Luxury motor yacht cruising Newport Harbor at golden-hour sunset

Newport Beach Yacht Charter FAQs: Pricing, Captains, Cancellations and More

Newport Beach Yacht Charter FAQs: Pricing, Captains, Cancellations and More

Newport Beach Yacht Charter FAQs: Pricing, Captains, Cancellations and More

Luxury motor yacht cruising Newport Harbor at golden-hour sunset



Yacht Rentals

Yacht Rentals

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Yacht Charters

Yacht Charters

Answers to the questions we hear most on the phone about yacht charters in Newport Beach, from Newport Coast Marine. Questions are grouped and ordered by how often guests ask them.

Are you a legitimate charter operator?

Yes. Newport Coast Marine operates yacht charters in full compliance with the City of Newport Beach under Marine Activity Permit MAP 2026-004.

How many passengers can I bring on a charter?

Regardless of vessel size, bareboat charters carry a maximum of twelve (12) passengers by law. The captain, crew, chef and DJ do not count as passengers.

What is included in the charter price?

Your charter price includes use of the yacht, snacks, soft beverages, bottled water, bagged ice, beach towels, paddleboards (upon request), an inflatable dock (upon request), and unlimited use of the vessel tender on charters longer than 4 hours.

Can I bring my own food and beverages?

Yes. You are welcome to bring your own food, alcohol and mixers. We only ask that you leave red wine on shore, because if spilled it will stain the teak decks and results in a cleanup charge at the end of the charter.

How much does a yacht charter cost in Newport Beach?

Depending on the vessel you select, the charter fee ranges from $1,000 to $2,500 per hour with a minimum four-hour charter. See how much a Newport Beach yacht charter costs and browse the full fleet.

What is the shortest amount of time I can charter a yacht?

Our minimum charter duration is four (4) hours.

Do you offer overnight charters?

No, we do not offer overnight charters.

Does the charter price include gratuity?

No. Gratuity is not included in your charter payment. Gratuities are paid directly to the captain and crew and are usually 20% of the charter fee.

Where do Newport Coast Marine charters depart from?

Our charters depart from 201 East Coast Highway, Newport Beach, CA 92660. You can find us on Google Maps by searching for "Newport Coast Marine Yacht Charters".

Answers to the questions we hear most on the phone about yacht charters in Newport Beach, from Newport Coast Marine. Questions are grouped and ordered by how often guests ask them.

Are you a legitimate charter operator?

Yes. Newport Coast Marine operates yacht charters in full compliance with the City of Newport Beach under Marine Activity Permit MAP 2026-004.

How many passengers can I bring on a charter?

Regardless of vessel size, bareboat charters carry a maximum of twelve (12) passengers by law. The captain, crew, chef and DJ do not count as passengers.

What is included in the charter price?

Your charter price includes use of the yacht, snacks, soft beverages, bottled water, bagged ice, beach towels, paddleboards (upon request), an inflatable dock (upon request), and unlimited use of the vessel tender on charters longer than 4 hours.

Can I bring my own food and beverages?

Yes. You are welcome to bring your own food, alcohol and mixers. We only ask that you leave red wine on shore, because if spilled it will stain the teak decks and results in a cleanup charge at the end of the charter.

How much does a yacht charter cost in Newport Beach?

Depending on the vessel you select, the charter fee ranges from $1,000 to $2,500 per hour with a minimum four-hour charter. See how much a Newport Beach yacht charter costs and browse the full fleet.

What is the shortest amount of time I can charter a yacht?

Our minimum charter duration is four (4) hours.

Do you offer overnight charters?

No, we do not offer overnight charters.

Does the charter price include gratuity?

No. Gratuity is not included in your charter payment. Gratuities are paid directly to the captain and crew and are usually 20% of the charter fee.

Where do Newport Coast Marine charters depart from?

Our charters depart from 201 East Coast Highway, Newport Beach, CA 92660. You can find us on Google Maps by searching for "Newport Coast Marine Yacht Charters".

Champagne and fruit on the teak aft deck of a charter yacht in Newport Harbor

Can we have a chef?

Yes. We have several chefs we can connect you with who are familiar with our vessels and can put together a variety of continental and sushi cuisine for your charter.

Can I decorate the yacht for a birthday?

