Private Charters in the USA: the 15 We’d Board First

1.Private tour for 12 people on a 40 ft Yacht, Ft Lauderdale bay

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 341 reviews · 2 to 6 hours (approx.) · from $184Our pick

Take a private yacht from Bahia Mar Yachting Center through Fort Lauderdale’s Intracoastal Waterway. Choose a 2, 4, or 6 hour cruise, ask Captain Andre or Captain Simon about sandbar time, bring your own food and drinks, and enjoy a cooler, restroom, music system, and shaded seating.

“Andre did a great job! He was very knowledgeable, friendly and professional. The boat was awesome too! We cruised the intercoastal while he pointed out different houses and boats. We anchored at a sandbar for awhile to swim and have fun. He had plenty of swim toys: giant mat, noodles, balls, etc. We booked the boat for four hours which was perfect for us. Thank you Andre for a great day!”

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2.3 Hour Crab Island Tour from Destin Non-Private with Floats

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 189 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $65Best value

Spend three hours touring Destin Harbor, watching for wild dolphins, then relaxing at Crab Island for about two hours. The shared boat carries up to 22 people and includes snorkeling gear, bottled water, three paddleboards, and two lily pads. Crews such as Spencer, Delaney, Jesse, and Wendi keep the outing friendly and easygoing.

“Boat with plenty of room and a fun crew. Jesse and Donna were awesome hosts making sure we saw dolphins had a great spot at Crab Island, and never stopped moving putting out toys, calling vendors to our boat and playing with the kids. Perfect trip for a family.”

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3.2-Hour Private Sailing Experience in San Diego Bay

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 168 reviews · 2 hours (approx.)

Spend two private hours on San Diego Bay aboard Sterling Sails’ clean sailing yacht, Mojave. Captain Liz can shape the route around your group, from the USS Midway and Coronado to sea lions, sunset views, and the bay’s historic ships. Snacks, drinks, and champagne are included.

“Capt. Liz was amazing. She answered all questions before and during the trip. She took us to see things we wanted, and was so knowledgeable! Her boat is wonderful, and she made our tour extra special. We could not have asked for a better experience.”

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4.Private USS Arizona and USS Missouri Pearl Harbor Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 97 reviews · 6 hours (approx.) · from $385

Visit the USS Arizona Memorial and USS Missouri on a private six-hour tour from your Oahu hotel, airport, or port. Your driver-guide handles the logistics, while official site staff lead portions of the ship and memorial visits. Guides such as Noelani, Rich, Billy, and Yolanda add local and military context.

“The private tour with Yolanda was wonderful and more than expected. However, the communication prior to the tour was nonexistent. Several attempts to reach Viatour went unanswered and we weren't sure we were going to picked up until a phone call at the last minute.”

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5.Private BYOB Afternoon Harbor Sail On 50ft Sailing Yacht Fate

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 42 reviews · 2 to 4 hours (approx.)

Take a private afternoon sail on the 50-foot yacht Fate for up to six people. Captain Scott, Will, Adam, or another experienced captain may be joined by first mate Sam or Monique. Bring your own alcohol, enjoy complimentary soft drinks, and pass Charleston’s Battery, Ravenel Bridge, USS Yorktown, and sometimes Fort Sumter.

“Great trip! Definitely worth it!! Amazing crew and captain! They were very knowledgeable about the area and they are experienced sailors.”

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6.Private Emerald Bay Boat Cruise 2 Hours Lake Tahoe Up To 12 Guest

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 29 reviews · 2 hours (approx.)

Set out from South Lake Tahoe on a private two-hour motorboat cruise for up to 12 people. Captain Bryan or Kevin can shape the outing around Emerald Bay, sightseeing, music, food, drinks, or a swim. A floating lily pad, stereo, and portable restroom are included.

“Amazing experience! Our group of 10 had an amazing time. Captain Bryan was the best. He took us to Emerald Bay. We were able to take pictures and spend time with each other. It was a great way to see Lake Tahoe. Highly recommend.”

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7.Private Afternoon Harbor Cruise on Kismet for parties up to 20

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 26 reviews · 2 hours (approx.)

You’ll cruise Charleston Harbor aboard Kismet with a captain and first mate, passing Fort Sumter, the Battery, Patriots Point, and the Ravenel Bridge. Bring your own drinks, use the onboard coolers, and stop to swim from rafts and water hammocks when conditions allow.

