Looking for the best boat rides in Los Angeles and Orange County this summer? Whether you’re chasing whales off the coast, gliding through a gondola-lined canal, or hopping aboard a $1 water taxi with the kids, SoCal’s harbors are packed with on-the-water adventures that the whole family will love. Here’s your complete guide to the best family boat rides in LA and OC — from Marina del Rey all the way down to Newport Beach.
Marina del Rey
WaterBus
If you’re looking for the most affordable summer boat ride in Los Angeles, the Marina del Rey WaterBus is hard to beat. For just $1 per person (cash only), the whole family can hop aboard this beloved seasonal water shuttle and cruise the main channels of the largest man-made small craft harbor in North America. The WaterBus makes eight stops around the marina — including popular spots like Fisherman’s Village, Burton Chace Park, and Mother’s Beach — and a full loop takes about 45 minutes. You don’t need reservations; just show up at any stop with cash in hand. The 2026 season runs Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays (plus July 4th and Labor Day) from June 19 through September 7. Bikes and strollers are welcome on board, and the breezy harbor views make it a win for kids and parents alike. Pro tip: board at one of the less-trafficked stops to skip the crowds on busy weekend afternoons.
Redondo Beach
Glass Bottom Boat
The Glass Bottom Boat at King Harbor in Redondo Beach is one of the most unique and kid-friendly boat experiences in all of Southern California. The tour begins on the main deck as the captain narrates a tour of the harbor, pointing out sea lions, marine birds, and the history of King Harbor. Then comes the highlight — heading downstairs to the underwater viewing room, where seven-foot-wide windows reveal the colorful fish living just below the surface, including the California garibaldi, the state’s official saltwater fish. Kids can even feed the fish, adding an interactive element that makes the tour especially memorable for young ones. The experience is gentle enough for all ages and typically runs about 50 minutes, departing directly from the Redondo Beach waterfront.
Whale Watching
Redondo Beach sits just outside one of the richest marine habitats in Southern California, making it a prime departure point for whale watching year-round. In the summer months, the area is known for blue whale sightings — the largest animal ever to have lived on Earth — along with dolphin pods, sea lions, fin whales, minke whales, and humpbacks. The primary operator is Redondo Beach Whale Watch, running 2.5 to 3-hour cruises aboard the double-decker Voyager with on-board narration from trained naturalists affiliated with the Cabrillo Marine Aquarium and the American Cetacean Society. The inside/outside seating keeps kids comfortable, and there’s a galley serving snacks and drinks on board. Trips depart from 140 International Boardwalk in Redondo Beach.
Long Beach
AquaBus & AquaLink Water Taxis
Long Beach Transit operates two water taxis that together make for a fantastic and affordable family adventure along the Long Beach waterfront. The AquaBus is a compact harbor shuttle that connects the Queen Mary, Aquarium of the Pacific (Dock 4), and Shoreline Village for just $1 each way — making it one of the best bargain boat rides in SoCal. The AquaLink is the larger vessel, running a 40-minute coastal route from Rainbow Harbor all the way out to Alamitos Bay Landing, with stunning views of the full Long Beach coastline for $5 each way. Both taxis run daily from Memorial Day through Labor Day, and strollers, bikes, and wheelchairs are welcome aboard. Kids aged 2 and under ride free. The AquaLink even has a snack bar on board. Whether you’re heading to the Aquarium of the Pacific or exploring the waterfront, these water taxis turn a simple commute into a genuine on-the-water experience.
Glass Bottom Boat
Long Beach has its own glass bottom boat eco-tour departing from Shoreline Village (401 E. Shoreline Dr.), offering a one-hour harbor adventure that’s tailor-made for curious kids. The boat heads out to the kelp beds near the Port of Long Beach, where passengers peer down through the glass-bottomed hull to spot fish and sea life in the shallow water habitat below. Along the way, the captain narrates the history of the harbor, and passengers get a close-up view of the iconic Queen Mary and the busy container ships moving in and out of one of the world’s largest ports. Kids under 3 are free, and the tour accommodates all ages.
Whale Watching
Long Beach is one of the best places on the West Coast for whale watching, thanks to its proximity to the Catalina Channel — a 3,000-foot-deep waterway between the shore and Catalina Island that provides rich feeding grounds for migrating marine life. In summer, blue whales are the star attraction. Harbor Breeze Cruises (2seewhales.com) departs from Dock #2 near the Aquarium of the Pacific and features custom-built catamarans with stadium seating, on-board educators from the Aquarium of the Pacific, and two daily departures. The tour runs year-round, with summer being prime season for blue whale sightings.
Harbor Cruise
The same tour company also operates a 45-minute harbor tour on the catamaran that takes a nice leisurely cruise around Long Beach Harbor. Better if you prefer a smoother ride and don’t want to be out on the ocean for whales. The narrated sightseeing tour of Long Beach’s iconic waterfront takes families past the Queen Mary, the Port of Long Beach, Shoreline Village, and along the scenic coastline. The boats are large, stable catamarans with plenty of deck space and enclosed areas — ideal for younger kids who might need a break from the sun. It’s a relaxing way to take in the full scope of Long Beach’s harbor, with knowledgeable crew narration throughout.
