Yachting in Los Angeles: The Ultimate Guide

One of Marina del Rey’s biggest tourist attractions is the Fisherman’s Village, located right at the marina’s entrance and built in a style similar to a fishing village in New England. It consists of five vividly painted wooden buildings, commercial boat docks, a water fountain, a lighthouse, and a waterfront promenade from which you have a panoramic view of the full harbor. Since most Los Angeles yacht charters depart from Marina del Rey, all those who choose to explore the Southern California coast will definitely get acquainted with this California yacht marina.

Marina del Rey is also home to Del Rey Yacht Club. It is a huge marina-front property where guests are able to dine in luxury, partake in water activities or simply lounge by the pool.

When you opt for a private yacht charter in Los Angeles, you will most definitely board your yacht at Marina del Rey. As you cruise out of the marina, you will encounter the famous Venice Boardwalk, which runs along Venice Beach and connects Marina del Rey and the Santa Monica Pier. As you lounge on your yacht, you will be able to observe the famous L.A. scene: musicians, singers, jugglers, acrobats, mimes, comics, magicians, and fortune-tellers are some of the more conventional entertainers on offer along the 3-mile-long sidewalk.

From Marina del Rey, it is only a 30-minute cruise to Santa Monica Pier. If yachting with kids, take the day to explore this iconic destination in the Los Angeles coast. Tender ashore to enjoy Pacific Park, a mini-amusement park with a Ferris wheel, a small roller coaster, other small rides, and the Heal the Bay Aquarium.

Keep a watch out for dolphins and whales as you explore Santa Monica Bay; from Marina del Rey it is possible to go whale watching. Set sail through the bay and follow the seasonal grey whale migration during the winter for a chance to see sea turtles, porpoises, sea lions, dolphins, giant mola mola, and minke whales.

For a slightly longer cruise, sail from Marina del Rey to Malibu. Known as the home of many Hollywood movie stars and others associated with the entertainment industry, Malibu is also famous for its warm, sandy beaches. Drop anchor and tender ashore to spend the day lounging in the sun amid beachfront mega mansions. Later, enjoy sushi at Nobu Malibu.

One of the perks of a private yacht charter in Los Angeles is the ability to explore one of Southern California’s natural beauties: the Channel Islands. The Channel Islands are an eight-island archipelago along the Santa Barbara Channel in the Pacific Ocean, just off the Southern Californian coast, and the perfect spot for a charter vacation.

Rent a yacht in Los Angeles to sail to one of the Channel Islands, Catalina Island, known for its wildlife, dive sites and Mt. Orizaba. The cruise from Los Angeles to Catalina Island should take about two hours. Drop anchor at the resort town of Two Harbors for a fun day snorkeling in clear waters to observe Catalina’s thriving marine life, take the jet ski out for a spin, or step ashore at Descanso Beach in Avalon Bay.

A private yacht charter in Los Angeles will allow you to explore Channel Islands National Park, a marine sanctuary full of natural arches and huge cliffs soaring out of the ocean. Plan to depart for the park early in the morning and spend the day cruising and exploring the park’s unique wildlife. There are many animal species here that can't be found anywhere else.

Yachting in Los Angeles will prove to be an experience you do not want to miss and will make for lifelong memories for you and your guests. With a yacht charter in Los Angeles, you will enjoy the region as it was meant to be seen — from the water. You will be able to explore the diversity this region has to offer, from its glamor spots of Santa Barbara and Malibu to its impressive natural beauty in the Channel Islands.