“Can’t share photos cuz we had too much fun! Honestly both Quent and Hailey were such a lovely surprise, went above and beyond, and made our trip perfect. Thank you so much!”

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8.Sunset Wine & Cheese Emerald Bay Boat Charter

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 24 reviews · 2 hours (approx.)

You’ll cruise Lake Tahoe with your own group of up to four people, guided by captains such as Bryan, Jared, Kevin, or George. Expect Emerald Bay, Fannette Island, Vikingsholm when access allows, Rubicon Bay, white wine, cheese, fruit, crackers, and a sunset return to Camp Richardson.

“We loved the trip, beautiful lake and Bryan was entertaining as well. We did for our anniversary. He showed us around Emerald Bay and we got off to look at Vikingsholm.”

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9.Emerald Bay Private Sightseeing Boat Tours

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 24 reviews · 2 hours (approx.)

Take a private two-hour cruise for up to six people from Tahoe Keys Marina with Coast Guard licensed Captain Troy. See Emerald Bay, Vikingsholm, Fannette Island, Eagle Falls, and Rubicon Bay, with time for photos, lake views, and possibly a swim stop.

“Captain Troy was top notch during this Emerald Bay Cruise! He was very personable, accommodating and made this excursion our favorite part of our Lake Tahoe trip. He gave us history about the lake, as well as stopping and taking family photos. I would highly recommend booking with him if you are considering a Lake Tahoe cruise.”

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10.Private 90-Minute Harbor Sailing Charter in Key West

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 18 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.)

Board the green sailboat High Tide near Schooner Wharf Bar for a private Key West charter with a captain and mate. Enjoy harbor views, the Key West National Wildlife Refuge, soft drinks, water, and space for your own snacks and adult beverages. Ask about adding swim time or extra sailing.

“Great time and awesome crew! We were able to drop off wine and snacks and they put in the cooler for us. Enjoyed chatting with them. Boat was great.”

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11.Newport Beach: The Boat People Cruise-Private Harbor Cruises

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 13 reviews · 1h 30m · from $100

Sail Newport Beach Harbor for 90 minutes with a US Coast Guard licensed captain couple. This private cruise suits two to four people, with bow seating, Bluetooth music, and space for your own food and drinks. Choose a sunrise, sunset, or twilight departure.

“Just an absolute amazing experience. They are the kindest people and do a wonderful job at making you feel comfortable and happy!”

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12.2 Hour Private Emerald Bay Boat Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 10 reviews · 2 hours (approx.)

Take a private two-hour cruise from South Lake Tahoe to Emerald Bay, Fannette Island, Vikingsholm, and Rubicon Point. A USCG-certified captain handles the boat and shares local stories while you enjoy bottled water, clear water, mountain views, and included watersports equipment.

“Great way to see the lake and Emerald bay!! Zach our tour guide was FABULOUS. Would love to come back and do another tour.”

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13.Emerald Bay Private Boat Tours

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 8 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.)

Cruise Lake Tahoe’s west shore on a private 90-minute boat tour for up to six people. A Coast Guard licensed captain, often Captain Troy, guides you to Emerald Bay, Vikingsholm, Eagle Falls, and Fannette Island’s 1929 Tea House. Bring snacks, play your music, and enjoy drinks from the onboard cooler.

“Excellent boat and captain. We had a great time, the boat was new and clean and we were able to play our own music. The views are amazing! Highlight of our Lake Tahoe trip.”

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14.Private Emerald Bay Boat Tours

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 6 reviews · 1h 30m

Captain Troy takes your private group of up to six from Tahoe Keys Marina along Lake Tahoe’s west shore into Emerald Bay. See Fannette Island, Eagle Falls, Eagle Point, Vikingsholm, and the Tea House. Bring snacks, drinks, swimwear, and a phone for the Bluetooth stereo.

“Captain Troy was an excellent guide, very knowledgeable and great personality. He didn’t even seem to mind that we were six “OLD” ladies! Great job keep it up!”

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15.Private Sunset Harbor Tour 20 passenger party Yacht Kismet

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 6 reviews · 2 to 4 hours (approx.)

Board the private yacht Kismet at 17 Lockwood Drive for a 2 to 4 hour Charleston harbor cruise. Your crew may include Captain Scott, Hailey, Quent, or Monique. Expect sunset views, local history, dolphin sightings, music, drinks, a bathroom, and time on the water.

“Captain Scott and Haley were amazing! Very attentive and very informative. They were super fun & and prioritized our safety!!! Highly recommend!!”

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