If you’re looking for the best way to beat the scorching heat of Arizona this summer, a yacht rental in San Diego tops our list this year! Yacht rentals have become one of the hottest activities since the pandemic began, with hoards of people looking for a way to escape and take in the beautiful weather of San Diego.
Feeling the cool ocean breeze, splashing in the crisp waters of the Pacific and sunbathing on a yacht deck is a luxurious summer activity you can enjoy with friends and family to create unforgettable memories.
Whether you are planning a bachelorette party, celebrating a new job, proposing to your partner or just want to enjoy some much needed time with family or friends, a San Diego yacht rental is the perfect fit.
There are a lot of SD yacht rental companies out there, so we decided to give you a breakdown of our top 3 to help you cut out some of the decision making process and get aboard your yacht faster. Let’s start the list!
Malarky Charters
Malarky Charters is well known in San Diego for being one of the most exciting catamaran yacht rentals in SD. If you’re looking to host a smaller gathering of 12 people or less, they’re our pick for the best in San Diego.
The Malarky is a 47 foot luxury sailing catamaran, packed with everything you’ll need to get the party started. Since it’s a catamaran yacht, it has two hulls, making it more balanced in the water than a single hull yacht, and more enjoyable.
The Malarky has four bedrooms, two bathrooms, a full kitchen and interior lounge if you’re looking to take a break from the sun or eat and play games. It’s got plenty of seating in the back for epic sunset watching and a trampoline on the front for sunbathing, or if you’re looking to practice that backflip you’ve been wanting to try.
It’s been around for over 5 years and accumulated some absolutely stellar reviews from charter guests along the way, with 135 5-star reviews on Tripadvisor, 76 5-star reviews on Google and another perfect 5-star rating on Yelp.
Pricing: The pricing is more reasonable than some of the other charter companies on the list, likely due to the fact it’s a locally-owned business and not a worldwide broker. For a 4 hour cruise through Mission Bay with up to 12 guests, you’ll likely spend around $2,200. They tend to offer specials so when booking be sure to ask them what promotions they’re currently running.
Add Ons: This is the main reason we chose Malarky Charters as our top San Diego yacht rental company. You can add high powered jet skis, floating lily pads for splashing, electric surfboards, ocean kayaks and even their famous jetpacks that can soar up to 20 feet in the air. There is only one more yacht rental company that can offer these kinds of add ons, and they’re our number two.
Pros:
- Exciting add on options you can only find with one other provider.
- Friendly crew and captain.
- Comfortable, shaded seating throughout the yacht.
- Full kitchen and spacious indoor lounge for snacking or taking a break from the sun.
- Best pricing in San Diego.
Cons:
- Maximum capacity of 12 guests.
- There isn’t a full bar so you’ll need to bring your own drinks aboard.
- Often booked out a month in advance, but sometimes there are cancellations you can take advantage of.
Current Review:
“I booked this for my husband’s 40th birthday and he LOVED it! The crew was extremely accommodating and personable. The catamaran itself was clean, inviting, cozy, and safe. All of the guests had a great time and one of them wants to do it for her own birthday party coming up. That’s how good it is – you do it once and everyone wants to do it again.” ~ Christina L.
If you’re looking for the most fun and affordable yacht rental in San Diego, Malarky Charters is your best bet.
>>> Click Here To Book With Malarky Charters
If you’re looking to host a larger gathering of 12+ guests, Triton Charters is far and away the best option. This 75’ sailing catamaran is the largest sailing yacht in all of San Diego, and comfortably fits up to 100 guests. This makes it perfect for weddings and receptions, family reunions, corporate events, or even smaller events that still need to accommodate more than 12 guests.
Even though it is much larger than the Malarky, it isn’t priced much higher and is much more affordable than anything this large from other charter companies in San Diego. It’s also the highest rated yacht rental company in San Diego, with a whopping 135 5-star reviews on Google and ranked as the #1 yacht rental company in San Diego by San Diego Magazine.
It has an extra large dance floor, 13 seat bar, ultra modern design and plenty of seating in the front, back and lounge area inside. If you visit their website you can even take a virtual tour of the entire catamaran. It’s a locally-owned business so they’re more flexible and helpful with the planning process than others on this list, which is important if you’re planning a special event.
Pricing: Although a little more expensive than the Malarky, chartering the Triton comes is still more reasonable than most in the San Diego area. For a 4 hour charter through Mission Bay with 40 guests, you’re looking at a cost of around $3,300. Other yacht rentals in San Diego with that size and capacity will easily be over $10,000 for the same duration. They also offer ticketed cruises throughout the week so if you don’t want to go all out on a private charter, you can still experience the beauty of San Diego from the Pacific.
Add-Ons: With most charter companies in San Diego, you’re stuck with the basics like flotation devices, not with the Triton. They have almost the exact same add-ons that the Malarky has, so you know your guests will never be bored. They offer adrenaline-inducing options like high powered jet skis, jet packs, electric surfboards, as well as more low-key options like kayaks, splash pads, paddleboards and more.
If you’re hosting an event or large celebration, the Triton’s staff has a concierge service that will help you find local musicians for the perfect proposal, delicious catering options, and so much more to make your event smooth and hassle free. They can provide djs, bartenders and more.
Pros:
- Friendly bartenders, captain and crew.
- Exciting add-ons.
- Best pricing in San Diego for its size and capacity (up to 100 guests).
- Most flexible deposit policy.
- Concierge service for larger events.
- Hundreds of 5-star reviews.
- Full bar with bartender.
Cons:
- Availability during peak season. They sell out fast and typically need to be booked a few weeks in advance.
