36 ft (11 m) · 10 guests · 2 cabins
2002, Sailing Tour up to 10 Guests in San Diego Bay
San Diego, U.S.A.
From US$796 /day
Photo: Dirk Hansen / CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Charter portYacht charter in San Diego
152 boats available to charter in San Diego, U.S.A. — compare motor yachts, catamarans and sailing boats from verified operators.
Verified operatorsCaptained or bareboatConcierge offers in 24hAbout chartering in San Diego
Chartering in San Diego offers a vibrant blend of urban monuments and open-ocean horizons, centered on the calm waters of San Diego Bay. Most departures begin at Shelter Island Drive, a commercial dock near Sail San Diego and Ketch Grill, where modern catamarans and luxury yachts await with full crews. A typical day trip cruises through the bay to Glorietta Bay, then turns toward the Pacific for sweeping views of Coronado Island and Point Loma.
The setting is uniquely Californian: you pass the USS Midway Museum and Cabrillo National Monument while the Coronado Bridge arches overhead. Whether you choose a private charter or ticketed cruise, the experience includes a USCG-certified captain, bartender, and access to on-board amenities like waterslides and sound systems.
From March to November, weather windows are ideal for bay tours and ocean sails, with departures at 11 am, 2:30 pm, and 6 pm. Winter months offer quieter schedules but still provide stunning coastal vistas and sheltered bay anchoring.
Boats available in San Diego
Captained or bareboat. Book direct with verified operators.
40 ft (12 m) · 12 guests · 2 cabins
1994, Luxury 40ft Party Yacht fully licensed W/ Capt. -BYOB 12 guests!
San Diego, U.S.A.
From US$1,301 /day
10 ft (3 m) · 2 guests
2023, 2023 Yamaha WaveRunner Jet Ski Rental in Mission Bay
San Diego, U.S.A.
Price on request
32 ft (10 m) · 12 guests
1992, Private San Diego Jungle Cruise (12 Guests) – BYO Food, Drinks, Fun
San Diego, U.S.A.
From US$1,594 /day
34 ft (10 m) · 6 guests
1991, Relaxing Cruises on the Bay and Coast
San Diego, U.S.A.
From US$1,628 /day
32 ft (10 m) · 12 guests
2004, 13ppl Gold Coast Yacht Double Decker Beauty
San Diego, U.S.A.
From US$647 /day
21 ft (6 m) · 10 guests
2023, Cloud Nine: Luxury Electric Boat for 10 • Easy Self-Drive • San Diego
San Diego, U.S.A.
From US$744 /day
25 ft (8 m) · 12 guests
2022, Amazing 2022 Thresher Center Console - Family, Fishing, and Relaxing
San Diego, U.S.A.
From US$608 /day
49 ft (15 m) · 6 guests · 1 cabin
1993, 49' Yacht Charter from Mission Bay – Coastal Cruising
San Diego, U.S.A.
From US$1,993 /day
22 ft (7 m) · 9 guests
2024, Your Private Escape - Cruise San Diego in Style!
San Diego, U.S.A.
From US$1,163 /day
49 ft (15 m) · 6 guests · 2 cabins
2006, Sail San Diego Bay aboard a French Yacht (Complimentary Champagne!)
San Diego, U.S.A.
From US$1,780 /day
26 ft (8 m) · 12 guests
1991, Raven On The Bay - San Diego's Fun and Affordable Limo Boat
San Diego, U.S.A.
Price on request
45 ft (14 m) · 6 guests · 3 cabins
1997, Seas the day luxury yacht cruises
San Diego, U.S.A.
From US$2,604 /day
21 ft (6 m) · 10 guests
2023, Pink Electric Boat Rental in San Diego (Drive It Yourself • Seats 10)
San Diego, U.S.A.
From US$744 /day
30 ft (9 m) · 12 guests
2008, Double Decker Party Pontoon Boat in San Diego Bay - Up to 12 Guests!!!
San Diego, U.S.A.
From US$862 /day
18 ft (5 m) · 8 guests
2016, 18' Ski Boat | Ready to go on Mission Bay | Seats 6
San Diego, U.S.A.
From US$751 /day
18 ft (5 m) · 4 guests
Boat without licence San Diego California 5.7 40hp
San Diego, U.S.A.
