Renowned for its beaches, stunning shorelines, scenic drives, and gorgeous sunsets, California—"the Golden State"—is a top yachting spot and attraction not just in North America but also the world. There’s California Delta that boasts over a thousand miles of waterways for explorations and adventures. There’s also Shasta Lake that features a lot of views, water-based activities, and fishing opportunities. You can sail to Catalina Island, which offers a lot of family-friendly and group activities. Folsom Lake is an awesome recreation area that is perfect for camping and other summer outings. These are just some of the most renowned areas in California that you can tour. Naturally, there are dozens more—even hundreds more—opportunities, attractions, and destinations available, as well as a lot of yacht charters to choose from. But if you’re looking for the best ways to discover the state’s wonders, rent a boat and go sailing. Scroll down and check out some of the best yacht charters in California, USA.
We handpicked these listings carefully, considering (wherever possible) Superhost status, recent guest reviews, location, accommodation type, prices, availability of dates, decor, and amenities. The image galleries get refreshed with the latest updates regularly. They were last updated on April 11, 2024.
1. Seafarer Yacht in San Francisco Bay
Experience a unique vacation on the 31-ft (9.45-m) Seafarer Yacht that can be moored or anchored wherever you want. This yacht charter in San Francisco Bay promises an unforgettable experience. It offers a basic kitchen complete with a microwave and refrigerator, allowing for convenient snack preparation. Cook delicious meals and savor them on the deck with gorgeous water views.
Stay connected with accessible internet, ensuring you remain in touch with loved ones and play your favorite music. A gas heater keeps the chill at bay, ensuring comfort. Small pets are welcome aboard, making it a delightful experience. Just remember to bring your own sheets or sleeping bags.
Sausalito, California, United States
147.4 km (91.6 mi) from Monterey Bay AquariumAccommodates: 1
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
stunning sunsets and sunrises and very comfortable sleepamenities are simple but there's everything needed to be comfortablecomfortable nights sleep dry boat (it was pouring outside) and nice guy :)what a unique and wonderful experience jon's boat was super cozy charming and had wonderful amenitiesCleanliness:
jon's boat was clean and the bed more than accommodated me (i'm 6'5")Host:
jon was a great host and considerate hostthe host is extremely nicejon was a great and flexible hostjon was a great hostotherwise a great host and a great experienceRead more reviewsLocation:
berkeley marina was nice quiet and secure but would like to try the sausalito marina sometimethey even have homemade tortillas station it was delicious i would recommend staying here
2. Elegant yacht for large groups in San Francisco (from USD 385)
For a party of six to twelve people looking for a few days of sailing, this private yacht charter in California is a great choice. It offers three bedrooms with five beds and a bathroom, a full kitchen, and free Wi-Fi access. You will have access to the entire boat and can plan multiple days of overnight stays while exploring Oakland or San Francisco.
The operators even offer partial day charters of around three hours each, however, you will have to book the rental outside of Airbnb.
California, United States
134.67 km (83.7 mi) from Monterey Bay AquariumAccommodates: 12
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
edgar does have direct tv which is nicewe had some problems with the bathroom nice opportunity to learn about boatlifethe master bedroom has an extremely comfortable mattressCleanliness:
well appointed clean perfect get a wayHost:
edgar was a great host patient and happy to helpedgar was a very gracious host as welledgar is a really friendly and helpful hostedgar was a cool host and communicating with him was easyvery friendly and accommodating host definitely will come backRead more reviewsLocation:
so many great dining choices within walking distanceit's location is central to a lot of the popular sight seeing & restaurantsnice layout great location and view
3. Lovely yacht for team building activities in San Francisco (from USD 1995)
Typically docked at Brisbane Marina or optionally at Pier 40 in San Francisco, this 2,400-square foot (223-square meter) yacht rental in California, called “The Morning Mist”, is excellent for team building activities of a company. Many guests opt to use it as a dockside bed and breakfast or take it for a day cruise. The boat provides five bedrooms that can easily host nine people, as well as five bathrooms, four of which are full baths.
The owner offers a three-day cruise that can take you all the way to the Sacramento River.
124.43 km (77.4 mi) from Monterey Bay AquariumAccommodates: 9
Minimum Nights: 1
Refund Policy : 100% refund if you cancel at least 14 days before check-in.
4. Spectacular yacht with a kitchen in Pebble Beach (from USD 6000)
When it comes to luxury, you can’t go wrong with this spectacular 3,000-square foot (279-square meter), three-level floating villa. The luxury yacht charter in California comes with seven bedrooms, seven full baths and a half bath, a kitchen, a living room, and deck or patio spaces, so that’s four guest suites each with its own bath, a king-sized bed, two queen-sized beds, and two twin beds. It can comfortably host 12 guests.
The boat is so huge, in fact, that it is fully staffed with a captain, a first mate, and a chef, which also means all food is included, not to mention unlimited use of jet skis, a hot tub, and a 14-foot (4.3-meter) tender.
6.72 km (4.2 mi) from Monterey Bay AquariumAccommodates: 12
Minimum Nights: 4
Refund Policy : 100% refund if you cancel at least 14 days before check-in.
California Tour Guide
Stephanie Eley
I'm a graduate of ITMI, International Tour Management Institute and 17 years as a licensed Tour Director and Program Director. My expertise began in NYC and Washington, DC where I'm a licensed guide and has expanded to Europe, South America, Cuba and the Western / Southwestern National Parks of the US. I'd love to introduce you for a day or a week to Denver, Colorado and the 4 corners region of... Read more
Tours by Stephanie
5. Pretty yacht with a dedicated workspace in Avalon (from USD 1375)
Specifically designed for an overnight on Catalina Island or a three-day private charter, which includes activities, such as paddle boarding, kayaking, and fishing, this 45-foot (13.7-meter) yacht comes with its own certified captain. You will have access to the entire boat, which has two bedrooms: one with two queen-sized beds and one with two bunk beds. The rental also has a fully functional kitchen with appliances, a dedicated workspace, and a TV and sound system for small events.
