Santa Monica’s boat tours provide memorable experiences along Southern California’s coast. The best options blend sightseeing with onboard comforts. The brunch cruise stands out for its excellent value, combining harbor views with quality food and unlimited mimosas. Electric boat tours offer an eco-friendly, intimate way to spot marine life while enjoying wine and snacks. Evening dinner cruises deliver the most romantic experience, with sunset views and fresh seafood making them worth the splurge.
I’m especially fond of the small electric boat tours – they’re quiet, allowing closer encounters with sea lions, and the captains share great local insights. For special occasions, the dinner cruise’s combination of harbor lights and live music creates the perfect atmosphere.
Let’s explore the top boat tours in Santa Monica that consistently earn our highest ratings.
Key Points
- The 2-hour Premier Brunch Cruise in Marina del Rey offers a luxurious dining experience with French toast, eggs, bottomless mimosas, and live music.
- The Luxury Shared E-Boat Cruise provides an intimate eco-friendly cruise with wine, charcuterie, and wildlife spotting, though there are some mixed reviews on drop-off communication.
- The 2.5-hour Premier Dinner Cruise from Fishermans Village features a gourmet dining menu, scenic views, and entertainment, though with a strict cancellation policy.
- The Private Luxury E-Boat Cruise offers an exclusive private tour with opportunities to see sea lions and enjoy wine and charcuterie, with a flexible cancellation policy.
- Cruises along Santa Monica’s coastline and waterways provide unique ways to explore the area, especially for special occasions, with scenic views and wildlife sightings.
Los Angeles Premier Brunch Cruise From Marina Del Rey
Embarking on the Los Angeles Premier Brunch Cruise from Marina del Rey offers an ideal way to experience the city’s scenic coastline. The 2-hour cruise, departing at 11:00 am, provides a relaxing respite from LA’s notorious traffic.
Guests can savor a delicious brunch menu featuring French toast, eggs, mixed greens, and fresh fruit, all while sipping on bottomless mimosas and Champagne. The high-quality food and drinks, combined with live music entertainment, contribute to an enjoyable overall dining experience.
The friendly, attentive staff, led by the personable waiter Albert, ensures a seamless experience. Smooth sailing and perfect weather conditions enhance the inviting ambiance, while the mix of old and new school hits creates a vibrant atmosphere.
Priced at $95.07 per person, with a lowest price guarantee, the cruise is an ideal choice for birthdays, reunions, and other special occasions. With a maximum capacity of 150 travelers and easy parking nearby, the Los Angeles Premier Brunch Cruise is a must-try attraction for those seeking a unique way to explore the city’s coastline.
Read our full review: Los Angeles Premier Brunch Cruise From Marina Del Rey Review
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For a leisurely exploration of Marina del Rey’s picturesque waterways, the Luxury Shared E-Boat Cruise With Wine, Charcuterie & Sea Lions Spotting offers a delightful and eco-friendly experience.
Aboard an electric Duffy boat, guests can cruise through the coastal community’s serene canals and spot local wildlife, including sea lions and coastal birds. The relaxed ambiance is enhanced by a selection of meat, cheese, fruit, and wine, creating a truly indulgent outing.
With a maximum of 8 travelers, the experience provides an intimate setting where captains offer engaging commentary and hospitality. The cruise concludes at the original meeting point, ensuring a seamless experience.
Featuring an overall rating of 4.8 based on 33 reviews, this tour is praised for its beautiful scenery and wildlife sightings. While there have been some mixed experiences regarding drop-off communication, the Luxury Shared E-Boat Cruise remains a highly recommended activity for those seeking a relaxing and nature-immersed adventure in Marina del Rey.
Read our full review: Luxury Shared E-Boat Cruise With Wine, Charcuterie & Sea Lions Spotting Review
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Los Angeles Premier Dinner Cruise From Marina Del Rey
The Los Angeles Premier Dinner Cruise From Marina Del Rey offers a captivating gourmet experience amidst the serene waters of the marina.
The 2.5-hour high-end cruise departs from Fishermans Village, providing guests with stunning views of the coastline and marina. The on-board dining experience features a freshly prepared duet entrée, including a salad, double main dish (meat and fish), and dessert.
Guests can enjoy the cruise’s scenic views from the outdoor decks, taking in the sunset, while being entertained by a DJ set and dance music.
Parking is conveniently available with electronic pay stations. Priced at €120.13 per person, the cruise offers a lowest price guarantee, though advance booking is recommended, especially for peak times.
However, the strict cancellation policy, with no refunds or changes allowed, requires careful consideration before booking.
Read our full review: Los Angeles Premier Dinner Cruise From Marina Del Rey Review
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Private Luxury E-Boat Cruise With Wine, Charcuterie & Sea Lions Spotting
A private luxury electric boat cruise awaits adventurous travelers seeking a unique experience in Marina Del Rey. Operated by Fun Surf LA, this tour offers the opportunity to spot sea lions while enjoying wine and charcuterie.
Guests can expect confirmation at the time of booking and a private experience exclusive to their group. Though not wheelchair accessible, the tour is stroller-friendly and conveniently located near public transportation.
The cancellation policy is flexible, allowing customers to receive a full refund if they cancel up to 24 hours before the tour. Safety measures and guidelines may apply, so it’s important to review the terms before booking.
With an overall rating of 5.0 from 28 reviews, the tour has received praise for its scenic views and guides, though some have noted concerns about the charcuterie quality.
Interested travelers can find more information and assistance through the Viator Help Centre, using the product code 89554P12.
Read our full review: Private Luxury E-Boat Cruise With Wine, Charcuterie & Sea Lions Spotting Review
Book now: Check availability
The Sum Up
Santa Monica offers a variety of cruises and boat tours to suit different interests and budgets. From brunch and dinner cruises to private luxury e-boat excursions, visitors can enjoy scenic views, wildlife spotting, and indulge in treats like wine and charcuterie. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing sightseeing experience or a more exclusive outing, there’s a cruise option that’ll make your Santa Monica visit memorable.