Best boat tours in LA

California, and specifically the city of Los Angeles, has beaches ranked among the best in the United States. That's why L.A. is an ideal place if your favorite plan is to lie on the sand and sunbathe or dive into the sea. But you can take this magnificent plan to the next level with a maritime experience.

In L.A. there is a great offer of boat trips so you can tour the coast of the city and contemplate its incredible beaches from the sea. Of all the things to see and do in L.A., this is a unique experience that I recommend you not to miss. If you are interested in embarking on this adventure, below I tell you all about the boat tours in this charming city.

Actors and actresses are not the only stars of the city of Los Angeles, the sea of the East Coast has its own celebrities, and you can meet them on a boat ride. The so-called marine safaris, give you the chance to get up close to species such as whales, dolphins and sea lions.

In addition, on this tour you will get to know the coast of L.A., passing key sites such as the Long Beach boardwalk, the Queen Mary boat, the Wyland whale mural and the famous Korean Friendship Bell.

The experience is usually carried out in small groups to enjoy a much more personalized tour. Please note that this activity is not suitable for children under 5 years old.

Details of interest:

• Price: from 107 euros per person.
• Duration: 2 hours and a half approximately.
• Means of transportation: includes pick up and return to your hotel or place of accommodation. The tour is done by boat.
• Advantage of this option: ideal for nature lovers.
• Disadvantage of this option: not suitable for pregnant women, children under 5 years old and people with heart conditions.

This experience will allow you to feel like you are in the beautiful Venice without leaving the city of Los Angeles, touring water canals aboard a canoe. These canals were designed by Abbot Kinney and built in 1905 as part of an entertainment project on the Southern California coast.

The tour of this experience begins in the East Canal, where you will receive an informative and instructive talk from the guides and then continue the trip. Then you will visit the Grand, Carroll, Linnie, Howland and Sherman canals.

During the tour you will be able to see the interesting architecture of the houses in the area and a great variety of waterfowl species. If you go at sunset it is a great time to get the best pictures. A more than recommendable option if you are looking for a relaxing plan to enjoy in a magical place.

Details of interest:

• Price: from 98 euros per adult.
• Duration: 1 hour approximately.
• Means of transportation: includes pick up and return to your hotel or lodging place. The tour is done by canoe.
• Advantage of this option: it is an out of the cliché L.A. tour.
• Disadvantage of this option: not suitable for pregnant women, children under 5 years old and people with heart conditions.

Combining a boat ride with a city break can be a very good idea. There are ferry tours that take you to spend the day on Catalina Island, departing from L.A., to get away from the hustle and bustle.

Catalina Island boat tours start with a brief guided tour of the center of the island, so that you have the basic information to orient yourself there. Then you will have a long time to explore the region on your own, getting to know stores, restaurants and the beautiful landscapes of the island.

The trip, both outbound and return, has a duration of 1 hour, so besides enjoying the destination you will also have the best panoramic views of the coast of Los Angeles. This experience is definitely one of the best things to do in Los Angeles during the summer.

Details of interest:

• Price: from 218 euros per adult.
• Duration: approximately 12 hours.
• Means of transportation: includes pick up and return to your hotel or lodging place. The trip is made by ferry.
• Advantage of this option: free time on the island.
• Disadvantage of this option: you must have a full day to do this activity.

On this private tour you will live a totally personalized experience. The trip is done with your own group of family or friends, with a maximum of 6 passengers. The boat will take you into Santa Monica Bay and its surroundings to sail under the Californian sun.

The experience includes delicious wines and gourmet meals to share with your family and friends in a unique environment. You will also have time to take a dip in the water and you may even be able to see dolphins, seals and whales on your tour. Depending on the time you take the tour you can enjoy the sunrise, sunset or starry sky.

The tours that offer this tour include a visit to the canals and the historic pier of Venice, as well as the famous Santa Monica Pier and the mountainous coast of Malibu. Undoubtedly a perfect activity if you want to enjoy a private boat ride with your friends or family.

Details of interest:

• Price: from 398 euros per group of up to 6 people.
• Duration: between 2 and 3 hours approximately.
• Means of transportation: includes pick up and return to your hotel or place of accommodation. The tour is done by private boat.
• Advantage of this option: personalized experience to the maximum.
• Disadvantage of this option: it may not be convenient to do with children.

Enjoy this totally different experience! The boat you will board is nothing more and nothing less than a semi-submarine. It is the Nautilus, where you will be able to explore Catalina Island's Avalon Bay from an underwater point of view.

The boat was created after its predecessor, the USS Nautilus, the first nuclear-powered U.S. submarine.

In this peculiar tour you will enjoy a 45-minute tour observing the underwater environment through its porthole. On the trip you will also see schools of colorful fish and underwater gardens, as you will dive to a depth of about 6 feet.

On deck you will be able to contemplate the best coastal scenery and the breathtaking views of the island's harbor. The biggest attraction of this experience is the passage through the perfectly preserved Lovers' Cove marine sanctuary, which is perfectly preserved in nature.

Details of interest:

• Price: from 46 euros per adult.
• Duration: approximately 45 minutes.
• Means of transport: does not include transfer to the starting point. The tour is done in a semi-submarine boat.
• Advantage of this option: different experience, where you can enjoy a walk along the coast and see the bottom of the sea.
• Disadvantage of this option: Not recommended for people with heart problems or claustrophobic people.

