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Best Places To Rent A Boat In Orange County

boat rental 610
(credit: Pawel Kazmierczak/Shutterstock)

Orange County has a lot to explore on land, but sometimes you need a change of pace. Like the opportunity to explore some of the body of water to the immediate west. If you're looking for a day trip — especially for fishing — or just a way to while away a few hours on the water, try these great places to rent a boat.

Fun Zone Boat Company
(credit: Annie L,./Yelp)

The Fun Zone Boat Company
700 E Edgewater Place
Balboa, CA 92661
(949) 673-8413
funzoneboats.com

This is the place to go if you want to explore Newport Harbor. Three different tours are available here. One tour offers you the chance to go out into the harbor and see California sea lions. On another tour, you'll cruise past the homes and yachts of celebrities — and there are plenty of those in the Newport Harbor area. The other option is a 90-minute tour of the entire harbor, during which the captain and crew will highlight various points of interest.

Paradiso Yacht Charters
(credit: Jen S./Yelp)

Paradiso Yacht Charters
670 Lido Park Drive
Newport Beach, CA 92663
(714) 404-0806
paradisoyachtcharters.com

Paradiso has a variety of options for trips. It can even be as simple as a coastal cruise from Lido to Crystal Cove or Laguna Beach. These short cruises are great for corporate events or cocktail parties. You can also charter the yacht for fishing trips in style. One other option is a cruise to Catalina. This option is available as a day trip or a weekend mini-vacation. Paradiso also offers a service of burial at sea, should you ever need it. The crew is certified to perform the ceremony in Newport Beach, Laguna Beach or Dana Point.

davey's locker whale watching
(credit: Davey's Locker)

Davey's Locker
400 Main St.
Newport Beach, CA 92661
(949) 673-1434
www.daveyslocker.com

Davey's Locker has a couple of options for your cruise that will at least start in the Newport Bay area. One is a whale-watching cruise. This is great for your guests who have come from elsewhere. Davey's offers daily trips, including four per day from March to October. You can also rent boats here for fishing. The overnight trips to Catalina or San Clemente Island are especially appealing. For these trips, you will leave at 9 p.m., start fishing at sunrise and return the next evening. Patrons on these trips have regularly returned with various kinds of tuna, dorado and other varieties of fish.

Related:  Best Places To Rent Jet Skis And Boats In Orange County

ship n a bottle
(credit: Isreal T./Yelp)

Ship 'N A Bottle
3446 Via Oporto, Boat Slip 703
Newport Beach, CA 92663
(714) 206-9283
www.shipnabottle.com

Ship 'N A Bottle offers a number of options for your cruise. The shortest trip is two hours, and includes a private cruise around Newport Bay with appetizers and wine. It makes for a really nice date that is much more interesting than a standard restaurant. Other options include a six-hour day cruise that stays near the coast. You'll also find a couple options for trips to Catalina — including an overnight trip and a two-night trip. You must have experience (and you will be tested) to rent the boats here.

newport harbor sailing boat beach boat
(credit: istockphoto)

Harbor Boat Rentals
34661 Puerto Place 
Dana Point, CA 92629
(949) 498-4285
www.harborboatrentals.com

If your goal in renting a boat is to do some fishing, Harbor Boat Rentals is the place for you. Boats here can be rented for a half day (five hours) or a full day (nine hours). Three sizes of boats are available: 21 feet, 23 feet and a pontoon boat that is 25 feet long. This is a great way to spend a day with friends cruising and looking to land some of your favorite game fish.

Related: Best Places To Take Out-Of-Towners In Orange County

Gary Schwind is a freelance writer covering all things Orange County. His work can be found on Examiner.com.
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