“How much does a boat charter cost” doesn’t have one answer, because a private charter isn’t priced like a hotel room with one nightly rate. The real cost depends on trip length, whether you’re staying local or sailing to Catalina Island, and what occasion you’re booking for. This is a full breakdown of what a private charter in Long Beach actually costs, so you can compare quotes with real numbers instead of guessing.
Quick Answer: In Long Beach, private boat charters start around $750 total for a 2-3 hour Quarter Day trip, $1,399 for a 4-5 hour Half Day, and $1,949 for a 6-10 hour Full Day — all aboard a 75 ft schooner carrying up to 12 guests, with no fuel surcharge and marina parking included. Multi-day Catalina Island charters (1-4 days) are priced per person plus a separate crew fee of $100-125 per hour. Corporate events, film production, and memorial charters use the same base pricing, adjusted for your specific itinerary.
Key Takeaways
- Base pricing is set by trip length first: Quarter Day, Half Day, Full Day, or multi-day Catalina.
- Quarter Day starts at $750 total ($63/person for 12 guests); Half Day at $1,399 ($117/person); Full Day at $1,949 ($162/person).
- Catalina Island charters are priced per person (based on 12 guests) plus a $100-125/hr crew fee, separate from the per-person rate.
- Marina parking, glassware, ice, and corkage are included at no extra cost; catering, chef service, and mixologists are optional add-ons priced on request.
- Corporate, film production, and memorial charters use the same vessel and base rates, scoped to the itinerary you need.
What’s the Real Cost of a Private Boat Charter in Long Beach?
Every private charter quote is built the same way: start with the trip length, then layer on group size and any add-ons. There’s no per-mile or per-destination fee for local trips — a sunset sail and a daytime cruise of the same length cost the same. Where cost jumps is trip length and whether you’re staying local or crossing to Catalina Island, which is priced differently because it involves an overnight crew commitment rather than a same-day return.
Pricing by Trip Length
- Quarter Day (2-3 hours): From $750 total — about $63 per person with 12 guests. Best for a quick coastal escape.
- Half Day (4-5 hours): From $1,399 total — about $117 per person. The most-booked option; enough time to swim, paddle board, and settle in.
- Full Day (6-10 hours): From $1,949 total — about $162 per person. Built for sunset trips and full celebrations.
All three include no fuel surcharge, a marina parking pass, and glassware, ice, and corkage for a BYOB trip. Full details are on the charters page.
What Does a Catalina Island Charter Cost?
Multi-day Catalina Island charters run 1 to 4 days and are priced per person, based on a group of 12, rather than as one flat total. On top of the per-person rate, there’s a separate crew fee of $100-125 per hour, paid directly to the crew on the day of the charter ($75-100/hr for the captain, $25/hr for the deckhand). Because Catalina trips involve an overnight stay for the crew, this fee structure is different from a same-day local charter — ask for an all-in estimate, including the crew fee, before you compare quotes across operators.
What’s Included in the Base Price (and What Isn’t)
- Included: captain and crew, marina parking pass, water and sodas, ice, glassware, and corkage, no fuel surcharge.
- Not included (available on request): private chef service, catering, wine or champagne pairing, mixologist service, floral or event decor.
Add-On Costs to Budget For
Catering through Primal Alchemy Catering and Events — from appetizer platters to a full five-course tasting menu with wine pairing — is priced separately and available on request. The same goes for a dedicated mixologist or multi-day provisioning on a Catalina trip. None of these are required to book a charter, but if a celebration is the main event, budgeting for at least one add-on is common.
How Corporate Event and Film Production Charters Are Priced Differently
A corporate event charter and a film or content production charter use the same vessel and the same trip-length pricing as a celebration charter — the difference is in scheduling and add-ons, not a separate rate card. Corporate groups typically book a Half Day or Full Day for a team event or client outing, while production teams often need a longer or more flexible window to accommodate setup, multiple takes, and crew. Ask about your specific shot list or agenda when requesting a quote so the trip length matches what you actually need.
Memorial Service Charter Costs
A memorial service or ash-scattering charter at sea is priced the same way as any local trip — by trip length, not as a separate “memorial rate.” Most families choose a Quarter Day or Half Day, which is enough time for the ceremony itself along with some quiet time on the water beforehand or after.
Hidden Costs to Ask About Before You Book
- Fuel surcharges — Kai Charters doesn’t charge one, but confirm this with any operator you compare.
- Marina parking — included here; some operators charge separately.
- Crew fees on multi-day trips — always ask if this is included in the quoted number or billed on top.
- Catering and add-on minimums — confirm pricing and lead time before you assume it’s included.
Is a Private Charter Worth It Compared to a Ferry or Group Tour?
A ferry ticket or public boat tour will almost always be cheaper per person, but you’re paying for transportation or a shared seat, not an exclusive experience. Once you split a private charter’s total cost across a group of 8-12 guests, the per-person price is often closer to a nice dinner out than a luxury splurge — while the boat, crew, and schedule are entirely yours.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a private boat charter cost in Long Beach?
Private boat charters with Kai Charters start at $750 total for a Quarter Day (2-3 hours), about $63 per person with 12 guests. Half Day charters (4-5 hours) start at $1,399, Full Day charters (6-10 hours) start at $1,949, and multi-day Catalina Island trips are priced per person plus a separate crew fee.
Does the price change based on the occasion (birthday vs. corporate vs. memorial)?
No — pricing is based on trip length and group size, not the occasion. The same rate card applies whether you’re booking a birthday, a corporate event, a film shoot, or a memorial service.
Are there any fees added on top of the quoted price?
Kai Charters includes marina parking and charges no fuel surcharge. The one separate line item is the crew fee on multi-day Catalina trips, paid directly to the crew.
How much does catering add to the total cost?
Catering, private chef service, and mixologist add-ons are priced on request through Primal Alchemy Catering and Events, based on your group size and menu selection.
Is it cheaper to book a Half Day or two Quarter Day trips?
A single Half Day almost always works out cheaper and simpler than booking two separate Quarter Day trips, since you avoid paying the base rate twice.
