Planning a special event like a birthday or milestone? If so, a private yacht tour in Long Beach might be just what you need. This review explores what it’s like to rent out a cozy, private vessel that promises excellent views, wildlife sightings, and a relaxed atmosphere—all without the crowds or strangers. While we haven’t personally sailed it, reviews and detailed descriptions give us a vivid picture of what to expect.
What immediately stands out about this experience are three things we really appreciate: the personalized nature of a private yacht for up to six guests, the ability to bring your own food and drinks to make it a custom picnic on the water, and the beautiful scenery, from iconic ships like the Queen Mary to playful sea lions. The only possible downside? Since it’s a 2-hour trip, it might feel short if you’re looking for an all-day adventure. But for a focused celebration or quick escape, this setup hits the mark.
Ideal for families, friends, or couples celebrating a special day, this trip offers an intimate, customizable experience. If you want a relaxed, scenic outing with the flexibility of your own food and music, this yacht trip is a strong choice.
Good To Know
- Private and Intimate: The yacht is exclusively yours, with a limit of 6 guests, making it perfect for special celebrations.
- Customizable Food & Drinks: Bring your own outside food and beverages, plus enjoy an included 8-inch cake and banner.
- Wildlife & Iconic Sights: Expect to see sea lions, seals, dolphins (sometimes), and the famous Queen Mary from the water.
- Scenic Routes: Cruise past Long Beach shops, beaches, the lighthouse, and Rainbow Harbor, capturing beautiful photos.
- Comfort & Convenience: Pickup offered, mobile tickets, and a Bluetooth sound system for your playlist.
- Cost-Effective: At $399 for up to 6 people, it offers a personalized experience that’s often booked about a month in advance.
The Experience in Detail
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Starting Point and Logistics
The tour kicks off at Pierpoint Landing Sportfishing, located at 200 Aquarium Way in Long Beach. Most travelers find it convenient, as it’s near public transportation and easy to access. Once onboard, you’ll notice the boat’s neat and clean condition, which sets the tone for a comfortable ride. The private nature of this trip means no strangers—just your group—giving a sense of exclusivity and relaxed celebration.
The Itinerary Breakdown
The journey is designed to maximize scenic views and wildlife sightings, while passing iconic landmarks at a leisurely pace. The route is carefully crafted to showcase the best of Long Beach’s waterfront.
- First stop: The cruise begins with a slow pass by the Queen Mary ocean liner, allowing passengers to snap photos without disembarking. Reviewers love how easily you can capture this historic ship from the water, adding a touch of glamour to your celebration. One reviewer mentioned, “Ryan gave such an amazing service, making us feel at home,” highlighting the friendly captains that ensure guests are comfortable and well-attended.
- Shops and waterfront restaurants: As you cruise past the vibrant shops and dining areas reflecting on the water, you’ll enjoy the lively atmosphere from afar. No stops here, but the visual spectacle adds to the scenic charm.
- Beach and sea lions: Much of the trip involves cruising along the sandy coastline, where playful sea lions often hang out on buoys and rocks. Reviewers frequently mention how close you get to the wildlife, with some saying, “We passed by seals and sea lions that were just hanging out, and it was fun to see them so close.”
- Wildlife at play: The highlight for many is observing sea lions and seals basking or playing in the water. The boat’s approach is gentle, giving everyone a good view without disturbing the animals. One guest noted, “Ryan’s expert navigation brought us close enough to see the animals in their natural habitat, which was fantastic.”
- Lighthouse and other landmarks: As you head out for your viewing trip, the boat passes by a striking lighthouse on a hill, perfect for photos. It’s a scenic addition that completes the maritime picture.
The Food & Atmosphere
What truly makes this experience appealing is the ability to customize your onboard feast. Bring your favorite snacks, drinks, or even a full picnic—this is your celebration. The host provides an 8-inch cake and a banner to mark your special day, adding a festive touch. Reviewers emphasize the value of having your own food, as it creates a relaxed, personalized vibe that commercial tours often lack.
Sound & Entertainment
A Bluetooth sound system is available, letting you play your playlist—whether it’s tunes to dance or some relaxing background music. This adds a fun, personal element to your trip, and it’s easy to connect your device onboard.
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The Views & Wildlife
Expect fantastic sights, from the tranquil reflections in Rainbow Harbor to the playful antics of sea lions. Several reviews highlight how smooth and safe the ride feels, thanks to the captain’s expertise. One reviewer shared, “Ryan made us feel safe and provided us with a smooth excursion,” which is reassuring when boating in open waters.
Duration & Value
While two hours may seem brief, it’s enough time to see a variety of sights and enjoy a relaxed experience. For $399 per group, this cost is quite reasonable, especially considering it’s a private outing for up to six people. The price includes the cake and banner, with the option to bring your own food—saving you from additional catering costs. Booking about 38 days in advance is typical, so plan accordingly.
Who Would Love This Tour?
This yacht experience is perfect for those craving a personalized celebration in a scenic setting. Families, small friend groups, or couples celebrating milestones will find the private nature ideal. The ability to bring your own food and playlist makes it versatile and fun, especially for a birthday or intimate gathering.
Final Thoughts
This Long Beach private yacht trip offers a relaxed, customizable, and scenic way to celebrate a special occasion. With stunning views of iconic ships, wildlife sightings, and the freedom to create your own onboard experience, it’s a compelling choice for a tailored aquatic adventure. The reviews show that guests appreciate the friendly captain, the cleanliness of the yacht, and the close encounters with local wildlife, all at a fair price considering the exclusivity.
While the trip is relatively short, the intimate setting and flexibility more than make up for it. It’s especially suited for those who want a personalized event without the hustle and bustle of larger tours. Perfect for a memorable birthday, anniversary, or just a peaceful escape on the water, this yacht charter promises a special day in Long Beach.
Who Should Book?
If you’re looking for a private, flexible, and scenic way to celebrate, this tour fits the bill. It’s ideal if you want to avoid large crowds, enjoy wildlife close-up, and have control over your food and music. It’s also a fantastic choice if you value a host who makes you feel at home, as reviews highlight the exceptional service provided by captains like Ryan.
FAQ
Is this yacht trip suitable for children?
Yes, all ages are welcome. Children under 12 are required to wear a life vest provided by the tour.
Can I bring my own food and drinks?
Absolutely. You’re encouraged to bring your own outside food and drinks to customize your celebration.
What’s included in the price?
The $399 fee covers the private yacht for up to six guests, an 8-inch cake, a banner, and the scenic cruise. You provide your own food, drinks, and playlist.
How long is the trip?
The cruise lasts approximately 2 hours, allowing enough time to enjoy multiple scenic stops and wildlife sightings.
Is there a minimum or maximum group size?
The trip accommodates groups of 1-6 people. It’s a private experience, so no strangers are involved.
Is pickup offered?
Yes, pickup is available, making the start point easy to reach for most travelers.
What if the weather is bad?
The tour requires good weather; if canceled due to poor conditions, you’ll be offered a different date or full refund.
How far in advance should I book?
On average, most guests book about 38 days ahead, so planning early is recommended for peak seasons.
This private yacht outing in Long Beach combines scenic beauty, wildlife, and personalized celebration, making it an experience worth considering for your next special day or a relaxing escape.
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