Sailing Los Angeles and The Channel Islands
Los Angeles Charter
Los Angeles Sailing Charter Options
Blue Pacific Yachting in Marina del Rey is your gateway to sailing The Channel Islands National Park, as well as the fabled coast of Malibu, Santa Monica Bay, under the stellar homes and bluffs of Palos Verdes and other sites of Los Angeles. Weather is reliable for sailing nearly year-round, with comfortable temperatures and plenty to see and do on and off the water.
Captained Charters
Leave all your worries behind as you and your favorite people cruise Santa Monica Bay or open ocean in style. For a crewed sailing charter in Los Angeles, NO SAILING EXPERIENCE IS REQUIRED. You will board one of our comfortable and well-maintained vessels and simply enjoy the ride as you explore the ocean outside the Marina del Rey, or head off to Catalina or other points of interest.
Captained charters mean that the yacht is rented with a professional crew consisting of at least a licensed captain who is responsible for the maneuvering of the yacht. In some cases the captain is aided by other crew members as well. Typically they operate solo.
Bareboat Charters
You and your crew are free to choose your own itinerary, and experience the thrill of full command of a modern sailing vessel.
We accept ASA 103, 104 and 114 Certifications. Note that charterers holding ASA Certification, but lacking prior bareboat charter experience may be required to hire one of our licensed captains for a supplemental training at the beginning of their first bareboat charter with Blue Pacific.
Los Angeles Charter Fleet
Lagoon 46 Charter
This 2023 model is an elegant 3 cabin 3 head cat, with the owners’ dedicated cabin on the starboard side. The salon and cockpit flow together and are perfect…
Leopard 44 Los Angeles
This gorgeous yacht is fully equipped with state-of-the-art technology to ensure your safety and comfort, all to ensure you an unforgettable experience.
Bali 4.3
The Bali 4.3 places an emphasis on an open floor plan, the maximum utility of onboard space and plenty of related creature comforts. A spectacular platform for…
SmartCat s280
Whether you’re sailing with a small family, a large family, or a group of friends, the Smart Cat S280 has you covered. Its expansive and comfortable deck…
Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 389
Lovely Day is a Sun Odyssey 389, one of the most popular models offered by Jeanneau. It offers the best of both worlds with a wide, open cockpit for…
Beneteau 35.5
Jo Reta is a versatile sailboat known for a unique combination of performance, comfort, and distinctive European styling.
Merit 25 Sport Sailer – Mr. Miyagi
Mr. Miyagi is an impressive Merit 25. This Merit is a fast, responsive boat that is a lot of fun to sail. She’s a great day sailer and can take 4 aboard…
Merit 25 Sport Sailer – Time Capsule
Time Capsule is an impressive Merit 25. This Merit is a fast, responsive boat that is a lot of fun to sail. She’s a great day sailer and can take 4 aboard…
Charter Itinerary Ideas for Sailing Los Angeles
Whether a bareboat charter, or a private charter with captain, the choice of where to go is largely yours to make. So, we get asked all the time:
What should we do?
Where should we go?
What is there to do when sailing around Los Angeles?
There is plenty to do, and the specifics have to do more with your interests than anything else. So let us know what you’re interested in, how you like to spend your time, and we help you craft an itinerary that makes the most of what this great sailing area has to offer. But did we mention that Catalina Island is less than 30 miles away?!
Scroll through some of these great ideas…
Day Charters Around MDR and LA:
An afternoon sail out of Marina del Rey offers relaxed conditions and scenic views. The prevailing westerlies generally fill in by late morning, providing consistent but manageable breezes around 8–15 knots, with gentle ocean swell and plenty of open water once clear of the harbor entrance. Inside the harbor, you’ll share the water with kayakers, paddleboarders, sea lions, and sometimes racing dinghies from local sailing clubs.
Once outside the jetty, you might spot marine wildlife almost immediately. Sea lions frequently lounge on channel markers, while pods of dolphins are common, especially further offshore where local fishing boats work the Santa Monica Bay. During the season, migrating gray whales may be visible between December and April, while pelicans, cormorants, gulls, and even the occasional shearwater or osprey accompany sailors year-round. The coastline provides beautiful views toward Malibu to the north and the Palos Verdes Peninsula to the south, with the Santa Monica Mountains forming a dramatic backdrop on clear days.
Shoreside, Marina del Rey offers several places to dock for a meal before or after sailing. Nearby waterfront restaurants such as Uovo Italian, Salt Restaurant (Marina del Rey Hotel), Cast & Plough (Ritz Carlton), and the Brizo Bar and Grill are all walking distance from your BPY slip. For a mid-afternoon stop, The Marina del Rey Hotel and Jamaica Bay Inn both have waterfront dining reachable by short dinghy from elsewhere in the harbor, or another walk. All told, an afternoon sail here delivers easy coastal cruising, wildlife encounters, great people-watching, and the perfect mix of ocean adventure with convenient shoreside amenities.
Multi Day Sailing Charters to Catalina and The Channel Islands National Park:
Multi-day sailing charters from Marina del Rey open the door to some of Southern California’s most fabled cruising grounds, with Catalina Island being the closest and most popular destination. The 30–40 mile passage typically offers steady afternoon westerlies and moderate swell, often making for a lively but predictable sail. Most cruisers make landfall at Avalon or Two Harbors, both of which offer mooring fields, shore access, dining, hiking, maybe some snorkeling, and quintessential island charm. Ashore you’ll find everything from casual beach bar cocktails to classic seafood restaurants overlooking the harbor.
Beyond Catalina, a 5–10 day itinerary provides enough time to explore the more remote and rugged Channel Islands to the northwest that make up Channel Islands National Park — Anacapa, Santa Cruz, and maybe Santa Rosa. These islands offer protected anchorages, striking sea cliffs, large sea caves, and hiking trails with sweeping Pacific views. Conditions here can be stronger and less predictable than in the lee of Catalina, with fresh or sporty breezes and areas of significant swell exposure, so crews should be prepared for true coastal cruising with variable weather. The reward, however, is an uncrowded sailing experience and a sense of adventure rare this close to a major city.
Marine life becomes even more abundant as you move farther offshore. Pods of common and bottlenose dolphins often play in the bow wake, and migrating gray whales, humpbacks, and even the occasional blue whale are spotted seasonally. Sea lions and harbor seals are constant companions, while sea otters increasingly appear around the northern islands. Onshore, nesting seabirds—including pelicans, cormorants, and gulls—fill the cliffs and beaches, and clear waters offer excellent snorkeling and kelp forest exploration when conditions allow. Altogether, extended cruising from Marina del Rey gives sailors the chance to combine accessible island hopping with the rugged beauty of some of California’s most protected and pristine waters.
Heard Around The Docks...
Half Day Charters
4 Hours- Harbor Cruise
- Sporty Sailing
- Whale Watching
- Lunch & Swim
- Celebrate a Milestone
Full Day Charter
8 Hours- Extended Sailing Time
- Ocean Exploration
- Dinner on the Harbor
- Whale Watching
- Sail & Surf
Multi-Day w/Captain
Overnight to a Week or More- Head for Catalina
- Take the Family Off Grid
- Swim Secluded Coves
- Learn the Ropes
- Soak in The Sunsets