Planning a Large-Group Yacht Charter in San Diego

A big group needs a different kind of yacht than a couple booking a sunset cruise. In San Diego, that's the Westport 100, the only vessel in the fleet certified for more than 13 passengers. Here's how large-group charters work, from headcount to pricing.

Why a Large-Group Charter Is Different

Most of our fleet tops out at 13 guests, fine for a couple or a small group. The Westport 100 is certified for up to 134 passengers, the only yacht built for events at that scale. Its main-deck lounge has built-in banquettes and a beverage bar, opening into a salon with panoramic views. Aft decks and forward sun decks add more room to spread out, alongside a fully equipped galley and pantry. See our Large-Group Charters page for the full breakdown of how planning and pricing work at this size.

Many 100-foot yachts give up deck space to private cabins. The Westport 100 keeps most of that space open instead, so the main-deck lounge, beverage bar, aft deck, and forward sun deck are all built for guests to spread out and mingle rather than cluster in one room.

Facilities Built for a Bigger Party

A larger charter also means more people needing a restroom, a place to set down a plate, or room to step away from the music for a minute. The Westport 100's public heads use vacuum-flush pneumatic toilets, sinks, and dispensers, separate from the private suites below deck. The onboard galley, pantry, and laundry area support a full-service event rather than a single cooler of drinks.

Safety equipment is sized to match the certified headcount: 141 adult PFDs and 15 child PFDs are aboard, along with inflatable buoys, life floats, life rings, an EPIRB, and fire extinguishers and stations throughout the yacht.

How Many Guests Can You Bring?

134 passengers is a hard Coast Guard–certified limit, not a target to aim for. A smaller group of 25 or fewer still books the Westport 100 comfortably, with the same lounge and salon space to use. If your count is closer to 13, one of our smaller yachts may fit better and cost less — our capacity guide compares all of them side by side.

How Pricing Scales With Headcount

The Westport 100 is priced in tiers based on guest count, not a single flat hourly rate:

• Up to 25 guests: $1,500 per hour
• Up to 50 guests: $1,700 per hour
• Up to 75 guests: $1,900 per hour
• Up to 100 guests: $2,100 per hour
• Up to 124 guests: $2,300 per hour
• Up to 134 guests: $2,500 per hour

The charter has a 2-hour minimum, though most large-group events book 3 to 5 hours to leave room for a meal, toasts, or dancing. Tell us your expected guest count early, since it's what determines your rate tier.

Occasions That Suit a Large-Group Charter

A big guest list usually means one of a few occasions. Corporate events like an all-hands celebration pair bar service in the main-deck lounge with a few words from leadership in the salon, and the skyline behind you. Weddings up to 134 guests can hold the ceremony on deck, then move into the lounge and salon for dinner and dancing. A milestone birthday charter can scale from a small gathering up to a full 134-guest party on the same yacht.

Catering, Bar Service, and Entertainment

Catering coordination, bar service, and entertainment setup can all be arranged in advance for a Westport 100 charter. Guests may also bring their own food and beverages, including alcohol, if you'd rather handle it yourselves.

Planning Timeline and Policies

• Full payment secures your reservation date.
• Cancellations at least 5 days before the reservation date get a full refund, useful while your headcount is still settling.
• If weather turns unsafe for boating, we reschedule to a mutually convenient date rather than sail.
• The renter must be 18 or older; there's no minimum age for passengers.
• Non-service pets, smoking, and illegal drugs aren't permitted on board.
• Public parking is available in the lot across the street near the Shelter Island pier.

Every charter includes a USCG-licensed captain and crew, and life jackets are provided for every passenger.

Getting an Accurate Quote

Because the Westport 100's rate depends on headcount, the fastest way to a real number is to share your expected guest count. Use the price estimator for a quick comparison, or request availability directly with your date and guest count, and we'll confirm the right tier and what's open.