Custom Charters

Your time on the water.
Thoughtfully tailored to you.

Beyond the Usual Charter

Some days on the water call for something more personal. Perhaps you have a particular experience in mind, want more time to sail, are planning something for a small group, or simply want a day aboard Kelpie that doesn’t fit neatly into one of our signature experiences.

Our Custom Private Charters begin with what you have in mind. We’ll work with you to shape the timing, pace and length of your sail, with options for extended time on the water and enhancements along the way. Every charter is private, welcoming up to six guests aboard Kelpie.

PLAN YOUR CHARTER

PERSONALIZED PLANNING
Built around your ideas

CUSTOM PRICING
Based on your plans

FLEXIBLE DURATIONS
From 90 minutes

PRIVATE CHARTER
Just your group

UP TO 6 GUESTS
An intimate experience

What Do You Have in Mind?

More time under sail. A leisurely afternoon on the water. A gathering with friends. Or perhaps you have a particular vision for your time aboard.

Tell us what would make the day yours, and we’ll help you explore what’s possible aboard Kelpie.

A Charter Shaped Around You

Every custom charter begins with a conversation

Tell us what you have in mind, and we’ll help you consider the timing, length of sail and details that will make the experience feel distinctly your own.

THOUGHTFUL DETAILS
Add flowers, beverages, a gourmet picnic platter or other touches making the experience your own.
YOUR OWN PACE
Shape the day around how you’d like to spend your time—settle in and relax, enjoy the sailing, or simply see where the afternoon takes you.

Let’s Plan Something Together

Custom charter pricing is based on the length and details of your experience. Tell us what you have in mind, and we’ll help you plan your time aboard Kelpie and provide a personalized quote

PLAN YOUR CHARTER

MORE TIME ON THE WATER
Extend your sail for a leisurely afternoon or a longer coastal experience.
YOUR PREFERRED TIME
Ask about departure times outside our regularly scheduled charter options.

What’s Included

Private sailing charter for just your group
Professional USCG-licensed captain
Personalized charter planning
Flexible timing and duration options
Authentic sailing aboard classic yacht Kelpie
Beautiful coastal and mountain views
Wildlife spotting opportunities
Cozy blankets for breezy days
Bluetooth speaker for your playlist
Easy boarding from Santa Barbara Harbor

Your charter, your pace. We’ll take care of the details.

Enhancements Available

GOURMET PICNIC PLATTERS

BEVERAGES

FLORAL ARRANGEMENTS

SPECIAL TOUCHES

VIEW ENHANCEMENTS

What to Expect

BEFORE YOUR CHARTER
Arrive at Santa Barbara Harbor, Marina 2 Gate, 10 minutes before departure. Your captain will meet you at the gate and walk you down to Kelpie.

BOARDING
Kick off your shoes, step aboard the sailing yacht, Kelpie, and ease into your time on the water with a glass of local beer or wine.

UNDERWAY
Watch the harbor fall behind as Kelpie catches the wind, cruising effortlessly along The American Riviera®.

RETURN
We will return to the same dock where your adventure began, leaving you ready to step ashore and explore the waterfront at your own pace.

Have Something Else in Mind?

Let’s create a private sailing experience shaped around the way you want to spend your time on the water.

PLAN YOUR CHARTER

Frequently Asked Questions

Every SunSwept Sailing experience is a completely private charter for your group. You will have the yacht and captain to yourselves—we do not combine unrelated parties or sell individual tickets.
Your charter price includes private use of Kelpie, an experienced USCG-licensed captain, and the sailing or cruising experience you select.
FareHarbor’s booking fee is added at checkout. SunSwept Sailing covers the credit card processing fee.
Optional enhancements are priced separately. Sales tax is added to applicable items such as beverages and floral arrangements, while tax is already included in the listed price of catering selections.
A suggested 20% captain gratuity is automatically selected during checkout, but it is completely optional and may be adjusted or removed before payment.
Kelpie accommodates up to six passengers, including children and infants. Your charter price covers the private yacht rather than being charged per person, so you may bring anywhere from one to six guests.
What should we bring?
We recommend dressing in layers, as it is often about 10°F cooler on the water than on land. A hat, polarized sunglasses, a camera, and non-aerosol, reef-safe sunscreen will help make your experience more comfortable.
Kelpie is a barefoot yacht, so guests will be asked to remove their footwear before boarding unless shoes are medically necessary. Warm blankets are available aboard in case you forget a jacket.
Outside food and hard-sided coolers are not permitted. Curated food and beverage options are available to add to your charter. Please contact us in advance regarding dietary or medical circumstances that may require an exception.
All kinds. Birthdays, anniversaries, engagements, honeymoons, reunions, milestones—or simply having something worth celebrating. You don’t need a traditional “special occasion,” either. Sometimes a beautiful afternoon on the water with your favorite people is reason enough.

Yes. Depending on the experience, you may add curated picnic or cocktail platters, beverages, floral arrangements, proposal enhancements, and other special touches.
Available options and ordering deadlines vary by charter. Visit the Add-Ons section of your experience page or select available enhancements during booking.
Your captain monitors marine conditions closely and makes the final decision regarding weather and safety. Santa Barbara often has excellent sailing conditions even when the forecast appears overcast or breezy on land.
If SunSwept Sailing must cancel because conditions are unsafe, we will work with you to reschedule. When rescheduling is not possible, the options available under our weather policy will apply. Guests should not assume their charter is canceled unless they hear directly from us.
Cancellation and rescheduling terms depend on the experience and how far in advance the request is made. Most standard charters may be rescheduled for account credit when notice is provided at least 72 hours before departure. Refunds are limited, and special experiences, catering, floral arrangements, holidays, and bookings made close to departure may have different terms.
Please review the full policies which are also displayed during booking before completing your reservation.
Absolutely. The photos throughout our website feature real guests enjoying real experiences aboard Kelpie—not stock photography. We think the best way to show what sailing with SunSwept feels like is to share genuine moments from days on the water.
Prefer not to be photographed or featured? Just let us know—we’re always happy to respect your wishes.