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 favourite 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 gastronomic 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 of fruit and a basket of brunch-style 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 S$184
- 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 so 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 pedalling and simply enjoying the surroundings.
In addition to the boat trip, you will receive an approved life jacket, a brief instruction session and the option of bringing food or drink on board to turn the trip 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 the family.
Details of interest:
- Price: From S$19
- Duration: approximately 1 hour.
- Transport: self-guided pedal boat ride. Transfers not included.
- Another option: you can also book the night-time version of this boat trip on Echo Park Lake in Los Angeles, from S$19
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.
What's more, on this whale and dolphin watching tour, you'll get to know the LA coastline, passing key sites such as the Long Beach promenade, the Queen Mary ship, Wyland's whale mural and the famous Korean Friendship Bell.
The experience is usually carried out in small groups to ensure a much more personalised tour. Please note that this activity is not suitable for children under 5 years of age.
Details of interest:
- Price: from £95 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 trip 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, travelling along 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 water birds. If you go at sunset, it's a great time to take the best photographs. 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 conducted 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 centre 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 there and back takes an hour, so in addition to enjoying your 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 £195 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 personalised 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 to enjoy the Californian sunshine.
The experience includes delicious wines and gourmet food to share with your loved ones in an unbeatable setting. You will also have time to take a dip and you may even see dolphins, seals and whales on your trip. 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 for a 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 vessel 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 colourful fish and underwater gardens, as you will be diving to a depth of about 6 feet.
On deck, you can admire the best coastal landscapes and the impressive views of the island's harbour. 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.
- Transport: 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 sailing 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 Harbour
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 Harbour, 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're looking for a night-time activity, and it's 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: pick-up and drop-off at 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 traveller. In Los Angeles, you will have the opportunity to do so aboard a 20-metre cruise ship.
The departure point is Newport Beach harbour, and the boat will head towards the coast of Orange County, 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 grey 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 also a very educational experience.
Details of interest:
- Price: from £32 per person.
- Duration: approximately 2 to 3 hours.
- Transport: transfer to the departure point not included.
What should I bear in mind when going on a boat trip?
The first piece of advice 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, keep in mind the type of excursion you have booked so that you can choose the right clothing. If it is a daytime trip, wear comfortable clothing; sportswear or shorts are usually the best option so that you can move around 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 months are usually the best time to visit Los Angeles.
Why is it advisable to take a boat trip in Los Angeles?
Los Angeles is a coastal city with so much to see, and often your stay may be too short to visit all its attractions. A good 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 around L.A., you will not only discover its charms, but you will also enjoy a different experience while enjoying the Californian sun and sea.
Marine transport allows you to have an unparalleled 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 will all find a boat trip to suit their preferences.