the Curlew is immaculate. she is 100 years old and in near pristine condition. 82 feet long with a crew of 3 caring and knowledgeable people that understand sailing and attend to every detail. I chartered this boat for a burial at Sea for my daughter. She loved the Ocean and watching Whales. Her last request to me was to be buried at Sea. We had 14 guest and one 7 month old baby on board. Everything was done with precise accuracy. What a beautiful ceremony. Simple and to the point. Definitely a experience to remember. Highly recommend! . read more

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What went well? Everything! The boat and crew are amazing. We were celebrating my 80th birthday and our recent 50th year of marriage. Our group spanned all ages and had a wonderful time. Curlew is, basically, a Time Machine. It was launched long ago and far away -- in 1926 in the state of Maine. The crew is very knowledgeable in handling Curlew at sea, but also in the history of this priceless artifact. read more

Dana Point, Ca. We took my best friend on his final voyage aboard this vessel. It is a beautifully restored vintage two mast sailboat. The first thing I noticed was how well the crew worked together, everyone knows their job. Not to mention that they are all in excellent physical shape. We motored out of the slip and some of our party got to hoist the sails. We glided out of the harbor and once out at sea aways we scattered his ashes and lots of flowers. The crew assisted in a nice ceremonial process. Alas the voyage did not last long, we were soon tacking about and sailing back to the harbor. We never lost sight of land, it would not have taken much more time to do so, but that was the program. Rest In Peace David Ray Malson, you will never be forgotten by me and my family. Fair winds and calm seas forever my friend. read more

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What an awesome time I had today along with 20 of my friends. The boat is 99 years old and is in pristine condition! The captain and crew were flawless, friendly and funny. Will definitely do this again read more

Our family had a very nice tribute to my late uncle Barry on the Curlew this past weekend, scattering his ashes to sea, and sharing stories. The captain and crew were all so friendly and professional, and allow you to plan the service however you like. The sailing ship is beautiful, and also has a downstairs area with a restroom. The parking area allows 4 hours free parking also. A very nice way to commemorate a loved one, and a huge thank you to the captain and crew. read more

We were fortunate to book this stunning vessel for a burial at sea, on 24 August 2019. The captain, Bob Harrison & his entire crew are consumate professionals. I can not find enough words to describe the feelings evoked in every person aboard. The boat was built the same year as the departed, who had also built a boat with his brother, & it was docked at this same marina. What a truly memorable & healing experience. If we lived there in Southern California, we would take the champagne cruise & whale watching as well! Top notch experience & a stunning day. Thank you Curlew! read more

The Historic Schooner Curlew - Looking back at California coastline - Boat Charters Near Me - Dana Point, California

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After waiting 7 months our family got to celebrate our Mom and Dad's lives and say goodbye with our immediate family. The afternoon weather was perfect and we were so pleased by the crew of the Curlew and how Dana Wharf handled all the arrangements. Such a beautiful sailboat for sailing and celebrating my parent's life. The sails full in the wind, the bells ringing and the cannons shooting. Grateful for a beautiful day. read more

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We took a group of people out on the Curlew this weekend for my birthday. What a beautiful day and an amazing lifetime experience. Of course it was easy to book. The crew was pleasant, and wonderfully accommodating. We had a little brunch on board and sailed around our beautiful Coastline. I highly recommend the experience. read more

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Beatuful historic vessel lovingly maintained and operated. Outstanding crew. Lost two stars due to inadequate seating for full-capacity charter: fewer than half of the spots provided any kind of back support (and of the ones that did, most were only horizontal rigging cables you might be able to lean against for awhile). Uncomfortable for a 2-hour cruise! read more

What a unique experience on board. This is not an Odyssey or Spirit type of a boat cruise, with food, bar, or live band. It's a sailing ship, plain and simple. The crew was very knowledgeable and great seeing how a sailing vessel works. We had a large group with seniors, kids, and toddlers. Everyone had an enjoyable time, especially seeing so many Dolphins! It's not your typical luxury boat with padded seats. Your sitting on the boat floor, or some benches, or standing up. Make sure to get here early as parking is quite limited with a 4 hour parking lot, which is shared by many restaurants. read more

An awesome time with a great crew. This accommodated a large family gathering (over 30 people) and there was a lot of room. What I really appreciated was they found a large pool of dolphins swimming in the far distance and increased the speed of the boat so we can see them. Some of them were on the side of the boat. How cool is that! read more

The Historic Schooner Curlew - Good times - Boat Charters Near Me - Dana Point, California

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I want to thank Captain Bob Harrison and his crew for the blessed opportunity to provide Michael and Grammy Ruth's burial at sea. It was a beautiful day for our family to congregate on the historic Curlew Schooner for a loving memorial. read more

The Historic Schooner Curlew - Curlew Historic Schooner - Boat Charters Near Me - Dana Point, California

