Los Angeles will host the 2028 Olympic Games from July 14 through July 30, 2028. Sailing is scheduled for July 16 through July 28, with competition planned across Belmont Shore in Long Beach and the Port of Los Angeles. If you are planning a visit, client gathering, family celebration or group event during LA28, a private yacht charter can add time on the water to a Southern California itinerary.
This guide explains what visitors should know about chartering a yacht near the 2028 Olympic sailing venues, what you may see from the harbor, how to choose between a private yacht and a large party boat, and what to confirm before booking. OnBoat is an independent yacht and boat rental marketplace and is not affiliated with, sponsored by or an official partner of LA28.
Where will Olympic sailing take place?
According to World Sailing, LA28 sailing events are planned at two Southern California locations. Belmont Shore in Long Beach is scheduled to host board events, while the Port of Los Angeles is scheduled to host boat events. The official sailing dates are currently listed as July 16 through July 28, 2028. Those locations are not interchangeable. Long Beach and the Port of Los Angeles have different harbor layouts, parking conditions, departure points and access restrictions. A yacht charter from Marina del Rey or Newport Beach is not automatically close to an Olympic venue, so guests should choose their departure location based on the day’s itinerary and the vessel’s actual boarding dock.What can you see from a charter near Long Beach?
A Long Beach harbor charter can provide views of the waterfront, marinas, bridges, working harbor areas and the Southern California coastline. Routes vary by vessel and operating conditions. Some boats are best suited to a protected harbor outing, while larger charter vessels can provide space for a group event or a longer coastal itinerary. Guests should not assume that a private charter provides access to the Olympic competition area or a guaranteed view of a race. Sailing courses, safety zones, temporary closures and spectator rules may change. The best use of a charter is to create a private harbor or coastal experience around your Olympic trip, subject to the captain’s route and local regulations.Private yacht or large party boat?
Private yacht charter
A private yacht is a good fit for a smaller group that wants a quieter setting, flexible conversation space and a tailored itinerary. Motor yachts are often selected for comfortable cruising, while sailboats and catamarans suit guests who want an open-air sailing experience. Compare the licensed capacity, interior space, shade, restrooms, sound system and minimum charter time.Large party boat
A large party boat or event yacht is designed for a larger group event, reception, company gathering or organized celebration. These vessels may offer more deck space, larger salons, dance areas, bar service, catering options or audiovisual equipment. Capacity and operating rules can differ between harbor and coastal use, so ask for the event configuration in writing.Group events during the 2028 Olympics
Olympic season may create demand for private group events from companies, sports organizations, visiting families, alumni groups and hospitality planners. A charter can work as a daytime harbor outing, an evening celebration, a client reception or a private gathering before or after an event. When planning a group event, start with the final headcount and the purpose of the outing. Then confirm the vessel’s licensed capacity, boarding time, catering rules, alcohol policy, music limits, vendor access, decoration policy, accessibility and cleanup responsibilities. Larger vessels may require advance coordination for bartenders, DJs, food service, security or audiovisual equipment.How early should you reserve?
July is a high-demand boating month in Southern California, and the 2028 Games may increase demand around Long Beach and the Port of Los Angeles. Popular dates, larger vessels and evening departures are likely to require more advance planning than an ordinary harbor cruise. Start by identifying the event date, venue area, guest count and preferred departure city. If your schedule depends on an Olympic competition, wait for the official schedule and access information before promising a specific route or viewing experience. Reserve the vessel only after confirming the cancellation terms, weather policy, boarding location and complete price.Long Beach, Los Angeles or another departure point?
Long Beach is the most direct starting point for an outing built around Belmont Shore. The Port of Los Angeles is a separate area and may be more practical for guests whose plans are centered on San Pedro or the harbor. Marina del Rey can suit visitors staying on the Westside, while Newport Beach offers a different harbor experience in Orange County. Compare the actual drive time, parking, guest transportation and charter duration rather than choosing a departure city only because it appears in a search result. A longer transfer can reduce time on the water and add transportation cost, especially during a major event.What to confirm before booking
- Exact boarding dock and parking instructions
- Licensed passenger capacity for the selected itinerary
- Minimum charter duration and departure time
- Whether captain and crew are included
- Fuel, dockage, boarding, cleaning and gratuity charges
- Food, beverage, alcohol and catering rules
- Music, DJ, decoration and vendor policies
- Weather, cancellation and rescheduling terms
- Whether the route is harbor-only or coastal
- Whether any event-day restrictions affect access
