More about: 10 Best Boat Tours and Cruises in Los Angeles
California, and specifically the city of Los Angeles, has beaches that are 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 wonderful plan to the next level with a maritime experience.
In L.A., there is a wide range of boat trips available so you can explore the city's coastline and admire 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 don't miss. If you're interested in embarking on this adventure, here's everything you need to know about boat trips in this charming city.
1. Brunch cruise for a premium experience
Taking a boat trip along the coast of L.A. is a luxury in itself, but if you want to enhance the experience even further, you can opt for a premium cruise.
This brunch cruise in Los Angeles will take you on a tour of the city's most famous sights from the sea. While you enjoy the best coastal views, you'll listen to relaxing music, sample culinary delights, and accompany it all with a good sparkling wine.
The buffet menu is extensive and varied depending on the time of day you choose to enjoy the experience, starting with a welcome fruit platter and a basket of brunch pastries, followed by fresh salads, shrimp cocktail, and more. A premium experience and a great option if you're looking to feel like a Hollywood star.
Details of interest:
- Price: From $143
- Duration: Approximately 2 hours.
- Transportation: Pick-up and drop-off at your accommodation included. The tour is conducted by boat.
2. Swan boat ride in Echo Park: a natural haven in Los Angeles
Amidst the hustle and bustle of Los Angeles, enjoying a moment of calm in contact with nature is a real privilege. And if you do it aboard a swan-shaped boat, the experience becomes even more special.
This boat ride through Echo Park invites you to spend an hour sailing across Echo Park Lake, a picturesque corner of the city surrounded by lotus flowers, fountains, and geese. All this from the comfort of a boat equipped with an awning to protect you from the sun and a rear seat perfect for resting from pedaling and simply enjoying the surroundings.
In addition to the boat ride, you will receive an approved life jacket, a brief instruction session, and the option to bring food or drinks on board to turn the ride into a small floating picnic. A great option for those looking for a relaxed, original, and outdoor activity with friends, as a couple, or with family.
Details of interest:
- Price: From $14
- Duration: approximately 1 hour.
- Transportation: self-guided pedal boat ride. Transfers not included.
- Another option: you can also book the nighttime version of this boat tour on Echo Park Lake in Los Angeles, starting at $14
3. Cruise in the company of whales and dolphins
Actors and actresses aren't the only stars in Los Angeles; the East Coast sea has its own celebrities, and you can meet them on a boat trip. Marine safaris give you the chance to get up close to species such as whales, dolphins, and sea lions.
In addition, on this whale and dolphin watching tour, you'll get to know the L.A. coastline, passing key sites such as the Long Beach boardwalk, the Queen Mary ship, Wyland's whale mural, and the famous Korea 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 per person.
- Duration: approximately 2.5 hours.
- Transportation: includes pick-up and drop-off at your hotel or place of accommodation. The tour is conducted by boat.
4. Boat ride through the Venetian canals without leaving L.A
This experience will allow you to feel like you're in beautiful Venice without leaving the city of Los Angeles, traveling through 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 begins on the East Canal, where you will receive an informative and instructive talk from the guides before continuing the journey. Afterwards, you can explore the Grand, Carroll, Linnie, Howland, and Sherman canals.
During the tour, you can see the interesting architecture of the houses in the area and a wide variety of waterfowl species. If you go at sunset, it's a great time to take the best photos. This is a highly recommended option if you're looking for a relaxing plan to enjoy in a magical place.
Details of interest:
- Price: from €98 per adult.
- Duration: approximately 1 hour.
- Transportation: includes pick-up and drop-off at your hotel or place of accommodation. The tour is done by canoe.
5. Day cruise to Catalina Island
Combining a boat trip with a getaway from the city can be a great idea. There are tours that take you on a ferry to spend the day on Catalina Island, departing from L.A., to get away from the hustle and bustle.
Boat trips to Catalina Island begin with a short guided tour of the center of the island, so you can get the basic information you need to find your way around. Then you'll have plenty of time to explore the area on your own, checking out shops, restaurants, and the island's beautiful scenery.
The trip, both there and back, takes 1 hour, so in addition to enjoying the destination, you'll also get the best panoramic views of the Los Angeles coastline. This experience is definitely one of the best things to do in Los Angeles during the summer.
Details of interest:
- Price: from €218 per adult.
- Duration: approximately 12 hours.
- Transportation: includes pick-up and drop-off at your hotel or place of accommodation. The trip is by ferry.
6. Private adventure in Santa Monica Bay
On this private tour, you will enjoy a completely personalized experience. The trip is for your own family or group of friends, with a maximum of 6 passengers. The boat will sail into Santa Monica Bay and its surroundings under the Californian sun.
The experience includes delicious wines and gourmet food to share with your loved ones in an unparalleled setting. You will also have time to take a dip and maybe even see dolphins, seals, and whales on your journey. Depending on the time of day you take the tour, you can enjoy the sunrise, sunset, or starry sky.
The tours offered on this trip include a visit to the canals and historic Venice Pier, as well as the famous Santa Monica Pier and the mountainous coastline of Malibu. This is undoubtedly the perfect activity if you want to enjoy a private boat trip with your friends or family.