I want to take a moment to give a fantastic review and to thank the Captain and crew of the Curlew for my father's burial at sea. Everything was flawless. A most memorable sail and event. A very fitting sendoff for a fantastic Dad who will rest in peace in a place he loved. I am sure my Dad had a hearty laugh watching all his in laws, "heave and ho" to hoist the sails. After the eulogy and a few words, we lowered the urn in a basket to the sea as a bagpipe version of Amazing Grace played. We all placed roses and rose petals into the ocean creating a flower field which we passed again heading back to port. It was breathtakingly beautiful. Then we toasted champagne to my father's memory. The Celebration of Life with food and cocktails on the Curlew was elegant and classy. Very grateful we found this venue. Thanks again to the Captain Bob and his crew. Highly recommended. read more

The Historic Schooner Curlew - The basket and flower field. - Boat Charters Near Me - Dana Point, California

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I visit Dana Point often and always admired this ship. When my husband, who loved sailing, passed, a friend recommended the Curlew for a fitting goodbye scattering of his ashes. The ship and the ceremony were perfect. The staff was kind, capable and made the trip memorable and beautiful. I couldn't recommend them highly enough. Everyone commented how lovely it was and told me that's exactly what they wanted for themselves or a loved one. It was a beautiful, sunny day and Captain Bob and staff outdid themselves to make a difficult time memorable and touching. Many thanks from my family to all those on board. read more

I couldn't have had a better experience sending three of my family members to their final resting place. The crew was great, we went out on a perfect day, and they were very thoughtful and professional. We are very grateful to have had such a great experience letting them go. read more

We used Curlew to scatter my dad's ashes recently and I honestly can say that this was the perfect ceremony for my mother and I. Captain Bob and his crew were great. We had a super small ceremony and all is our guests said it could not have been planned and carried out any better. I would definitely recommend using Curlew to anyone who wants a simple but dignified ceremony. read more

My husband and I recently got married aboard Curlew and it was the experience of a lifetime! All of our guests were so impressed by how beautiful it was to witness our marriage ceremony aboard this historical schooner. The staff went above and beyond and even helped my florist place garland prior to the ceremony. I definitely recommend taking a charter on Curlew. Thank you, Bob and crew! read more

Knowing that I love sailing, my wife chartered the Curlew for a family group (30) to celebrate my 70th birthday. It was a thrilling experience: perfect weather, nice wind, fantastic crew, snacks and drinks for all. But for me the best was just sailing on a gorgeous 82 foot schooner (almost 100 years old, and in perfect condition!) with four sails sweeping us along. This is what sailing is all about. I couldn't be happier with the experience, and the crew couldn't have been nicer. We will do this again for sure! read more

Unforgettable late afternoon sail with our entire extended family with a party of 30+, including a sizeable number of young kids and several seniors. The skipper and crew were friendly and helpful and clearly knew what they were doing. We set sail and headed south, and enjoyed wonderful views of the South Coast and had multiple encounters with sizeable pods of playful dolphins. Everyone had a great time, and no one got seasick -- win/win! read more

I spent a few days researching and calling several charters that provide a burial at sea service. Not only was the website detailed with what they provide and information regarding the sail boat, Bob was very nice and warm over the phone (I made a few calls back and forth and each time, Bob was nice and answered whatever questions I had without irritation.) Bob and his crew were all very nice and respectful while my family and I were silently riding to the spot. We were all very happy with the members and the services they provided. I don't have many words to describe their warmth and kindness. If you are planning a burial at sea- scattering ashes service, I highly recommend this one. We were very happy with everything. Despite being devastated over a loss of my brother and my parents losing a son, it was a beautiful experience. Thank you guys. Please continue doing what you're doing. read more

The Curlew and its crew provided an amazing experience with our families burial at sea. They attended to every detail that one could imagine. The vessel was spectacular, and we were under full sail for the disposition of the ashes which my father would have loved. Within days of the service we received a beautiful certificate giving the exact coordinates and a link to the viewing of the event. Thank you so much for everything. The Williamson Family read more

Our entire family--ages 1 to..... well beyond--3 generations and 11 people sailed with the Curlew. It was a highlight of our trip. The crew was knowledgeable and engaging. They were very attentive to our crew of kids. We loved the sail, learning about the area and feel like we made new friends. A definite experience if you are in the Newport Coast area! Thanks Captain Bob! read more

We chartered the Curlew to scatter my dad's ashes at sea, and I was honestly dreading it. However, the entire experience ended up being absolutely perfect: ideal weather, a beautiful ship, and a wonderfully kind crew that was attentive to my family's needs without being intrusive. The special touches (the ringing of the bell to signal "end of watch", the firing of the cannon and flying my dad's flag to honor his status as a veteran, special music and more), confirmed that we had made the right choice with the Curlew, not to mention the family of dolphins frolicking near the tribute site. As soon as we were back on land my step-mom commented that she wanted the exact same thing done for her when the time comes. I am so grateful that we were able to give my dad such a lovely farewell, and recommend the Curlew and her crew without hesitation. read more

