We used Classic Yacht Adventures service to scatter the ashes of my late father-in-law. Having lost a loved one, we were going through very difficult phase of our life. To add to the misery, none of the boat operators were even picking up our call since they were all booked due to peak summer season activities. That is when a friend of mine referred Dan to us. When i called up Dan, he immediately accepted my trip even though he had a fishing trip on the same day. He said that mine is more important and that the other trip can wait. Dan gave me detailed instructions on how it is done, what all I should bring along for the trip, where to park etc. Dan and Cathy (hosts) made us feel at home on board their beautiful yacht. They were very kind and welcoming. They took us about 5 miles into the ocean to a calm and serene setting and let us scatter the ashes and flowers. They also gave us the exact coordinates in case if we want to return to the spot in the future years. This is the level of service that we will never forget. read more

Captain Dan made our trip to Santa Cruz a day to remember. He was early to the Marina to ensure no one waited, helped us all aboard the Ciao Bella, and made sure our day was filled with memories we will never forget. Captain Dan found a dolphin pod that swam with the yacht allowing us all to film them. It was truly amazing! We then went to a fishing spot to catch dinner. Captain Dan provided all the gear, baited all the lines, helped bring in all the fish, and then filleted and bagged the fish for us...pretty incredible service. When we got to the Island we walked around for about 2.5 hours. When it was time to leave the dock was full with cruise ships so captain Dan came to us on three separate rowboat trips to bring us to the Ciao Bella. Captain Dan obviously loves the ocean and he wants his guests to enjoy it as well. He is engaging but gives you your space, is a total professional, and someone I would recommend to all my friends. We will see him again real soon!!! read more

This is the second time I book CYA, again they delivered! I wanted to celebrate the 4th of July in a special way, I wanted my granddaughter to go out on a yacht and see the fireworks up close. I contacted CYA and booked the afternoon and evening. It was AWESOME! We ate hot dogs, chips, cake, lots of food. My granddaughter, great niece and great nephew, I had 10 people in my party and we all fit comfortably. Captian Dan knows his way around the ocean and a yacht! Captian Dan made it a point to take us to see the seals, you should of seen my granddaughters face!! She loved it!! Captain Dan took us out past the break water, dropped anchor and the fireworks display was awesome!!!! Cathy, Captain Dan beautiful wife is the perfect hostess. She made she everyone was happy, she is the perfect hostess. Captian Dan and Cathy made us all feel like family! They are awesome people who provide an awesome experience. I hope to do this again the next July 4th. Thank you Captain Dan and Cathy! read more

I charted Capt. Dan and the Ciao Bella for a birthday party with six of us in all, for a six hour cruise around the island in the harbour. We had a wonderful time drinking and eating and watching the sunset and just appreciating the scenic beauty of our channel. Saw dolphins, tons of seals, and a humpback whale! Capt. Dan is just the greatest guy. He was super flexible with the cruise and let us plan whatever we wanted. his deckhand couldn't make it, so he had to stay up in the cabin piloting the boat most of the time, but he did come down from time to time and I wish he could've stayed down longer, because he just felt like one of us! His yacht, the ciao Bella, is set up beautifully for an enchanting party/retreat with friends, with a little bar, a galley, a dining area, and living room area, plus several bedrooms. Truly, it's one of the coziest yachts I've been on. Next time I'm hoping to do an overnight trip with him! read more

We had the best trip the past weekend with Captain Dan and Cathy aboard Ciao Bella. We celebrated a birthday and they surprised us by decorating the yacht. We had such a nice time cruising up to Ventura watching dolphins and seals along the way. We spent 4 hours out in the Pacific and cruising the beautiful Oxnard harbor. Captain Dan and Cathy have a lot of experience and knowledge and were so pleasant to talk with and share stories, we had a lot of fun! They were incredibly accommodating throughout the process, from initial contact to the end of the cruise. Maybe we will fish for yellow tail next time. Thank you Captain Dan and Cathy for a wonderful day at sea!! read more

Captain Dan was AMAZING!! He was not only safe and thoughtful but also gave us great information and stories! He let my 12 year old nephew drive the boat as a "Captain". He was funny and generous and helped us fish and bring home our dinner. He answered every question we had about the Islands, Oxnard, local fish and birds. This man just loves the ocean, people, surfing, life and Oxnard. I really cannot say enough enough how happy he made us and our visiting family. You will never regret hiring Captain Dan and his fantastic, welcoming, comfortable yacht Ciao Bella. Do yourself a favor - Live The Captain Dan Experience ! Paget and Steve read more

