Frequently Asked Questions

1. WARM CLOTHING layers 2. Extra TOWELS (we also provide) 3. SWIMSUIT 4. Ready-to-eat FOOD & ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES 5. Bring CASH GRATUITY as it is not included — we suggest 20% as it's industry standard or no less than $200 total.

A USCG Licensed Captain and crew member are included in the charter cost (gratuity not included). While we recommend using our approved captains for your safety and convenience, as a legal bareboat charterer, you have the option to select any qualified captain for the duration of your charter. Please note that if you choose a captain outside of our approved team, a sea trial is required prior to departure to ensure familiarity with the vessel and safety procedures.

No, we suggest 20% gratuity, as it is the industry standard. Our captain and crew work hard to make your experience both memorable and safe.

The charter contract will be sent to you via Dropbox approximately 10 days before your departure. You must electronically submit and sign no later than 48 hours prior to your departure date. Detailed instructions will be provided — please read them carefully. Completing the contract thoroughly and accurately will save time during boarding. (check spam folder)

All guests are required to complete a digital Passenger Waiver prior to boarding. You can find the waiver via the Passenger Waiver link on our website — please share this link with all members of your party and ensure it is e-signed before your scheduled departure time. As a legally authorized California charter company, Adventure Cruises San Diego is required by law to collect these signed waivers in compliance with state regulations.

Paradise Party Yacht — Safe Harbor Sunroad Resort Marina, 953 Harbor Island Drive, San Diego, CA 92101. Please gather your group and wait in the SEATING AREA of GATE 1.

We recommend that you arrive at least 30 minutes early to ensure a smooth start to your charter. Once your entire party has gathered at the Seating area of Gate 1, boarding will begin once your full party is present and the yacht is ready. If the boat or crew are running behind schedule, rest assured you will still receive your full reserved charter time. PLEASE DO NOT WALK DOWN DOCK RAMP WITHOUT CAPTAIN. Please note: There may be a group disembarking before your charter. We appreciate your patience while the crew completes a thorough cleaning and prepares the vessel for your boarding.

Please text or call the captain line (was provided via text/DM), who will come to escort you to the yacht.

There are gated paid parking lots located directly around Safe Harbor Sunroad Resort Marina (953 Harbor Island Drive, San Diego, CA 92101). Enter the driveway before the marina building. Turn Left. If arriving with an Uber or Lyft walk straight back to GATE 1. If you are driving, pull up to the 1st gate and insert your credit card (this will be your ticket), then use the same credit card to leave. RIDE SHARE WILL NORMALLY DROP OFF ON THE INCORRECT SIDE OF LOT — WALK TO GATE 1.

Your charter time begins and ends strictly according to the times listed in your booking itinerary, regardless of your arrival time. We recommend arriving early to make the most of your scheduled charter. For charters of 3 hours or longer that include anchoring, late arrivals may reduce the time available at anchor. Arrivals delayed by 30 minutes or more may result in no anchoring.

Yes — you can easily connect your phone via Bluetooth to our professional, club-quality audio system 🔊. We feature (2) JL Audio subwoofers with JL Audio surround sound speakers throughout both the interior and exterior of the yacht — delivering powerful, crystal-clear sound wherever you are onboard. Prefer to bring your own DJ? No problem — we also offer an AUX connection for a seamless setup. No need to bring a speaker!

For your safety, soft-soled shoes such as tennis shoes, boat shoes, sneakers, sandals, or flip-flops are recommended. Guests are also encouraged to remove shoes and socks to help prevent slipping on the boat decks. High heels are strictly prohibited. Anyone wearing high heels will not be permitted to board until the footwear is removed.

Yes, you are welcome to bring and drink whatever you like (21+ for alcohol consumption). Food is also allowed to be brought on board. NO RED WINE. For the safety and enjoyment of all guests, any individual who becomes excessively intoxicated and is unable to maintain self-control may cause the charter to return early. In such cases, no refunds will be issued for unused charter time. We kindly ask that all guests treat the captain and crew with respect at all times. Inappropriate behavior, including the use of profanity or any form of violence, will not be tolerated. The captain reserves the right to terminate the charter at any time should passenger behavior create an unsafe environment.

U.S. Coast Guard and Port of San Diego regulations: we are strictly limited to a maximum of 13 passengers and 2 Safety Persons. Instructions are provided in the charter contract/email — read carefully. Please also reference your booking confirmation/booking application for your allowed group size.

Yes, yacht features a clean, private restroom (head) for your group's comfort.

If you would like to extend your cruise, please inform the captain or crew as soon as possible. Extensions are subject to vessel availability and scheduling. Payment for any extension is via Zelle.

A USCG Licensed Captain and Deckhand will be taking care of you and your guests. Cruise San Diego Bay! Tour Downtown San Diego & Embarcadero Park, USS Midway, Rady Shell Amphitheater, & Pass through the arches of the Coronado Bridge! Drop Anchor at Glorietta Bay, Party at Sea, use the lily pad & Swim! (3+ hours required). And of course at anytime — Dance, Sing, Lay out, watch for marine life & Enjoy libations!

Anchoring and swimming require additional time for setup and retrieval. Therefore, these activities are only available on charters of 3 hours or longer. Unfortunately, a 2-hour cruise does not allow sufficient time for anchoring and swimming.

Napkins, drinking ice, cups, plates, utensils, bottled water, blender, karaoke & cooler with ice. We also have a HUGE lily pad for charters 3+ hours or longer.

