Top Things to Do on a Yacht Charter in Newport Beach

A boat rental in Newport Beach will take you cruising along Newport’s coastline, past the city’s two famous piers, Newport Pier and Balboa Pier. Newport Pier extends from the busy Balboa Peninsula into the Pacific Ocean and has fine, soft sand with plenty of room to lounge. You will spot surfers, swimmers and sunbathers all basking in the warm sun.

Once aboard your Newport boat rental, cruise along the famous Californian coast where you will encounter the Balboa Pier, also known as the location of the original Ruby’s Diner. A stroll down this pier will take you on a journey back to the 1940s. Ruby’s is filled with bright red vinyl booths, white formica tables, and soda fountains.

Step ashore to visit this exquisite location. Watch the local fisherman and the fish-chasing seals as you walk to the pier’s edge, from which you will have a great view of the Pacific Ocean and the coastline of the Balboa Peninsula.

In front of Balboa Fun Zone is one of Newport Beach’s most charming man-made islands, Balboa Island; it is a one-of-a-kind, man-made treasure. It is a gem that feels more like a quaint East Coast harborfront village than the rest of Newport’s distinctly Southern Californian, Orange County vibe. 

Its Marine Avenue boasts chic coastal shops, restaurants and quaint bistros serving up a variety of dishes bursting with flavor, including Balboa Island’s two famous desserts, the Balboa Bar and frozen banana.

Take your yacht further into Newport Bay to explore all the city and bay have to offer. Cruise through the marina to see the waterfront mansions. Later, dock for lunch at one of the many waterfront restaurants, such as the Harborside Restaurant at the Balboa Pavilion, Rusty Pelican, or the restaurants at Balboa Bay Resort.

Continue your cruise down the bay and drop anchor at the Wedge to observe the surfers in one of the most notable surf spots in Southern California. Here you will find near-shore waves as high as 30 feet.

In addition to all of the on- or near-land attractions Newport Beach has to offer, it is also home to one of the best waters for whale watching. Sail out to sea to view giant blue whales during the summer and fall and grey whales in the winter and spring.

If time permits, take a day cruise to the iconic Laguna Beach, with its 30 beaches and coves. At Laguna Beach you will be able to spend your day snorkeling, swimming, enjoying your water toys or simply lounging aboard your yacht. As night falls, step ashore to visit the city’s one-of-a-kind specialty shops and boutiques or one of its many distinct restaurants.

One of the perks of a private yacht charter in Newport Beach is the ability to explore one of Southern California’s natural beauties: the Channel Islands, an eight-island archipelago along the Santa Barbara Channel in the Pacific Ocean, just off the Southern Californian coast. The most popular of the Channel Islands is Catalina Island.

Rent a yacht in Newport Beach to sail to Catalina Island, known for its wildlife, dive sites and Mt. Orizaba. Drop anchor at the resort town of Two Harbors for a fun day snorkeling in clear waters to observe Catalina’s thriving marine life, take the jet ski out for a spin or step ashore at Descanso Beach in the beautiful Avalon Bay.

A longer yacht charter in Newport Beach will allow you to explore Channel Islands National Park. The park is a marine sanctuary with a rugged landscape full of natural arches and huge cliffs soaring dramatically from the ocean. You should depart for the park early in the morning and plan to spend the day cruising and exploring the unique wildlife – there are many animal species there that can’t be found anywhere else.

Yachting in Newport Beach is an experience not to be missed and will allow you and your guests to create lifelong memories. Enjoy this part of the world as it was meant to be seen — from the water.

Explore the diversity this region has to offer, from its glamorous spots of Santa Barbara and Malibu to its impressive natural beauty in the Channel Islands. Lounge aboard your yacht charter in Newport Beach as you bask in the sun and experience the exclusive Californian lifestyle.