Best of · LUXURY YACHT CRUISES IN THE USA
Every trip has one free day too few. These 15 luxury yacht cruises in the USA justify the slot, priced and timed so you can decide in minutes and get back to the fun part.
Sail from Pier 39 on a 55- or 65-foot catamaran with a complimentary drink, panoramic views, and a chance to ride the trampoline nets. The route passes Alcatraz, Sausalito, and the Golden Gate Bridge. Jackets are available, and the crew may include familiar names such as Wolfgang, Devon, or Chad.
“Great time, unreal views of the Golden Gate Bridge and Bay! Had great weather too!”
Cruise from Kailua-Kona along the Gold Coast, watch for dolphins and whales, then spend about two hours snorkeling near Red Hill. Body Glove provides gear, reef-safe sunscreen, breakfast, BBQ lunch, water toys, a slide, high jump, showers, shade, and attentive crew support.
“The staff were awesome. They were always there to help and answer questions. They made delicious meals, always plenty for everyone.”
Sail from Kewalo Basin aboard Makani Catamaran for about two hours, with Waikiki and Diamond Head views, a complimentary drink, and chances to spot turtles, dolphins, or seasonal whales. Choose an afternoon sail or sunset dinner cruise, with hotel pickup available for a fee.
“I am not sure luxury would be in my description, Casual would be a better fit. The crew was friendly, but the 2 free drinks is a little misleading. All alcoholic beverages come with a price. It was also a bit crowded with little seating for the 3 hours we were out there.”
Spend 90 minutes aboard Classic Harbor Line’s 1920s-style yacht, with an assigned table, one included drink, and indoor or open-deck seating. Cruise past Ellis Island, Battery Park, the financial district, South Street Seaport, Governor’s Island, and the Statue of Liberty, with commentary from the captain and crew.
“We had a very nice and quiet cruise. We really enjoyed the fancy athmosphere and the crew, all very kind and ready to help. We highly recommend it, if you want to escape the crowds and enjoy every view in peace. There is plenty of space inside and on deck for everybody, really worth every penny.”
Spend about five hours aboard Pride of Maui’s modern, air-conditioned yacht with Captain Justin and crew. Snorkel at Molokini Crater and Turtle Town when conditions allow, then enjoy breakfast, onboard barbecue lunch, warm showers, and an open bar. The yacht carries no more than 40 people.
“Excellent trip. The boat was spectacular, better than any we've been on. The staff was fantastic. We had a couple bonus whale moments. We'd highly recommend The Pride of Maui!”
Sail Charleston Harbor aboard a private crewed yacht for about 2.5 hours. Your captain and first mate handle the sailing while you bring drinks and snacks, watch for dolphins, and see Fort Sumter, downtown Charleston, and the Ravenel Bridge. Sunset departures offer the best light.
“Great experience for the whole family. Highly recommend to anyone who loves sails and the privacy of their group.”
Board a two-level yacht at Bayfront Park for a 75-minute cruise on Biscayne Bay. An English and Spanish guide points out celebrity homes, Miami Beach, Fisher Island, the Port of Miami, and the downtown skyline. Seating is first-come, first-served, with drinks and snacks sold onboard.
“The price gouging was ridiculous. They charge me 6.50 for a dollar bag chips. I still don’t understand why my total came to 75 dollars. I will never buy anything from them again”
Take a private Monterey M225 boat from Coconut Grove for about one hour, with room for up to eight people. Your captain may include marina stories, Millionaire’s Row views, Miami’s skyline, Bluetooth music, and a cooler for your own drinks. Champagne is available upon request.
“Amazing views on the water. Took the one hour private tour. Our captain Fernando made our trip amazing and memorable. Looking forward to coming back and taking another tour. Fernando is the best .. Thanks for making my birthday weekend one of the best .”
Take a private Miami boat tour with a captain such as Luis, Anthony, Kevin, or Ovi. Choose two hours of sightseeing, three hours with swimming, or four hours for a relaxed celebration. See Star Island, Millionaire’s Row, Bayside, the port, and Miami Beach while playing your own music.
“Amazing trip Luis was a fantastic captain very knowledgeable and friendly”
Join Newport Landing Cruises at Balboa Pavilion for a 150-minute wildlife cruise aboard a 50-foot catamaran. Walk around the open deck, watch for blue, humpback, fin, and minke whales, and get close to dolphins riding the twin bows. Crews may include guides such as Kayla, Addy, Larry, Dani, or Chris.
“Guides were enthusiastic and enjoyable. We were able to see a Minke whale, sea lions and a dolphin stampede which was amazing!”
Cruise Miami’s river, islands, skyline, and waterfront homes aboard a private 29-foot SeaRay for up to 10 people. Choose two to six hours, bring drinks and snacks, and use the Bluetooth sound system. Captains such as Ray, Eduardo, Omar, and Jasiel are available, with swimming and a floating mat on longer trips.
“It was amazing 🤩 we enjoyed every minute of our trip.”
Spend two hours on a private or small-group electric Duffy boat through Marina del Rey. Your English-speaking captain, such as Tyler, Shawn, or Maxx, serves two glasses of red or white wine and a charcuterie board while you watch sea lions, birds, yachts, and the marina at its calmest.
“It was wonderful. Captain Maxx was great. We really enjoyed our cruise on the water and seeing the sea lions.”
Spend 4.5 hours on a fast 35-foot power catamaran along Kauai’s Na Pali Coast. Captains such as Chelan and Jake guide the ride, with shade, an open bow, fruit, drinks, snacks, dry bags, and snorkeling gear when conditions allow.
“Chelan is an amazing Captain! He was able to back us into some amazing tight spaces in the caves. this trip far exceeded our expectations! we have traveled quite a bit in the last few years but this experience is right on the top of our list.”
Join a private group of up to six at Salty Siren Tours in Crystal River. Guides such as Kim, Jessica, Ed, and Tyler provide safety instruction, gear, snacks, and respectful manatee viewing, while an in-water photographer captures the encounter.
“We had a nice time. Tyler was very engaged and friendly. Tried to make sure we saw many manatees. Great photos too! And Capt. Kim was awesome- great energy!”
Meet Captain Ko and crew at Kailua-Kona Harbor for a private half-day on the Pacific. Snorkel at Kealakekua Bay or another chosen site, look for dolphins, turtles, whales, or manta rays, and enjoy included gear, drinks, and snacks on a well-kept boat.
“Koichiro and Ken were the best guides for our trip and we could not have wished for more. Super nice, very knowledgeable, beautiful boat, good amenities, and most importantly, genuinely kind people--truly the best. Would highly recommend them and we plan to see them again when we return to the island.”
Pick a door, a deck or a driver.