Yes. We can meet your charter representative before departure time to allow for decorations. See birthday party yacht charters.

Can we bring a DJ?

Yes. You can hire a DJ, or we can provide DJs we have worked with.

Does the captain, crew, chef or DJ count as a passenger?

No. The professional staff onboard do not count as passengers.

Do yacht charters include a captain?

If our insurance company deems you qualified to operate the vessel, you can be the captain. You can also select your own licensed captain, if deemed qualified by our insurance company, or request a list of captains pre-approved by our insurance company to operate the vessel. We recommend using one of the pre-approved captains. All charters include a crewmember from Newport Coast Yacht Charters. Need to hire a captain? See captain and crew staffing.

How long does it take to get from Newport Beach to Catalina by yacht?

Depending on the speed of the boat and what ocean conditions allow, transit time one-way from Newport Beach to Catalina is approximately 1.5 hours. Read Newport Beach to Catalina Island by yacht and see our Catalina charters.

Which Newport Beach yacht is best for 12 guests?

Our larger yachts are best suited for 12-passenger charters, such as the Ferretti 670 and Sunseeker 65 Sport Yacht. Compare them on the fleet page.

What if we want to cancel our charter?

Cancellations one week or more before the charter date are 100% refundable. Cancellations less than a week and more than 48 hours before the charter are 50% refundable. Cancellations less than 48 hours before the charter are non-refundable. Cancellations due to adverse weather or safety conditions are refundable or can be rebooked with no penalty.

What should I bring on a yacht charter?

We recommend sunscreen, motion sickness medication, a hat, a warm layer like a fleece, and a bathing suit. See 7 things to pack and what to wear.

Can we have a chef?

Yes. We have several chefs we can connect you with who are familiar with our vessels and can put together a variety of continental and sushi cuisine for your charter.

Can I decorate the yacht for a birthday?

Yes. We can meet your charter representative before departure time to allow for decorations. See birthday party yacht charters.

Can we bring a DJ?

Yes. You can hire a DJ, or we can provide DJs we have worked with.

Does the captain, crew, chef or DJ count as a passenger?

No. The professional staff onboard do not count as passengers.

Do yacht charters include a captain?

If our insurance company deems you qualified to operate the vessel, you can be the captain. You can also select your own licensed captain, if deemed qualified by our insurance company, or request a list of captains pre-approved by our insurance company to operate the vessel. We recommend using one of the pre-approved captains. All charters include a crewmember from Newport Coast Yacht Charters. Need to hire a captain? See captain and crew staffing.

How long does it take to get from Newport Beach to Catalina by yacht?

Depending on the speed of the boat and what ocean conditions allow, transit time one-way from Newport Beach to Catalina is approximately 1.5 hours. Read Newport Beach to Catalina Island by yacht and see our Catalina charters.

Which Newport Beach yacht is best for 12 guests?

Our larger yachts are best suited for 12-passenger charters, such as the Ferretti 670 and Sunseeker 65 Sport Yacht. Compare them on the fleet page.

What if we want to cancel our charter?

Cancellations one week or more before the charter date are 100% refundable. Cancellations less than a week and more than 48 hours before the charter are 50% refundable. Cancellations less than 48 hours before the charter are non-refundable. Cancellations due to adverse weather or safety conditions are refundable or can be rebooked with no penalty.

What should I bring on a yacht charter?

We recommend sunscreen, motion sickness medication, a hat, a warm layer like a fleece, and a bathing suit. See 7 things to pack and what to wear.

Guests walking down a Newport Harbor dock toward a luxury charter yacht

Are children allowed?

Yes, children are allowed. Please tell the booking agent the ages of the children so we have properly sized life jackets onboard.

Can we swim during the charter?

Yes. We can anchor or moor at multiple coastal and island locations for swimming and water activities.

Do you have set departure times?

No. You decide your desired departure time and cruise itinerary. Our booking representative and captains are happy to make suggestions.

What's the typical itinerary for a charter cruise?

Your cruise is private, so the itinerary is yours to decide, and our experienced captains are happy to make recommendations. Typically the trip is a harbor cruise on the way out, then 1 to 3 miles offshore in search of dolphins and whales, then anchoring in a cove for swimming and watersports, and a return to the harbor while looking for wildlife again, ending with a final harbor cruise back to the marina. See a day in the life on a yacht charter.

