FAQ

OnBoat is an online yacht and boat charter marketplace. OnBoat does not own the vessels; it helps customers compare listings and book with independent boat owners and charter operators. Each operator controls the vessel, crew and final operational decisions.

Choose a destination, date and guest count, then compare boats by capacity, charter duration, vessel type and total price. Review the listing carefully before submitting payment. For popular weekends and larger events, book early and contact OnBoat if you want availability checked before paying.

Many listings provide current online availability, but a boat or captain can become unavailable because of maintenance, scheduling, weather or another operational issue. OnBoat normally confirms availability after an order is received. If the selected charter cannot be confirmed, available options may include a replacement, rescheduling or a full refund.

You should receive an automated order email first. A separate confirmation follows after the boat and captain are confirmed, usually within 24 hours. That confirmation contains important boarding and contact information. Read it carefully and contact OnBoat if it does not arrive.

Many OnBoat listings include the yacht, captain or crew, standard cruising fuel and applicable dock charges, but inclusions vary. Gratuity is generally not included. Longer routes, special fuel use, catering, bar service, stewardesses and optional equipment may cost extra. The individual listing and checkout details control, so compare the complete total rather than the hourly rate alone. For more detail, read the Los Angeles party boat cost guide.

Cancellation and rescheduling rights depend on the timing and circumstances. Review OnBoat’s current cancellation and rescheduling policy before booking. Do not rely on a verbal exception unless it is confirmed in writing.

OnBoat may offer to help locate a comparable charter, propose a different date or provide a full refund. You may need to pay a difference if you voluntarily choose a more expensive replacement. You do not have to accept a replacement that does not meet your needs.

Most OnBoat charters are operated with a qualified captain, but the legal arrangement varies. Some listings are crewed charters; others may use a bareboat charter structure in which the charterer must have the right to select and pay the captain independently. Review the specific listing and charter agreement.

Many private recreational yacht charters are capped at 12 passengers because of U.S. Coast Guard passenger-vessel and charter rules. Some uninspected passenger vessels are limited to six paying passengers, while properly structured bareboat charters may have different requirements. Inspected passenger vessels can carry larger groups according to their certification. Children count toward capacity. Always follow the passenger limit stated for the specific vessel.

In a bareboat charter, the vessel owner transfers possession and control of the boat to the charterer for an agreed period without supplying a captain or crew as part of the vessel lease. The charterer must have the genuine right to choose and pay the captain and may carry responsibilities for the vessel, crew, fuel and operation under the agreement. Read every agreement carefully and ask questions before signing.

Choose a sailboat for a sailing-centered experience and relaxed pace. A motor yacht is useful for coastal sightseeing, entertaining and covering more distance. Catamarans are popular because their wide twin-hull layouts can provide generous social space and a stable-feeling ride. Capacity and amenities vary within every category, so compare the individual boat rather than the label alone.

Most private yachts serve smaller groups and focus on cruising, sailing or intimate celebrations. Party yachts and inspected passenger vessels can accommodate larger birthdays, weddings and corporate events, with features such as dance floors, bars, catering space and event staff. Compare current Los Angeles party yacht rentals by capacity and departure marina.

The boarding location depends on the vessel. Many charters use docks near the Residence Inn Marina del Rey and Brizo Bar & Restaurant, while others load at Dock 55 in Marina del Rey or another approved location. Use the exact instructions in your confirmation email and arrive early enough for parking and walking to the dock.

No. Marina del Rey is a convenient departure point for many Los Angeles-area private charters, but other yachts leave from Long Beach, Newport Beach, San Pedro and additional harbors. Confirm the departure marina before paying, especially when booking a large party yacht.

Follow the arrival time in your confirmation. Allow extra time for Los Angeles traffic, marina parking and locating the dock. A private charter generally cannot extend its return time because guests arrive late.

Depending on the vessel, charter length and conditions, options may include a marina cruise, Santa Monica Bay, Venice, Santa Monica or a longer trip toward Malibu. Catalina requires substantially more time and a suitable vessel. Read the Marina del Rey yacht charter route guide and confirm what is realistic with the operator.

A Catalina itinerary is generally a full-day or overnight plan, not a short coastal charter. Travel time varies by departure harbor, vessel speed and sea conditions. The captain may adjust or cancel the crossing when conditions make it unsafe or impractical. Request a Catalina-specific itinerary and quote before booking.

Many boats allow outside food and beverages, but policies vary. Some prohibit red wine, glassware or particular foods because of staining and safety concerns. Party yachts may offer catering and bar packages. Check the listing and obtain approval before arranging catering or bringing alcohol.

Many vessels permit approved decorations and Bluetooth music, but rules vary. Avoid confetti, loose glitter, open flames and anything that could damage the boat or enter the water. Ask before hiring a DJ, bringing large equipment or attaching decorations. The captain and marina rules control sound levels and safety.

Wear comfortable clothing and soft-soled, non-marking shoes. Some yachts ask guests to remove shoes. Bring sun protection and a light layer because it can feel cooler on the water, especially after sunset. Avoid high heels unless the operator specifically permits them.

Only when the specific vessel, location, equipment and captain permit it. Open-ocean conditions can change quickly, and a captain is not a lifeguard. Fishing may require licenses and appropriate equipment. Never enter the water or launch equipment without the captain’s express approval.

Firearms, fireworks and illegal drugs are prohibited. Smoking, pets, glassware, red wine, hookah equipment and other items may also be restricted by the vessel. The captain has final authority aboard and may refuse unsafe items or conduct.

The captain decides whether conditions are safe and may change the route, remain in protected water, reschedule or cancel according to the applicable policy. Cloudy or cool weather does not necessarily make a charter unsafe. Review the cancellation policy and wait for official instructions rather than assuming the trip is canceled.

Some people experience motion sickness, particularly in open water. A harbor cruise or calmer morning departure may feel more comfortable than a longer ocean route. Speak with a medical professional before the trip if you need advice about medication. Tell the captain promptly if someone feels unwell.

California generally requires children under 13 to wear a Coast Guard-approved life jacket on a recreational vessel while it is underway unless they are inside an enclosed cabin. Other vessel-specific or federal requirements may apply. Follow the captain’s instructions and request appropriately sized equipment for children before departure.

Boating is an outdoor activity with inherent risks. Operators may require guests to acknowledge rules and risks before boarding. Read the document and ask the operator about anything you do not understand before signing.

The captain has final authority over navigation, safety, passenger conduct and the route. Guests must follow crew instructions. The captain may modify the trip or return to the dock if conditions or passenger behavior create a safety concern.