FAQs
How do I book a yacht charter with Yaachtly?
Book instantly online — pick your experience, choose a date and time, and pay through our secure checkout. Your confirmation arrives by email with boarding details. No inquiry forms, no phone tag, no waiting for a callback.
Are Yaachtly charters private or shared?
Every charter is fully private — your group only. We never sell tickets or seats on a shared boat. You book the entire yacht, whether that's an intimate cruise for two or an event for 120 guests.
Where do Yaachtly charters depart from?
Our home port is Alameda, minutes from open San Francisco Bay, with parking available at the marina. Select experiences also offer San Francisco pickups. Exact boarding directions arrive with your confirmation email.
How many guests can a Yaachtly charter host?
From two guests on an intimate cruise to 120 on our largest private event yacht. Small-group cruises host up to 6, motor yacht cruises and chef dinners up to 12, and event yacht charters 110–120 guests.
What does a yacht charter cost?
Private cruises start at $675 per hour for the whole yacht, with event yachts from $2,300 per hour and our superyacht from $3,400. Dockside private-chef dining runs $190–$225 per person. Rates cover the yacht, captain, and crew — never per-ticket pricing.
What happens if the weather is bad?
Charters run rain or shine in typical Bay conditions — most yachts have heated or covered spaces. If your captain judges conditions unsafe, we'll work with you on rescheduling. Full details are on our cancellation policy page.
Can children join a charter?
Yes — because every charter is private, it's your family and guests only. Coast Guard-required life jackets are aboard for all passengers. Tell us ages at booking so the crew can prepare.
Can we bring our own food and alcohol?
On dockside chef dinners and our classic yacht cruises, yes — BYO beverages with no corkage fee. Event yacht charters feature full onboard bars, with beverage packages quoted per event. Each experience page lists what applies.
Is gratuity included in the price?
No — gratuity isn't included and is always at your discretion. Guests who've had a great time typically tip the crew directly on the day, in cash or through the crew's preferred method.
Do I need boating experience to charter?
None at all. Every Yaachtly charter comes with a professional licensed captain and crew who handle everything — navigation, safety, docking. You and your guests are there purely to enjoy the Bay.
What should we wear on a Bay cruise?
Layers. San Francisco Bay cools quickly on the water even on warm days, so bring a jacket. Soft-soled shoes are best on deck. For dockside dinners, dress for the occasion — the yacht stays steady at the dock.
How far in advance should we book?
As soon as your date is firm — weekends, sunset slots, and event dates go first. Booking is instant online with immediate confirmation, so there's no advantage to waiting for a quote.
Can I buy a yacht charter as a gift?
Yes — Yaachtly gift cards are available and work across our experiences, from chef dinners to private cruises. They're a favorite for anniversaries, retirements, and milestone birthdays.
Are the yachts inspected and the captains licensed?
Yes. Captains are licensed professionals, vessels carry Coast Guard-required safety equipment, and our large event yachts are certified for their passenger capacities. Safety briefings happen before every departure.
Can we see the yachts before booking?
Every experience page carries full photo galleries, and our fleet pages detail each yacht's class, size, and layout. Have a specific question about a vessel? Message us — we're happy to help you choose.