Can I drive the yacht?

Guests are not permitted to drive Nerissa — only licensed, insured, and pre-qualified Master Captains may operate our yacht. By U.S. law, power boats over 26 feet cannot be rented to the public without a captain’s license, so all charters of this size require a professional captain at the helm.

This is part of what makes a Nerissa charter feel effortless. Our captains are highly experienced professionals who:
• Hold a current U.S. Coast Guard Master’s License
• Know San Diego Bay intimately, from cruising routes to the best sunset and skyline views
• Handle all navigation, weather decisions, docking, and Coast Guard communications so guests can fully relax and enjoy the celebration
• Coordinate with the rest of the crew to ensure smooth service throughout the charter

That said — if you ask nicely, the Captain is usually happy to let you take the wheel for a quick photo op. It’s a fun moment for birthdays, bachelor and bachelorette parties, kids’ charters, and anyone who’s always wanted a “captain of the ship” picture. Just ask!

For guests who simply want to enjoy the bay without a single thing to manage, having a licensed captain at the helm is a key part of the elevated, white-glove experience that makes Nerissa one of San Diego’s premier charter yachts.