Adventuress Luxury Catamaran offers private yacht charters on San Diego Bay

For a city defined by its relationship with the water, Adventuress Luxury Catamaran offers a distinctly elevated way to experience San Diego from a different perspective. The locally based, family-owned company specializes exclusively in private charters aboard two 60-foot luxury catamarans, Adventuress and newer sister yacht Safara, creating bespoke experiences that pair the beauty of San Diego Bay and the Southern California coastline with highly personalized hospitality.

For founders Heather McDonald and Ken Manzoni, the idea began with a simple observation. “San Diego has one of the most beautiful waterfronts in the world, and we knew there was an opportunity to offer a truly elevated and intimate way to experience it,” says Heather. Their vision was something beyond a traditional boat excursion: a luxurious setting where guests could entertain, connect, and relax together on the water.

Adventuress and Safara each accommodate from 2 to 48 guests and can be chartered together for gatherings of up to 96. Outings range from daytime sails and sunset cocktail cruises to weddings, milestone celebrations, corporate entertaining, whale watching, and coastal adventures. 

But the company’s definition of luxury extends beyond the yachts themselves. “True luxury is also about superior service and personalized experiences,” says Heather. “Our goal is not simply to meet our guests’ expectations, but to exceed them.”

That philosophy informs every charter. Customized catering and beverage service can be complemented by sommelier-led wine tastings, live music, photography, and other enhancements, with the team shaping each outing around the guests rather than asking guests to fit a prescribed experience.

Last year, the founders expanded that vision with longtime captain-turned-partner Michael Ash when they added Safara — affectionately named for the family’s beloved cat — to the fleet. Together with an experienced crew of sailors and hospitality professionals, the family remains hands-on in creating what Heather describes as the freedom to “relax, connect, and enjoy the moment.”

Docked at Cabrillo Isle Marina on Harbor Island, it’s an approach that transforms a charter into something more: a private floating venue where San Diego itself provides the backdrop. adventuressluxurycatamaran.com