Gondola Rides (Naples Island)
For something completely unlike any other boat ride in Southern California, head to the charming canals of Naples Island in Long Beach, where Gondola Getaway (gondolagetawayinc.com) has been operating authentic Venetian gondola cruises since 1982. Gondoliers trained in Venice, Italy guide your private gondola through the winding canals, past arched bridges, historic waterfront homes, and million-dollar estates — a slice of Italy you didn’t have to fly across the ocean to find. The classic gondola ride runs about 50 minutes and can seat smaller family groups, while the larger Grand Venetian gondola accommodates up to 14 passengers — perfect for a big family gathering or multi-family outing. Gondola Getaway departs from a small dock on Ocean Avenue in Belmont Shore, and reservations are strongly recommended, especially in summer.
Huntington Harbor
Electric Boat Rental
Huntington Harbour is one of Orange County’s best-kept secrets — a peaceful network of waterways lined with stunning multi-million-dollar waterfront homes, resident wildlife, and quiet canals ideal for a relaxed family cruise. Renting an electric Duffy boat here is one of the most low-key, family-friendly boating experiences in SoCal. No license or prior boating experience is required — the boats top out at about 5 mph and stay entirely within the protected harbor. Multiple rental operators serve the harbor:
- Huntington Harbor Boat Rentals is a family-owned company operating since 2012, with the largest fleet in the harbor. Boats seat 8 to 12 passengers, and you can bring your own food and BYOB. Open 7 days a week from 9:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.
- Sundream Rentals offers Duffy-style electric boats accommodating up to 12 guests, complete with Bluetooth stereos, overhead canopies, and all-weather windows.
As you cruise at a leisurely pace, keep an eye out for sea lions, herons, pelicans, and even the occasional dolphin in the outer channels. Humboldt Island and Trinidad Island — two charming man-made islands in the heart of the harbor — are favorite stops along the route.
Newport Beach
Electric Boat Rental
Newport Harbor is one of the most scenic and vibrant harbors on the California coast, and renting an electric boat is the most flexible way to explore it on your own terms. The harbor’s calm, protected waters make it a great choice for families with younger kids, and no boating license is required. You can ride in a self-driven electric Duffy-style boats that can seat up to 12 passengers. As you cruise, you’ll glide past iconic Balboa Island and Lido Isle, wave to sea lions lounging on channel markers, and take in the waterfront estates that make Newport Harbor one of the most picturesque in the country.
Balboa Island Ferry
One of the most iconic — and most underrated — boat rides in all of Southern California, the Balboa Island Ferry has been shuttling passengers across Newport Harbor since 1919. The crossing is just 800 feet (about 3–5 minutes), but it’s a genuine piece of living history and a total delight for kids. The flat-bottomed ferry carries cars, bikes, pedestrians, and strollers, and the price is delightfully old-fashioned: $1.75 for adults, $0.75 for children ages 5–11, and free for kids under 5. The ferry runs daily from 6:30 a.m. to midnight, so it fits into just about any itinerary. Once across, families can explore Balboa Island’s charming shops, grab a famous frozen banana or Balboa Bar from one of the island’s iconic sweet shops, or head to the Balboa Fun Zone. It’s one of those rare, truly affordable experiences that feels like a time capsule — and the kids will remember it.
Whale Watching
Newport Beach is one of the premier whale watching destinations on the entire West Coast, sitting just outside Newport Bay with direct access to the open Pacific and the marine protected areas offshore. Summer is peak season for blue whales and dolphin sightings. Multiple operators offer regular departures:
- Newport Landing Whale Watching has been operating for over 20 years from 309 Palm Street, with daily year-round cruises and a reputation for placing passengers in the best positions for sightings. Buy Tickets >
- Davey’s Locker, departing from the historic Balboa Pavilion at 400 Main Street, has operated whale watching and fishing excursions for over 30 years. Their double-decker catamaran features 360-degree walk-around viewing decks and bow seating for watching bow-riding dolphins up close. Buy Tickets >
- Newport Coastal Adventure offers small-boat private and public trips, going faster and farther than larger vessels for a more intimate wildlife experience. Buy Tickets >
Harbor Cruise
For families who want a guided on-the-water experience without the open ocean, Newport Harbor cruises offer a beautiful and relaxing way to take in the scenery. Davey’s Locker and Newport Landing both operate scenic harbor cruises and sunset cruises departing from Balboa Pavilion and the Fun Zone area. These 90-minute tours pass waterfront estates along the Gold Coast, yacht-lined coves, anchored sailboats, and the twinkling lights of the coastline at dusk.
Tips for Boat Rides with Kids in LA & Orange County
- Dress in layers. It’s almost always cooler on the water than on land — even in summer. Pack a light jacket for everyone, and consider sun protection even on overcast days.
- Book whale watching in advance. Summer trips fill up quickly, especially on weekends. Many operators offer online discounts of $5–10 per ticket compared to walk-up pricing.
- Bring cash for the budget rides. The Marina del Rey WaterBus, Long Beach AquaBus, and Balboa Island Ferry are all cash only. Bring small bills.
- Morning departures are often calmer. Ocean conditions tend to be smoothest in the morning before the afternoon sea breeze picks up — a good call if your kids are sensitive to motion on the water.
- Combine with other activities. Many of these harbors sit right next to great family attractions: the Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach, Balboa Fun Zone in Newport Beach, and Fisherman’s Village in Marina del Rey all make great before-or-after add-ons.