Where does the charter depart from?

Sails depart from Marina del Rey; exact dock and check-in instructions are provided at booking confirmation.

How many people can join this charter?

This private catamaran is sized for up to 2 people, making it ideal for couples or a private photo shoot.

Is there a restroom onboard?

Restroom access varies by vessel; confirm with the operator when you book so you can plan accordingly.

Dress in layers and bring a windproof jacket; even warm afternoons can feel cool offshore due to the breeze.

Pet policies vary by operator — check at booking. If pets are permitted, expect to follow leash and waste rules for safety.

What wildlife might we see?

Expect seabirds like brown pelicans and terns, occasional California sea lions and dolphins, and migrating gray whales in winter and spring.

Private Catamaran Sail in Marina del Rey: 3-Hour Coastal Charter | Catamaran | Boat Tour

Perched behind the breakwater at Marina del Rey, California, the Catamaran Charter — 3 Hours offers an intimate, private sail across Santa Monica Bay. In three hours you trade busy boardwalks for wide water, sliding past the harbor’s floating docks into open Pacific surf, with the Los Angeles skyline on one shoulder and the long curve of Santa Monica and Venice beaches on the other. This is a small-boat outing: the charter accommodates up to two people, making it a focused escape for couples, photographers, or anyone seeking close-up encounters with marine life. The catamaran’s stable twin hulls make photographing kelp beds, feeding brown pelicans, and the occasional California sea lion more comfortable than a monohull; on clear days Catalina Island appears as a blue silhouette on the horizon. The harbor itself is notable — Marina del Rey, dedicated in 1965, is the largest man-made small craft harbor in the world, a human-made inlet that opens directly into productive coastal waters that support coastal birds and seasonal migrations. Expect a mix of placid channel cruising and open-water stretches where swell and sea breeze shape the tempo of the sail. Routes commonly thread past the Harbor Entrance and the south jetty, and captains often circle close enough to Point Dume and the back side of the Venice breakwater to spotlight local geology and urban coastline views. Native coastal plants and the adjacent Ballona Wetlands add a reminder that this is still ocean habitat, and guides typically point out kelp canopy, surfgrass, and resident terns and pelicans. Practicalities are simple: the sail lasts three hours and departs from Marina del Rey; exact dock details are provided at booking. Because the trip is private and small, it’s ideal for sunrise cruises, sunset sails, proposals, or quiet afternoons away from crowded beaches. Wear layered clothing—the ocean breeze can be cool even in summer—and bring a camera with a polarizer to reduce glare over the water. Why book this charter? It’s one of the fastest ways to move from urban Los Angeles to genuine marine scenery, with a level of privacy rarely available on larger boats. For visitors based in Santa Monica, Venice, or Marina del Rey, a three‑hour catamaran ride is an efficient, cinematic taste of Southern California’s coastline: wind, water, and wide-open sky without the ferry crowds. Time your sail around wildlife seasons—winter and spring bring migrating gray whales through the channel, while summer mornings often deliver glassy water and playful dolphins. Coordinate with your captain to hug kelp lines where birds feed, and bring binoculars for sightings beyond the breakwater. A modest playlist and a thermos of coffee or a chilled drink turn three hours into a private coastal movie and memories.

About Old Plank Sailing Adventures

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.