Hackshaw

Welcome to Hackshaw's Boat Charters. We as a family are proud of the fact that we introduced charter boating to our island some 60 years ago. Therefore, we feel confident in claiming unparalleled experience and knowledge of boating here in St. Lucia.

"Big Bill" Hackshaw, whose character was larger than life, and was renowned throughout the islands, was the boating pioneer way back in the forties. His magnetic personality and unique knowledge, of the sea has been passed on through the years to his sons David and Paul and his grandchildren Chris, Nicholas, Anthony, Jacqui and Caroline.

Despite having advanced over the years, we are still a small family business, maintaining close personal contact with all our valued clients. Presently we operate four boats, three used mainly for sports fishing, and a brand new custom designed Whale Watching Boat “Lady Hack”, which is also versatile enough for a wide variety of tours including private charters.

All our captains are “hooked” on fishing- just try to drag’em home without a catch!! After all, we had the grandfather of all fishermen “Big Bill” as our mentor! Our waters are abundant with a variety of Big Game Fish, such as Blue Marlin, Sail Fish, Yellow Fin Tuna, Wahoo and Dorado, to name but a few, an ideal recipe for a deep sea fishing experience.

We strongly believe in conservation and thus strictly practise the tag and release of all Bill Fish; that is why you will not see any dead Bill Fish hanging anywhere in our advertisements!!!

As St. Lucia is a Volcanic Island, the under water drop off area, where the fish congregate, lies only two miles off the coast line; therefore, this facilitates faster and easier access to the best fishing grounds.

Though each fish species is generally seasonal, for example, February to May for Wahoo and Dorado, and August to December for Blue Marlin, Sail Fish and Yellow Fin Tuna, we do have these fish year round, thus making these trips always popular and exciting.

Regardless whether you are a pro or novice in this sport, all are always very welcome aboard.

All our boats are diesel powered, tournament rigged with the very best in fishing equipment, yearly inspected and licensed by The St. Lucia Port Authority, St. Lucia Coast Guard, and have full insurance coverage.

2006 International Billfish Tournament Information

Below is our sample price list for our boats:

38’ Bertram
Half day fishing (4 hours 1-8 persons)	US$500.00
Full day fishing (8 hours 1-8 persons)	US$900.00
32’ Formula
Half day fishing (4 hours 1-6 persons)	US$400.00
Full day fishing (8 hours 1-6 persons)	US$700.00
31’ Bertram
Half day fishing (4 hours 1-6 persons)	US$400.00
Full day fishing (8 hours 1-6 persons)	US$700.00
*Half-day group charters are available at US$75.00 per head.

Don't miss the most exhilarating experience of your vacation a Dolphin/Whale Watch Safari with us is a must!To date, in excess of 25 varieties of these magnificent mammals have been spotted in our waters, each bearing its own unique fascination. The sight of them in their natural habitats, whether they be feeding, mating, frolicking with their calves or just “cooling” out in our refreshing Caribbean waters, is surely a magical and unforgettable experience!

The most frequently sighted of the whales are the, Sperm (45ft), the Pilot (20ft) and the Humpback (60ft). Occasionally, we experience what can only be considered the pinnacle of all sightings the Orcas (Killer Whale 30ft). Who knows, it may be your lucky day!

We also come across large pods of Dolphin, sometimes 150 at a time. They dazzle and hypnotize us with their spectacular and lively antics. The most frequently sighted are the Spotted, the Common, the Fraser and Striped. Our personal favorites are the Spinners, which can be seen leaping playfully several yards into the air, whilst spinning up to seven times.

The Dolphins are considered the darlings of the Ocean, and their gracefulness and playful actions must bring a smile to any and everyone's face.

Using the hydrophone enables us to hear the Whales and Dolphins communicating, by clicks, squeals, grunts and screams. Harmonious wailing sounds, which can be heard for several miles, emanate from the Humpback Whale, also known as the Singing Whale.

We are members of the St. Lucia Whale Watching Association, Chris being the president of this association, and strongly follow all the international Whale Watching rules for the safety of the mammals and the optimum enjoyment of our guests. After all, we are all visitors out there!


