October 1, 2026 · By CDM Yachts · 5 min read
A lot of "yacht etiquette" advice online is written for superyacht guests and crewed world cruises. It doesn't match a few hours on San Diego Bay. Here's what actually applies to a CDM Yachts charter, based on our own policies rather than generic rules.
Picking a yacht sets the tone
A smaller charter feels different from a large one. The Sea Ray 52, Sea Ray 56, and Beneteau 50 each carry up to 13 guests. The whole boat is reserved for your group alone. The Sunseeker Predator 72 carries the same 13-guest maximum, on a single 4-hour charter. The Westport 100 is certified for up to 134 passengers, so a larger group spreads across several decks instead of one. The McKinna 69 also tops out at 13 guests. It departs from Mission Bay, not San Diego Bay, which is worth noting if your group usually books one of the other yachts. None of these are shared party-boat tours. Every charter is private to your own group, which already removes most of the etiquette concerns that come up on a public cruise.
Before you board
The renter must be 18 or older, though there's no minimum age for passengers. Full payment secures the reservation. Submitting a request doesn't confirm a date on its own, so wait for our team's confirmation before finalizing other plans around it. Your confirmation email includes the boarding location and instructions. Check it closely if your group usually departs from Shelter Island, since the McKinna 69 boards from Mission Bay instead. Public parking is available in the lot across the street near the Shelter Island pier. Plan to arrive on time. A late arrival comes out of your own charter time.
What you can bring
Guests may bring their own food and beverages, including alcohol. Catering, bar service, and entertainment can all be arranged in advance, if you'd rather not handle that yourself. That's worth considering for a larger group aboard the Westport 100's main-deck lounge and beverage bar. For a smaller group on one of the Sea Rays or the Beneteau 50, the galley on board has a fridge and freezer. Bringing your own food and ice is just as easy.
What's not allowed
Non-service pets, smoking, and illegal drugs aren't permitted on board. Documented service animals are the one exception to the pet policy. These rules apply to every charter, regardless of occasion or group size. It's worth passing them along to anyone in your group who wasn't part of planning the trip.
Moving around the boat
Every charter includes a USCG-licensed captain and crew, and life jackets for every passenger. On the Sea Ray 52 and 56, the flybridge is reached by an internal staircase from the cockpit. It's fine to use once underway, but worth taking slowly, since footing on a staircase differs from a flat deck. On the Westport 100, guests spread across the main salon, aft deck, and forward sun deck. Following the crew's lead on which areas are open while docking keeps boarding and disembarking smooth for a larger group.
Weather and the captain's call
The captain's call on route and timing is final, especially around weather. If conditions turn unsafe, CDM reschedules to a mutually convenient date rather than sailing anyway. San Diego Bay is generally calm, protected water, which keeps the ride comfortable even for guests prone to seasickness. Still, a captain's decision to adjust the route or head back early is about safety. It isn't a judgment call worth pushing back on.
Tipping the crew
Gratuity isn't built into the base rate on any CDM charter, but it's customary on a crewed trip like this. Budget for it separately, and ask our team for current guidance when you book. Our pricing guide covers what is included in the base rate in more detail.
If your plans change
Cancel at least 5 days before your reservation date for a full refund. Weather-related rescheduling is handled separately, since that decision sits with the captain rather than the calendar. It isn't counted against the standard cancellation window.
A few occasion-specific notes
A bachelor or bachelorette charter on a Sea Ray or the Beneteau 50 means the whole boat is already yours. There's no need to stake out space the way you would on a public cruise. A corporate event or wedding on the Westport 100 involves more guests moving between the main-deck lounge, salon, and sun decks. Following crew directions around boarding and disembarking keeps things moving smoothly for everyone. A birthday charter with a mixed-age guest list works the same way. Check with our team before bringing anything elaborate in the way of decorations, since what's practical depends on the vessel.
Most of what people worry about with yacht etiquette doesn't apply to a private charter the way it does to a shared tour. Questions about a specific date or occasion? See our FAQ or request availability and our team can walk you through the rest.
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