REVIEWS · THE USA
Every trip has one spare day and too many boats competing for it. These 15 luxury catamaran cruises in the USA justify the slot, priced and timed so the decision takes minutes.
Sail from Pier 39 on a 55- or 65-foot catamaran for 90 minutes of skyline, Alcatraz, Sausalito, and Golden Gate Bridge views. You get one complimentary drink, protected seating, open trampoline nets, and an English-speaking crew, with audio commentary listed in seven languages.
“It was a perfect final experience for us in SFO. Thanks to the crew and the weather!”
Sail from Kailua Pier aboard Body Glove’s accessible catamaran for about four and a half hours. You’ll get breakfast, lunch, gear, reef-safe sunscreen, nearly two hours at Red Hill, and chances to spot dolphins or whales. The slide, high jump, paddleboards, and attentive crew make this especially good for families.
“It was exactly what I expected. The crew were knowledgeable and organized. The snorkeling was fun, with plenty of time to go out several times. The food was good.”
Set out from Kewalo Basin or take paid Waikiki pickup for a two-hour Makani Catamaran cruise. Choose an afternoon or sunset departure, watch for dolphins, turtles, and seasonal whales, and enjoy one complimentary drink. Sunset trips add an Island-Style buffet and skyline views.
“We thought this was a sunset dinner cruise Only one table to sit. No narration of the area, just loud music. Did not care for the food either. The restrooms. Don't use them unless it is absolutely necessary. If you are over 55, think again before going.”
Join Newport Landing Cruises from Balboa for a 150-minute catamaran ride along the Orange County coast. Naturalist guides such as Kayla, Addy, Larry, Dani, and Chris point out dolphins, whales, and sea lions from the 360-degree deck. Bring a hat or beanie, and expect possible spray.
“larry took us out in the Catamaran. we got lucky this morning saw 3 whales at 3 different spots. kudos to Larry! also saw large school of dolphins. Wonderful time.”
Sail from Maalaea Harbor on a spacious Alii Nui catamaran for about three hours. Snorkel with green sea turtles, use provided gear and reef-safe sunscreen, then enjoy island-style tacos, margaritas, and local beer. Captains including Josh, Bre, and Tim have earned strong praise for their attentive service.
“This excursion was phenomenal. The crew was fantastic, meeting every need you can imagine. The food was great, the swimming with the turtles was awesome and on the way back, we were able to sail for a bit due to the wind. Would absolutely do it again.”
Charter a private luxury catamaran from San Diego for 2 to 8 hours. Cruise Mission Bay and the Pacific toward La Jolla Cove or Sunset Cliffs, with crew service, bottled water, two ice-filled coolers, and room for your own food and drinks. Maddie and Jake have helped make past outings especially welcoming.
“We loved this whole experience! We were a group of 6 and the crew was beyond accommodating and we had an amazing time on the water. Would highly recommend!”
Captain Nils takes you from Saco along the Saco River and Gulf of Maine, past Wood Island Lighthouse, Old Orchard, Biddeford Pool, and Cape Porpoise. Expect a clean catamaran, several seating areas, room for your own food and drinks, and a maximum of six people.
“Excellent experience, our very most favorite day of our vacation. Captain was excellent, friendly and informative of the area. Highly recommend”
Cruise from Maalaea Harbor aboard Ali‘i Nui’s comfortable catamaran during Maui’s whale season. A marine naturalist explains humpback behavior, a hydrophone lets you hear whale songs, and the crew serves snacks, cocktails, beer, seltzers, and sparkling wine. The trip lasts about two hours.
“Crew was amazing. Boat was so smooth even in rough waters (from someone who deals with motion sickness). Would reccomend this to anyone who wants a whale watching trip. I would also take this trip again.”
Board Dana Wharf’s 63-foot Ocean Adventure catamaran for a 90-minute harbor cruise with four wine tastes, cheese, crackers, fruit, and nuts. You’ll hear music, see Dana Point Harbor by water, and may catch a sunset or winter harbor lights. Captain Steve and Michele have hosted some sailings.
“Being on the water and live music! It was a very relaxing experience and I would definitely do it again. Wish we would have been able to see the sun setting but nobody can control the weather, so my boyfriend and I had an amazing time regardless!”
Sail from Maalaea Harbor aboard Ali’i Nui’s adults-only catamaran for about 2.5 hours. Enjoy a five-course dinner, open bar, espresso, sunset views, and attentive service. Choose beef, mahi-mahi, surf and turf, or a vegetarian dish when you book.
“What an amazing luxurious catamaran! Crew was amazing and top notch. From beginning to end, the entire experience was superb! Cannot recommend enough! Adult only was perfect. Drinks were rolling. 5 course meal was well timed. Food was to be expected for a boat trip- but worth it! Nothing beats a sunset view from the water. Best sunset we experienced during our entire trip!”
Spend about two hours aboard the 38-foot Lady Tiffany with Captain Shane and the S & S Charters crew. Cruise Baltimore’s Inner Harbor, the National Aquarium, Fells Point, and a historic harbor monument, with roomy seating, restrooms, Bluetooth music, and sunset potential.
“Captain Shane was a pleasure and the trip was amazing!! I would highly recommend this to anyone looking for a fun afternoon or evening on the water! The captain and crew were fantastic!”
You’ll sail privately from Ala Wai Boat Harbor toward Diamond Head on a smooth luxury catamaran for up to six people. Kevin and Flynn are among the crew members praised for warm service. Snorkel, swim, watch for turtles and whales, play your music, or simply stretch out in the shaded cockpit and nets.
“Dont get me wrong on the rating, crew was very good and took care of us all the time time, they are professional and polite, but not worth the money, it is very expensive for what they offer regardless of climate conditions, that’s all Im going to say Arrived a bit late, about 15 minutes, tour was less than 2 hrs, tough was going to be 2 hrs or 2.5 hrs, no magic carpet, no snorkeling”
Spend four hours aboard No Wiki, a 51-foot Lagoon catamaran with room for six. Your captain chooses between sites such as Pawai Bay and Makalawena, while the crew provides gear, lunch, and in-water help. Captain Kirk and Liz are among the crew names associated with warm, attentive service.
“Captain Kirk and Liz were great on our trip. Very helpful and the boat was fantastic”
Spend 150 minutes aboard Alii Nui Sailing Charters’ adults-only catamaran, with a five-course plated dinner, top-shelf open bar, onboard espresso, and Maui sunset views. A professional photographer is onboard, and fresh lobster tail is available as a premium upgrade.
Book the S/V Liberty for a private three-hour Key West sunset sail with Captain Nils and first mate Simon. Snorkel near West Sambo Reef, watch for dolphins and turtles, bring your own food and cocktails, and sail past Mallory Square aboard a clean 44-foot catamaran.
“Had an awesome time! The boat was very nice/clean. Crew was very friendly and knowledgeable about the area. 1000 out of 10 would recommend! Will definitely book another trip in the future!”
By what the day is for, by what comes with the ticket, or by who else is aboard.
