Half-Day on a 46' Bali Catamaran: Open-Air Sailing from Marina del Rey
All Ages • 4 Hours • Up to 12 Guests
The harbor breathes in measured waves—boat masts rhythmically bowing like a slow applause—and then you push away from the dock and the city falls soft behind you. In the first stretches of open water the air tastes of salt and sun; the Bali 4.6 hums forward, her broad beams carving a steady wake. The saloon tilts open to the aft cockpit, turning the interior into a single, sunlit room. Across that space people stretch out on padded benches, trade stories over an icebox of chilled drinks, and tilt their faces into the breeze as the forward cockpit dares the sun to do its worst.
Trail Wisdom
Dress in layers
Mornings can be cool and afternoons breezy; a light windbreaker helps you stay comfortable on deck.
Bring reef-safe sunscreen
Protect your skin and local marine ecosystems—apply before boarding and reapply as needed.
Non-marking shoes or grippy socks
Soft-soled footwear preserves the deck and gives traction on wet surfaces.
Hydrate and pack snacks
The boat has a full fridge and water cooler, but bring personal bottles and easy snacks for kids or picky eaters.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •Explore the Ballona Wetlands from the water edge with the crew’s guidance
- •Ask to drift near the small sandbars for a quiet on-water picnic
Wildlife
Common dolphins, Brown pelicans
Conservation Note
Boat operators avoid anchoring on eelgrass beds and encourage reef-safe sunscreen and no-plastic policies to protect marine habitats.
Marina del Rey was constructed mid-20th century and is considered one of the largest man-made small craft harbors in North America, transforming a tidal marsh into a recreational marina.
Seasonal Guide
spring
Best for: Calmer mornings, Birdwatching, Mild temperatures
Challenges: Occasional onshore fog, Cooler water temps
Spring brings glassy mornings and migratory birds; expect cooler air and possible marine layer that burns off midday.
summer
Best for: Warmer seas, Family outings, Late sunsets
Challenges: Stronger afternoon winds, Higher demand for charters
Summer is the most popular time—warm, fairly predictable conditions with vibrant sun and longer daylight hours.
fall
Best for: Stable seas, Whale watching (early season), Golden light
Challenges: Occasional south swells, Variable temperatures
Early fall often has the calmest water and excellent light for photos; sea conditions are typically stable.
winter
Best for: Whale migration viewing, Coastal storms from a safe distance, Crowd-free charters
Challenges: Chillier air and seas, Rougher conditions on storm days
Winter is quieter and can be dramatic—dress warmly and expect occasional rougher swells during storms.
Photographer's Notes
What to Bring
Light windbreakerEssential
Blocks wind and light spray during cooler mornings and afternoons.
Reef-safe sunscreenEssential
Protects skin and reduces harm to marine habitats.
Sea-sickness tablets or bands
Helpful for passengers prone to motion sensitivity.
Waterproof phone case
Keeps devices safe during brief splashes while photographing from the bow.
Common Questions
How many people can the Bali 4.6 accommodate?
The vessel carries up to 12 guests for a comfortable half-day charter.
Do I need prior sailing experience to join?
No—professional crew handle navigation and safety; passengers need no sailing skills.
Can we swim from the boat?
Yes in appropriate locations—ask the captain about safe anchor spots and avoid sensitive kelp beds.
Are beverages and food provided?
The boat has a fully equipped galley and fridge; catering or BYO options are typically available—confirm with the operator when booking.
What if someone in my group gets seasick?
Bring medication or bands; the crew can suggest calmer routes and provide fresh air and shade to ease symptoms.
How do I book or pay?
Bookings are made online through the operator's reservation link; payment and deposit policies are shown at checkout.
What to Pack
Reef-safe sunscreen, light windbreaker, refillable water bottle, non-marking deck shoes—protect your skin, stay warm and hydrated, and keep the deck scuff-free.
Did You Know
Marina del Rey is often cited as the largest man-made small craft harbor in North America, developed in the 1950s and 60s to serve recreational boating in Los Angeles County.
Quick Travel Tips
1) Arrive 30 minutes early for check-in; 2) Park in designated marina lots (metered in peak season); 3) Morning sails are calmer for first-timers; 4) Confirm catering and special requests at booking.
Local Flavor
After your sail, stroll the Marina del Rey waterfront for seafood at The Warehouse Restaurant or Killer Shrimp, or head a few minutes to Venice Beach for tacos and craft beer—both spots pair well with a sun-soaked afternoon on the water.
Logistics Snapshot
Closest airport: LAX (15–25 minutes by car); Docking/Pickup: Marina del Rey main docks; Driving distance from downtown LA: ~25 minutes without traffic; Cell service: reliable near shore, possible drop farther offshore; Permits: none for private charters, standard Coast Guard safety regulations apply.
Sustainability Note
Choose reef-safe sunscreen, avoid single-use plastics, and follow crew guidance on anchoring to protect eelgrass and kelp habitats.
Continue Reading
First Waves on the Grand Strand: Surf Lessons in Myrtle Beach
Learn to stand up on your first wave on the Grand Strand. Myrtle Beach’s gentle breaks and experienced instructors make it an ideal place for beginners to get comfortable on a board—and then explore the surf culture that grew around it.
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
Chasing Cascades: A Half-Day Hike From Asheville to Waterfalls and Wildwoods
In four hours you can move from Asheville's streets into cathedral-like forest and the roar of mountain waterfalls. This guided half-day hike pairs scenic cascades with a certified naturalist to turn scenery into story.
Asheville, North Carolina