Step aboard Big Betty, a beautifully restored 1996 Bayliner 3988 Motor Yacht (refit in 2025) departing from Oakland, and enjoy an unforgettable day on the water.
"Captain Mike and staff were amazing, can’t wait to sail with them again!" — Benjamin,
- +3trips fromUS $950
Dempsey Marine Adventures
Los Angeles+4Set sail aboard Dempsey Marine Adventures, a classic 1988 C&C Sloop offering an intimate and memorable sailing experience along the Los Angeles coastline.
"the Captain was great, accomodating, commicative. amazing experience,..." — Kaleeka,trips fromUS $200The Island Hook
Long Beach+5Experience Southern California from the water aboard West Harbor Charters, a beautifully restored 1989 Luhrs Tournament 400 Convertible designed for unforgettable private adventures out of Long Beach.
"We left Long Beach harbor around 8:30 am. We returned around 7:30 pm." — Julie,trips fromUS $500Rockstar Yacht Charters
San DiegoRockstar Yacht Charters offers luxury party cruises on San Diego Bay on their 45’ Motor yacht based out of Point Loma which is close to downtown and most major tourist spots in San Diego. We offer charters for up to 12 guests.
trips fromUS $800- +4
Step aboard Azimuth Charters, a beautifully restored 1987 HiStar Yacht Fisher Motor yacht, meticulously updated in 2026 to blend timeless elegance with modern comfort.
trips fromUS $2,350 60ft Modern Luxury Monte Carlo
Long Beach+6Step aboard the exceptional 2016 Monte Carlo 6 (MC6), where contemporary European styling meets world-class comfort.
trips fromUS $4,000Sea Falcon Charters
San Diego+1Sea Falcon Charters invites you to experience San Diego’s waters aboard our beautifully restored 1991 Triumph Flybridge Cruiser (restored in 2021). With space for up to six guests, this vessel blends classic style with modern comfort.
"Captain Wes was awesome! He is kind, knowledgeable, and welcoming, and Niky was a great first mate." — Chezik,trips fromUS $750Lively Schooner INC.
Avalon+1Step aboard Mayflower, a stunning Square Topsail ketch designed by Hugh Angelman and based in Avalon, perfect for up to six guests seeking an unforgettable nautical adventure.
trips fromUS $70060ft Ultra-Sleek 2015 Sunseeker Predator
Long Beach+7Turn heads and cruise the coast in unmistakable style aboard this stunning 2015 Sunseeker Predator 60. Blending exhilarating performance with refined luxury, this express yacht delivers the perfect mix of sporty design and premium comfort.
trips fromUS $4,000
Frequently Asked Questions about Boat Tours in California
- Extended boating trips – US $2,250
- 1-hour boating trips – US $600
- 2-hour boating trips – US $743
- 3-hour boating trips – US $998
- 4-hour boating trips – US $2,417
- 5-hour boating trips – US $1,988
- 6-hour boating trips – US $1,500
- 8-hour boating trips – US $4,645
- 12-hour boating trips – US $2,475
- Extended boating trips – US $2,250
- 1-hour boating trips – US $600
- 2-hour boating trips – US $743
- 3-hour boating trips – US $998
- 4-hour boating trips – US $2,417
- 5-hour boating trips – US $1,988
- 6-hour boating trips – US $1,500
- 8-hour boating trips – US $4,645
- 12-hour boating trips – US $2,475
Boating in California
California is a world-class playground for boaters, with dramatic Pacific coastlines, calm bays, and sparkling inland lakes that invite year-round exploration. From sun-soaked harbors framed by palm trees to misty morning inlets teeming with marine life, this is a destination where every route offers a new view.
Choose California boating charters to experience steady coastal breezes ideal for sailing, sheltered waters perfect for family-friendly cruising, and clear freshwater lakes suited to leisurely pontoon outings or active watersports. Spot dolphins and migrating whales offshore, glide along kelp forests and rugged sea cliffs, or trace winding river deltas bordered by farmlands and vineyards.
Urban adventures abound on bustling waterfronts with skyline vistas, historic lighthouses, and sweeping bridges, while quieter escapes lead to coves, sea caves, and protected marine areas rich with birds and native wildlife. Anglers, photographers, and sunset-chasers will find tailored routes that match the season and local conditions.
With an incredible range of departure points, modern marinas, and knowledgeable local captains, California boating charters make it easy to plan scenic day cruises, wildlife-focused excursions, sailing lessons, or multi-day journeys linking coastal towns and lakeside villages. Whether you're seeking relaxed deck time, hands-on sailing, or a memorable celebration on the water, California delivers unforgettable moments from first cast-off to final mooring.
What people said about boating in California
- 5.0/5(3 Hour – Coastal Cruise - 12:00 PM)
So much fun!
We went on the hottest day which was the best way to beat the heat. The water was so refreshing. Make sure to wear sunscreen!
- 5.0/5(2 Hour – Boat Tour - 7:00 PM)
great experance
it’s beautiful, just sit back and enjoy, bring a coat if you are doing a sunset cruise
- 5.0/5(Whale/Seal/Bird Watching on SF Bay)
Boating with Molly
Captain Molly was so great! We had a gorgeous day and were lucky enough to see to see many whales on our trip. Molly was great with my kids, she is very knowledgeable and personable and it the perfect outing!
- 5.0/5(3 Hour Tour – Sailing)
We had a great time! Recommend 100%
The BYOB option was nice and would recommend. Great sound system throughout the boat so need to bring your own speaker. Would bring jackets and maybe even blankets if your going during a not super warm time. Also recommend bringing food and water especially if you are planning on drinking. All of ours got eaten up. Sunscreen and sunglasses as well. Flip flops or crocs are a smart choice and dont forget towels either.