We went on the Curlew for my son's friend's Birthday Party. The crew was so friendly. We saw a pod of dolphins and a sunfish. They had all the sails up and it was so comfortable. Truly a great experience. The boys were delighted. I would definitely recommend. read more

5 Stars all the way! My husband and I sailed with Captain Bob and the Curlew Crew on one of their Saturday Sunset Sails, summer of 2011. The experience was awesome! The snacks they provide are fresh and tasty, the crew is friendly and engaging and the Schooner is simply beautiful. We will be back. read more

Captain Bob Harrison and his crew were very professional and hospitable, and made our time sailing with a group of 23 today an awesome experience. I would highly recommend chartering Curlew for any event whether entertaining clients, having a party with friends or just about any other occasion. The crew was friendly, got people involved with sailing the boat, raising sails, and had good conversation and experience to share with our group, and made sure everyone was comfortable. There was a ship doctor aboard, too...just in case. We even came upon a large pod of dolphins which topped off a great trip coming back into port. read more

What an incredible experience. Eleven family members chartered the historic schooner Curlew to scatter the ashes of our two relatives. The 5 crew members were wonderful. They prepared the basket which held the ashes, putting flowers on top, then lowered the basket over the side. It was a beautiful, clear day - although a bit choppy, so we did all take Bonine just in case. We had time for a short memorial, then headed back. This was exactly what my in-laws had requested, so it felt just right. The boat itself is incredible, with an interesting history, and beautifully maintained. The crew is rightfully very proud of it. read more

Amazing crew on a beautiful ship. They were very friendly, fun and service oriented. The staff also helped a friend who was seasick. They were very sweet coaching her through it. Worth every penny. read more

The Historic Schooner Curlew - Boat Charters Near Me - Dana Point, California

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We were celebrating my mom's 80th birthday and had family in from all of the US. It was a blast!!! The captain and the crew were amazing! I highly recommend the Curlew and its crew! read more

We celebrated my friend's 30th bday this past Saturday with The Schooner Curlew, Captain Bob, and his crew. There were ~20 people celebrating and the trip was nothing short of amazing. Not just is sailing fun, but the crew was great with their customer service. I mean the service felt more like they were friends or family hosting their own guests than they did workers. They even had a doctor on the ship who was helpful for those who got seasick (including me), ensuring they didn't get fully seasick (yay!). The crew all had quite interesting stories themselves, so it was great to get to know them. They helped us serve food that we brought on board and were very personable (but not intrusive). The ship is historic, very-well maintained for its age (a 1926 schooner!), and beautiful. Very spacious for the large group we had. We saw dolphins on the way out (not just 1, but a few!) and that was amazing! I have nothing but great things to say about the crew and our experience; everyone afterwards continued to rave about our excursion and the birthday girl enjoyed her very special day. I would definitely use Curlew Charters again and am looking forward to setting sail some time soon! read more

i have not been in a while, but thought i should write a review. my favorite for whale sightseeing- on the curlew. on the 4th a must see and do! read more

I used the Curlew crew for my parents funeral services. The experience was fantastic. The crew was very friendly and very professional during the trip. They walked us through everything that would happen and were right on time with everything. Considering the circumstances, it was great and I would highly recommend the curlew for this type of service. read more

This is without a doubt one of my favorite experiences. Second time to sail on the Curlew last night. What a thrill. Captain Bob, the best, professional, informative, helpful and kind. His crew, so attentive and fun, great at what they do. The boat, She is a beauty, just a fantastic experience to sail on this wonderful old boat. The sunset sails are relaxing and fun, the dolphins and the sea, doesn't get better. We love this experience so much and will look forward to coming back as soon as we can. Thankful that there are opportunities like this in Dana Point. read more

My family chartered the boat for a burial at sea. The crew was amazing and made us all feel comfortable during a difficult time. We were able to raise the main sail and work along side the crew. The special touches were amazing and when it came time for the ceremony it was simple but meaningful. This experience was amazing and I would recommend this to anyone who may be considering this type of service. We will be chartering again just to go out and have some fun. The owner and crew were professional and down to earth. read more

We booked the Curlew for the scattering of my Father and Mother's ashes to sea. The crew were wonderful. It was the most beautiful experience we could have had. Beautiful historic sailboat. read more

The Curlew, her Captain and Crew were finest choice we could have made for our Mother's Burial at Sea. They made the circumstance as beautiful as it could be. The beautiful Curlew, the flowers, the music and the dignity they provided are unrivaled. We would strongly recommend the Curlew for this and other charter needs. read more