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, book a yacht charter and go sailing. Scroll down and check out some of the best yacht charters in California, USA.
Popular marinas in California
Marina Del Rey Marina: Situated in the city of Marina Del Rey, and bordered by Los Angeles and the Pacific Ocean, this marina is the perfect spot to relax and recharge. Monthly and annual dockages are available at the slips, and they even offer dockside shuttles and laundry services for customers.
San Francisco Marina Yacht Harbor: It is the oldest recreational marina operating in the city. Guest berthing slips are available at the marina, however, according to CBS News the rates might be hiked in the near future, so plan accordingly!
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 May 25, 2025.
1. Elegant yacht for large groups in San Francisco (from USD 299)
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.
Top guest reviews
Host:
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 backLocation:
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 viewCleanliness:
well appointed clean perfect get a wayRead more reviewsAmenities & 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 mattress
2. Pretty yacht with a dedicated workspace in Avalon
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
Host:
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 timeRead more reviewsAmenities & Room:
i would also recommend a lantern for in the bathroom for extra light
3. Sloop offering a haven of relaxation in Eureka (from USD 100)
Embark on an enchanting sea journey aboard this cheap boat rental in California, where elegance meets comfort. Moored in a tranquil marina, this sloop offers a haven of relaxation, with its luxurious queen bed and snug sofas. The interior, a symphony of mahogany and a fully-equipped galley, radiates warmth. Imagine sipping cocktails in the cockpit, caressed by the sea breeze, eyes feasting on the bay’s beauty.
Steps away, land-based amenities await. Nearby dining and bars enrich your maritime adventure, transcending mere accommodation to become an immersive nautical escapade.
Top guest reviews
Host:
everybody we encountered at the marina were so friendly and helpfulthe hosts we're incredibly nice accommodating and experiencedvery comfortable and great hostsvery graciously knowledgeable and friendlygreat space amazing hosts highly recommendedLocation:
lovely stay great location super funwhat a fun unique place to staygreat unique place to stay and very comfortablewe had an amazing time it’s in a safe location and truly serenethe location was perfect and the boat size was just right for 2 peopleCleanliness:
clean safe parking & fun experiencevery clean living space with a tea tree oil diffuser that made the ship smell wonderfulthe cabin was cozy and cleantight quarters but very clean and well equippedthe boat is clean and in a great locationRead more reviewsAmenities & Room:
more amenities than you'd think and enough room for two people to exist comfortablythe cabin was very beautiful and the bed was extremely comfortable
4. Lavish yacht in marina in Stockton (from USD 132)
Have a taste of the life of the rich and famous by staying in this luxurious yacht in San Joaquin Delta in Stockton. This yacht is not available for charter. It is a fun place to stay after exploring the beautiful city and trying out is local offerings. It features two cozy bedrooms, two private bathrooms, a functional kitchen, a laptop-friendly work space, a patio, and more. Imagine enjoying some cold beers while staring up at the starry skies. Not to mention, the marina is filled with excellent restaurants and local shops. Plus, fishing equipment and kayak boats are available for guest’s use.
Top guest reviews
Host:
wendy is a great hostwendy is a wonderful hostwendy was a great host and the yacht is beautifulthe host was friendly available for any questions and just a a1 hostthe owner wendy was very friendly and helpfulLocation:
the location is ideal both quiet and livelycool nights close access to bar and restauranteasy walk to dinner at garlic brothers and breakfast at bob'sthe location was beautiful and it was very quieti cant wait to stay at this location again thank you wendyCleanliness:
well maintained and very cleaneverything was clean and beautiful and wendy was great with communication prior and during tripwendy's accommodations were clean accurately described and quietgreat luxury yacht super clean and modernthe yacht was clean n just amazingRead more reviewsAmenities & Room:
excellent shower/bath air conditioning comfortable bedswifi was pretty slow and cell service (verizon) was kinda limited (remote workers beware)the beautiful and luxurious 46 foot yacht was comfortable and well equippedit was comfortable and had everything we neededthe bed was super comfortable
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. 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.
6. Spectacular yacht with a kitchen in Pebble Beach (from USD 6071)
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.
7. Quaint sailboat in Marina del Rey
Embark on an enchanting voyage, nestling in a quaint sailboat cradled by Venice Beach’s gentle waves and Santa Monica’s serene shores. Ideal for lone explorers or duos, this haven twinkles under starry skies, offering a peaceful respite. Within, discover a compact yet cleverly designed interior, featuring dual queen beds and additional sofa sleepers for a blissful slumber. Despite its modest size, the boat brims with thoughtful amenities: a workspace, air purifier, and warm lighting.
Step out to soak in pristine coastal vistas or relax with cable TV. While onboard cooking remains elusive, nearby gastronomic delights await exploration. A short stroll away, find off-board facilities with steamy showers, amplifying your nautical adventure’s comfort.
Marina del Rey, California, United States
428.99 km (266.6 mi) from Monterey Bay AquariumAccommodates: 1
Top guest reviews
Host:
the host is very friendly and accommodatingLocation:
super close to everythingthe location was super convenientwonderful unique place in a beautiful location at a great price very central and close to restaurants and barsan absolute perfect location to unwind and relaxclose to variety of restaurants and bars you can easily walk to as wellCleanliness:
the bathroom and showers on the dock were sparkling clean and easily accessiblethe marina facilities are beautiful and super cleanthe facilities were clean and close to the slipthe place is clean offer nice views and convenient locationRead more reviewsAmenities & Room:
it was great to have all the extra amenities like a/c and tvs with internet and wifiplenty of room to enjoy a movie on the tv without being all over each other
8. 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
Host:
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 lateLocation:
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 oaklandCleanliness:
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 cleanlinessRead more reviewsAmenities & 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 network
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
Host:
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 detailLocation:
the location is great bc we had easy access to carmel monterey airport and salinasCleanliness:
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 insideRead more reviewsAmenities & 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 toppings
10. 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
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 experienceLocation:
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 hereCleanliness:
jon's boat was clean and the bed more than accommodated me (i'm 6'5")Read more reviewsAmenities & 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 amenities
"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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