Everything you need to know about renting a Duffy electric boat—from choosing the right size to planning the perfect cruise through Orange County's most scenic waterway.
Imagine cruising past multi-million dollar waterfront homes, toasting champagne with friends, and watching the sunset paint the sky—all from the comfort of your own private boat. That's the magic of a Duffy boat rental in Huntington Harbour.
Whether you're celebrating a special occasion, hosting a floating party, or simply want a unique way to experience one of Orange County's hidden gems, this guide covers everything you need to know to plan the perfect Duffy cruise.
A Duffy is an electric-powered boat designed specifically for leisurely cruising on calm, protected waters. Think of it as a floating living room—with comfortable seating, a table in the center, a canopy for shade, and enough space to bring food, drinks, and all your favorite people.
Unlike speedboats or sailboats, Duffys move at a relaxed 5 mph pace—perfect for sightseeing, conversation, and soaking in the scenery. They're whisper-quiet (no loud engine noise), environmentally friendly (zero emissions), and incredibly easy to operate.
Duffy Electric Boats was founded in 1970 right here in Southern California! The company has been building these iconic vessels in Newport Beach for over 50 years.
What makes Duffys special:
✓ Electric motor = quiet, peaceful cruising
✓ Comfortable bench seating around a center table
✓ Canopy top for sun protection
✓ Built-in Bluetooth speaker
✓ Cooler with ice included
✓ No wake = smooth, stable ride
✓ Perfect for all ages, including kids and seniors
We offer three Duffy sizes to match your group and occasion. Here's how to choose the right one:
Perfect for intimate gatherings, date nights, and small families. Cozy and easy to maneuver.
Our most popular size! Great for friend groups, family outings, and small celebrations.
The party boat! Ideal for large celebrations, corporate events, and big groups.
Pro tip: Book one size up from your headcount if you're bringing lots of food, decorations, or want extra space to spread out. Comfort matters!
One of the best things about Duffy boats? Anyone can drive one. No boating license, no certification, no prior experience necessary.
When you arrive, our staff will give you a quick 5-minute orientation covering the simple controls, harbor navigation, and safety basics. The steering is intuitive (just like a car), and the 5 mph speed limit means there's no stress about going too fast.
Operating a Duffy is as easy as:
1. Turn the key to start
2. Push the throttle forward to go
3. Turn the wheel to steer
4. Pull throttle back to slow/stop
That's it! Most guests feel confident within minutes.
Half the fun of a Duffy cruise is bringing your favorite food and drinks! Here's how to prepare:
Glass can break and harm swimmers and wildlife. Please transfer drinks to cans, plastic, or bring boxed wine. We appreciate your help keeping the harbor safe!
What we provide: Life jackets (all sizes), cooler with ice, Bluetooth speaker, and a harbor navigation map. Everything you need for a great cruise!
Huntington Harbour offers approximately 5 miles of scenic waterways to explore. The protected harbor is lined with hundreds of waterfront homes—from Mediterranean villas to modern masterpieces—plus impressive yachts, palm-lined channels, and the occasional wildlife sighting.
Highlights along your cruise:
🏠 Waterfront Mansions: Mediterranean, Spanish, Modern, Cape Cod—every architectural style is represented
⛵ Yacht Row: Impressive sailboats and motor yachts docked at private homes
🌴 Palm-Lined Channels: Picture-perfect California scenery
🎨 Whimsical Decorations: Giant Nemo sculptures, creative dock art, and fun surprises
🌅 Sunset Views: West-facing views of spectacular Orange County sunsets
The full harbor loop takes about 45-60 minutes at a leisurely pace. Most guests cruise for 90 minutes to 2 hours, which allows plenty of time to explore, take photos, and enjoy refreshments.
Sunset cruises are our most popular time. Book at least a week ahead, especially for weekends!
Give yourself time for check-in, orientation, and loading your supplies onto the boat.
Yes, really! Local pizza places will deliver right to our dock. Ask us for recommendations.
We provide ice, but for longer cruises or hot days, a bag of extra ice keeps drinks perfectly cold.
The last 1-2 hours before sunset offer the best lighting for photos. Magic hour is real!
The harbor transforms into a winter wonderland! Book your holiday cruise early—it's our busiest season.
A few final thoughts to ensure your Duffy experience is unforgettable:
For Celebrations: Arrive 20-30 minutes early if you're decorating. Balloons, streamers, and banners are all welcome—just skip the confetti (it's hard to clean and harms wildlife).
For Romance: Time your cruise to catch the sunset. Bring champagne, a small speaker with your favorite songs, and maybe some battery-operated candles for ambiance.
For Families: Kids love taking turns "driving" the boat! Life jackets come in all sizes including infant sizes. The gentle pace and calm water make it safe and enjoyable for all ages.
For Dogs: Furry friends are welcome and ride free! We even have dog life vests. Most dogs love the gentle boat movement and all the interesting smells.
Book your Duffy boat rental today and create memories that last a lifetime!
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