Santa Monica’s sailing options offer practical, memorable experiences for seafaring visitors.
Sailing tours operate primarily from Marina del Rey, with most excursions lasting between 1-4 hours. The standout choices include a spacious private catamaran charter (perfect for families), and an intimate yacht cruise that provides excellent photo opportunities of the coastline.
I’m particularly fond of the 2-hour catamaran tours – they’re well-priced and consistently spot seals and dolphins.
The sunset yacht cruises are another favorite, combining comfort with spectacular Pacific views and quality refreshments.
Check out our carefully selected sailing tours below.
Key Points
- Enjoy a 4-hour private catamaran charter in Marina del Rey for up to 6 guests, featuring stunning views and potential marine life sightings.
- Set out on a 1-3 hour yacht charter cruise along the Pacific Ocean, Venice Beach, and Santa Monica Pier, with optional gourmet catering and live music.
- Indulge in a luxurious 2-3 hour sailing adventure aboard a premium yacht along the California coast, including cheese and charcuterie offerings.
- Explore the North America’s largest man-made small-craft harbor on a personalized 2-hour catamaran tour in Marina del Rey.
- Experience a guided 2-hour yacht cruise on a 50-foot yacht, Elu, for $199 per person, with the opportunity to spot dolphins and other marine life.
Marina Del Rey : 4 Hour Private Catamaran Sailboat Charter
A private 4-hour catamaran sailboat charter in Marina del Rey allows up to 6 guests to experience the stunning coastline and sights of the Santa Monica Bay. Priced from €1,019.24 per group, this flexible tour can be booked now and paid for later, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
The 34-foot Serenity catamaran features comfortable Bote lounges, a spacious foredeck, and a stern hammock, along with an ice-cold battery-operated cooler. Safety is ensured with US Coast Guard documentation, life jackets, fire extinguishers, and distress signals.
Guests can bring their own food, drinks, and warm clothing, but high-heeled shoes, indoor shoes, and harmful items like balloons and confetti aren’t allowed.
The charter departs from Dock 55 in Marina del Rey, where the captain may allow opportunities to take the wheel and adjust the sails. The 4-hour tour passes by iconic landmarks like the Venice and Santa Monica Piers, The Getty, Malibu, and Redondo Beach, with potential sightings of dolphins, sea lions, and birds.
Read our full review: Marina Del Rey : 4 Hour Private Catamaran Sailboat Charter Review
Book now: Check availability
Marina Del Rey: Yacht Charter Cruise
Frequently, visitors to Marina del Rey can charter a yacht for a memorable cruise along the scenic coastline.
These yacht charters typically last 1-3 hours and start from $399 per person. Guests can choose from a variety of yachts, from intimate 6-person crafts to larger 49-passenger vessels. During the cruise, they’ll enjoy panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean, Venice Beach, and the Santa Monica Pier.
Some tours even include gourmet catering and live music for a more luxurious experience.
Beyond the standard yacht charters, more unique options are available. For example, the 30-minute Los Angeles at Night Helicopter Flight offers a bird’s-eye view of the city skyline and coastline for $399 per person.
Similarly, the 75-minute Malibu and Hollywood Flight Tour provides an aerial perspective of these famous landmarks.
For a more hands-on activity, visitors can try a 2-hour group surfing lesson in Santa Monica for $69.
Read our full review: Marina Del Rey: Yacht Charter Cruise Review
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Luxury Sailing Adventure – Venice, Santa Monica, Malibu
Visitors seeking a luxurious sailing experience along the stunning coastline of Venice, Santa Monica, and Malibu can embark on a premium yacht charter.
These small-group tours offer a unique opportunity to witness the beauty of the California coast from the comfort of a luxury vessel. With cruises ranging from 2-3 hours, guests can enjoy cheese, charcuterie, and other delicacies as they sail past iconic landmarks and celebrity homes.
The top-rated Marina Del Rey: Luxury Boat Cruise with Cheese & Charcuterie boasts a 4.9-star rating from 18 reviews, with customers praising the attentive staff, stunning views, and overall high-end experience.
Priced from Kč 3,556, this intimate sailing tour provides a luxurious and memorable way to explore the picturesque coastline.
For those seeking an even more exclusive experience, a Private Tour: Los Angeles at Night 30-Minute Helicopter Flight offers a breathtaking aerial perspective, starting from Kč 9,522.
Read our full review: Luxury Sailing Adventure – Venice, Santa Monica, Malibu Review
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Marina Del Rey : 2 Hour Private Catamaran Marina Tour
This 2-hour private catamaran tour on Serenity, a 34-foot Gemini 105Mc Catamaran, provides guests with a personalized experience to explore the beautiful Marina del Rey.
Priced from £425.80 per group (up to 6 participants), the tour offers the opportunity to enjoy views from the sea, including dolphin, sea lion, and bird watching. The comfortable seating features Bote lounges, a hammock, and drop-down bow seats, accommodating guests of all ages with infant and child-sized life jackets provided.
The Marina del Rey, North America’s largest man-made small-craft harbor, is home to over 4,600 boats and a diverse wildlife, including sea lions, harbor seals, and various bird species.
Serenity is US Coast Guard documented with current safety inspections and equipped with the required safety gear, ensuring a secure and enjoyable experience. Guests can bring their own food and drinks, but cooking isn’t permitted, and federal laws regarding marijuana use must be observed.
With the option to cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund and no upfront payment required, this tour offers a flexible and hassle-free way to explore the Marina del Rey.
Read our full review: Marina Del Rey : 2 Hour Private Catamaran Marina Tour Review
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Marina Del Rey: Luxury Yacht Experience – Guided Tour – BYOB
Travelers seeking a luxurious and memorable experience can embark on a 2-hour guided yacht cruise in the picturesque Marina del Rey.
For $199 per person, guests can enjoy a private tour aboard a 50-foot yacht Elu, which accommodates up to 12 individuals. The cruise offers stunning views of the Southern California coast, including sightings of seals, dolphins, and other marine life.
The tour includes a safety briefing, followed by scenic vistas, dolphin watching, and marine life viewing. Highlights include the iconic Venice Beach, Santa Monica Pier, and the stunning cliffs of Malibu.
Guests are encouraged to board at 5 PM to witness the breathtaking golden hour views. The yacht features a spacious deck and comfortable seating, with a captain guiding the cruise.
Travelers can bring their own food and drinks, but red wine and unaccompanied minors aren’t allowed. With a 5/5 customer rating, this luxury yacht experience is a must-try for those seeking an unforgettable sailing adventure in Marina del Rey.
Read our full review: Marina Del Rey: Luxury Yacht Experience – Guided Tour – BYOB Review
Book now: Check availability
The Sum Up
Santa Monica and its nearby Marina Del Rey offer a variety of top-notch sailing experiences. From private catamaran charters to luxury yacht cruises, visitors can enjoy the area’s stunning coastal scenery while out on the water. Whether it’s a 2-hour tour or a 4-hour sailing adventure, there’s something to suit every interest and budget in this renowned California sailing destination.