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Boat tours and harbor cruises

The best boat tours in Los Angeles

Harbor cruises in Long Beach, sunset sails and wine cruises in Marina del Rey, brunch and dinner cruises in Newport Beach and a glass-bottom boat in Redondo: here are eight trips compared, with honest advice on value for money, getting to the dock and booking and cancellation.

By the Things to Do in Los Angeles editorial team 8 tours compared Prices checked 22 October 2026

See our 8 picks
Tour boats moored in Long Beach harbor with the city skyline behind

Short answer The best boat tour in Los Angeles for most visitors is the 45-minute Long Beach harbor cruise from €13, with sea lions, the Queen Mary and the port. For a treat, take the Marina del Rey wine cruise (4.9 from 78 reviews) or a sunset sail. Brunch cruises cost from €90 and are about the food as much as the views.

Our 8 picks for boat tours in LA

From a cheap harbor loop to a sit-down dinner on the water. They leave from four harbors: Marina del Rey, Long Beach, Newport Beach and Redondo Beach.

Los Angeles boat tours compared

Los Angeles boat tours compared
Tour From Duration Group size Pickup Free cancellation Who it suits Why we picked it
Champagne brunch cruise in Marina del Rey 4.6 (170) €90
per person		 2 hours Not stated Meet on site Yes, up to 24 hours in advance Birthdays, anniversaries and weekend treats The most-reviewed cruise in our list (4.6 from 170 reviews), and the closest brunch cruise to Santa Monica and Venice.
Long Beach harbor sightseeing cruise 4.4 (145) €13
per person		 45 minutes Not stated Meet on site Yes, up to 24 hours in advance Families and anyone on a budget The cheapest boat trip here by far, rated 4.4 from 145 reviews, and wheelchair accessible.
Sunset cruise in Newport Beach 4.7 (106) €22
per person		 1.5 hours Not stated Meet on site Yes, up to 24 hours in advance Couples who want an easy sunset outing A sunset on the water at a low price, rated 4.7 from 106 reviews.
Champagne brunch cruise in Newport Beach 4.6 (105) €101
per person		 2 hours Not stated Meet on site Yes, up to 24 hours in advance Groups staying in Orange County The Newport version of the brunch cruise, rated 4.6 from 105 reviews.
Marina del Rey wine and charcuterie cruise 4.9 (78) €97
per person		 1 - 2 hours Small-group option available Meet on site Yes, up to 24 hours in advance Couples and small celebrations The highest-rated cruise in our list: 4.9 from 78 reviews.
Weekend dinner cruise with DJ in Newport Beach 4.4 (57) €116
per person		 2.5 hours Not stated Meet on site Yes, up to 24 hours in advance Date nights and group dinners The only dinner cruise here, rated 4.4 from 57 reviews.
Glass-bottom boat in Redondo Beach 4.8 (42) €31
per person		 45 minutes Standard group: Up to 19 people Meet on site Yes, up to 24 hours in advance Families with young children Short, cheap and fun for kids, rated 4.8 from 42 reviews.
Sunset sailing from Marina del Rey 4.9 (38) €134
per person		 2 hours Small group: Up to 6 people Meet on site Yes, up to 24 hours in advance Active couples and small groups A real sail, not a party boat, rated 4.9 from 38 reviews.

Prices and ratings as shown on GetYourGuide on 22 October 2026. Prices are "from" prices in euros and can change; the booking page shows the live price.

Port of Los Angeles harbor tours

The best value harbor tour in our list is the Long Beach cruise, from €13 for 45 minutes. You see the Queen Mary, sea lions and the big cargo ships of the port.

Paid boat tours of the Port of Los Angeles leave from San Pedro all year. Once a year the port also runs free harbor boat tours; the last ones were on 26 September 2026.

Port of Los Angeles boat tour or Long Beach cruise?

They cover the same big working harbor from two sides. Long Beach is easier for most visitors, because the cruise leaves near the Aquarium of the Pacific and the shops.

Sailing tours and yacht tours in Los Angeles

For sailing, book the sunset sail from Marina del Rey. It takes up to 6 people, and you can learn to steer. For a calmer trip on a small boat with wine, the Marina del Rey wine cruise is the better pick.

Both leave from Marina del Rey, the big boat harbor just south of Venice.

Brunch and dinner cruises in Marina del Rey and Newport Beach

A dining cruise is about the meal and the bubbles as much as the views. If you mainly want to see the coast, a sightseeing cruise gives better value.

Brunch cruises run in Marina del Rey and Newport Beach, both with unlimited champagne. The dinner cruise with a DJ runs in Newport Beach on weekends.

Glass-bottom boat tour in Los Angeles

The glass-bottom boat leaves from Redondo Beach, in the South Bay. It lasts 45 minutes, and children can watch the fish below deck. Children under 90 pounds must wear a life jacket.

Where to go boating in Los Angeles

The main boating spots are Marina del Rey, Long Beach, San Pedro, Redondo Beach and Newport Beach. Marina del Rey is the closest to the santa monica pier: the beach bike path runs south past Venice and around the marina.

Long Beach and San Pedro sit at the big port. Redondo Beach is in the South Bay. Newport Beach is in Orange County, south of Los Angeles.

Cruises from Los Angeles: short trips to Mexico

Yes, you can take a short cruise from Los Angeles. Cruise booking sites list 3-night trips from the Long Beach cruise terminal to Ensenada in Mexico. Check the cruise line for dates and prices.

Tips for a boat tour in LA

  1. Bring a layer

    It is cooler on the water than on land, especially on evening and sunset trips.

  2. Look at what you pay for

    Brunch and dinner cruises charge for the food. For views only, the harbor cruise costs far less.

  3. Check the meeting point

    Some cruises have more than one dock. The booking page shows where your option leaves from.

  4. Ask about parking

    The Long Beach harbor cruise includes parking validation. For other docks, plan parking ahead.

  5. Book sunset trips early

    Small boats take only a few people. If you have just one free evening, book ahead.

  6. Check cancellation

    Most picks show free cancellation on their booking page; check the exact cut-off there.

Questions people ask

What are some good boat tours in Los Angeles?

The Long Beach harbor cruise for value, the Marina del Rey wine cruise or sunset sail for a special trip, and the brunch cruises if you want a meal on the water.

Where to go boating in Los Angeles?

Marina del Rey, Long Beach, San Pedro and Redondo Beach. Newport Beach, in Orange County to the south, also has many cruises.

Is there a 3-day cruise available from Los Angeles?

Yes. Cruise booking sites list 3-night cruises from the Long Beach cruise terminal to Ensenada, Mexico. Check the cruise line for current dates.

What are some good day tours from Los Angeles?

On the water, a whale-watching trip from Long Beach or Newport Beach is a great half day. For more ideas, see our day trips from Los Angeles.

What is the #1 attraction in Los Angeles?

There is no official ranking. On the coast, Santa Monica Pier is one of the best-known sights, and it is free to walk onto.

What hidden gem is 2 hours from Los Angeles?

It depends on what you like. On the water, the glass-bottom boat in Redondo Beach is a small, easy treat for families, and the trip lasts just 45 minutes.

More boat tours with live availability

More options with live prices and availability, straight from GetYourGuide.

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More beach and water guides

Facts checked on 22 October 2026 against: Port of Los Angeles: free harbor boat tours · Discover Los Angeles: beaches by bike · CruiseWeb: 3-night Baja Mexico cruise from Long Beach · Time Out: Pacific Park.

Written by the Things to Do in Los Angeles editorial team.