How to Charter a Sailboat or Yacht in Marina del Rey

So you don’t own a boat but you want to get on the water? No problem! Marina del Rey is the premier boating destination of the Greater Los Angeles Area. As North America’s largest manmade small-craft harbor, the Marina has over 4,600 boat slips. A good number of power yachts and sailboats in town are available to rent – some with a skipper to do the navigation for you, and others available as bareboat rentals to experienced sailors.

How to Book a Los Angeles Sailing Charter

The most important step in selecting your charter boat in Marina del Rey is to make sure you are working with a  company that is properly insured and licensed to operate from the Marina. The Marina del Rey Tourism Board works closely with the Los Angeles County Department of Beaches and Harbors to maintain this list of vetted charter companies that have the proper certifications and insurance.

Some of the charters listed on our website are single-boat operations, but many of them are co-ops or associations with access to multiple boats. So whether you’re looking for a romantic couple’s sail or your group is 30 strong, you can plan a memorable sailing trip from Marina del Rey.

The Marina del Rey Tourism Board does not offer a booking service. Please contact the charter companies directly.

Where Can I Sail?

The world is your oyster! Most companies start with a half-day or full-day sail package. Depending on your comfort level, you can choose from a slow-paced cruise within the calm harbor or head out to the open ocean for a trip along the Los Angeles coast, past the world-famous Venice Beach and Santa Monica Pier, then on to view multimillion dollar mansions along the Malibu and Pacific Palisades cliffs. Another popular excursion is an overnight trip out to Catalina Island, where your ship stateroom can serve as your hotel. Maybe your getaway crew wants to search for whale and dolphin sightings or try their hand at sportfishing. Talk to your chosen charter about options.