Among the options for boat rides, there is one designed exclusively for couples. So if you are looking for an alternative to live an unforgettable moment with your loved one, you can opt for a private sailing tour along the coast of Los Angeles.

Aboard the boat, the captain will take you on a ride along the coastline of L.A., where you can enjoy the best views of Marina del Rey, the beaches of Malibu and Santa Monica.

Departing in the harbor you will be able to see imposing yachts of various designs and even ocean liners.

As an additional to this experience, when the sailboat is away from the shore passengers are allowed to drive it, and even hoist the sails of the vessel.

Details of interest:

• Price: from 596 euros per couple.
• Duration: 4 hours approximately.
• Means of transportation: does not include transfer to the starting point. The tour is done by sailboat.
• Advantage of this option: romantic experience for couples.
• Disadvantage of this option: it is exclusive for couples.

Taking a boat ride along the L.A. coastline is already a luxury in itself, but if you want to enhance this experience even more, you can opt for a premium cruise.

This type of tour will take you to visit the most famous sites of the city of Los Angeles from the sea. While you delight yourself with the best coastal views, you will listen to quiet music, taste gastronomic delights and accompany everything with a good sparkling wine.

The buffet menu is very wide and varied depending on the time you live the experience, starting with a reception with fruit and a basket of brunch-type cakes, through fresh salads, shrimp cocktail and more. A premium experience and a superb option if you're looking to feel like another Hollywood star.

Details of interest:

• Price: From 125 euros per person.
• Duration: Approximately 2 hours.
• Transportation: Pick up and drop off at your accommodation included. The tour is done by boat.
• Advantage of this option: includes high level gastronomic experience.
• Disadvantage of this option: it is cancelled if the minimum number of passengers is not reached.

This is another experience characterized by luxury, the difference is that the plan is to party while sailing along the Californian coast.

You will start at Newport Harbour from where the cruise departs and where you will be greeted with a glass of champagne. The tour includes a high-level dinner and live shows, including a DJ so you can dance to your heart's content.

This is an excellent alternative if you are looking for a plan to enjoy at night, and it is just one of the many things you can do at night in Los Angeles.

Details of interest:

• Price: from 98 euros per person.
• Duration: 2 hours and a half approximately.
• Means of transportation: pick up and drop off at your accommodation included. The activity takes place on the cruise ship.
• Advantage of this option: includes high level gastronomic experience and live entertainment.
• Disadvantage of this option: it is cancelled if the minimum number of passengers is not reached.

An unmissable maritime experience for any traveler is to go whale watching. In Los Angeles you will have the opportunity to do it aboard a 20-meter cruise.

The starting point is the port of Newport Beach, the boat will head towards the coast of Orange County, where you will be able to observe these majestic animals. According to the time of the year you take the tour you will be able to see different species of whales, for example in the winter you will see the humpback whale; in spring the Minke whales are more frequent; and in summer the species that you can encounter are the gray whale and fin whales.

Throughout the tour, the staff on board will tell you everything you want to know about the local marine biology, since in addition to the whales it is very likely that during the tour you will encounter other inhabitants of the sea, such as seals, sea lions and dolphins. A very interesting activity and part of the best things to do in LA with kids, as it becomes a very educational experience.

Details of interest:

• Price: from 32 euros per person.
• Duration: 2 to 3 hours approximately.
• Means of transportation: does not include transfer to the starting point.
• Advantage of this option: ideal for nature lovers.
• Disadvantage of this option: not suitable for people who get dizzy easily.

The first advice you should take into account when taking a boat ride is to relax, since you are in good hands. Both the captain and all the staff of the boat in the tour you choose, are properly trained professionals who will be watching over your safety throughout the tour. It is important that you take into account their recommendations and sailing instructions at all times.

On the other hand, take into account the type of excursion you have contracted in order to choose your clothing correctly. If it is a daytime excursion, wear comfortable clothes, usually sportswear or shorts, so that you can move more freely.

If your trip includes a dip in the sea, remember to bring your bathing suit, a change of clothes and a towel, preferably of quick-drying fabric.

Protect yourself from the sun, since at sea you will be more exposed to the sun and this can cause skin burns. Take an appropriate sunscreen and sunglasses to protect your eyes and to be able to contemplate the views and landscapes with much more comfort.

Don't forget a light hat to protect you, especially if you go during high temperatures, since warm seasons are usually the best time to visit Los Angeles.

Los Angeles is a coastal city that has a lot to know, and in many occasions the time of stay can be short to visit all its attractions. A good way to visit a great part of this region and get to know its main tourist sites is through a boat tour, which, taking advantage of the coastal location of the city, covers a great part of it in a short time.

On a boat tour around L.A., you will not only get to know its charms, but you will also be living a different experience while enjoying the sun and the Californian sea.

Marine transportation allows you to have an incomparable view of the beaches and natural coastal spaces that can only be achieved from within the sea.

In addition to the above, the boat experiences in the city of Los Angeles each have their own particular charm that adapts to different tastes. Whether you are a foodie, a nature lover, or a night owl, everyone will find a boat ride to suit their preferences.