MARINA DEL REY SAILING FIELD GUIDE
Two Hours of Ocean Therapy Aboard Prima Stella out of Marina del Rey
A private, two-hour cruise from Marina del Rey through Santa Monica Bay aboard the luxury sloop Prima Stella — this guide explains what to expect and how to plan the Therapy Sail.
Two Hours of Ocean Therapy Aboard Prima Stella out of Marina del Rey.
Adventure brief
Two Hours of Ocean Therapy Aboard Prima Stella out of Marina del Rey
Set sail on Prima Stella for a private two-hour cruise through Santa Monica Bay. The Therapy Sail pairs luxury comfort with open-ocean theatre — gourmet hors d'oeuvres and a bottle of rosé, sea-spray vantage points on the helm or bow, and the real possibility of dolphins, whales and sunset light turning the water incandescent.
Therapy Sail - 2 Hours is a private two-hour cruise from Marina del Rey in Southern California. Departing from Marina del Rey and moving west into Santa Monica Bay aboard the luxury sloop Prima Stella, this experience from Old Plank offers a compact, restorative window onto the open Pacific. Guests - up to six - settle into teak seats and canvas cushions as the captain trims the sails and the city skyline slides away. Sea, sky, and shoreline define the itinerary: calm bay water, offshore kelp beds, and long views to the Santa Monica and Palos Verdes bluffs. Wildlife is frequent; pods of common dolphins, migratory gray whales in season, and California sea lions are often visible close to the boat. Chef Mancini's curated hors d'oeuvres and a bottle of rosé are included, and there’s an option for morning coffee from Santuario roasts - small luxuries that underscore the therapeutic aim of the trip. What makes this outing special is scale and intention. This is not a crowded tour boat but a private sloop where the sound of the rigging and the rhythm of the swell shape the experience. Prima Stella's deck design allows sitting at the bow for unobstructed horizons, leaning against the cabin for shelter, or gathering around a small cockpit table for snacks and conversation. For photographers and wildlife watchers, the low profile of the boat brings you close to the action without reaching into the animals' space. Timing matters: dawn trips favor active marine life and soft light; sunset sails thread the coastline with warm color against the silhouette of Santa Monica Pier and the distant Palos Verdes ridge. Old Plank runs sails from morning into moonlight - book early for a preferred time and expect calm seas most summer afternoons and brisk, cinematic light in winter. Practical notes: maximum group size is six and reservations are required. Bring layered clothing - the ocean breeze can be sharp even on sunny days - and non-marking shoes for moving safely on deck. Mobility to step down into the boat is necessary; the trip is otherwise low exertion. This Therapy Sail delivers an approachable, luxurious Pacific outing that's equally suited to couples, small groups, or someone seeking quiet time on the water. For visitors staying in Venice, Santa Monica, or Marina del Rey, it's an accessible way to taste the Southern California coast from sea level and see why the bay draws sailors and marine life year-round. Reserve directly through the booking link to choose morning, afternoon, or sunset departures, note any dietary preferences for Chef Mancini's hors d'oeuvres, and confirm pick-up details; Old Plank's crew will brief you on safety, suggest ideal viewpoints for your group, and tailor the pace to emphasize relaxation or wildlife watching and photo opportunities.
Route Schematic
Typical two-hour route
A concise route that balances coastal cruising and wildlife viewing within a two-hour window.
Depart Marina del Rey
Cast off from Marina del Rey and head out into Santa Monica Bay to open water.
Bay cruising & wildlife viewing
Cruise through Santa Monica Bay with opportunities to spot dolphins, whales and sea lions; guests can relax on the helm or bow while scanning the horizon.
Return to Marina del Rey (timed for light)
Complete the circuit back into the harbor, often timed to catch early-morning light or the ocean sunset during evening sails.
Reservations are essential and sail times are seasonal; confirm available morning‑to‑moonlight departures when booking.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Prima Stella — luxury sloop
Relax on the helm or bow of the luxury sloop Prima Stella for a private two-hour sail that emphasizes tranquility and comfort.
Santa Monica Bay marine life
Santa Monica Bay is prime coastal habitat; the Therapy Sail commonly offers sightings of dolphins, whales and sea lions, especially at dawn or during active feeding windows.
Gourmet hors d'oeuvres and rosé
Each two-hour private cruise includes Chef Mancini’s gourmet hors d'oeuvres and a bottle of rosé; the operator also highlights sip‑and‑sail options such as mimosas or the Captain’s Santuario coffee.
What the day feels like
Two hours of coast, calm, and coastal theatre
The Therapy Sail is a deliberately short, private outing — two hours of open-water sailing that read as a concentrated reset: leaving Marina del Rey, slipping into Santa Monica Bay, scanning the surface for wildlife, settling into the rhythm of wind and swell aboard Prima Stella while hors d'oeuvres and a bottle of rosé are passed.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this private two-hour Therapy Sail suits best.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Therapy Sails operate daily from morning to moonlight; confirm specific seasonal sail times when making a reservation.
The two-hour private cruise includes Chef Mancini’s gourmet hors d'oeuvres and a bottle of rosé; additional sip‑and‑sail options are noted by the operator.
Old Plank Sailing Adventures runs these private Therapy Sails aboard Prima Stella; reservations are essential—click Book Now to view current available times.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the Therapy Sail?
The Therapy Sail is two hours long.
Where does the sail depart from?
The cruise departs from Marina del Rey and travels through Santa Monica Bay.
What is included on the sail?
The two-hour private cruise includes Chef Mancini’s gourmet hors d'oeuvres and a bottle of rosé; the operator also offers sip‑and‑sail choices like mimosas or Santuario coffee.
Are reservations required?
Yes — reservations are essential; check the operator’s booking page for current seasonal sail times.
Will I see wildlife on the sail?
Wildlife sightings are common in Santa Monica Bay; dolphins, whales and sea lions are specifically noted as possible sightings, especially at dawn.
How this guide was prepared
This field guide is synthesized using verified supplier specifications, route descriptions, and destination data. Some booking links may generate affiliate revenue for ADV Guides.
- Verified: 2026-08-07T13:00:44.180Z
Some booking links may generate revenue for ADV Guides or The Adventure Collective.
Availability, pricing, schedules and operating details can change.
Trip details and contextual sources were reviewed by ADV Guides Editorial.