Details of interest:
- Price: from €398 per group of up to 6 people.
- Duration: approximately 2 to 3 hours.
- Transportation: includes pick-up and drop-off at your hotel or place of accommodation. The tour is conducted on a private boat.
7. Semi-submarine tour of the island
Enjoy this totally different experience! The boat you will board is nothing more and nothing less than a semi-submarine. It is called the Nautilus, and on it you can explore Avalon Bay on Catalina Island from an underwater perspective.
The boat was created after its predecessor, the USS Nautilus, the first American nuclear-powered submarine.
On this unique tour, you can enjoy a 45-minute trip observing the underwater environment through its porthole. During the trip, you will also see schools of colorful fish and underwater gardens, as you will be submerged to a depth of about 6 feet.
On deck, you can admire the best coastal landscapes and the impressive views of the island's port. The main attraction of this experience is the passage through the Lovers' Cove marine sanctuary, which is perfectly preserved in its natural state.
Details of interest:
- Price: from €46 per adult.
- Duration: approximately 45 minutes.
- Transportation: transfer to the departure point not included. The tour is conducted in a semi-submersible boat.
8. Romantic sailboat trip
Among the boat trip options, there is one designed exclusively for couples to enjoy. So if you're looking for an alternative way to experience an unforgettable moment with your loved one, you can opt for a private sailboat tour along the Los Angeles coast.
On board the boat, the captain will take you on a trip along the L.A. coastline, where you can enjoy the best views of Marina del Rey, Malibu, and Santa Monica beaches.
Leaving the port, you will see impressive yachts of various designs and even ocean liners.
As an added bonus to this experience, when the sailboat is away from the coast, passengers are allowed to steer it and even hoist the sails.
Details of interest:
- Price: from €596 per couple.
- Duration: approximately 4 hours.
- Transportation: does not include transfer to the starting point. The trip is made by sailboat.
9. Dinner cruise departing from Newport Harbor
This is another luxurious experience, but with the difference that the plan is to party while sailing along the Californian coast.
You'll start at Newport Harbor, where the cruise departs and where you'll be welcomed with a glass of champagne. The tour includes a high-end dinner and live shows, with a DJ so you can dance to your heart's content.
This is an excellent option if you are looking for a nighttime activity, and it is just one of the many things you can do at night in Los Angeles.
Details of interest:
- Price: from €98 per person.
- Duration: approximately 2.5 hours.
- Transportation: Pickup and return to your accommodation included. The activity takes place on the cruise ship.
10. Whale watching cruise from Newport Beach
Whale watching is an unmissable maritime experience for any traveler. In Los Angeles, you will have the opportunity to do so aboard a 20-meter cruise ship.
The departure point is Newport Beach harbor, and the boat will head towards the Orange County coast, where you can observe these majestic animals. Depending on the time of year you take the trip, you will be able to see different species of whales. For example, in winter you will see humpback whales; in spring, minke whales are more common; and in summer, you are likely to encounter gray whales and fin whales.
Throughout the tour, the staff on board will tell you everything you want to know about local marine biology, as in addition to whales , you are also likely to encounter other sea creatures such as seals, sea lions, and dolphins. This is a very interesting activity and one of the best things to do in LA with children, as it is a very educational experience.
Details of interest:
- Price: from 32 euros per person.
- Duration: approximately 2 to 3 hours.
- Transportation: does not include transfer to the starting point.
What should I bear in mind when taking a boat trip?
The first tip to keep in mind when going on a boat trip is to relax, as you are in good hands. Both the captain and all the crew on the boat you choose are properly trained professionals who will ensure your safety throughout the trip. It is important that you follow their recommendations and instructions for sailing at all times.
On the other hand, take into account the type of excursion you have booked in order to choose the right clothing. If it is a daytime trip, wear comfortable clothes; sportswear or shorts are usually the best option, as they allow you to move more freely.
If your trip includes a chance to take a dip in the sea, remember to bring your swimsuit, a change of clothes, and a towel, preferably one made of quick-drying fabric.
Protect yourself from the sun, as you will be more exposed to it on the open sea and this can cause skin burns. Bring appropriate sunscreen and sunglasses to protect your eyes and enjoy the views and scenery in greater comfort.
Don't forget a lightweight hat for protection, especially if you are visiting during the hot season, as the warm seasons are usually the best time to visit Los Angeles.
Why is it recommended to take a boat trip in Los Angeles?
Los Angeles is a coastal city with a lot to see, and often your stay may be too short to visit all its attractions. A great way to see much of this region and its main tourist sites is by boat tour, which, taking advantage of the city's coastal location, covers much of it in a short time.
On a boat trip in L.A., you will not only discover its charms, but you will also enjoy a different experience while soaking up the Californian sun and sea.
Marine transportation allows you to have an incomparable view of the beaches and coastal natural spaces that can only be achieved from the sea.
In addition to the above, each boat experience in the city of Los Angeles has its own particular charm that suits different tastes. Foodies, nature lovers, or nightlife enthusiasts can all find a boat trip to suit their preferences.