FAQ

All charters include a USCG Licensed Captain for your ultimate enjoyment while underway and safety.  All fuel and any port/docking fees if applicable are also included.  Aperitivo can accommodate up to 12 guests for a cruise within the harbor utilizing all seats from stern to the bow. For all ocean bound charters there is a 10 guest max.  The number of adults with children guests will also be taken into consideration to ensure comfort and safety for all.

We are located at 2801 W. Coast Hwy, Newport Beach, CA 92663. Valet is subject to a parking fee at their discretion.  Please wait outside the breezeway between the outdoor patios of Billy’s by the Beach and Louie’s by the Bay. Your captain or a dock attendant will meet you on the sidewalk above the docks and escort you to Aperitivo. Please arrive to the valet 30 minutes prior to your charter.  Off-street parking is also available.

Yes, of course, please do! Aperitivo has two mini-refrigerators and one cooler filled with ice for your use.  Choose to bring aluminum cans, non-glass containers when possible.  Your favorite bottle of wine (white/rose only) and Prosecco are perfect choices, but please no red wine or anything like it (grape juice, blue berries, etc.) is not allowed.  Aperitivo has a gorgeous teak deck and interior and red wine will stain.  We certainly don’t want to say no to chocolate, but please be mindful of brownies, cake, etc. too!

Absolutely! There’s not a more perfect addition to your Aperitivo charter than a beautifully prepared charcuterie board (except maybe an Aperol Spritz!), please inquire for your options.  However, any other catering desire we’d be happy to provide for you upon boarding.  Newport Beach also has many “dock and dine” restaurants, inform customer service upon your booking and arrangements will be made for you.

Swimming or fishing are not permitted in the harbor, and fishing is typically not an activity aboard Aperitivo.  If fishing is what you are looking for, we are more than happy to provide another boat option. Though, if swimming and loads of other water play is your wish, then an Emerald Bay Excursion is the charter for you.  With its sheltered cove and crystal clear calm waters, you couldn’t dream up a better destination for swimming and soaking up the sun!

If you plan on swimming or sunbathing or being in the water in any fashion, wear a swimsuit and coverup as we all bring a change of clothes with you.  Towels, beach bag, sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat are also must-haves.  If you have personal goggles or snorkeling gear we encourage you to bring it.  Aperitivo has a shower on the swim platform to easily rinse off  the saltwater and a cabin with a bathroom for privacy to change clothes.  Dependent upon your charter chosen and ocean conditions, Aperitivo’s speed will thrill you, but the ocean breeze even on a warm day, will chill you.  We recommend having a jacket or sweatshirt on hand to stay comfortable. Dressing in layers is always the smart choice and so is sporting proper shoes. The teak deck feels great on your bare feet, we can safely stow away your shoes, however if shoes are worn while onboard, please no heels and wear only white/non-marking soled shoes or flip flops.  Also, we don’t want any regrets, please choose to leave any valuables behind, we cannot be responsible for any lost or damaged belongings during the charter.

If we must cancel your charter due to unsafe weather conditions and/or a small craft warning, we will contact you as soon as possible to make other arrangements.  We understand how disappointing this is and we’ll do everything we can to reschedule you, though if this doesn’t work out, there’s no worry, we will refund you.  Of course a credit for a future charter is always an option. If you’re visiting from out of town, we recommend you schedule your charter at the beginning of your trip, so if need be there is time to reschedule to another beautiful California day while you’re still in town.  We want you to have your amazing Aperitivo experience!

Aperitivo is a Sea Ray yacht-certified 2021 Sundancer, a world class, sea-worthy vessel with a very smooth and relaxing ride in normal sea conditions.  Engineered and crafted to ride effortlessly through ocean swells (as well as thrill you with her performance), however in the event this becomes an issue, not a worry, your captain will drive you right back into the largest recreational harbor on the West Coast with 21 square miles and 840 acres of waterways.  More than enough surrounding beauty and fun to keep you entertained, but with that said, if you are prone to sea/car sickness may we suggest you take motion sickness medicine up to 24 hours prior to your charter (please seek your doctor’s recommendation).

The last thing we want to do is not give you an amazing Aperitivo experience! Credits for future charters we are happy to give. To receive 100% refund you must cancel no less than 5 days before your scheduled charter. (ie. to cancel a Saturday charter, cancel by the Monday prior). Please be mindful that there is only one Aperitivo, we ask you to please cancel as soon as you can, especially for reservations made weeks ahead of time, enabling another guest to enjoy. You may take a credit for a future charter up to 24 hours prior to departure based on availability. Unsafe weather is always taken into consideration when a charter has to be cancelled, and a credit for future charters will always be given, even when there is less than 24 hours before the charter.  No shows result in no refund and no credit.

You must be 21-years-old to charter with a valid driver’s license, be sure to bring your license with you.  You will also be required to sign a waiver of liability along with all guests in the charter. With your booking confirmation you will receive a the waiver to sign via email along with a link to send all your guests to sign prior to your charter.

All passengers 12 and under must wear a life jacket while underway, even infants. We have life jackets for all passengers onboard.

Gratuities are not included in your charter/captain fees. Tipping your captain 15% and more is industry standard for excellent service. Completely at your discretion, we can include a tip at the time of your booking to use a credit card.  You may also tip your captain directly at the end of your charter.  Cash is most typical though tipping via Venmo (or other electronic means) is available for your convenience.