- A little more pricey than the Malarky.
Current Review:
“Was looking for a party boat for my birthday and came across Triton Charters. I’m so happy that I did! The crew was amazing and so was our bartender. I ended up adding an open bar package to my charter and having all you can eat tacos too! 🎉 Best birthday EVER!” ~ Savannah B.
>>>Click Here To Book With Triton Charters
Y.R.S.D. (Yacht Rental San Diego)
Yacht Rental San Diego is relatively new to the scene in SD, but the customer service is unmatched. It’s the only charter company that allows you to be matched with the perfect charter and all you have to do is give them your occasion date, number of guests and budget.
They’ll quickly text you back with a list of available options and help guide you to what charter option is best for your event. You’re not limited to a single option like you are with Malarky or Triton, and offer options for different yachts with capacities that range from 6 up to 100 guests.
They feature a white glove service that will help you plan your event with djs, live music, catering and exciting add ons if the option you choose allows for it. Yacht Rental San Diego has 12 yachts to choose from, so availability is less of a problem than it may be with Malarky or Triton, especially if you have a last minute celebration to plan.
Pricing: The 12 yacht options range in price from $40 for ticketed charters all the way up to $2,500 per hour.
Add-Ons: They are a little more limited in add-ons than the Malarky or Triton, due to the fact each yacht has different restrictions. Be sure to ask what’s available on each yacht because they can typically make your requests come to fruition.
Pros:
- Great customer service, they hold your hand through the booking process and keep you updated along the way.
- Availability is typically better than with Malarky or Triton since they simply have more charter options to choose from.
- Locally owned business.
Cons
- They don’t have the personal touch of event planners like the Triton and Malarky have, so if you’re looking for an event coordinator, look elsewhere.
- Pricing can get pretty steep, but they can usually get you a better price than their competitors.
Current Review:
“My girlfriends and I had a bachelorette party on the catamaran yacht rental and it was amazing. The views were superb and booking was easy. If you need a yacht rental in San Diego, I suggest using these guys.” ~ Brittany E.
>>>Click Here To Book With Yacht Rental San Diego
Yacht Rental San Diego FAQ
If renting a yacht is new for you, you likely have questions. Here are some frequently asked questions that we’ve compiled about the process of booking a yacht rental.
What Is The Average Cost to Rent A Yacht in SD?
There are numerous companies offering yacht charters in the San Diego area, with prices ranging from $2,200 all the way up to $10,000+ for a 4 hour San Diego yacht charter. For a group of more than 12 guests, the best pricing comes from Triton Charters at around $3,300 for a 4 hour cruise.
The best price for a 4 hour charter with 12 guests or fewer comes from Malarky Charters at just $2,200 per charter. Pricing with the Triton does increase as the guest numbers rise, so be aware of that when booking and always ask for current promotions no matter who you call.
What Should I Bring On A Yacht Charter?
The less you bring the better is a general rule of thumb. If you’re chartering a yacht from a company that requires you to bring your own food and drinks, make sure you pack things that are portable. Although some come with full kitchens, you’ll enjoy your experience more with finger foods and others that don’t require lengthy cooking times.
Other than that just remember to bring towels, plenty of sunscreen, sunglasses and your best smile for all the amazing pictures you’ll be taking!
How Do I Book A Rental?
Most charter companies have an easy-to-use booking software that makes it a breeze to book online. If you’re planning an event, we highly recommend reaching out to the business directly via phone or email to make sure all of your questions get answered before you book your cruise.
When Is Peak Yacht Season In San Diego?
Luckily, San Diego weather is fantastic throughout most of the year, which means chartering a yacht will be a great experience during most months. However, the peak season is between May and late August. If you plan on booking a yacht in the middle of the summer, be sure to start planning at least a month out.
Do Yacht Charters Come With Food and Drinks?
Most yacht charter companies in SD don’t come with a chef or food included. Most will allow you to add that on or they’ll help you find a local catering company to service you and your guests. If you plan on bringing your own food and drinks, make sure to bring easy to pack and store foods.
Do You Need To Put A Deposit Down To Book A Charter?
Yacht charters have become extremely popular in the past few years, so most companies are booked a few weeks in advance, so they all require a deposit to hold your date. Deposits can range from 10% to 20% of the total yacht charter cost.
Some are very strict and only offer non refundable deposits, but Malarky and Triton have the most relaxed policies, allowing a 105 fully refundable deposit if you need to cancel up to 72 hours before your charter is set to launch.
What Activities Are Available On San Diego Yacht Rentals?
Most yacht rental companies in San Diego don’t offer a full suite of add ons to add a boost of fun to your charter. However, Malarky and Triton both offer really exciting add ons which sets them apart from the competition.
- Jet skis
- Stand up paddle boards
- Lily pads for safe splashing
- Ocean kayaks
- Waterslides
- Live music
- E-Surfboards
- Jetpacks and jet boards
Conclusion
If you’re ready to enjoy the luxury and excitement that a yacht rental can bring, there are few places better than San Diego to do it. A San Diego yacht rental is the perfect escape for spending time with family, hosting a bachelor or bachelorette party, or celebrating an anniversary or vow renewal.
Most companies in San Diego are fantastic options, but these three we’ve mentioned are far and away the best in terms of pricing, customer service, overall experience and add-on options.
For larger gatherings or events, we recommend Triton Charters. For smaller groups of 12 or less your best option is the Malarky, and for that extra touch of customer service and best availability, go with Y.R.S.D.
Try any of thes SD yacht rental companies and you’ll be sure to have an unforgettable experience with your family, friends, significant other or coworkers. Happy sailing!