Avalon, California, United States
488.56 km (303.6 mi) from Monterey Bay AquariumAccommodates: 6
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
i would also recommend a lantern for in the bathroom for extra lightRead more reviewsHost:
ralph is an amazing hostralph is a wonderful hosthe is an amazing and gracious hostwe found the crew friendly and welcoming our trip went as expected and i would use them againvery accommodating awesome boat with everything you need to have an awesome time
6. Cozy boat for small groups in San Francisco
Chart your own floating retreat while you venture in and around San Francisco with this 36-foot (11-meter) yacht known as the “Coronado.” The sailboat can comfortably accommodate four people with its two bedrooms that are separated by a living room for extra privacy.
The rental also has a full bathroom and a fully stocked kitchen with a stove, a microwave, and a refrigerator. The host only allows guests who are certified for sailing, otherwise, for an extra fee, you can have a professional captain operate the yacht.
150.11 km (93.3 mi) from Monterey Bay AquariumAccommodates: 4
Minimum Nights: 3
Refund Policy : 100% refund if you cancel at least 14 days before check-in.
7. Comfortable motor yacht with kayaks in Oakland
Docked under 2 miles (3.2 kilometers) from Downtown Oakland, “Silver” is a 36-foot (11-meter) motor yacht that is fully equipped for a memorable cruise in and around the area, be it Quinn’s Lighthouse, the gardens of Embarcadero Cove Marina, or even the streets of Alameda themselves.
The sailboat offers two bedrooms with two beds—a king-sized bed in the first bedroom and a queen-sized bed in the second one—and a bathroom, which make it perfect for long stays for a couple of guests or day trips with a few friends. Moreover, kayaks come free of charge.
Oakland, California, United States
132.94 km (82.7 mi) from Monterey Bay AquariumTop guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the beds are comfortable and the sunset/sunrise view is spectacularwifi worked great and going to sleep and waking up on the water was truly peacefulshaun was great and even helped out with sharing his own private wifi networkCleanliness:
clean up was still going on when we lefteverything in the cabin worked well and it was well cleaned before my arrivalit wasn’t sparkling clean but we did have a peaceful night on the waterit was clean great view awesome hospitality/communicationfelt totally comfort staying and i am big on cleanlinessHost:
great host would recommend him to anybodyshaun was a great hostshaun was a great hostshaun was a great hosthost was great in letting us in even though we were a bit lateRead more reviewsLocation:
the location is super close to sf just about a 20 min driveit’s location was perfectnice little boat located at a quiet marina close to downtown oaklandit was so very cute and very nice locationgreat location with access to the heart of oakland
8. Romantic boat for couples in Alameda
Ideal for a couple’s getaway, this 36-foot (11-meter) sailboat located at Pristine Marina is equipped with a bedroom, a bathroom, and a kitchen space. More specifically, the bedroom is equipped with two bunk beds, the kitchen with two stoves, a small refrigerator, and a microwave, plus a dehumidifier.
There’s an easy-to-use folding dining table for four people, and the boat also has an electric turkey and a heater. The bathroom only has a toilet, but the operator says that showers are available at a local club house, which is within walking distance of Pristine Marina. Cozy and comfortable, the yacht covers all the bases, so you can just add to the romance.
132.38 km (82.3 mi) from Monterey Bay AquariumAccommodates: 2
Minimum Nights: 6
Refund Policy : 100% refund if you cancel at least 14 days before check-in.
Top guest reviews
Read more reviewsHost:
the captain and host of the sailboat is friendly and passionate about his love of sailing
9. Gorgeous sailboat for six in Oxnard
If you’re looking for day trips to Channel Islands for up to six people, then this yacht charter is the perfect candidate. The 50-foot (15.2-meter) motor yacht features one bedroom and a bathroom, a kitchen, and free Wi-Fi. The operator offers overnight stays, which will be spent docked or anchored in your destination.
The boat has been on Coastal Living magazine’s best AirBnB locations on the water, so you’re sure that the experience will be worth it.
Oxnard, California, United States
365.42 km (227.1 mi) from Monterey Bay AquariumAccommodates: 2
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
it's very cozy and very relaxing with all the comforts of homethe place was great for us 2 plenty of room in the cabin and outsideloved the peacefulness of our surroundings and the beds were amazingly softthen sunday morning we indulged in her special yogurt breakfast bar with all the various fun toppingsCleanliness:
the beds are clean & comfortableit's comfortable clean and just truly amazingthe property was very clean well decorated and maintained and very much appeared as advertisedthe meridian is luxury nice and cleanthe boat looks modern and is very clean insideHost:
karen was a great hostwonderful experience with karen my hostkaren was really great host she make sure we feel comfortablekaren's also a great hostkaren is an exceptional host and took care of every detailRead more reviewsLocation:
the location is great bc we had easy access to carmel monterey airport and salinas
10. "The Golden State" awaits
There are definitely a lot of well-known yachting spots in and around California, so finding the perfect sailboat to charter can be a chore. This list of the best yacht charters will be a good starter, and it offers everything from romantic retreats for couples to luxury yachts for large groups of people.
Frequently asked questions about the best yacht charters in California, USA
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