When the charter is cruising through the marina, music will be kept at a lower volume, and the crew will remind guests to use quieter voices. As you return, we recommend gathering inside to collect belongings and prepare to disembark promptly and quietly. Once docked, the crew will safely escort you off the vessel/dock, ensuring minimal disturbance to surrounding boats and their occupants.

All decorating and cleanup activities must be completed within your scheduled rental time. Please plan accordingly to ensure timely setup and takedown.

Yes! You can often enjoy concerts from the water near The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park. However, advance planning is important. Allow approximately 30 minutes of travel time each way. Plan to arrive at least 1 hour before the concert starts. Anchorage spots near The Rady Shell fill up very early, especially for popular performances. If you'd like a closer anchorage location, an early departure is highly recommended. For the best experience, we recommend booking a 4-hour charter, which provides enough time for travel, securing a good anchorage spot, and enjoying the concert without feeling rushed. Pro Tip: Popular concerts can draw a large number of boats, so the earlier you arrive, the better your chances of getting a prime viewing location.

No smoking — vaping is allowed outside however. Please be advised that the charter operates in federal waters, where marijuana remains illegal under federal law. The U.S. Coast Guard conducts random safety inspections and may board the vessel at any time.

Absolutely. Guests should be aware that boarding and moving about the yacht requires a basic level of mobility and comfort with a marine environment. Must be able to climb 3 to 4 unprotected stairs to board the vessel. Once on board, guests will need to navigate narrow walkways and additional steps throughout the vessel. The movement on board can vary with water conditions. Guests should feel confident and secure navigating areas while onboard, whether the yacht is underway, anchored or docked. For safety reasons, this experience may not be suitable for individuals with limited mobility or those who are uncomfortable with uneven surfaces or vessel movement. We use professional Radar and Sonar for precision navigation and a smooth ride. Our USCG licensed Captain ensures a safe environment for all ages.

No, the utilization of Port public facilities such as boat launches and public docks is strictly prohibited for all charter activities. This encompasses: The Shelter Island, Coronado public dock, National City/Pepper Tree Park, Chula Vista boat launch ramps and docks, Guest/Visitor's Dock at other private marinas, Dinghy docks. A charter operating from these locations is most likely illegal and unsafe.

Drones are permitted during your charter and may be used while the yacht is either underway or stationary. However, please note that all drone operations are the sole responsibility of the charter guests. The crew will not retrieve any drones that fall into the water or are otherwise lost during the charter.

Yes! You're welcome to bring a caterer as part of your group under the Additional Service Person option. For safety reasons, NO OPEN FLAME heating or warming systems (such as Sterno trays) are permitted while the yacht is underway. We recommend using electric warming trays, insulated containers, or serving dishes designed to keep food hot safely. (Our crew does not serve drinks or food.)

Yes, we provide an AUX cable for easy connectivity to our sound system. The yacht is equipped with a professional-grade audio setup, including two JL Audio subwoofers and a full range of mids and highs distributed throughout the vessel — ensuring high-quality sound no matter where you are on board (Bluetooth also). Small DJ table can also be provided.

Use or possession of consumer fireworks is strictly prohibited aboard the vessel. This includes, but is not limited to, bottle rockets, sparklers, cherry bombs, firecrackers, Roman candles, cake sparklers, and all other types of fireworks. (Uncontained flames of any type.) Additionally, fireworks are illegal within the city and county of San Diego. However, we have a full party light system and disco lights!

For charters 3 hours or longer, we include our large lily pad float. You're welcome to bring additional floats, but please make sure they stay secured to the yacht, as guests are responsible for any personal items that float away.

While we love dogs, for safety and cleanliness reasons, pets are not permitted aboard the yacht while underway. Out of respect for all guests, we kindly ask that you leave your furry friends at home during your charter.

A $50 viewing fee is required prior to the tour. A licensed captain or crew member must be present to guide you through the vessel during the viewing experience. Please note that our captains and crew are independent contractors and may not always be available, so advance scheduling is required.

There is a $250 cleaning fee for excessive messes or clogged toilets. Boat plumbing is SENSITIVE. Please discard all non-toilet paper/tissues in the bathroom trash can. Our crew will also remind you during the boarding safety brief. If you have a spill let the crew know ASAP! There are also towels located around the boat to clean up spills.

No. We are a legally licensed charter boat with the San Diego Port Authority. We carry full commercial insurance and only employ USCG licensed Captains. Always ask for these credentials when booking a boat hire cruise in San Diego.

We feature a fully enclosed and heated salon. You can enjoy your San Diego bay cruise in a climate-controlled environment regardless of the coastal marine layer. All charters operate weather permitting. Planned activities should be discussed directly with your captain upon boarding. We cruise rain or shine unless conditions are deemed unsafe or extreme. If the charter must be canceled due to hazardous weather conditions, you may reschedule your charter at no additional charge.

Direct Booking — Book Now on Our Website: Fastest option — no waiting. Total charter cost is required upfront. A 2.5% processing fee applies at checkout. Venmo: A 50% deposit is required to lock in your charter. The remaining balance is due no later than 14 days before departure. A 3% fee applies. Zelle: A 50% deposit is required to lock in your charter. The remaining balance is due no later than 14 days before departure. No fees. Venmo and Zelle payment information will be provided upon request. Please reach out to confirm availability before sending any payments, as dates and departure times are booked on a first-come, first-served basis.

Cancellations 14+ days before charter: 50% refund minus processing fees. Cancellations less than 14 days before charter: No refund. Same-day cancellations or no-shows: Full charter amount is forfeited. We reserve the right to cancel or reschedule a charter due to unsafe weather conditions, mechanical issues, or other circumstances beyond our control. In such cases, guests will the option to reschedule at no additional cost.