Zolna Yachts is one of San Diego’s premier luxury yacht charter companies, offering elegant, personalized, and unforgettable maritime experiences on the stunning San Diego Bay. Recommended by the Hotel Del Coronado, the San Diego Concierge Association, and listed by the San Diego Tourism Authority, Zolna Yachts carries the endorsement of the region’s most trusted hospitality authorities.
With over 275 five-star Google reviews and 160+ five-star Yelp reviews, it ranks among the most consistently recommended private charter operators in Southern California. Their flagship vessel, the Nerissa, is a fully private motor yacht licensed for up to 49 passengers, stretching 73 feet and featuring breathtaking views of the Coronado Bay Bridge as a natural backdrop.
Whether you are planning a romantic sunset cruise, a milestone birthday, a corporate event, or a wedding celebration, Zolna Yachts delivers top-tier service and meticulous attention to detail. Charters typically range from $995 to $1,195 per hour, offering a truly premium yet accessible luxury experience on the beautiful waters of San Diego Bay.
What Makes the Zolna Yachts Experience Unique?
Zolna Yachts offers a seamless charter experience from booking to boarding. The team provides full concierge support, helping guests customize their experience down to the finest details.
Choose from a variety of yacht charter experiences:
- Romantic Sunset Cruises
- Wedding and Engagement Celebrations
- Corporate Events and Team Building
- Family Excursions
- Bachelor/Bachelorette Parties
- Sightseeing and Whale Watching Tours
With a deep focus on comfort, hospitality, and professionalism, Zolna Yachts ensures that every charter is a memorable one.
10 Essential Features of Zolna Yachts You Must Know
Zolna Yachts is San Diego’s premier private yacht charter company, celebrated for its five-star reputation, deeply personal service, and the ability to turn any occasion into an extraordinary memory on the water. Family-owned and operated, Zolna Yachts offers private yacht charters on the breathtaking San Diego Bay, serving up memorable, personalized experiences for their guests. Here are ten standout features that make their service truly exceptional:
1. The Nerissa — A World-Class Flagship Vessel
At the heart of the Zolna Yachts experience is the Nerissa, a stunning 73-foot, 49-passenger yacht designed for unforgettable events and private charters. The Nerissa is a Bonner Navigator Motor Yacht, and the incredible wood details throughout are quite impressive. The fully renovated yacht features a contemporary design with custom walnut woodwork throughout, a lighted quartzite bar, comfortable furnishings, a professional sound system, multiple outdoor sundecks, and a hot tub. Every inch of the vessel has been designed to impress, from the gleaming interior to the expansive open-air decks.
2. Fully Private Charters — No Shared Passengers
One of Zolna Yachts’ most valued commitments is exclusivity. Every charter is fully private, meaning no shared passengers, just your group, your crew, and the open bay. This makes the experience feel genuinely personal, whether you are hosting an intimate birthday dinner for twelve or a corporate celebration for close to fifty guests. You have the entire yacht to yourselves for the full duration of your booking, with no strangers mingling in your space or disrupting your event.
3. Expert Captain and Five-Star Crew
The expert five-star crew takes care of every detail, ensuring a smooth, stress-free, and seamless experience from start to finish. Guests consistently praise the crew for being fun, friendly, professional, and dialed in, attentive to anything guests need, while making the trip that much more enjoyable. Owners Shari and Amos are deeply hands-on, personally involved in the planning process, and known for their responsiveness, warmth, and ability to accommodate even last-minute requests. From the captain navigating the bay to the bartender crafting cocktails, every team member is chosen for both their skill and their genuine hospitality.
4. Customizable Packages for Every Occasion
Zolna Yachts is ideal for birthdays, weddings, corporate events, proposals, celebrations of life, and private parties. Their three most popular charter packages include the San Diego Sunset Cruise, sightseeing harbor cruises, and the unique Sea Spa Experience. Charters typically range from $995 to $1,195 per hour plus tax and fees, depending on the day and time, making it easy to plan an event that fits both your vision and your budget. Whether you are organizing a two-hour romantic escape or an all-day corporate retreat, the team works closely with you to tailor every detail.
5. Premium Catering and Full-Service Bar
Whether you want it fancy or simple, the catering services at Zolna Yachts will not disappoint. Groups can choose from desserts, stations, cocktail receptions, and hors d’oeuvres, with bar services offered at two different package levels. The full-service, lighted quartzite bar is the centerpiece of the yacht, where handcrafted cocktails and fine wines flow as effortlessly as the conversation. Charcuterie boards are among the most popular catering choices, described by guests as incredibly seamless, beautiful, and delicious. Wine, cheese, and fruit pairings are also available to complement sightseeing cruises.