How people rated boat trips in California
5.0/5(3 Hr – Venice to Santa Monica Tour)3 hour cruise
lovely way to spend the afternoon. boat was comfortable, captain was great and highly recommend
5.0/5(2 Hour – Sunset Charter)it was an amazing experience!
the Captain was great, accomodating, commicative. amazing experience, highly recomment
5.0/5(3 Hour – Luxury Sailing Adventure)Great trip.
Bryan was very attentive to our needs and sensitive to our family requirements.
5.0/5(6 hour - Special Events)Captain Wes is great!
We had the best time! Captain Wes customized the time we had to our exact needs! We did the 6 hour tour.. highly recommend!!
5.0/5(Special 3 hour trip for Christen Timmons)Wonderful ride with family!
Michael & Stormy were so pleasant, kind & patient. They went above & beyond to make the trip comfortable & enjoyable, which isnt easy with 6 kids 11 & under. The boat was beautiful & well maintained. Would love to do this again!
5.0/5(Tour of Catalina Full Day - 8:00 AM)Amazing Catalina Island Trip
We left Long Beach harbor around 8:30 am. We returned around 7:30 pm. In between we had the most incredible experience fishing, sightseeing and enjoying the boat. Knowledge from our Captain and help from our first mate made our trip unforgettable. I would highly recommend! It was a dream day!
5.0/5(3 Hour – Burials at Sea)Relaxing and fun day on the water
Captain Wes was awesome! He is kind, knowledgeable, and welcoming, and Niky was a great first mate. The boat had plenty of room, the atmosphere was very relaxed, and we enjoyed sightseeing with interesting information available along the way. We brought brunch and bubbles and plugged unto his soeaker and had such a fun, pleasant few hours on the water! Great vibes!
5.0/5(Catalina Private Ferry - 11:00 AM)What a ride!
Capt Jon was awesome! Such a nice guy and his deck hand too. Took a ride out to Two Harbors, ate lunch, cruised the island and headed back home. Amenities and vibe on the boat were great. Thanks for a great time!
5.0/5(4 Hour – Sailing Trip)Wonderful experience!
Captain Eric and his boat were both wonderful. Captain Eric was both knowledgeable of sailing and made our whole group more than comfortable. His playlist was outstanding as our entire group had a great time!
5.0/5(6 hour - Special Events)Phenomenal experience!
Captain Wes and his son made our experience so memorable and really went out of the way to ensure we had a wonderful time. We had logistical issues in the morning and Wes worked with us day of to adjust our trip time. Our whole group was extremely grateful for this whole experience! Best Boat and Crew I have ever been on, I would recommend them to everyone!
5.0/5(Special 2 hour trip for Alex Honigman)Amazing Experience
Went for a sunset sail and had a great time. First off Bryan was a wonderful captain and genuinely awesome human. Was happy to share about the boat and sailing and despite the lack of wind still kept us moving and enjoying our time. Highly recommend.
5.0/5(2 Hour – Party on the Bay)Amazing staff and exerience
We loved our time on the boat with our clients. The captain and first mate were so friendly and accommodating. Leading up to the event the communication and planning was so professional and quick. I highly recommend going with this team, they care about their work and their customers!
5.0/5(3 Hour – Tour of San Francisco Bay)Wonderful yacht and Captain
Graditude and its’ Captain Tom provide a wonderful exoerience. The 52’ motoryacht is well maintained and ecceptionally comfortable. There are three different seating salons and the boat can handle heavier seas if necessary, and can handle inclement weather if necessary. Leah from Harbor Smith catered food for us. Book more yhan 3 hours, as there is so mych to in SF Bay, you will not want the cruise to end. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!!
5.0/5(2 Hour Trip – Mission Bay (11:30AM))Nice relaxing cruise
Took my family of 6 out with Capt Gavin. Beautiful day, got to hang out with some dolphins.
5.0/5(2 Hour – Harbor Cruise 12pm to 2pm)captain kevin was the best!
had family in town and wanted to take them out on the water. had the absolute best time with Kevin! he was super warm and friendly, knew all the best spots, and even found a pod of dolphins for us! highly recommended 10/10
5.0/5(4 Hour Whale & Wildlife (AM))Whale Watching
Captain Mike was such a great host. We were not able to see any whales but he made sure to make the most of our time/experience and took us to feed some fish and a friendly sea lion.
5.0/5(2 Hour Private Group Trip (12pm))Relaxing cruise
my husband and I went on the 12pm cruise and Ryan was very friendly and welcoming. He made sure to bring us to see Sea Lion, Seal and many birds. Very knowledgeable about the area and made our trip very comfortable and relaxing.
5.0/5(Dueces Wild SF Tour)Proposal of a Lifetime!
Thank you Miss Molly for your hospitality and showing us the city from the water and for sharing our special day with us! This was one of the greatest experiences we have ever had. We couldn't have asked for a better day and better Captain to share our day with. Thank you so much for your help with our engagement! We will never forget such an incredible trip!
5.0/5(2 Hour Private Group Trip (6pm))Ryan was amazing!
Our captain, Ryan, was incredible. He let us relax and enjoy our time while also making us comfortable with our own music, he took our photos when we asked and he took us to see marine life! I loved it.
5.0/5(2 Hour Private Group Trip (4pm))Harbor yacht cruise.
We had Very nice time in the water with a fun crew. Nice comfortable seats and good views for our two hour Long Beach cruise. Brought pizza and cake for birthday celebration. .


















