The Best Boat Rentals in Venice Beach

Expect most private charters in the Venice Beach/Marina del Rey area to run about $150–$250 per hour for small powerboats or compact electric boats, $175–$300 per hour for private sailboats, $300–$700 per hour for mid‑size motor yachts, and $800–$1,500+ per hour for larger luxury yachts. Rates usually include the boat, standard safety gear, and either a licensed captain or the option to add one. Fuel is often included for harbor and coastal cruising, while gratuity (customarily 15–20%), cleaning, ice, and special requests are commonly extra. Minimums of 2–3 hours are typical, with discounts sometimes available for longer bookings.

You can choose from comfortable sailboats and sailing catamarans for relaxed coastal cruising, sleek sport boats and bowriders for quick hops along Santa Monica Bay, spacious motor yachts for celebrations, and small electric boats that are perfect for calm harbor time. Availability ranges from intimate options for a few guests to larger yachts designed for private groups and events.

Both are possible. Most trip planners choose a captained charter because it’s effortless and lets your group focus on the fun while a local pro handles navigation and docking. If you prefer to drive, you’ll need solid boating experience and, as of January 1, 2025, a valid California Boater Card to operate a motorized vessel. Providers may also require proof of experience and will brief you on local no‑wake zones and basic harbor etiquette before departure.

Almost all private charters for Venice Beach depart next door in Marina del Rey. Common pickup points include Fisherman’s Village on Fiji Way, the public Launch Ramp at 13477 Fiji Way, Burton Chace Park guest docks on Mindanao Way, and the Dock 52 loading area along Fiji Way. Your confirmation will note the exact meeting spot and any parking tips for your time slot.

You’ll cruise past the Venice Pier and Santa Monica Pier, with views of the shoreline from Playa del Rey up toward Pacific Palisades and Malibu on clear days. It’s common to spot California sea lions and pods of dolphins year‑round, with gray whales migrating along the coast in winter and early spring and blue whales more likely in late spring through summer. Sunset light along the bluffs and beaches makes late‑day trips especially scenic.

If you book with a licensed captain, you don’t need a boating license—your captain is credentialed to operate. For self‑operated rentals, California requires all operators of motorized vessels to carry a California Boater Card starting January 1, 2025. Bring a government ID that matches the card, and be prepared to follow local harbor rules and any age or experience requirements set by the owner.

Yes, families are welcome on most charters. Every vessel carries U.S. Coast Guard–approved life jackets for the stated passenger capacity, and California law requires children under 13 to wear a life jacket whenever the boat is underway. If you’re bringing infants or toddlers, request the right sizes in advance; some hosts have limited infant PFDs. Strollers typically stay dockside, so plan to carry infants or use soft carriers while aboard.

Most captains allow you to bring snacks, meals, and beverages, and many can provide coolers, ice, or light catering on request. Beer, wine, and canned beverages are commonly permitted for guests 21+, though glass, red wine, or hard liquor may be restricted to protect decks and ensure safety. The operator must remain sober at all times, so designate your celebrations to the passengers and pack easy, spill‑proof options.

Policies vary by vessel. Some captains happily welcome well‑behaved dogs, often with a small pet or extra cleaning fee, while others do not allow pets for safety or upholstery reasons. If your dog is joining, bring a fitted pet life jacket, a leash for dock areas, and a small towel or mat to keep them comfortable on board.

Local conditions feature a calm morning marine layer much of the year and a breeze that often builds in the afternoon. Winter brings occasional rain and swell days; summer is generally sunny with cooler mornings and warmer afternoons. Captains will reschedule or cancel if conditions are unsafe and typically offer a refund or a new date. For non‑weather cancellations, each listing sets its own policy, so check the window for free changes before you book and aim for flexible terms on holiday weekends.

Absolutely. Boats in Marina del Rey are set up for private celebrations with Bluetooth sound, shaded seating, and easy harbor routes that are perfect for photos. Your captain can suggest scenic loops for cake‑cutting, toasts, and group shots near the breakwater or piers. Ask about maximum capacity, footwear guidelines, decorations that won’t leave residue, and whether ice, cups, and serving ware are included or available as add‑ons.

Peak boating runs roughly May through October, when ocean temperatures and daylight are ideal. Winter is quieter and great for whale watching on clear days. Memorial Day weekend, July 4th, and Labor Day are the busiest boating holidays—book well in advance and expect premium pricing and tighter departure windows. Regionally, LA Fleet Week over Memorial Day at the Port of Los Angeles and the Marina del Rey Holiday Boat Parade in December can impact marina traffic and parking. For the smoothest experience, choose weekday departures or morning slots on weekends; sunsets are stunning but sell out fastest.

Motorized vessels are not allowed inside the Venice Canals, so powerboats and yachts remain in Marina del Rey and Santa Monica Bay. If you’d like a quiet, close‑to‑shore experience, ask your captain for a relaxed harbor loop with views of the channel, sea lions on the buoys, and easy photo ops along the marina before heading out to the coastline.