Whale Watch Safari
These tours leave our docks at the Vigie Marina in Castries at 8:00 a.m. and return four hours later at 12:00 p.m. US$40.00 per head

Whale Watch Special
On this tour, instead of returning straight back to the docks, we stop off at a beach restaurant for a scrumptious buffet lunch. Then we head over to a gorgeous beach for some great swimming, before heading into picturesque Marigot Bay, considered to be the most beautiful bay in the Caribbean. US$50.00 per head

Private whale watching Tours
These trips can be customized to your desire, leaving and retiring at your convenience, and if you like, we can make a day trip of it, visiting the sights and some swimming! Call our office for further information and pricing.

Come relax and have some real fun on one of our private day cruises- bring friends, family or whoever, the choice is yours! You are bound to marvel at the beauty of our Western coastline, as we leave Port Castries, to visit historically rich and fascinating Soufriere, passing en route the charming fishing villages of Anse La Raye and Canaries, with their distinctive Caribbean flavor.

Have your cameras ready for the viewing of a life time, our World Heritage Sight, the majestic Pitons, rising proudly from the sapphire Blue Waters, soaring two thousand feet, apparently to the heavens. The sight takes your breath away!

If you should so desire, you may take a guided tour of the exotic Botanical Gardens, The Sulphur Springs, The Diamond Water Falls and the therapeutic Sulphur Baths.

There are many excellent restaurants available, guaranteed to suit even the most discerning taste buds. Alternatively, we can organize a picnic lunch for you on board.From Soufriere, a number of breathtaking beaches await you, many with divine areas for snorkeling.

No trip along the coastline could be complete without visiting the most spectacular bay in the Caribbean, Marigot Bay, where the British hid from the French fleet by tying coconut palms to their masts, letting the French sail by, then emerging and attacking from the rear, winning one of the many battles between the French and English, for possession of the "Helen of the West", our St. Lucia.

Marigot boasts a number of water front restaurants, where refreshing Caribbean concoctions can be enjoyed in the aftermath of your trip of a lifetime!On the private boat trips the boats come with beers, soft drinks, mineral water, light snacks and snorkeling equipment, free of charge.

Please contact our office for pricing as every tour is customized to suit you.

SEA HUNTER
The "Sea Hunter" is a customized Bertram 38’ Special, which is tournament rigged for serious big game fishing, but is also very spacious for comfortable cruising. She has a 24-mile radar, G.P.S., fish finder, depth sounder, autopilot, fridge, freezer, stove and two air-conditioned cabins with a private washroom and stand up shower. Powered by a pair of Detroit Diesel she reliably delivers 25kts. She is undoubtedly the best all-round charter boat on the Island!


BLUE BOY
The "Blue Boy" is a legendary Bertram 31’ capable of carrying her passengers in comfort, style, and speed. She is rigged with the very best in fishing equipment and electronics. She has a double berth in the bow with a washroom. There is a full length Bimini Top, that can be put up or down, depending on how much shade you desire. She is powered with 275 hp Perkins diesels, giving her a top speed of 32 kts!! A true fishing and cruising machine.


Lady HACK
This is our new baby. She was custom built for us by Newton Boats, and is ideally suited for Whale Watching, snorkeling, day trips, deep sea fishing (with 2 fighting chairs, out riggers, the works!) and party fishing. She is US Coast Guard certified for 65 passengers.The Newtons are known for their exceptional sea keeping qualities and fast stable ride, and the “ Lady Hack “ is no exception. She is loaded with all the safety equipment, along with a vast array of modern electronics. We powered her with 375 hp John Deere Diesels , considered to be amongst the most reliable out there, and they will push her at a respectable 25kts.We hope to see you onboard soon.


"LADY ANNE"
This is our second new baby. She was custom built for us in 2006 and has proven to be a fantastic addition to our fleet. Whetther she is fishing, whale watching or just a pleasure cruise, Lady Anne is more than up to the task!!

All bookings should be done through Hackshaw Boat Charters.

We thank you for allowing us the opportunity to do business with you and look forward to hearing from you in the near future.

Contact: Chris/David Hackshaw
Email: hackshawc@candw.lc
Fax: (758)-45-81250
Tel: (758)-45-30553 / (758)-45-23909