I could not say enough good things about Captain Dan and Classic Yacht Adventures. They went above and beyond to make our experience incredible. I wish I could give 100 stars. I rarely write reviews but they deserve the recognition! We went for a bachelorette party and I am SO happy we chose Classic Yacht Adventures because it would not have been NEAR as good of an experience with someone else. Extremely accommodating and they want nothing more than to give you the best possible experience. I hope to come back! Thank you so much for everything! read more

I lost my wife last year and per her instructions I was to scatter her ashes off the coast of Oxnard, CA. I believe God led me to Captain Dan who was the most perfect host for this service at sea! He was very professional, experienced, patient and kind and knowledgeable of the task at hand. I can't say enough good about Captain Dan and his services that I highly recommend him for any type event you may have requiring a boat and the ocean. It was truly above and beyond expectations or my hopes and wishes! Many thanks Dan! Jon M. read more

We chartered Captain Dan's boat to spread my mother's ashes. He and Cathy were wonderful and wanted to make the afternoon as special as possible. I highly recommend them. As an added bonus, we were accompanied by a dozen or so dolphins. Dan took pictures and sent us the exact location where the ashes were spread. It was very loving and compassionate. What you should know - this is a smaller boat (about six guests). If you have a tendency toward seasickness - take a dramamine, and I recommend sitting up top. read more

Wow! What an amazing time my family and I had on Captain Dan's boat today! My 6 year old son loves boats and was beyond thrilled when Captain Dan let him get behind the wheel and steer! Captain Dan was so hospitable in welcoming us to enjoy his beautiful boat. He entertained us with great stories and interesting information about the local area. The experience was one my family will not soon forget. We will definitely return for another cruise! read more

From the moment I had sent my email Captain Dan could do enough for me, from letting me know which trip would be best for my family and I to keeling in constant contact on which day would be best. We had an amazing day and loved every minute, Captain Dan was so welcoming we felt like we had know him forever! We will definitely be in touch next time we are back in the US. Thanks for making the day so awesome! Jackie x Manchester, UK read more

I had the great fortune to spend yesterday on board with Captain Dan and 5 other friends and family members. It was an amazing day out on the pacific. Dan is knowledgeable, funny and just an all around good guy. We will for sure be chartering with Dan again. Next time for a fishing adventure. If you just want to have a great time with friends and family out in the pacific on a beautiful yacht, Dan is the only one to call! read more

Captain Dan took my family and I out this past Sunday to give my son a birthday celebration at sea and followed up with scattering some of his ashes. Thank you so much! Captain Dan is very professional, nice, and overall a great person. His boat is very clean, spacious, and feels very comfortable. I would recommend him to anyone in a heartbeat! Thank you again, Mr. & Mrs. Manuel and Alice Santoyo and family. read more

I was looking into taking my girlfriend out for our anniversary and a co worker gave me the idea of taking her out on a yacht. Found classic yacht adventures online and decided to give it a shot. It turned out perfect. Our captain Dan and hostess Cathy were some of the nicest people and made everything easy and comfortable. I couldn't be more pleased with how our date turned out. Can't wait to do it again read more

My family and I booked this company as the capstone to our summer vacation. Captain Dan worked with me to make sure we had everything we needed pre-voyage & to go over my "wish list" for the day & took the time to interact with all of us on board. He made sure to include activities for the all the children on board, as well as the adults. Each and every one of us had a marvelous time on the "Ciao Bella" read more

Dan and Cathy helped my family and I celebrate my dad's passing aboard his very comfortable yacht. They really are great people and made all of us feel at home. My family and I have nothing but great things to say about the experience. Capt. Dan even said a little "Mariner's Prayer" for my Dad. A class act and worth taking a look at for whatever your on the water occasion may be. Thanks Dan and Cathy! read more

This last Labor Day was awesome, phenomenal day with Captain Dan and his first mate, going on a voyage in the harbor did a little fishing, jumped into the ocean had a great time, barbecued had some great watermelon my three kids and my wife loved it it's all we talked about on the way back to riverside can't wait till the next adventure thanks for making the day a great day Captain Dan read more

Captain Dan took my family and I out this Sunday to honor my brother who passed away with a birthday ceremony at sea. His yacht was clean, safe, and comfortable. Captain Dan was very professional and friendly. He did some readings and said a sailors prayer for my brother. I would recommend him for any ceremony or general outing you would like to take in the future. read more

Captain Dan is so nice and welcoming! My boyfriend and I were invited to a birthday party on yacht and it was amazing! There were six of us on the yacht and we toured around Anacapa island and the harbor and it was great! We saw the sunset and dolphins and whales and it was beautiful! What a wonderful way to spend a birthday! Hope we can do it again sometime read more