Viewing – On a Boat

Rent a boat in Newport Beach from Balboa Boat Rentals! Our mission is to provide customers the best service and value by offering a variety of recreational boating opportunities in clean, safe, reliable craft and to do it better than anyone else.

Private Boat Cruises with Captain

With 15 departures per evening, across our fleet of three unique boats, all of our 90-minute trips are private for up to 6 guests and include a captain. We provide an intimate and exclusive experience to remember forever. Our private boat cruises with a captain are the best way to feel immersed in the harbor’s holiday cheer and view the boat parade from a front row seat. Enjoy complimentary hot chocolate and blankets onboard, or bring food and beverages to make the night more special. Speak with our concierge before your cruise to plan your perfect experience.

Founding Captain Newport was all about our love of California, its beaches and its islands. We bought these boats because we believe that renting a boat in California is the ultimate way to spend a day or two – clearing your head and focusing on nature’s beauty, life’s leisure and beyond all – pure unadulterated fun.

Our Catalina Flyer, the largest passenger-carrying catamaran on the West Coast, features a richly appointed interior, sweeping sun decks, full-service cocktail lounges, stately viewing windows and Ride Control.

General Admission Boat Parade & Holiday Lights Cruise Tickets
Newport Landing offers three cruise times each night of the 2021 boat parade. The 2021 Boat Parade dates are Wednesday December 15, 2021 - Sunday December 19, 2021. Departure times are at 5:30 pm, 7:05 pm, and 8:30 pm for each of the 5 nights of the parade. Get the full boat parade experience without owning your own yacht. Can’t make one of the 5 nights of the parade, we also offer holiday lights cruises each night in December.   Each of our cruises is aboard one of our fully decorated ships and for the parade nights travels with the actual parade. Outside the parade nights see the amazing holiday light displays of all the Newport Bay waterfront estates competing in their own contest called the “Ring of Lights”.  Tickets $36 Adults $32 Juniors

Private Yacht Rentals/Charters In December
Select from all size yachts and ships. Each fully decorated with lots of great amenities.  Holiday lights cruise rentals are available throughout December including the 5 nights of the parade.  Hundreds of hosted parties and events each season mean our rental specialists have a vast amount of knowledge to ensure a “over the top” event for your guests.  Yacht rentals for all group sizes .

Stroll from deck to deck, sipping lively libations and snacking on scrumptious hors d'oeuvres as the DJ or live band fills the air with holiday cheer. Cruise the waters of beautiful Newport Harbor while viewing hundreds of elegant vessels decked out in amazing displays of lights and peek in on lavishly decorated estates along the water's edge. Afterwards, dine on a feast prepared by our executive chef while you bask in the holiday cheer this event creates in every participant.

The Christmas Boat Parade started with a gondola, and we are proud to carry on that century-old tradition!  Our Christmas Boat Parade gondola cruises are approximately 90-minutes long and get the guests up close and personal with the Parade.  We include hot cocoa or hot cider and lots of Christmas goodies (cookies and assorted treats) and provide what is akin to a sleigh ride on the water.  In addition to Parade viewing, we also see many of the decorated homes around Linda and Harbor Islands.  We offer two different time slots per evening, we can take up to 6 guests per boat (larger groups can book a “flotilla” where several gondolas cruise together in close proximity), and we include parking (one space for each gondola booked).

At least one authentic Venetian gondola has been in Newport Harbor since John Scarpa arrived in the early 1900s.  We are the last remaining gondola company here and we have six imported Venetian boats, including the historic Curci gondola, the Lucia.

This year, celebrate the holidays with a new tradition: a toast-worthy celebration on a Hornblower cruise. With unparalleled Christmas Boat Parade views, delicious meals and affordable adventures, Hornblower Newport Beach holiday cruises are a departure from the ordinary for holidays.

Cycle through the Newport Beach Boat Parade on the most unique charter boat in the harbor. We have 90 minute charters starting at 6 PM and 8 PM for private groups only (12 people max). Bring your own snacks and drinks while cruising with some of the most spectacular boats in Newport Beach.

For cruises during the 2021 Newport Beach Boat Parade, Newport Landing offers various times each night of the 2021 boat parade. The 2021 Boat Parade dates are Wednesday December 15, 2021 - Sunday, December 19, 2021.

Each Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade cruise is aboard one of our fully decorated ships that are in the actual parade. See all of the ships in the 2021 Newport Beach Parade while traveling through the bay. See the amazing holiday light displays of all the Newport Bay waterfront estates competing in their own contest called the Ring of Lights. Viewing the Newport Beach Boat Parade 2021 by ship allows everyone to get the full boat parade experience without the need of your own boat.