A private four-hour catamaran sail from Marina del Rey offers a personal window onto Santa Monica Bay—wildlife, kelp beds, coastal views, and a crewed boat for up to two guests. Read on for what to expect, what to bring, and why this intimate format is ideal for couples and photographers.
A private four-hour catamaran sail from Marina del Rey offers a personal window onto Santa Monica Bay—wildlife, kelp beds, coastal views, and a crewed boat for up to two guests. Read on for what to expect, what to bring, and why this intimate format is ideal for couples and photographers.
Book with Old Plank Sailing Adventures
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Old Plank Sailing Adventures · Marina del Rey, California
Marina del Rey’s compact harbor opens onto Santa Monica Bay, and the Catamaran Charter - 4 Hours turns that sheltered inlet into a private playground for sailors and sightseers alike. This four-hour, private catamaran sail departs from Marina del Rey, California, and is configured for up to two guests who want an intimate, flexible sea day. Expect open views, easy motion from a twin-hull platform, and the slow, marine rhythm that reveals seals, pelicans, and occasional dolphins offshore. The onboard experience emphasizes privacy and choice. With only two passengers permitted, the skipper tailors the plan: a steady coastal run along the breakwater, a brief anchorage in a protected pocket for swimming or snorkeling, or a relaxed drift while photographers hunt for low-angle light. Catamarans in this harbor are prized for stability and deck space; they make reading, casual dining, and camera work comfortable even when breeze picks up. The vessel is crewed, so no previous sailing license is required—your energy goes toward watching the water, not memorizing lines. Marina del Rey is a defining element of the trip. Conceived and developed in the 1960s and opened in the mid-1960s, the harbor remains the largest small-craft marina in North America and a focal point for Los Angeles coastal recreation. From the water the environment reads as a contrast of sandy beaches, low marine terraces, and the city skyline set back beyond dunes. Subtidal kelp forests and rocky outcrops offshore create foraging zones for fish and birds; during certain seasons the kelp canopy colors the water in green-brown swathes that attract wildlife. This private four-hour format is straightforward: pack reef-safe sunscreen, a windproof layer, non-marking deck shoes, and a polarizing filter for your camera to cut surface glare. Mobility requirements are minimal—the crew assists with boarding and anchoring—but be ready for some short, unassisted steps and the gentle roll of open water. Bring motion-sickness prevention if you are sensitive to swell. Why book this sail? It’s a concentrated, low-commitment way to access coastal wildlife, learn basic seamanship in a hands-on yet relaxed setting, and see Los Angeles’s shoreline from a maritime vantage. The small-group nature and private pace make it an appealing option for couples, photographers, or anyone wanting a personal maritime window onto Santa Monica Bay. In four hours you leave the city geometry behind and reconnect with the immediate, salt-scented coast. The booking page lists availability and handles reservations online; use the referral link to view current open dates and confirm capacity for a private two-person charter, and plan to arrive early to allow for a brief safety briefing and gear stowage before departure. Expect calm conditions most mornings, with wind building in afternoons for livelier sailing and views daily.
This private sail departs from Marina del Rey; check the referral booking link for the exact dock and check-in instructions.
The listing accommodates up to two people, offering a private experience for couples or small parties.
No prior sailing experience is required; the vessel is crewed and the skipper handles navigation and sail operations.
Yes—brief anchor stops in protected pockets are common for swimming and snorkeling when conditions allow; bring your own mask and reef-safe sunscreen.
If you’re prone to motion sickness, take preventative medication before boarding and sit mid-ship where motion is minimized.
Use the referral link in this listing to view available dates and reserve the private four-hour charter.
Old Plank Sailing Adventures is a Marina del Rey-based charter company offering private sailing trips, personal watercraft adventures, and hands-on fishing expeditions in Santa Monica Bay and surrounding waters. The company operates private Therapy Sail cruises aboard the Prima Stella, available as 2-, 3-, and 4-hour options that include gourmet hors d'oeuvres and a bottle of rosé, with opportunities to spot dolphins, whales, and sunsets. Jetski experiences include the Island Seascape Santa Catalina Jetski Adventure, Paradise Cove Malibu Jetski Adventure, and Wildlife Seascape Santa Monica Adventure, all run on luxury Seadoos for high-speed ocean exploration, wildlife viewing, and beach breaks. For local exploration, the Seafood Market Expedition sails beyond the jetty with Captain Mancini to find hidden waters and local maritime spots. For hands-on nighttime fishing, the Captain’s Lobster Adventure 3-Hours Moonlight trip provides an opportunity to learn trap baiting, catch lobster and crab, and take home the harvest from Santa Monica Bay. Trip formats include short private sails, multi-hour excursions, half-day and full-day options for select jetski adventures, and specialty seafood-focused outings. All departures are from Marina del Rey, California, and routes commonly visit Santa Monica Bay, Paradise Cove, and nearby islands such as Catalina when applicable. Descriptions and inclusions vary by trip; customers should review individual trip pages for specific details, schedules, and availability. Old Plank Sailing Adventures highlights private, small-group, and adventure-oriented sea outings tailored to guests seeking wildlife encounters, coastal cruising, and active watercraft experiences. Booking information and pricing appear on the business's trip listings online.
Book with Old Plank Sailing Adventures