Adventure Collective Journal

Adventure Collective Journal

The Adventure Collective Journal publishes in-depth travel stories, destination guides, and adventure features that celebrate discovery and wonder. A digital magazine for explorers and dreamers alike.

← Back to Journal
Outsiders Private Charter: Sun, Sea, and the Private-Yacht Escape

Outsiders Private Charter: Sun, Sea, and the Private-Yacht Escape

All Ages • 3 to 14 Hours • 57' Yacht • Up to 12 Guests

Marina del Rey, California
By Eric Crews
boat charters, water activities, camping overnightSeptembersummer

You step aboard with sand still in your shoes and the ocean already insisting on the day. The aft deck cushions give under your heels, a low thump of bass from a zone-tuned speaker keeps time with the wake, and the captain eases the lines as gulls claim the slip. From here, the Los Angeles coastline flattens into a silver ribbon and the horizon says everything that matters: water, wind, and room to move. On the 57-foot yacht Outsiders, three hours can feel like a private holiday and 14 hours like a small, perfectly curated world. Book this experience through the outfitter page at Outsiders Private Charter and you get the boat, a USCG licensed captain, a deckhand, and a kit of toys that turns a day on the water into a celebration or a low-key escape.

Trail Wisdom

Time it for calm seas

Morning departures are typically calmer for sensitive passengers and clearer water for snorkeling.

Pack reef-safe sunscreen

Protect marine life and avoid fines by choosing reef-safe formulas for swimming and snorkeling.

Zone your music

Use the yacht's individual audio zones so you can keep conversation and naps undisturbed while another area parties.

Confirm landing fees

Ask in advance about Catalina or Paradise Cove landing fees and who pays them so there are no surprises.

Local Knowledge

Hidden Gems

  • Two Harbors on Catalina for a quieter anchorage and shoreline picnic
  • Small coves off Malibu and Paradise Cove sandbars for protected swimming

Wildlife

Bottlenose dolphins, Migrating gray whales (seasonal)

Conservation Note

Much of Catalina is managed by the Catalina Island Conservancy; avoid anchoring in kelp beds, use reef-safe products, and pack out all trash.

Santa Catalina Island became a popular Los Angeles escape in the early 20th century; the Casino in Avalon, built in 1929, remains a cultural landmark.

Seasonal Guide

spring

Best for: Whale watching, Mild temperatures, Fewer crowds

Challenges: Occasional spring storms, Deciding between swell and calm days

Spring brings migrating whales and cool, comfortable days; check local weather for periodic choppy conditions.

summer

Best for: Warm water swims, Sunbathing on the bow, Long daylight hours

Challenges: Peak crowds on weekends, Higher demand and pricing

Summer is prime for swimming and paddling, but book early to secure preferred dates and times.

fall

Best for: Calmer seas after peak season, Clear visibility for snorkeling, Sunset cruises

Challenges: Shortening daylight, Cooling evenings

Fall offers stable wind patterns and warm water hangover from summer—ideal for longer cruises and sunsets.

winter

Best for: Whale migration viewing, Lower rates, Cozy overnight trips

Challenges: Rougher seas, Cooler temperatures and wind

Winter can be excellent for whale sightings; choose sheltered anchorages and dress warm for open-deck time.

Photographer's Notes

Shoot from the bow at golden hour for low-angle light that outlines the coastline; use a polarizer for clearer underwater shots when snorkeling and keep ISO low for sunset portraits, stabilizing with a railing or small tripod.

What to Bring

Reef-safe sunscreenEssential

Protects skin and the marine environment during swims and snorkeling.

Non-marking deck shoesEssential

Improves traction on wet decks and protects boat surfaces.

Reusable water bottleEssential

Stays hydrated during sun-exposed days and reduces single-use plastic waste.

Lightweight wind shell

Useful for cooler mornings, evening cruises, and wind across the bridge deck.

Common Questions

How many guests can Outsiders accommodate?

Up to 12 guests for day charters; two cabins for overnight charters.

What is included in the charter price?

The yacht, licensed captain, deckhand, fuel, landing fees, water, soft drinks, ice, two paddleboards, snorkel gear, towels, and a BBQ grill are included.

Can we bring our own food and alcohol?

Yes; catering is also available. Confirm any corkage or cleanup policies with the operator when booking.

Are pets allowed on board?

Pet policies vary by charter operator; ask at booking and note any additional cleaning fees or restrictions.

Is there a restroom on board?

Yes, Outsiders has two heads with staterooms and private ensuite facilities.

What happens if the weather is bad?

Charters typically reschedule or offer refunds based on sea conditions and safety assessments by the captain; confirm cancellation policies when booking.

What to Pack

Reef-safe sunscreen, non-marking deck shoes, reusable water bottle, lightweight wind shell

Did You Know

Santa Catalina Island Conservancy owns and manages about 88 percent of Catalina Island to protect its native habitats and species.

Quick Travel Tips

1) Book early for summer weekends; 2) Confirm landing and marina fees for Catalina; 3) Leave glass off the deck and bring non-marking shoes; 4) Charge your devices and use a waterproof phone case.

Local Flavor

Post-cruise, grab fish tacos or a casual beach meal at Paradise Cove Cafe in Malibu or head to Avalon on Catalina for Bluewater Avalon and small local shops; craft beer and seaside patios are common back on the mainland near Marina del Rey.

Logistics Snapshot

Closest airport: LAX; Typical departure: Marina del Rey; Driving time from central Los Angeles: 20–40 minutes depending on traffic; Cell service: reliable near shore, patchy around Catalina; Permits/fees: Catalina and some beach landings may charge landing fees payable by the charterer.

Sustainability Note

Avoid anchoring in kelp beds, use reef-safe sunscreen, pack out all trash, and consider supporting the Catalina Island Conservancy when visiting.

Continue Reading

First Waves on the Grand Strand: Surf Lessons in Myrtle Beach
water activities

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
land adventureswildlife nature

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

The Adventure Collective Journal — Stories Worth Taking