Discover AURORA's Favorite Routes
Based in Marina del Rey, AURORA is ideally positioned for coastal sightseeing, day trips, and overnight adventures. The itineraries below are examples—every charter is customized to your timing, guest count, and preferences.
Marina del Rey Harbor Cruise
smooth waters • skyline views • 4-hour escape
A harbor cruise is the most relaxed way to experience AURORA. Glide through one of the largest pleasure-craft harbors in the U.S., taking in superyachts, sailboats, sea lions, and the coastal skyline as the sun drops toward the horizon.
- Ideal for 4 hour charters, welcome receptions, or corporate cocktail events.
- Stay within the protected harbor for ultra-smooth conditions and easy hosting.
- Perfect for first-time guests, families with young children, or motion-sensitive guests.
Sunset & Evening Coastal Lounge Cruise
golden hour • city lights • stylish evenings
For a refined and memorable evening on the water, AURORA offers elegant sunset and after-dark coastal cruises. Perfect for corporate hosting, intimate celebrations, or a luxurious close to your day, these experiences highlight the coastline in golden light and the city’s nighttime sparkle.
- Depart from Marina del Rey for a slow cruise along Venice, Santa Monica, and Pacific Palisades.
- Evening lounges illuminated with soft onboard lighting and curated music.
- Ideal for 4 hour charters, welcome receptions, or corporate cocktail events.
- Custom catering and bar program available—enjoy a casual barbeque, freshly prepared by our chef or preferred caterer.
Sunset cruises are among AURORA's most popular short experiences. Contact the Captain for recommended departure times and seasonal lighting windows.
Santa Monica Bay & Coastal Sightseeing
coastal run • dolphins • sunsets
Step just outside the breakwater and follow the coastline north or south along Santa Monica Bay. From a sunset yacht cruise from Marina del Rey, you'll see Venice, Santa Monica, Pacific Palisades, and Malibu from the water, with the Los Angeles skyline in the distance and frequent dolphin sightings along the way.
- Popular for 3–6 hour charters with a mix of cruising, photos, and light water play.
- Sunset departures offer dramatic light on the coastline and city lights after dusk.
- Seasonal dolphin and whale activity can often be viewed along the route.
Catalina Island — Avalon
island dining • shopping • vibrant harbor
Catalina Island offers a true "out of town" experience without leaving Southern California. A day or overnight charter to Avalon combines a scenic open-water crossing with time ashore for dining, shopping, or adventure activities.
- Typical day trips run 8–10 hours, including crossing time and hours at the island.
- Options ashore include dining in Avalon, zipline tours, beach clubs, and island excursions.
- Overnight charters allow you to wake up on the hook and explore at a more relaxed pace.
Catalina Island — Two Harbors & Quiet Coves
secluded coves • clear water • nature escape
For guests who prefer a more secluded experience, the Two Harbors side of Catalina offers clear water, hiking trails, and quiet coves ideal for swimming, snorkeling, and time away from the crowds.
- Excellent for overnight or multi-day charters with a focus on water time and relaxation.
- Swim from the swim platform, explore by paddle board or kayak, or simply enjoy the view.
- Evenings aboard can be as social or as quiet as you choose, with full indoor and outdoor lounges.
Malibu Coast & Drop-Anchor Days
anchored play • water toys • jaw-dropping bluffs
For a classic Southern California day on the water, cruise up the coast to Malibu and drop anchor near the pier or along the scenic bluffs. Once settled, AURORA becomes your private beach house at sea.
- Anchor out to deploy wave runners, paddle boards, sea kayaks, and inflatables.
- Enjoy a casual barbeque, freshly prepared by our chef or preferred caterer.
- Relax in the 10-person jacuzzi, sunbathe on deck, or watch the coastline from the bow lounge.
Malibu trips work well as full-day charters, with time for both coastal cruising and anchored play time.
Dolphin & Whale Excursions — Santa Monica to Malibu
marine life • open water • wildlife encounters
The waters just beyond Santa Monica and Malibu are home to abundant marine life, making them an ideal setting for wildlife-focused charters aboard AURORA. These excursions combine coastal cruising with open water whale watching off Malibu and Santa Monica—routes known for dolphins, seasonal whales, and wide, open-ocean views.
- Frequent sightings of common dolphins, bottlenose dolphins, and porpoise pods.
- Seasonal whale activity including gray, blue, humpback, and fin whales along the Malibu and Santa Monica coast.
- Ideal for photography, nature enthusiasts, and elevated coastal sightseeing.
- Flexible routing from Marina del Rey toward Malibu, depending on conditions.
These excursions can be part of a standard coastal run or designed as a dedicated wildlife charter. Contact the Captain for ideal dates and peak seasonal windows.