6. Breathtaking Scenic Views of San Diego Bay
Cruising with Zolna Yachts offers some of the most spectacular scenery San Diego has to offer. Guests glide beneath the iconic Coronado Bay Bridge, marvel at towering aircraft carriers and warships docked at Naval Air Station North Island, and pass by the submarine base at Point Loma — all while sipping a handcrafted cocktail. The route also takes guests past the city’s historic waterfront, featuring landmarks like the Midway Museum and the Star of India, before offering a stunning perspective of the San Diego skyline as the city lights begin to twinkle. Dolphins frequently make appearances near the Naval Training Center, adding a magical natural element to every cruise.
7. Unique Onboard Experiences — Sea Spa and Live Music
Zolna Yachts goes far beyond a standard sightseeing cruise by offering truly distinctive onboard experiences. Their Sea Spa Experience combines the tranquility of a spa day with the serenity of a private cruise on San Diego Bay, where guests can unwind with a relaxing massage while enjoying breathtaking views of the coastline and iconic landmarks. Their popular Sea Sessions events feature live music performances on the water, creating a concert-like atmosphere unlike anything available on land. These signature experiences make Zolna Yachts a destination in itself, not simply a mode of transport.
8. Luxurious Onboard Amenities
Every detail of the Nerissa has been curated for comfort and elegance. The yacht features a spacious and stylish interior salon perfect for elegant dining or casual bites, a professional sound system throughout, multiple outdoor sundecks for enjoying the ocean breeze, and a hot tub on the upper deck for soaking in panoramic bay views. The upper deck provides an expansive open-air stage for dancing, lounging in the sunshine, or toasting under the stars. Air-conditioned interiors ensure guest comfort regardless of the weather, making the Nerissa a truly all-season venue on the water.
9. Prime Location and Flexible Docking Options
Zolna Yachts is conveniently located at 1380 Harbor Island Drive within the Sheraton San Diego Hotel and Marina, one of the most prestigious addresses on San Diego Bay. For guests wanting to integrate their yacht experience with other venues, remote docking in Coronado or downtown San Diego is available for an added fee. This allows seamless event combinations, such as a conference at a luxury hotel, a wedding at a waterfront chapel, or an evening in the Gaslamp District, all connected by a private yacht charter. The company operates seven days a week from 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM, offering maximum scheduling flexibility.
10. Five-Star Reputation and Effortless Booking
Zolna Yachts is recommended by 100 percent of couples who have used their services for weddings, and the company holds a consistently five-star rating across Google, Yelp, TripAdvisor, and WeddingWire. Guests praise the experience from first inquiry to final dockside goodbye, noting that the team is highly responsive, communicative, and genuinely invested in making every event perfect. Booking is straightforward through their website, where guests can select their date, view availability, and confirm pricing in just a few steps. Early booking is strongly recommended during peak seasons, as charters frequently sell out well in advance, a testament to the exceptional reputation Zolna Yachts has built on San Diego Bay.
5 Reasons to Choose Zolna Yachts
When it comes to private yacht charters on San Diego Bay, the choice matters. From the vessel itself to the people running it, every detail shapes the experience you and your guests will remember for years. Here are five compelling, research-backed reasons why Zolna Yachts consistently stands out as San Diego’s premier yacht charter company.
1. An Unmatched Five-Star Reputation
Zolna Yachts has built one of the strongest reputations in the San Diego charter industry, earning five-star ratings across Google, Yelp, TripAdvisor, Facebook, WeddingWire, and VRBO. Guests consistently praise the vessel’s luxurious ambiance and immaculate condition, the crew’s professionalism and warmth, and the seamless planning process that begins long before guests ever set foot on the dock. Reviewers describe the experience in terms rarely used for a charter company, words like “life-changing,” “flawless,” and “the highlight of our trip to San Diego.” Corporate clients, wedding couples, and birthday groups alike return year after year, and the company is recommended by 100 percent of couples who have used their services for weddings. Zolna Yachts has also earned the distinction of being recommended by the San Diego Concierge Association and a wide network of hospitality and tourism businesses across Southern California, a testament to how deeply trusted they are among industry professionals.
2. Nearly Two Decades of Trusted Experience
Zolna Yachts was founded in 2007 by Amos and Shari Zolna, a couple who relocated from New York City to San Diego in 1995 and fell in love with the city’s coastal lifestyle. Drawing on years of experience managing vacation rental properties in Maui, Amos combined their passion for boating with their hospitality expertise to create what would become San Diego Bay Vacation, a business that evolved into the full-service Zolna Yachts operation it is today. Shortly after launching, both Amos and Shari earned their United States Coast Guard Captain licenses, ensuring that the company’s leadership has firsthand, certified expertise in safe and professional vessel operation. With nearly twenty years of service and thousands of satisfied guests, their longevity speaks louder than any advertisement. Their family-run approach means continuity, accountability, and a deeply personal investment in every charter they host.
