If you prefer a day cruise, no problem; there are several types of cruises you can take around Newport bay by choosing either a 45 minute or 90 minute cruise with a narrator accompanying and explaining everything you see. If you prefer something more laid back, try the one hour sunset cruise or for those who love whale watching there are cruises planned during the months of December and March. There is no lack for cruises to suit any type of occasion and those bent on romance can opt for a cruise where you will be plied with chocolates and champagne while the gondolier takes you down the bay on a moonlight adventure.

Not only that, you can even charter a yacht at Newport Harbor to see the spectacular view of the harbor in an old fashioned sailing yacht with all the charm of the 19th century or a speed boat yacht to bring you a glimpse of the intrigue and luxury of the times when smuggling was carried on with great panache. Yacht charters at Newport harbor can be booked for the day or night. If you prefer a longer voyage, a classic cruise on a 160ft sailing yacht for a 6 day cruise visiting Nantucket, and Martha’s Vineyard can be arranged for most of the year, whereas if you book in winter you will have the pleasure of a cruise in the Caribbean.

For those who cannot resist the pleasures and the charms of the sea, sand, and sun with the wind blowing through your hair and the taste of the salty spray on your tongue, there can be no better experience than a vacation at the Newport Beach harbor. It can be a harbor cruise or a chartered yacht to give you a thrilling experience of beauty and class where you are sure to enjoy your vacation be it for a special occasion or just to get away from a stressful life.

Sean Acosta’s Adventures Boat Rentals is providing the best lodging, Harbor Cruises and Cruises Newport Beach at Newport Harbor, Huntington Beach, Laguna Beach etc., Contact us at 949.678.6631 for more details.

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Newport Harbor is in the lower section of Newport Bay in Newport Beach, California. It is about 4 miles long, running parallel to the Balboa Peninsula and the ocean. The harbor is filled with everything from pedal boats to large ocean vessels. There are over 9000 boats berthed here.

Within Newport Beach Harbor there are 7 islands, mostly filled with lovely houses and flowery porches. The boater can leisurely take a self-guided tour of these homes from the water.

On the other side of PCH (Pacific Coast Highway) the Newport Back Bay and Upper Bay extend well inland.

THE ISLANDS IN NEWPORT BEACH HARBOR

The biggest island is Balboa, accessible by bridge from Jamboree Road and Pacific Coast Highway, or by car ferry from the Balboa Peninsula near the Balboa Fun Zone. This charming little beach community has a scenic walkway that encircles the island, with the picturesque homes on one side and small sandy beaches and boating slips on the waterside. Boutique shops, restaurants, and two stands famous for their balboa bars and frozen bananas (both dipped in chocolate and rolled in the topping of your choice) line Marine Avenue.

The other islands consist of Lido Island, Little Balboa Island, Linda Isle, Collins Island, Harbor Island and Bay Island.

The other major island for visitors is Lido Island. Here you’ll find Lido Marina Village, with shops, art galleries, boutiques and boardwalk cafes.

THE BALBOA FUN ZONE

This historic little area on the peninsula side of the bay offers a small Ferris wheel, carousel, arcade and even bungee jumping. The Balboa Pavilion, which used to be a Big Band showcase is a restored local landmark dating from 1905. Today it houses special events and wedding functions. Catalina boats leave from here daily (less in winter). Call 800-830-7744 or 949-673-5245.

BOATER’S INFORMATION

Whether you are renting a boat or visiting with your own yacht, the following information may be of use. The speed limit within the harbor is 5 m.p.h.. Fuel docks can be found next to both ferry landings on either side of the bay. A boating launch ramp is located at in the Back Bay.

There is a Harbor Department guest anchorage dock near the Harbor Patrol and Coast Guard Base. For marine weather updates, including surf and water reports, call 949-673-3371.

DINING AROUND THE HARBOR

For dining in Newport Beach Harbor, there are several restaurants on Lido Island. More can be found near the ferry landing on the Balboa Peninsula. Balboa Island has restaurants on Marine Ave. (which are not on the water). For waterfront restaurants with outstanding views, check out the area of Pacific Coast Highway that lines the inland side of the harbor. This section is sometimes referred to as Mariner’s Mile.

NEWPORT HARBOR NAUTICAL MUSEUM

Located in the Balboa Marina off of Pacific Coast Highway, the Newport Harbor Nautical Museum is located on a riverboat. It features artwork and exhibits, which pertain to all things maritime. Many of the exhibits are interactive and there is a touch tank. They also have hundreds of ship models to peruse.

The tall ship Lynx docks here and gives tours as well. The museum’s address is 151 East Coast Highway, Newport Beach. There is a store and restaurant to enjoy after your visit. Their phone number is 949-673-3377

Description: Newport Beach Harbor. Discover all the scenic pleasures Newport Beach Harbor has to offer, whether from a boat on the water or strolling around Balboa Island or the peninsula.

CHRISTMAS BOAT PARADE

Every December, Newport Beach Harbor hosts a Christmas Parade of Lights. This is a great family event. Boaters and homeowners alike go all out in decorating their houses and/or boats. Viewers stroll or sit along the bay front on Balboa Island, enjoying the show of passing lights reflecting off the water.

Special tip: you can grab a hot cocoa or café mocha at the local Starbucks on Marine Avenue to keep your hands and innards warm, as December nights can be quite cool by the bay. For more information, call 949-494-3030.

A vacation in Newport Beach means more than just the beach; you have the Newport Beach Harbor to enjoy as well.

Laura Eggers operates the website http://www.southern-california-beaches-vacation-guide.com, which offers visitors a plethora of information about the different beach areas to help with planning their beach vacation in sunny Southern California.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Laura_Eggers