syren and then Syrenette for a company that I love who was expanding their hospitality services into the boating industry.
SC: You do full and half days, brunch and sunset cruises and more. Walk us through the booking process and how you tailor each cruise to your guests.
SM: Yes! We are excited to announce that we will also offer a full day excursion to the Everglades. Booking is available by calling directly as well as online on our website. For every charter booked, we communicate with the guests for desires on route, food and drink preferences as well as special occasion details such as cake orders, decorations and tailored playlists. We have had proposals, weddings, memorials, bachelor/bachelorette gatherings as well as numerous birthdays. We love to host a celebration as well as just a great day out on the water.
We also offer membership programs to guests that want the joy of boating without the expense, maintenance, upkeep, and storage obligations that come with ownership. This is also a great option to realtors and business professionals to host clients to show them the spectacular nature of coastal living.
A “Captain’s Dinner Experience” will include a sunset cruise aboard Syren complete with hors d’ oeuvres and cocktails and then dinner onboard back at the dock with exclusive food and wine offerings.
SC: All food and beverages, water sport toys and equipment, towels, sunscreen, beach chairs, fuel, and taxes are included in the price. Easy! What is a favorite route and destination for a full-day charter?
SM: Full-day charters are our favorite! More time on the water to enjoy. Depending on the guest preferences and weather, heading south is a fun option. We can stop for a swim off the coast of Keewaydin Island, then head further towards Marco Island into Collier Bay. It’s a nice spot to drop anchor to take a dip and enjoy some lunch catered by our sister company, The Syren Oyster and Cocktail Bar. Then make our way through the Marco river into the intercostal through mangrove islands while keeping an eye out for the abundant wildlife that inhabits the area.
Whether enjoying a picturesque Southwest Florida sunset, shelling on our barrier islands, dolphin watching from our fly bridge, or entertaining guests or clients while viewing the stunning real estate of Port Royal, Syren provides an unparalleled setting for making your finest memories. Select from one of our daily trips or let us create a custom charter experience suited just for you and your guests.
SC: Tell us about the newest member of your fleet.
SM: After a successful first season for Syren Yacht we decided to expand our fleet to include Syrenette- a 29’ Regal deck boat. Offering a more laid back boating experience than its big sister Syren. “We wanted to be able to offer a variety of different cruises to appeal to a broader clientele.” We truly have something for everyone and are continually adding to our list of offerings to bring a special experience to our guest while enjoying one of the best things this area has to offer, the water!
Captain Sarah Mckenna
Syren Yacht Charters
909 10th Street South
239.231.9173