From US$298 /day
43 ft (13 m) · 8 guests · 4 cabins
2022, Catamaran Excess Excess 14 - 4 + 2 cab. 13m
San Diego, U.S.A.
From US$687 /day
26 ft (8 m) · 12 guests
2023, Double Decker Party Pontoon w/ Slide | Licensed Port of SD Charter
San Diego, U.S.A.
From US$930 /day
28 ft (9 m) · 12 guests
2022, "Fishing in the back- Family in the front" 600HP center console!!
San Diego, U.S.A.
From US$837 /day
Boat types & prices in San Diego
Live availability from verified operators; day rates converted to USD.
| Boat type | Available | From (per day) |
|---|---|---|
| Yacht | 76 | $291 |
| Boat | 29 | $489 |
| Sailing yacht | 25 | $744 |
| Catamaran | 12 | $337 |
| Fishing boat | 8 | $608 |
| Mega yacht | 2 | $5,296 |
Find your perfect boatWhere do yachts depart from in San Diego?
Yachts primarily depart from the commercial dock at 2700 Shelter Island Drive, San Diego, CA 92106, located next to Sail San Diego and behind Ketch Grill & Taps. This hub hosts catamarans like Triton and Alana, both Coast Guard-certified for up to 100 and 35 guests respectively.
Some charters also operate from nearby bays, but Shelter Island remains the main departure point for bay tours and ocean sails.
What day-trip routes and anchorages are available?
Standard routes cruise through San Diego Bay to Glorietta Bay, then turn toward the Pacific for views of Coronado Island and Point Loma. You may also pass the USS Midway, Coronado Bridge, and Cabrillo National Monument during a 2.5-hour tour.
For ocean sails, charters offer open-water routes with panoramic views of the coastline, while bay tours focus on urban monuments and sheltered anchorages.
When is the best sailing season in San Diego?
The prime sailing season runs from March 17 to November 3, with daily departures at 11 am, 2:30 pm, and 6 pm. From November 4 to March 9, schedules shift to 10 am, 1 pm, and 4:30 pm, Wednesday through Sunday.
Weather is consistently mild year-round, but summer and early fall offer the most stable conditions for ocean sails and extended bay tours.
What licence or skipper rules apply in the U.S.A.?
All charters include a USCG-certified captain and crew, so no personal licence is required for guests. Bareboat rentals are available but require proof of competency and USCG licensing.
For captained charters, guests simply enjoy the experience without navigating, while bareboat options demand prior sailing credentials.
How do I get to San Diego for a charter?
The nearest airport is San Diego International Airport (SAN), roughly a 15–20 minute drive to Shelter Island. Transfer time varies by traffic, but the location is easily accessible from downtown and major highways.
Parking is available at the commercial dock, and pre-boarding videos guide guests on arrival logistics.
San Diego yacht charter — FAQ
How much does a boat rental in San Diego cost?
From around $225 per hour for captained or bareboat yachts, with private charters starting at $3,800 for full-day experiences.
What is the best time to sail in San Diego Bay?
The best sailing season is from March 17 to November 3, with daily departures at 11 am, 2:30 pm, and 6 pm. Winter months offer quieter schedules but still provide stunning coastal vistas.
Do I need a licence to charter a yacht in San Diego?
No, all captained charters include a USCG-certified captain. Bareboat rentals require proof of competency and USCG licensing.
What day-trip routes are popular in San Diego?
Popular routes include bay tours to Glorietta Bay with views of the Coronado Bridge and USS Midway, plus ocean sails toward Coronado Island and Point Loma.
Is San Diego suitable for family or group charters?
Yes, catamarans like Triton accommodate up to 100 guests with amenities like waterslides, bars, and sound systems, making them ideal for families and large groups.
How far is San Diego International Airport from Shelter Island?
San Diego International Airport is approximately 15–20 minutes from Shelter Island, with easy access via downtown and major highways.
Boat types
Browse by boat type
From RIBs and motorboats to catamarans and crewed superyachts.
YachtYacht charters
Luxury cruising with full crew
8–16 guests ·
from $480/day
CatamaranCatamaran rentals
Stable, spacious, perfect for groups
10–12 guests ·
from $280/day
SailboatSailboat rentals
Wind, sails and slow island hopping
6–10 guests ·
from $130/day
MotorboatMotorboat rentals
Fast day cruises without the captain
4–10 guests ·
from $90/day
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