Bon Voyage: Long Beach Boat Excursions
Whether you want to visit Catalina Island across the sea, spot whales and dolphins, or simply glide through the canals of Naples with something to nosh, Long Beach tour and cruise operators are setting sail and providing exciting ways for you and your family to get out on the water. Bon voyage!
SAILBOAT CHARTERS
Jolly Sailing (421 Shoreline Village Dr) allows you and your friends and family to enjoy your cruise however you like it: serene and mellow or pumped up with music and a dip in the ocean. Bring your favorite food and drinks and Jolly will supply the rest: blankets, ice chests, Bluetooth speakers, karaoke mic–upon request–and, most importantly, a licensed captain to handle the boat, which accommodates up to six people. Jolly offers two- and three-hour excursions, the latter ideal for those who want to anchor and swim around a bit.
Whale Watching
Long Beach is one of the best places to go whale watching, thanks to the deep channel between our coast and Catalina Island. Harbor Breeze Cruises (100 Aquarium Way, Dock 2), has a fleet of state-of-the-art, luxury catamarans with stadium seating for exceptional viewing. Their daily cruises are narrated by educators from the Aquarium of the Pacific. The company also offers a 45-minute harbor tour featuring one-of-a-kind views of the Long Beach skyline and Queen Mary as well as the Port of Long Beach. For a more adventurous experience, board a 6-passenger zodiac-style vessel with SoCal Whale Watching (200 Aquarium Way, Dock 1) for a more intimate whale watching cruise.
Duffy Boats
London Boat Rentals (186 N. Marina Dr #4601) makes it easy for you to skipper your own boat around Alamitos Bay and through the Naples canals. Their 21-foot Duffy electric vessels accommodate eight people and cruise at a speed of five miles an hour. Pets are not only allowed on the boats but encouraged! You can also bring food and refreshments aboard or pick from a list of approved restaurants that can deliver meals to the dock for you to take on your trip. Nigel’s at Anchors Away (6276 E Pacific Coast Hwy) is a waterfront restaurant at Marina Pacifica known for its pink decor and free duffy boat rides during happy hour. Nearby, Anchors Away offers boat rentals if you prefer to sail on your own.
Visit Catalina
Catalina Express (320 Golden Shore) offers up to 30 round trips daily to Catalina Island from three different ports–Long Beach, San Pedro and Dana Point. The Long Beach landing, located near Shoreline Village and the Aquarium of the Pacific, is home to high-speed vessels that can make the crossing in about an hour. You have the option of riding inside or outside on the deck as you take the Express to Avalon, the island’s main town, or to Two Harbors, both being great entry points for all the activities the island offers, from hiking, biking, snorkeling and fishing, to spa days and kicking back at a beach club.
Cruise the Coast
From Memorial Day to Labor Day, Long Beach Transit operates two daily water taxis: the AquaBus ($2 round trip) with stops at the Aquarium of the Pacific, Queen Mary, and Shoreline Village; and the AquaLink ($10 round trip) connecting the Aquarium and Queen Mary to Alamitos Bay Landing. Try this fun way to get around the city and see the sights from the water, car-free. Bonus: the AquaLink is outfitted with snacks and a full bar.
DINING ON THE WATER
Treat yourself to a cruise departing from Rainbow Harbor in Downtown Long Beach and sailing past scenic landmarks like the Queen Mary, Aquarium of the Pacific, and Lions Lighthouse in Shoreline Aquatic Park. City Cruises (Rainbow Harbor, Dock 6A) offers Bottomless Mimosa Brunch Cruises on select Sundays and holidays and Signature Dinner Cruises on select Saturdays and holidays. Cruises include live entertainment and full bars with beer, wine, and cocktails available for purchase. Special brunch and dinner cruises are offered on holidays including Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s Eve and more.
VENETIAN ADVENTURE
Cruise the Naples canals the Venetian way with The Gondola Getaway (5437 E Ocean Blvd), which offers two regular 50-minute cruises. Their Traditional Gondola Cruise for up to 4 passengers includes a free photo, free ice bucket and cups, and free corkage. You can bring any food or drinks you like, or add the appetizer option to your cruise for traditional Italian antipasti served on board. The Grand Venetian Cruise can carry up to 14 passengers and includes all the same perks. Gondola Getaway also offers a pasta and pizza cruise for dining on the water and a proposal package to help you pop the question in a most memorable fashion.
ROCK THE YACHT
Spirit Cruises (429 Shoreline Village Drive, Suite D) sails out of Shoreline Village, offering public harbor and sunset cruises, dinner cruises, and private charters for parties and weddings with catering and full bars. The company operates two yachts, the 65-foot Pacific Spirit accommodating 20 to 75 guests and 90-foot Motor Yacht Spirit with room for 45 to 125 guests. Spirit Cruises is also a great choice for fireworks cruises on July 4 and New Year’s Eve and dinner cruises on holidays like Valentine’s Day and Father’s Day.
Related
