Why Book a Private Yacht Charter in San Francisco

What’s your idea of luxury—five-star dining or a glass of champagne with a Golden Gate view?

For many, time is the true luxury, and wasting it on crowded public cruises with loud tourists and zero privacy feels like a missed opportunity. Do you want something tailored? Do you want your own space, your own pace? That’s where private yacht charters come in.

If you’re searching for an exclusive, high-end experience in San Francisco, a private yacht charter might just be the answer. But is it really worth it compared to conventional options?

Let’s break it down.

Numbers That Shape the Choice

San Francisco welcomed 23.1 million visitors last year—a 5.2% rise from 2022, based on figures from the San Francisco Travel Association. With the city still recovering from pandemic-era revenue shortfalls, tourism remains a vital part of its economic rebound.

Charter yachts like the 70’ Marquis Yacht, the 92’ Westport, the 65’ Stephens, and the 96’ Ted Geary Fantail aren’t just floating private venues; they’re engineered for comfort and privacy. Think staterooms, salon dining, multiple heads (restrooms), and sprawling lounge decks.

For instance, Marquis Charter’s 70 Marquis Yacht is designed with spectacular Italian styling and is ideal for intimate gatherings. At the same time, the 96’ Ted Geary Fantail brings vintage charm for events as large as 100 guests. The 65’ Stephens, for example, can easily accommodate 49 guests and was originally built in Stockton: a local icon with global poise.

Yacht interiors echo the polish of boutique hotels, but with one key difference: your view changes every minute.

Making the Most of a Luxury Private Yacht Charter

Booking a private yacht isn’t only for celebrities.

Here’s how to plan wisely:

1. Group Size Matters: Couples and small groups gravitate toward the 70’ Marquis and the 92’ Westport. Larger group? Choose the 65’ Stephens that is made for groups of up to 49 people. Planning a gala or seasonal celebration? The upcoming 96 Fantail is ideal for 15 to 100 guests.

2. Event Type – Hosting clients? Choose a yacht that has an area for formal dinners. Family celebration? The spacious, open layouts should be preferred on the lounge decks.

3. Time of Day – Sunset cruises offer fabulous lighting and an unforgettable skyline. The early morning cruises are smooth, so they are perfect for building team dynamics and bonding.

4.  Ask about the crew details- Having a knowledgeable crew is important to make sure that your experience is not only great, but also outstanding.

5.  Customization is Standard – You shouldn’t be forced to stick with the defaults, because at Marquis Charters there are no defaults.  Your experience is concierge planned exclusively for you to bring your vision to life, whatever that is.  And make to the whole process effortless for you.  Ask what’s possible.

Luxury private yacht charters are custom-crafted for you and your group.  It is never the other way around.

Choosing the Right Charter: Side-by-Side Comparison

When considering a private yacht charter in San Francisco, your choice can make or break the experience. Whether you are planning an intimate celebration or a corporate event, aligning the yacht’s capacity, layout, and onboard features with your group’s needs is key to a seamless outing.

Marquis Charters offers four distinct luxury yachts—each tailored to different group sizes and event types. Understanding what each yacht brings to the table will help you select the right one for your occasion.

The 70 Marquis Yacht is the namesake of the fleet and features spectacular Italian design. During the pandemic, it completed a round-trip bucket list journey to Alaska, carrying close friends and family. Now, the Marquis Charter brand is anchored in the San Francisco Bay. Ideal for couples or very small groups, often chosen for elegant, intimate experiences with up to 6 guests.

The 92’ Westport Superyacht is ideal for smaller, more private gatherings. With a maximum guest capacity of 12, it is often selected for high-end executive events, romantic escapes, or milestone celebrations where privacy and sophistication are non-negotiable.

Guests are welcomed aboard a spacious salon with sit-down dining, a covered panoramic bridge deck for sheltered views, and a bow deck outfitted with luxurious lounge cushions. Multiple staterooms and five heads offer hotel-level comfort, while a dedicated crew ensures every detail, from drink service to route timing, is executed flawlessly.

The 65’ Classic Stephens Yacht is the preferred choice for larger parties. Accommodating up to 49 guests, it is perfect for birthday celebrations, wedding parties, client mixers, or group tours seeking a private alternative to the crowded, generic bay cruises.

Designed for fluid movement and social interaction, this yacht features both forward and aft panoramic decks, flexible seating arrangements, and a generous bow lounging area. Catering is typically served in a passed-dining format to maintain open space and energy. Built in Stockton, this classic yacht blends local heritage with elevated finishes, offering a setting that feels both grand and grounded.

The 96 Ted Geary Fantail is already drawing attention. Built in 1930, this historic motor yacht is perfect for major seasonal events. With room for 15 to 50 guests and a maximum capacity of 100, it is suited for both intimate and large-scale celebrations. Expect vintage elegance, wide teak decks, and a layout that exudes the glamour of America’s “golden age” of motor yachts.

Additionally, consider the type of engagement you’re hosting. A corporate strategy session followed by cocktails is better suited to Westport, while a sunset wedding celebration, complete with photos against the Golden Gate backdrop, finds its natural home on the Ted Geary.

All these yachts maintain Marquis Charters’ hallmark of quality—experienced crews, locally informed routes, and interiors that impress. The decision isn’t about which one is “better,” but rather, which one is right for your event.

Booking a luxury private yacht charter in San Francisco is more than a splurge—it’s a deliberate choice to prioritise experience over convenience.

Take the Next Step in Planning Your Private Yacht Charter in San Francisco

It’s not simply about booking a boat—it’s about finding the right experience for your moment. Whether you’re aiming for an intimate gathering or a larger celebration, the choice between the 70 Marquis, the 92 Westport, the 65 Classic Stephens, and the 96 Ted Geary Fantail reflects your priorities: privacy, space, or guest capacity.

Both are part of Marquis Charters’ portfolio of Luxury Private Yacht Charters, each offering a unique way to enjoy the San Francisco Bay in comfort and style.

So if you’re planning a private yacht charter in San Francisco, look beyond the brochure. Choose based on what matters most, your group, your occasion, and how you want to remember it.