Long Beach Harbor & the Queen Mary
Queen Mary • skyline cruise • harbor activity
Departing from Marina del Rey or Long Beach, a Long Beach yacht charter combines skyline views, working shipping terminals, playful sea lions, and a close-up look at the historic Queen Mary, now a beloved landmark and hotel.
- See the Long Beach skyline, container ships, and busy harbor traffic from the water.
- Cruise past the world-famous Queen Mary for photos and a sense of her ocean-liner scale.
- Ideal for 3–5 hour charters, corporate groups, and evening cocktail cruises.
Long Beach harbor itineraries can be combined with coastal cruising toward Palos Verdes or a return to Marina del Rey for a full half-day on the water.
Newport Beach Harbor & Signature Events
active harbor • holiday lights • boat shows
Newport Beach is home to one of the West Coast's most active recreational harbors. A charter aboard AURORA can include a harbor cruise past Balboa Island, Lido Marina Village, and the bayfront estates that define this iconic boating community.
- Scenic Harbor Cruises: Glide through Newport Harbor, taking in yacht clubs, bayfront homes, and lively waterfront scenes.
- Holiday & Signature Events: Enjoy the famous Christmas Boat Parade, in-water boat shows, or race weekends from a private vantage point.
- Day-to-Evening Flexibility: Pair a coastal run with time in the harbor and dinner ashore or a relaxed evening cruise under the lights.
Whether you're after quiet harbor time or a front-row seat for special events, Newport can be a memorable highlight of your itinerary.
Custom Coastal & Extended Itineraries
bespoke routes • multi-day options • VIP programs
In addition to the destinations above, AURORA can support longer coastal runs and a fully customized Southern California yacht charter itinerary by arrangement, subject to schedule, weather, and charter terms.
- Extended coastal cruises including Newport Beach, Laguna Beach, or San Diego.
- Multi-day itineraries combining harbor time, coastal sightseeing, and Catalina overnights.
- Corporate or VIP programs centered around meetings, product launches, or filming.
To explore what's possible for your dates and group, contact the Captain with timing, guest count, and preferred destinations.
Monterey Bay Whale Watching (By Special Arrangement)
whales • photography • premium expedition
For guests seeking an unforgettable wildlife experience, AURORA can operate special multi-day Monterey Bay whale watching charter expeditions north toward one of the world's premier whale-watching regions.
- Marine Wildlife Focus: Seasonal opportunities to see humpback, gray, blue, and other whale species.
- Photography & Nature Tours: Ideal for nature lovers, film teams, and VIP groups seeking dramatic coastal scenery.
- Flexible Coastal Routing: Combine time underway with anchorage options or port visits.
Monterey expeditions require tailored planning and scheduling. Contact the Captain for availability.
Channel Islands & Santa Barbara Overnight Expedition
remote coves • kelp forests • nature escape
For guests seeking a true getaway without leaving California, the Channel Islands and Santa Barbara coastline offer secluded coves, pristine waters, and untouched natural beauty. With six private staterooms and expansive indoor-outdoor spaces, AURORA becomes your personal expedition yacht.
- Explore remote coves, wildlife sanctuaries, kelp forests, and quiet anchorages.
- Ideal for multi-day expeditions with paddleboards, kayaks, snorkeling, and photography.
- Optional shore transfers to Santa Barbara for dining, wine tasting, or cultural outings.
- Perfect for families, intimate groups, or executive retreats seeking privacy and adventure.
Overnight expeditions to the Channel Islands or Santa Barbara are fully customized. Contact the Captain to explore route options and seasonal conditions.
San Diego Bay & Convention Charters
corporate venue • bay landmarks • Navy ships
San Diego Bay is an exceptional setting for conventions, corporate receptions, and VIP client events. When based in San Diego by special arrangement, AURORA becomes a private lounge and executive venue for corporate events on a yacht near the San Diego Convention Center, just steps from downtown hotels and the waterfront.
- Corporate & Convention Lounge: Perfect for leadership teams, investors, sponsor events, and private client entertaining during major San Diego conventions.
- Signature Bay Landmarks: Downtown skyline, Embarcadero, Seaport Village, and the historic USS Midway.
- Navy & Working Harbor: View active Navy ships, carriers, and support vessels homeported in San Diego Bay.
- Flexible Event Formats: Ideal for executive off-sites, networking receptions, or post-convention unwind sessions.
San Diego deployments are typically arranged as multi-day charters. If you're planning a convention or corporate program in San Diego, please contact the Captain early to discuss dates, berthing options, and how AURORA can support your event.
Begin Your Charter Planning
Tell us where you’d like to explore—Malibu, Catalina, Santa Monica Bay,
or a fully custom itinerary
and AURORA will be prepared as your private base on the water.