3. Fully Licensed, Insured, and Coast Guard Compliant
Safety is never an afterthought at Zolna Yachts. The company operates in full compliance with all U.S. Coast Guard regulations, with licensed captains at the helm of every charter. The Nerissa is certified to carry up to 49 passengers, and the crew manages all route planning and safety protocols throughout every voyage. Guests are in the hands of trained, credentialed professionals who prioritize a smooth and secure experience from departure to dockside return. This level of regulatory compliance and operational diligence gives guests, whether they are first-time sailors or seasoned boaters, complete peace of mind to relax, celebrate, and enjoy the journey without a single worry.
4. Deeply Personalized Experiences for Every Occasion
What truly sets Zolna Yachts apart is not just the quality of the yacht, but the quality of the care behind every charter. Owners Shari and Amos are personally involved in the planning of each event, responding promptly to inquiries, offering thoughtful suggestions tailored to each group’s vision, and coordinating every detail from catering choices to floral arrangements and crew selection. The Nerissa accommodates intimate gatherings of just a few guests all the way up to celebrations of 49 people, and every package is customized rather than cookie-cutter. Whether it is a romantic sunset proposal, a milestone anniversary dinner, a corporate team outing, a post-wedding family cruise, or a birthday party complete with live music, the team shapes each charter around the specific goals and personality of the group they are hosting. The result, as guests repeatedly describe it, is an experience that feels tailor-made rather than transactional.
5. Deep Community Ties and Industry Recognition
Zolna Yachts is not simply a business operating on San Diego Bay it is an embedded part of the city’s hospitality and tourism community. The company has cultivated strong relationships with local catering partners such as Sarah Jane’s Catering, florists, photographers, and event vendors, allowing them to offer guests a seamless network of trusted professionals for any occasion. They are recognized and recommended by the San Diego Tourism Authority, the San Diego Concierge Association, and a broad network of hotels, marinas, and event venues throughout Southern California. Their presence at Harbor Island within the prestigious Sheraton San Diego Hotel and Marina places them at the heart of San Diego’s waterfront hospitality scene. This deep integration within the community means guests benefit not only from Zolna Yachts’ own expertise, but from an entire ecosystem of trusted local partners working together to deliver an extraordinary experience on the water.
Types of Events You Can Host on a Zolna Yacht
Zolna Yachts is not just a boat rental company; it is a floating venue perfect for unforgettable moments. Here are just a few event types they host regularly:
- Weddings and Proposals
- Birthday and Anniversary Celebrations
- Corporate Team Building Events
- Retirement and Graduation Parties
- Holiday Cruises
- Photo Shoots and Video Productions
Each event can be customized with floral arrangements, catered menus, entertainment, and decorations.
🎟️ Ticket Options For Events:
| Ticket Type | Price | Details |
| General Admission | $145.00 | Includes entry & live music |
| General Admission + Open Bar | $199.00 | Entry + unlimited drinks |
| 2 GA Tickets | $270.00 | Discount for two people |
| 2 GA + Open Bar | $378.00 | Entry & drinks for two |
(Note: small service fees apply)
Extra Luxury Services Available
They offer extra services to make your private yacht trip special and unforgettable. Tell us what you have in mind, and we’ll do our best to make it happen. Our goal is to give you a fun and relaxing experience on the water in San Diego.
Available Services:
- ⚓ Burial at Sea
- 🍽️ Catering Services
- 🚬 Cigar Rolling
- 🏢 Corporate Events
- 🌊 Serenity at Sea Experiences
- 💍 Weddings on Board
- 🧘 Yoga Classes on the Yacht
Let us help you plan your perfect day on the water!
Explore the Zolna Yachts Fleet
Zolna Yachts boasts a collection of four luxury vessels, each offering unique features and layouts to match different event sizes and styles:
1. Ohana Pacific
- 60-foot Hatteras motor yacht
- Includes hot tub, flybridge, and multiple lounge areas
- Ideal for parties up to 12 guests
2. Sirara
- 60-foot Chris-Craft yacht
- Elegant hardwood interiors and modern upgrades
- Spacious sundeck and indoor salon
3. Sabbatical
- 50-foot cruiser with cozy seating and ample cabin space
- Great for smaller groups seeking intimate cruises
4. Sweet Caroline
- 45-foot motor yacht
- Compact, stylish, and perfect for romantic getaways
Each yacht includes a captain and crew, and many come equipped with features like Wi-Fi, Bluetooth sound systems, and luxury bedding for overnight guests.
