Captain Mario “OG Salty” Galup

In the shimmering waters of South Florida, the tales of Captain Mario "Salty" Galup are as deep and vast as the ocean itself. Revered among sailors and adventurers alike, Captain Mario’s story is one of daring escapes, mythical encounters, and a lifelong love affair with the sea. His journey from a young boy in Havana, Cuba, to the captain of Salty Family Charters is the stuff of legends.

The epic journey began in the summer of 1980. At just 13 years old, Mario Galup, armed with little more than fierce determination, set out to cross the Florida Straits. His vessel, a cobbled-together dinghy made from wooden milk crates and powered by a jury-rigged power drill, was a marvel of youthful ingenuity. To keep his spirits high and his boat afloat, he packed it with rum bottles, using them as buoyancy devices—his "mischief vessel" was ready for its maiden voyage.

But the sea is a fickle mistress. Just 53 miles into his 90-mile journey, the skies darkened, and a tropical storm erupted, transforming the tranquil sea into a churning cauldron of 13-foot waves. As his makeshift boat began to take on water, young Mario was faced with a life-altering decision: turn back to Cuba or swim onward into the unknown.

With the heart of an adventurer, Mario chose to swim. He lashed four rum bottles to his hands—two duct-taped to each hand as makeshift flotation devices—and leaped into the tempestuous sea, each stroke taking him closer to destiny. For two days and nights, he battled the elements, surviving on sheer willpower and the occasional swig of rum. Exhausted but undeterred, he caught sight of a mysterious silhouette on the horizon—the secretive JFK bunker on Peanut Island.

Taking refuge in the bunker, Mario found solace in his last rum bottle, only to discover it had been punctured by a curious barracuda. The once-sweet nectar was now tainted with saltwater, yet he drank it anyway, his parched throat welcoming the briny liquid. When locals discovered him the next morning, they found a boy covered in a coarse, salty film, his eyes gleaming with stories of the deep. Thus, Mario became Captain Mario "OG Salty" Galup—a name that would soon be known from the Keys to the Everglades.

But the legend of Captain Salty doesn’t end there. As he grew older, his love for the sea deepened, and his adventures became the stuff of myth. There was the time he outwitted a rogue wave off the coast of Key West, using nothing but his quick thinking and a makeshift sail made from old fishing nets. Or the day he discovered a hidden underwater cave filled with ancient pirate treasure, only to leave it untouched, knowing that some mysteries are best left to the ocean’s embrace.

These tales, passed down from sailor to sailor, laid the foundation for Salty Family Charters. With a deep connection to the sea and an unquenchable thirst for adventure, Captain Mario established the charter, bringing along his family for the ride. His daughter Angela, with her sharp instincts and love of marine life; his son-in-law Captain Kyle, a fearless navigator who shares Mario’s daring spirit; and his grandson KC, already learning the ropes and adding his own chapter to the Salty legacy.

Salty Family Charters offers guests a chance to experience the magic of the Florida coast through the eyes of a true seafaring legend. Whether it’s exploring the vibrant coral reefs of the snorkeling trails, uncovering hidden treasures around Peanut Island, or simply basking in the sun on a sandbar surrounded by curious fish, every trip with Salty Family Charters is an adventure into the extraordinary.

With Captain Mario "Salty" Galup at the helm, you’ll dive into the clear waters teeming with interesting marine life, navigate through the scenic sandbars, and explore the historic surroundings of Peanut Island. Whether you’re seeking sun, fun, or a slice of maritime history, Salty Family Charters promises an unforgettable journey filled with stories, discoveries, and memories that will last a lifetime.

Join Captain Mario "OG Salty" Galup and his family, and become part of a legend that grows with every adventure. The sea is calling—are you ready to answer?