Meant To Be: An Intimate Catamaran Sail Across Santa Monica Bay

MARINA DEL REY CATAMARAN FIELD GUIDE

Meant To Be: An Intimate Catamaran Sail Across Santa Monica Bay

Hourly catamaran charters from Marina del Rey with Captain Lori, ranging from 1 to 8 hours, that put you close to sea lions, dolphins and seabirds along the California coastline.

Meant To Be: An Intimate Catamaran Sail Across Santa Monica Bay.

Duration
1 to 8 hours
Location
Marina del Rey
Operator
Yacht Management and Captain Services International, Inc
Category
Catamaran
Robert Eric Crews
Founder & Editor, The Adventure Collective
Published Verified

From Marina del Rey you step aboard a small catamaran guided by Captain Lori and slip into Santa Monica Bay—an intimate, up-to-six-passenger charter that pairs a hands-on sailing experience with steady chances to see sea lions, dolphins and a variety of seabirds.

Highlights

Outing Highlights

Sea Lions, Dolphins and Seabirds
THE WILDLIFE

Sea Lions, Dolphins and Seabirds

Santa Monica Bay is alive with marine life; the tour highlights abundant sightings of sea lions, seals, dolphins and coastal seabirds as you move offshore.

Short Marina Spins or Longer Coastal Sails
THE ROUTE

Short Marina Spins or Longer Coastal Sails

Charter choices run from short 1–2 hour Marina tours to extended sails that explore the coastline; duration options span 1 to 8 hours depending on how far you want to go.

Captain Lori and Small‑Group Charters
THE CREW

Captain Lori and Small‑Group Charters

Tours are led by Captain Lori and designed for small parties—up to six passengers—so the experience stays personal and engaging.

What the day feels like

What the Sail Feels Like

The trip unfolds as a low-key, coastal sail from Marina del Rey with options to keep it a short, calm harbor cruise or extend outward for longer wildlife-focused legs; the small charter size keeps the experience intimate and conversational under Captain Lori’s guidance.

Sea Lions, Dolphins and Seabirds

THE WILDLIFE

Sea Lions, Dolphins and Seabirds

Santa Monica Bay is alive with marine life; the tour highlights abundant sightings of sea lions, seals, dolphins and coastal seabirds as you move offshore.

Short Marina Spins or Longer Coastal Sails

THE ROUTE

Short Marina Spins or Longer Coastal Sails

Charter choices run from short 1–2 hour Marina tours to extended sails that explore the coastline; duration options span 1 to 8 hours depending on how far you want to go.

Captain Lori and Small‑Group Charters

THE CREW

Captain Lori and Small‑Group Charters

Tours are led by Captain Lori and designed for small parties—up to six passengers—so the experience stays personal and engaging.

Suitability

Who it's for

Who this trip suits—and who should look elsewhere.

1
CouplesIdeal for romantic getaways: small, private charters create an intimate setting for a short harbor sail or a longer coastbound afternoon.
2
Small groups of friendsDesigned for groups up to six, the boat is a good fit for celebrations or shared outings with friends without the crowd of larger tours.
3
Wildlife watchersThose focused on marine life will appreciate time in Santa Monica Bay, where sightings of sea lions, dolphins and seabirds are a highlight.
4
Large groups or event plannersNot ideal for large parties—the operator limits charters to a maximum of six passengers, so large groups will need multiple bookings or alternate arrangements.

Practical planner

Details to review before reserving

Timing & Booking

Charters are offered by the hour; available durations range from 1 to 8 hours, and there is an option for short 1–2 hour Marina tours or longer coastal sails.

What to Bring

The operator’s description does not specify a mandatory gear list; selections of 1–8 hour charters suggest dressing for a day on the water and planning around your chosen duration.

Logistics & Departure

All charters depart from Marina del Rey; tours are run as small-group charters with a maximum of six passengers.

Booking Notice

Review cancellation policies before reserving.

Frequently asked questions

Planning Your Outing

How long are the charters?

Charter durations range from 1 to 8 hours, with 1–2 hour Marina tours offered as a shorter option.

Where do trips depart from?

All tours depart from Marina del Rey.

How many people can I bring?

Charters accommodate up to six passengers.

What wildlife might we see?

The tours emphasize sightings of sea lions, seals, dolphins and seabirds in Santa Monica Bay.

Who runs the trip and what is the vibe onboard?

Trips are led by Captain Lori; the small-group format is described as intimate and personalized, suitable for romantic outings or small celebrations.