October 12, 2026 · By CDM Yachts · 3 min read
Every December, the same question comes up in offices across San Diego: where do we hold the holiday party this year? Another hotel ballroom or restaurant back room is the easy answer. A private yacht on San Diego Bay is the one people actually look forward to, and it's easier to plan than most companies expect.
Why a Yacht Works for a Company Party
- People show up. An invitation to a yacht charter gets a very different response than another conference-room happy hour.
- The setting does the work. The downtown skyline, the Coronado Bridge, and the waterfront lit up for the holidays make decorations almost unnecessary.
- It's private. Your team has the whole yacht, with no neighboring parties and no other guests competing for the bar.
- Everyone is together. Nobody slips out early when the venue is on the water, so the party actually feels like a team event.
Match the Yacht to Your Headcount
Large teams and all-company parties: the Westport 100 is certified for up to 134 guests, with a main-deck lounge, a beverage bar, and multiple entertaining spaces built for mingling. It's the yacht most companies book for a full holiday party.
Leadership teams, small offices, and client dinners: for up to 13 guests, a smaller yacht keeps the evening intimate. The McKinna 69's fully enclosed, climate-controlled Skylounge is especially well suited to December evenings, when the air on the water turns cool after sunset. The Sunseeker Predator 72 makes a memorable impression for a client thank-you.
See the capacity guide for help choosing.
Food, Drinks, and Entertainment
Catering and beverage service can be arranged in advance, or you're welcome to bring your own. Most companies plan a dinner or heavy-appetizer menu with a bar. Music, a DJ, or a short remarks-and-awards moment all work aboard. Tell us what you have in mind when you request availability, and we'll help you plan around it.
When to Book
Holiday party season books earlier than almost anything else on the calendar. Companies typically lock in December dates in October and November, and December Friday evenings tend to go first. If your team has flexibility, a weeknight in early December gives you the most yacht options. The Bay Parade of Lights nights are especially popular, so ask early if you want to watch the parade from the water.
What Companies Ask Us Most
- Can the charter be invoiced to the company? Ask when you request availability and we'll walk you through booking and payment.
- What does the price include? The yacht, a USCG-licensed captain and crew, port taxes and marina fees, and life jackets for every passenger. See the pricing guide for what affects the rate.
- What if the weather is bad? If conditions are unsafe for boating, we reschedule to a mutually convenient date. See our charter policies.
Ready to plan this year's party? Visit our Corporate Events page or request availability with your date range and headcount.
Ready to Charter?
