Why Renting a Duffy Boat Is the Best Way to Experience Newport Harbor This Holiday Season
There’s no place quite like Newport Harbor during the holidays. The waterfront homes glow with twinkling lights, the reflections dance across the water, and the entire harbor feels like a living postcard of coastal cheer. If you’re looking for a festive, relaxing, and truly memorable way to soak it all in this season, there’s one experience that stands out above the rest: renting an electric Duffy boat!
A Cozy, Magical Way to See the Lights
Holiday lights are beautiful from the street—but they’re breathtaking from the water. From the comfort of your own private electric boat, you glide quietly past lavishly decorated estates, cheerful docks, sparkling yachts, and Balboa Island homes wrapped in thousands of lights. Duffy boats are fully enclosed, heated (if needed), and whisper-quiet, creating the perfect cozy atmosphere for friends, family, or a romantic date night.
It’s like taking a front-row cruise through Newport’s most festive neighborhoods—without the crowds, noise, or rushing.
Bring Your Own Food & Drinks
One of the best perks of a Duffy rental? You can bring your own snacks, holiday treats, charcuterie, or takeout from your favorite local spot.
Pick up a warm dinner to-go, pack a thermos of hot cocoa or mulled wine, or dock along the way for a quick stop at a bayside restaurant for happy hour.
Some local favorites around the harbor include:
- Harborside for waterfront cocktails
- Billy’s at the Beach for a legendary Mai Tai
- The Cannery for a Mezcal Old Fashioned, Sushi and More. Amazing Happy Hour Daily from 3:30-6PM and lots of dock space including the public dock nearby.
- Woody’s Wharf for lively bar vibes
- Dock & Dine–friendly spots all around the harbor.
You set the vibe—casual, festive, romantic, or celebratory.
A Festive Adventure for Any Occasion
Whether you’re celebrating:
- A holiday date night
- A family outing
- A small company celebration
- Visiting relatives
- Or simply wanting to do something unique this season
…a Duffy boat cruise fits perfectly. It’s intimate, customizable, and just adventurous enough to feel special without any stress. No captain required—anyone can operate a Duffy with a quick lesson before departing.
Experience Newport Like a Local
Newport locals know: the best holiday light displays are the ones facing the water. Rent a Duffy and you’ll cruise through narrow channels, under glittering bridges, and along Balboa Island’s most charming lanes, giving you access to views that can only be seen from the harbor.
It’s truly the insider way to experience the season.
Create Traditions You’ll Look Forward to All Year
One holiday ride tends to turn into a yearly ritual. Families return year after year, couples make it an annual tradition, and friends schedule their holiday outings around a Duffy cruise because it’s just that memorable.
If you want a festive experience that feels both peaceful and exciting—something that captures the magic of Newport Beach—this is it.
Ready to Cruise Into the Holidays?
Special holiday offers and seasonal rates are available.
Click here to view special offers and rates!
Enjoy the lights, the laughter, the holiday music, and the magic of Newport Harbor—from your own private Duffy boat. It’s the most unforgettable way to celebrate the season on the water.
