5 Unique Boat Tours In LA

From the craggy Santa Monica Mountains of Malibu to the bustling Long Beach Harbor, the Los Angeles County coastline offers many opportunities for adventure and recreation. Boat tours are an exciting way to explore the ocean around this popular coastline. With the variety of charters found in L.A., getting lost in choices before stepping foot on a vessel could leave you landlocked. These uniquely SoCal boat tours offer something a bit more intriguing, charming and unique than their seaworthy counterparts.

Gondolas D’Amore

Gondolas are thin flat man-powered boats originally used to transport merchants, dignitaries, and goods through the crowded Venetian canal system in Italy during the Venetian Republic. Still used today, mostly in tourism, a gondola ride has become a symbol of romance and tranquility. Gondolas D’Amore strives to follow this tradition, offering this unique boat experience in Marina Del Rey, Los Angeles. Enjoy an enchanting evening gliding along the water in an authentic gondola in the heart of Los Angeles. Make it a date or a casual day on the water. Bring some snacks and a few adult beverages and turn this heartwarming boat ride into a boozy, midday galavant.

The Catalina Express

Channel Islands Charter – Boating Adventures

The Channel Islands is a string of islands 150 miles in length located approximately 12–70 miles off the coast of Santa Barbara. Accessible only by ferry, plane, or private boat, these five islands are home to diverse wildlife both onshore and off. An opportunity to visit these islands is conveniently found in Marina Del Rey. The boat service offered by Channel Island Charter is the only one of its kind in Los Angeles. Offering a variety of services and activities, this outing is preferable for groups or families. Whether looking for a day trip or a week-long adventure, this unique boat charter will conjure the thrill seeker in everyone.

Tiki Mermaid

Tiki Mermaid is the booziest Marina charter in Los Angeles. The Polynesian-themed boat is a cruise party on the calm waters of Marina Del Rey. A bit of thinking ahead and planning is important when considering this quirky, adults-only event, as larger groups mean better deals. Let the day slip away while sipping cocktails from the endless bar and spending time with close friends. Watch the sunset from the water while smoking on the cigar patio, or make moves on the dance floor. With charter packages starting at $45 a person (for under 25 people), this good-times voyage is a high-energy blowout ideal for those traveling in groups, celebrating a birthday on the road, or simply looking for an excuse to cut loose.

Harbor Breeze Whale Watching

Sailing out of the Long Beach Marina, Harbor Breeze Cruises have chartered seasonal whale watching for the past 18 years throughout greater Los Angeles. Experience close encounters with whales, dolphins, and other marine life, while the ship’s captain offers comprehensive narration detailing the habits and characteristics of these astounding creatures. With plenty of seating, this two-hulled vessel will provide a smooth ride that will inform and amaze travelers of any age.

Did you know – Culture Trip now does bookable, small-group trips? Pick from authentic, immersive Epic Trips, compact and action-packed Mini Trips and sparkling, expansive Sailing Trips.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.