Thriving Boat Charter Business In California For Sale

Property Information

Real Estate:

Lease

Location:

Prime waterfront location with a 900 sq ft storefront and exclusive dock space for 4 boats. The business is situated in a high-traffic marina, frequented by locals and tourists.

Premises Details:

5-year renewable lease signed in 2023. The property includes a waterfront retail space for merchandise, customer check-in, and dive rentals. Additionally, it has direct access to the docks, which house the fleet of 4 boats.

Size in square feet:

900 sq ft retail and customer service space.

Planning Consent:

The business holds all necessary operating permits, including a transferable lease, USCG inspections, and cruising clearance.

Business Operation

Expansion Potential:

The recent acquisition of the a fourth boat and the reinstatement of its COI present significant growth potential, as the full impact of this vessel on annual revenue has yet to be realized. Expanding into a full-service dive shop with retail sales and an enhanced scuba certifications department can further boost revenue streams. Partner sales through collaborations with local hotels and tour operators could increase B2B bookings, while the addition of paid marketing would amplify brand visibility and complement the already strong organic growth. There is an opportunity to launch public offerings, such as sunset cruises, snorkeling charters, and wildlife watching tours, to attract broader audiences. Shark expedition charters could appeal to adventure-seekers and divers looking for premium experiences.

A dedicated storefront retail space would increase walk-in sales of merchandise and dive gear, while the continued implementation of AI-powered apps could reduce operational costs and enhance booking efficiency. The available outdoor space could be leveraged for a front-lawn coffee shop, improving the guest experience before and after charters.

Expanding into curated dive travel packages and multi-day trips would cater to the growing market of destination divers, while franchising the business’s standardized operations presents an opportunity for multi-location growth in other coastal markets.

Competition / Market:

There is only one direct local dive charter competitor in the region and several general cruise operators. However, most competitors lack proper permits or certified safety ratings. The business’s unique selling points—diverse fleet sizes, exclusive permits, and a loyal B2B and B2C customer base—provide a rare significant competitive edge.

Reasons for selling:

The current owners (a couple) are selling to transition out of the business, focus on their relationship, and start a family.

Trading hours:

Monday – Sunday: Operating charters primarily from Wednesday to Sunday, with flexibility for private bookings.

Employees:

16 total: 1 Manager, 1 Maintenance Manager, 4 Captains, 7 Deckhands/Tour Guides, 3 Shop Staff

Years established:

Established for 18 years, with 6 years under current ownership.

Other Information

Support & training:

The current owners are committed to offering intensive post-sale training and support, including a highly-detailed operational playbook, assistance with transitioning vendor relationships, and introduction to key local contacts.

Owner financing:

Owner financing is available. Please contact the seller for more information.

Financing available:

Owner financing is available for qualified buyers. Please contact the seller for more information.

Seller is open to partial financing with terms to be negotiated, including a fixed repayment schedule over a set period.

Furniture / Fixtures value:

$5,000 - included in the asking price

Inventory / Stock value:

$60,000 - included in the asking price