The Best Boat Rentals in Santa Catalina Island

Expect smaller powerboats and simple coastal cruises to start around $150–$300 per hour, mid-size cruisers and sailboats to run roughly $300–$700 per hour, and larger yachts with crew to range from about $700–$1,500+ per hour. Half-day outings often land between $1,000 and $3,000, with full-day private charters starting around $2,000 and reaching $7,000+ for luxury vessels. Most captained trips include the captain, standard safety gear, and drinking water. Fuel, gratuity, and add-ons like snorkeling gear, catering, mooring fees in Avalon or Two Harbors, or shoreboat taxis are usually extra and shown on your listing or quote.

You’ll find classic sailboats for scenic cruising, center consoles and sportfishers for chasing kelp-line action, comfortable cabin cruisers for day trips, catamarans for extra deck space, and larger motor yachts for celebrations. If you’re planning a relaxed coastal tour near Avalon, a sailboat or cruiser is perfect; for fishing or exploring farther coves, a center console or sportfisher offers speed and range; and for birthdays or bachelorettes, spacious yachts make hosting easy.

In California, as of January 1, 2025, operators of motorized vessels generally need a California Boater Card; however, there are common exceptions that simplify travel planning here. You don’t need the card if you’re on a captained charter, and California also exempts people operating short‑term rental vessels. Many owners still require prior boating experience and a safety briefing for any self‑operated booking, so plan on confirming your experience when you inquire.

Most trip planners pick a captained charter because the captain handles route planning, weather calls, mooring etiquette, and docking around Avalon and Two Harbors, letting your group focus on celebrating. Confident boaters sometimes choose self-operated options for flexible, lower‑key days near shore, but you’ll be responsible for navigation, safe operation, and following local mooring procedures. If you want a worry‑free outing for a special event or mixed‑experience group, book with a captain.

On the east end, most trips meet at Avalon’s Green Pleasure Pier on Crescent Avenue, the island’s central waterfront hub. You’ll also see departures or meeting points coordinated at the Cabrillo Mole area for certain tours. On the west end, charters commonly meet at the Two Harbors pier on Isthmus Cove, with shoreboat pickups to nearby moorings in coves like Fourth of July, Cherry, and Emerald Bay when arranged in advance. Your confirmation will state the exact meeting spot and any shoreboat instructions.

From Avalon you’ll cruise past the art‑deco Casino building, Descanso Bay, and Hamilton Cove, with quick hops to clear‑water snorkeling at Lover’s Cove and Casino Point. Along the coast you may spot dolphins and sea lions year‑round, gray whales in winter and spring, and blue whales farther offshore in summer. Summer nights sometimes feature flying fish skimming the surface, and the kelp forests off coves like Emerald Bay make for memorable snorkeling visibility.

Yes. Most charters welcome families and provide U.S. Coast Guard–approved life jackets for every passenger. California requires children under 13 to wear a life jacket while a vessel is underway, and captains will size kids properly before departure. If you’re bringing infants or toddlers, let the owner know ahead of time so the correct sizes are ready, and pack sun protection and layers—mornings can be cool even in summer.

Nearly all private charters allow outside food and beverages, and many can provide coolers, ice, or simple catering on request. Cans are preferred over glass for safety; some boats limit red wine or messy foods. If you plan to picnic ashore during a stop, confirm beach access rules for the specific cove and remember that mooring and shoreboat logistics add time—your captain can advise what works best for your itinerary.

Pets are typically allowed only with advance owner approval, and a cleaning fee or size limit may apply. Soft‑soled booties help protect decks, and leashes are required ashore. If your plans include stopping in Two Harbors during a special event, note that dogs aren’t permitted at certain event venues; when in doubt, share your dates and we’ll confirm what’s feasible for your pet.

The island often wakes to a light marine layer that burns off late morning, with gentle seas early and a common afternoon breeze. Captains monitor forecasts and may recommend morning departures for the calmest ride. If conditions are unsafe, charters are rescheduled or refunded per the boat’s policy; if it’s simply cloudy or breezy, trips typically proceed with adjusted routes to stay in protected water. Your listing shows the exact cancellation terms, and your captain will make the final safety call.

Peak season runs late spring through early fall, with the warmest water and longest days from June through September. Holiday weekends—Memorial Day, July 4th, and Labor Day—book out far in advance, as do special Catalina events that draw boaters. In 2025, plan ahead for Buccaneer Days in Two Harbors (October 2–5), JazzTrax Festival weekends in Avalon (October 9–12 and 16–19), and the Two Harbors Wine Fest (September 13). For lighter crowds and great conditions, try midweek dates or September “second summer,” and consider morning departures for smoother seas.

Absolutely. Most captained yachts and sailboats are set up for celebrations, with Bluetooth audio, shaded seating, deck space for photos, and simple décor allowed. Share your headcount, preferred vibe, and any must‑see stops—like a swim at Descanso Bay or a sunset pass by the Casino—and your captain will map an easy, time‑sure route that fits your schedule, catering plans, and budget. Payments and split‑pay options on platform make coordinating with your group straightforward.

Yes. Nighttime flying‑fish cruises in summer are a local favorite, and clear‑water snorkeling at protected spots near Lover’s Cove and Casino Point feels like an aquarium visit in the wild. On the west end, mooring for a swim in Emerald Bay or touring the narrow isthmus between Isthmus Cove and Cat Harbor shows off a side of Catalina you can only appreciate from the water. Ask your captain to time the route for golden‑hour light—it’s photo magic.