Los Angeles · CRUISES & BOAT TOURS
42 reviewed
Think of this as the list we would give a friend flying into LAX: the 15 cruises & boat tours worth your money, each with its price, what travelers said, and the one thing to know before you commit.
Rent a private swan pedal boat on Echo Park Lake for $13. Pedal for 1 hour, enjoy lotus beds, skyline views, and night lights.
“Needed to reschedule prior due to partner getting covid. Everyone I spoke to on the phone was unhelpful. We didn’t get to go, I didn’t get a reschedule or my money back. The refund policy on the confirmation email stated we had up to an hour to prior to move the reservation.”
A 2.5-hour Long Beach whale and dolphin cruise with Aquarium of the Pacific educators, eco-friendly catamarans, and big ocean viewing windows.
“Fantastic time had with great views of the whales and dolphins. Well worth it. Comfortable boat. Would definitely use again Thank you to all involved”
Rent a swan pedal boat at Rainbow Lagoon in Long Beach. One hour of LED night rides, life vests included, and picnic-friendly fun.
“it's harder to petal an steer than you think ...but it was a nice activity. the weather was nice ..there was a nice breeze. I bet it's better ar night”
Pedal a glowing swan boat at Echo Park Lake in Los Angeles. Life vests and flexible night slots make a calm, romantic ride.
“Loved how easy and relaxing the boat ride was. It’s very beautiful at night when it’s all lit up. We reached early and was checked in, so we got to go in our allotted time slot.”
Enjoy a 2-hour Marina del Rey champagne brunch cruise with a buffet meal, live music, and harbor views including Balboa Peninsula and Mariner’s Mile.
“Everything was amazing! Food, drinks, and the waitresses were so kind and friendly specially Stace thank you!”
Cruise-to-LA sightseeing with Hollywood, Griffith Observatory, Beverly Hills, and beach time, plus LAX drop-off for late flights.
“We really enjoyed driving around seeing the architecture and famous places. Sorry we did not go to Mel’s diner.”
Cruise Marina del Rey on an electric Duffy boat with two wine glasses, charcuterie, and sea lions.
“Our captain, Tyler was phenomenal as he was very knowledgeable and easy to get along with! Choosing a 4pm start time was the right move and doing a private cruise is definitely worth it if you have a small group (although a bit pricey). Overall a great experience!”
A 2-hour Marina del Rey brunch cruise with a full buffet, free-flowing mimosas, and coast views that feel calmer than the shore.
“Food was good, hospitality great and time of the trip was enough to enjoy. Weather is beautiful. I got good time with my family.”
A romantic electric boat cruise in Marina del Rey with wine and snacks, plus options for charcuterie, sushi, or dinner on calm waters.
“it was a great experience, informative, calm. We were lucky enough to be the only reservation, for the time being. Great guide as well, gave us ideas for other times as well. Perfect anniversary date.”
A 45-minute narrated Long Beach harbor cruise with water-level views, Queen Mary passing, sea lions, and clean restrooms for $15.
“My mother and sisters came from out of state, and I thought it would be nice to take them on a boat ride around the harbor. This was my first time as well. We loved it!”
Rent a Swan pedal boat on Long Beach’s Rainbow Lagoon for a 1-hour glide past yachts and the whale mural, day or LED night rides.
Cruise-terminal pickup LA highlights tour: Walk of Fame, Hollywood Sign views, Rodeo Drive, Santa Monica and Venice with live guide, $149.
“Well organieed and very good movie history, hollwood knowledge”
Newport Beach Champagne & Brunch Buffet Cruise: a 2-hour harbor ride with reserved seating, live entertainment, and unlimited champagne.
“I loved the music. The seating was a bit off because they have 2 floors you’re not allowed to pick where to sit. Most of the time we were in the sun with a toddler so we asked to move tables and they didn’t hesitate at all. The views were magnificent. The food could be warmer, but everything was set up great. Loved that there was a high chair for our little one. And that the pilot acknowledged my partners birthday on the overhead.”
Enjoy a private 2-hour yacht cruise from Long Beach’s Rainbow Harbor for up to 6, with pro photos, Queen Mary views, and possible sea-life swims.
“Ryan our driver was amazing, very friendly and a wealth of knowledge on the area. We were able to see both dolphins and a sea lion. We would highly recommend this to anyone thinking about it, for our family it was money well spent.”
A fully narrated 45-minute Long Beach Harbor cruise with skyline and Queen Mary views, sea lions, and close looks at the working port.
“I was really disappointed. I booked a harbor cruise and I expected to cruise along containerships and see the harbor. But as the ship left - it turned to the left - the harbor is on the right! So we left the harbor and headed south, and the container ships got smaller and smaller... I've been on harbor cruises in other cities, and we passed container ships, cranes, and huge warehouses—that's what I understand a harbor tour to be. I didn't come to look at the beach. There should be better communication.”