Onboard Dining & Catering Options
From romantic dinners to celebratory feasts, Zolna Yachts’ catering packages are tailored for every event. Some of the most popular options include:
- Charcuterie & Cheese Boards
- Sushi & Sashimi Platters
- Seafood Boils
- Vegetarian & Vegan Options
- Custom Cakes & Desserts
Beverage packages include champagne toasts, craft cocktails, and fine wines. Guests are also welcome to bring their own food and drinks if preferred.
Safety & Guest Comfort on Board
Guest safety is a top priority. Each yacht is regularly inspected and equipped with:
- Life jackets for all guests
- First aid kits
- Licensed crew and trained staff
Zolna Yachts Booking & Pricing
- Hourly Rate: $995 to $1,195 per hour (plus tax and fees)
- Saturday Bookings: Minimum of 3 hours required. For 2-hour bookings on Saturdays, please contact us first.
How to Book:
- Pick your date
- Choose a start time
- Select how long you want to cruise (2 hours or more)
Personal Info Needed:
- Your name and contact info
- Address and phone number
- Number of guests (max: 49 people, including crew)
- Optional: Add notes or special requests
Bar Service Options:
- Standard Bar: House wine, beer, basic alcohol
- Top Shelf Bar: Premium drinks and craft options
- Price is per person + tax
- After 3 hours: Cash bar available
Boarding Info:
- Free pickup: Sheraton Marina
- Extra $900 fee: Coronado or Downtown San Diego
Other Notes:
- Extra Fees: 10% port fee + 18% crew tip
- Max Capacity: 49 people (including staff like photographers or caterers)
- Reservation Approval: Online bookings are reviewed by Zolna Yachts. If not approved, your deposit will be refunded.
🛥️ Ready to cruise? Just pick your date and fill out the form to start your reservation!
Quick Guide About Zolna Yachts – San Diego
| Detail | Information |
| Google Rating | 5.0 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (256 reviews) |
| Type | Boat Rental Service |
| Website | For reservations and rates, visit the official website here. |
| Location | 1380 Harbor Island Dr, San Diego, CA 92101 |
| Located in | Sheraton San Diego Resort |
| Phone | (858) 688-2694 |
| Hours | Open 24 Hours |
| Google Plus Code | PQHX+5X San Diego, California |
| Special Info | 🌈 LGBTQ+ Friendly • 🚺 Women-Owned Business |
| Services | Luxury Private Yacht Charters in San Diego |
Location on Map:
Reviews
Overall Rating: 5.0 out of 5 (⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐) Based on 256 reviews. Google Reviews.
How to Book a Zolna Yacht Charter
Booking is simple:
- Visit the official site: zolnayachts.com
- Browse the fleet and choose your date.
- Select your charter package and any desired add-ons.
- Confirm and pay securely online.
- A team member will follow up to customize your experience.
- 📍 Location: 1880 Harbor Island Drive, San Diego, CA 92101
- 👉 Email: info@zolnayachts.com
- 📞 Phone: (619) 488-6650
How Zolna Yachts Compares to Other San Diego Charters
| Feature | Zolna Yachts | Typical Charters |
| Hot Tub on Board | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Overnight Stays Allowed | ✅ Yes | ❌ Rare |
| Private Chef Option | ✅ Yes | ❌ Limited |
| Pet-Friendly | ✅ Select Yachts | ❌ No |
| Custom Decor & Events | ✅ Yes | ❌ Few |
Zolna Yachts provides a more intimate and tailored experience than most commercial tour boats.
5 Nearby Places to Visit Before or After Your Cruise
- Point Loma Seafood – Dine dockside with fresh catches of the day.
- Liberty Station Public Market – Perfect for pre-cruise snacks or souvenirs.
- Sunset Cliffs Natural Park – Ideal for a pre-boarding photo shoot.
- Old Town San Diego – Step back in time and enjoy Mexican cuisine.
- Cabrillo National Monument – Breathtaking coastal views and history.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I bring my own food or drinks?
Yes. Guests are welcome to bring their own food and beverages, though catering packages are available.
Is gratuity included in the charter fee?
No. Gratuity is not included and is typically around 15–20% based on service.
Do I need to wear a life jacket?
Life jackets are provided, but not required for adults unless in emergencies.
What is the cancellation policy?
Cancellations must be made 14 days in advance for a refund. Rescheduling is available with notice.
Conclusion: Set Sail with Zolna Yachts
Zolna Yachts combines luxury, professionalism, and personal attention to create one-of-a-kind charter experiences on San Diego Bay. From romantic cruises to milestone celebrations, their diverse fleet and expert team ensure unforgettable moments on the water.
👉 Ready to book your dream charter? Visit Zolna Yachts and reserve your unforgettable experience today.
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