Nerissa – San Diego’s Luxury Yacht & Event Venue
A 73-foot private motor yacht on San Diego Bay, built for any occasion – from an intimate dinner for two or a corporate event of 30-40, up to a full celebration of 49 guests. Fully crewed, exclusively yours, and effortlessly elevated.
Designed As A Venue On The Water
Nerissa San Diego’s luxury yacht, is a 73-foot motor yacht, U.S. Coast Guard certified to carry up to 49 passengers, and the flagship of the Zolna Yachts fleet. She was selected and outfitted specifically as an event venue on the water — with spacious indoor and outdoor entertaining zones, a fully stocked quartzite bar, signature house cocktails, four onboard restrooms, and a professional crew that handles every detail behind the scenes.
Whether you’re planning a romantic charter for two with a private chef and onboard massage, an executive gathering of 12, a corporate event of 30 to 40, or a milestone celebration approaching full capacity, Nerissa scales gracefully to match the occasion. Every charter is fully private — no shared passengers, ever.
A Layout That Sets Her Apart
Nerissa’s layout is what makes her special. Most yachts of similar size offer only one or two usable zones; Nerissa flows across multiple distinct areas — giving guests room to spread out, mingle, and choose their own atmosphere throughout the charter. Guests can be dancing up on the sky deck, gathered at the bar, lounging on the bow, or slipping away for a quieter conversation in the salon, all at the same time.
Upper Sky Deck
The expansive upper deck is the heart of most celebrations — fully open with cushioned seating wrapping the perimeter, custom drink trays between cushions, two standing cocktail tables, and panoramic 360-degree views of the San Diego skyline and bay. A small covered area near the wheelhouse and upper-deck head provides shade, and a sail shade canopy can be added on request. This is also where all live music — bands or DJs — is set up.
Bow Lounge
The bow features two large lounging cushions with decorative pillows — comfortable seating for approximately fifteen guests, ideal for sightseeing, sunset viewing, and quieter conversation away from the main entertaining areas.
Main Level
The climate-controlled main salon features a large white leather sectional sofa, modern white coffee tables, polished walnut woodwork, and an open galley where caterers prepare and serve food in full view of guests. The salon is comfortable in any weather and ideal for guests who prefer to step inside, with a door that opens to the starboard walkway.
Nerissa Bar
A lighted quartzite bar with a full liquor display anchors the main level — a visual centerpiece and a fully functional service station with a professional bartender included on every charter. Three white leather barstools sit at the bar itself, with two additional barstools along the windows by the sliding glass doors. Signature house cocktails — including the Aperol Spritz, Bay Breeze, Del Mule, Sailors Remedy, and Spicy Margarita — are available on every charter.
Back Cockpit
The back cockpit is the boarding area and the central circulation hub of the yacht — with stairs leading up to the upper sky deck, sliding glass doors opening into the main salon and quartzite bar, and walkways along each side connecting to the bow lounge. Guests can move easily between every zone of the yacht from here.
Getting-Ready Rooms
Two compact private changing rooms below deck give wedding parties a place to get ready — one for the bride to prepare and take getting-ready photos, and a second for the groom. They’re also perfect for the birthday guest of honor planning a few outfit changes, and provide secure storage for guest belongings throughout the charter.
Restrooms
Nerissa features four onboard restrooms — significantly more than most yachts in her class. Guests typically use two: the main-level powder room, a guest favorite finished with glass mosaic tile, a vessel sink, mirrored accents, and a full-size window with bay views; and a second restroom on the upper sky deck for easy access while enjoying the entertainment. The result is no lines, even with a full group.
Nerissa at a Glance
|
Specification |
Detail |
|---|---|
| Length | 73 feet |
| Type | Luxury Motor Yacht |
| Capacity | Up to 49 guests (USCG Certified) |
| Ideal For | Groups from 2 to 49 — Sweet Spot 30-40 |
| Entertaining Zones | Upper Sky Deck, Bow Lounge, Main Salon, Quartzite Bar, Back Cockpit |
| Changing Rooms | 2 Private Changing Rooms (bride/groom prep, storage) |
| Restrooms | 4 Onboard Restrooms |
| Crew | Licensed Captain, 1-2 Deckhands, Bartender |
| Sound System | Bluetooth throughout + Microphone Capability |
| Signature Cocktails | Aperol Spritz, Bay Breeze, Del Mule, Sailors Remedy, Spicy Margarita |
| Primary Boarding | Sheraton Hotel & Marina, Harbor Island (no fee) |
| Remote Boarding | Additional pickup locations around San Diego Bay available on request ($900 fee) |
| Cruising Area | San Diego Bay |
What’s Included with Every Charter
- Private use of the yacht – no shared passengers, ever
- Licensed captain and professional crew
- Professional bartender
- Signature house cocktail menu
- Bluetooth sound system throughout the yacht
- Indoor and outdoor event spaces
- Four onboard restrooms
- Two private changing rooms for wedding parties or storage
- Pre-event planning and coordination
- Boarding at Sheraton Hotel & Marina (no remote boarding fee)
Transparent Pricing
Sunday-Friday: $995 per hour (2-hour minimum)
Saturday: $1,195 per hour (3-hour minimum)
Additional: 18% crew gratuity and 10% yacht fee. Bar and catering are additional and tailored to your event.
Bar Options: Open bar at $25 per person per hour (plus tax), hosted tab bar, or cash bar.
From Two Guests to Forty-Nine
Nerissa is one of the only yachts in San Diego that genuinely scales across group sizes without compromise. The 73-foot length and multi-zone layout mean small groups feel curated and intimate, while large groups feel comfortably full — never crowded, never empty.
- Two to Twelve Guests – Romantic charters, private chef dinners, onboard massage, executive entertaining, small celebrations.
- Thirteen to Thirty Guests — Birthday parties, bridal showers, wine tastings, family gatherings.
- Thirty to Forty Guests — The sweet spot for corporate events, team outings, client entertaining, and milestone celebrations.
- Forty to Forty-Nine Guests — Weddings, large parties, anniversaries, and full-capacity celebrations.
Trusted & Recommended
Nerissa, San Diego’s luxury yacht, is recommended by the Hotel Del Coronado, the San Diego Concierge Association, top destination management companies, and listed by the San Diego Tourism Authority. With 275+ five-star Google reviews and 160+ five-star Yelp reviews, Zolna Yachts is one of the most reviewed and consistently recommended private charter operators in San Diego.