Do you offer dolphin and whale watching cruises?

Yes. On every cruise we make our best effort to find dolphins and whales. Read our guides to dolphin watching and whale watching.

How new are your boats?

Our charter fleet has the largest selection of new model yachts available for charter in Newport Beach.

How far in advance should I book?

During the high season summer months, book 2 to 3 weeks in advance to get the date and vessel you want. In the off-season, based on vessel availability, we can often put together a cruise with 2 to 3 days notice. See the best time of year to book.

When is high season and low season for yacht charters in Newport Beach?

In general, May through October is the high season and November through April is the winter season in Southern California and Newport Beach.

Are children allowed?

Yes, children are allowed. Please tell the booking agent the ages of the children so we have properly sized life jackets onboard.

Can we swim during the charter?

Yes. We can anchor or moor at multiple coastal and island locations for swimming and water activities.

Do you have set departure times?

No. You decide your desired departure time and cruise itinerary. Our booking representative and captains are happy to make suggestions.

What's the typical itinerary for a charter cruise?

Your cruise is private, so the itinerary is yours to decide, and our experienced captains are happy to make recommendations. Typically the trip is a harbor cruise on the way out, then 1 to 3 miles offshore in search of dolphins and whales, then anchoring in a cove for swimming and watersports, and a return to the harbor while looking for wildlife again, ending with a final harbor cruise back to the marina. See a day in the life on a yacht charter.

Do you offer dolphin and whale watching cruises?

Yes. On every cruise we make our best effort to find dolphins and whales. Read our guides to dolphin watching and whale watching.

How new are your boats?

Our charter fleet has the largest selection of new model yachts available for charter in Newport Beach.

How far in advance should I book?

During the high season summer months, book 2 to 3 weeks in advance to get the date and vessel you want. In the off-season, based on vessel availability, we can often put together a cruise with 2 to 3 days notice. See the best time of year to book.

When is high season and low season for yacht charters in Newport Beach?

In general, May through October is the high season and November through April is the winter season in Southern California and Newport Beach.

Champagne, fruit and sunglasses on the teak aft deck of a charter yacht in Newport Harbor
Guests walking down a Newport Harbor dock toward a luxury charter yacht
Guests walking down a Newport Harbor dock toward a luxury charter yacht

What yacht is best for a corporate event?

We recommend one of our larger yachts, 50 feet and above. Regardless of vessel size, we can take a maximum of twelve (12) passengers. See corporate yacht events.

Can we charter during the Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade?

Yes, we have boats available for charter during the Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade. See holiday and New Year's Eve yacht charters.

Can we watch the Huntington Beach Air Show from a yacht?

Absolutely. The Huntington Beach Air Show is one of the most popular boating events of the summer.

Can you pick us up somewhere other than Newport Beach?

Yes, however additional fees apply to cover fuel and staff time to travel to the pickup destination of your choice.

What is the difference between a yacht rental and a yacht charter?

There really is no difference.

Planning a small group or first charter?

Read yacht charters for small groups, what to expect on your first charter, and private yacht rental vs. public tour.

What yacht is best for a corporate event?

We recommend one of our larger yachts, 50 feet and above. Regardless of vessel size, we can take a maximum of twelve (12) passengers. See corporate yacht events.

Can we charter during the Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade?

Yes, we have boats available for charter during the Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade. See holiday and New Year's Eve yacht charters.

Can we watch the Huntington Beach Air Show from a yacht?

Absolutely. The Huntington Beach Air Show is one of the most popular boating events of the summer.

Can you pick us up somewhere other than Newport Beach?

Yes, however additional fees apply to cover fuel and staff time to travel to the pickup destination of your choice.

What is the difference between a yacht rental and a yacht charter?

There really is no difference.

Planning a small group or first charter?

Read yacht charters for small groups, what to expect on your first charter, and private yacht rental vs. public tour.

Friends relaxing on the aft lounge of a private yacht at sunset in Newport Beach

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Reserve Your Luxury Charter

Reserve Your Luxury Charter

It's time to take the wheel and reserve your charter below.

Simply book your desired charter date with Newport Coast Marine and we'll be in touch shortly to confirm your reservation and discuss your expectations for the cruise.