This Brigantine Captain Is Changing the Way Locals Hit the Water
When it comes to Brigantine Charters, the world is your oyster - at least as far as South Jersey waterways are concerned, that is.
"It's for anybody who wants to spend time on the water," Captain Rich Delgado said.
The Brigantine resident started his charter business last year, partly in response to the boom in recreational boating he observed in the years since the Covid pandemic hit the area in 2020. The increase in water traffic led to preventable accidents, and Rich wanted to help where he could.
"I am more then a fishing charter business. I am your real life Instruction book. I'll take you out on my boat or yours and teach you first hand the ins and outs of operation, docking, navigation, and most importantly safety," said Rich.
In addition to the educational element, Brigantine Charters does, of course, offer fishing trips, along with sunset cruises, engagement cruises and just exploring the area. Guests can come aboard The Salvadorian, Rich's 24-foot Sailfish, or he's happy to captain someone else's vessel, too.
"If someone wants to go out with their family and not worry about operating their boat, they can hire me and I can take them around," Rich said. "Or if they just want to go up the river to a local bar, I can take them up there, too. It's not just about fishing - it's also about touring the area."
A typical day on The Salvadorian could start around 6am with a morning fishing excursion, followed by a second fishing trip midday, or perhaps an afternoon cruising the waterway at slow speeds, and end with a sunset cruise. However, every day is different because every trip is custom - those interested in Brigantine Charters services just need to give Rich a call to hash out the details. Because of the custom nature of the trips, prices vary, but hourly rates tend to hover between $75 and $100 depending on the type of trip. Trip minimums are two hours.
The Salvadorian is docked at the Golden Nugget in nearby Atlantic City from April to November, and adventures can cover Atlantic and Cape May counties - offshore and inland. Rich has taken a birthday party down to The Lobster House in Cape May, and other groups up the Mullica River to Sweetwater Marina and Riverdeck.
"It's the Intracoastal Waterway anywhere in South Jersey," he summed up. "I'm very familiar with the Intracoastal Waterway. I'm very familiar with all the sandbars in the area. You've got to really know the waterways, because the channels constantly move."
Growing up in nearby Galloway before moving to Brigantine five years ago, Rich said he has been on boats all his life. Knowing the local waters is "knowledge passed on through genera-tions," he said.
When you hire Rich you are getting top notch service along with a thorough education.
"I just want to help the locals. I want to help people who come from other states and bring their boat and don't know the area. I can assist them, where to go, where not to go, or build confidence in the area waterways so an accident can be prevented," Rich said. "Education is one of the things I really want to focus on."
With one successful year under his belt, Rich is looking forward to helping more locals and visitors in 2025 - whether that's help in boating safety or just in having a good time. And he's happy to be doing it in Brigantine.
"In the summertime, this is a happening place. It's lively. It's exciting," Rich said. "Brigantine is a really great place to be. The island is amazing." Follow along with Brigantine Charters on Instagram @brigantine_chartersllc.
Call Captain Rich to set up your own adventure at 609-432-0689.
