Best boat tours in LA

California, and specifically the city of Los Angeles, has some of the best beaches in the United States. So L.A. is an ideal place if your favourite plan is to lie on the sand and sunbathe or dive into the sea. But you can take this great plan to the next level with a maritime experience.

L.A. offers a wide range of boat tours so you can cruise the city's coastline and see its incredible beaches from the sea. Of all the things to see and do in L.A., this is a unique experience that I recommend you don't miss. If you're interested in embarking on this adventure, here's all about boat tours in this enchanting city.

Actors and actresses are not the only stars of Los Angeles, the East Coast sea has its own celebrities, and you can meet them on a boat ride. The so-called marine safaris give you the chance to get up close to species such as whales, dolphins and sea lions.

Also, on this tour you will get to know the L.A. coastline, passing key sites such as the Long Beach boardwalk, the Queen Mary boat, the Wyland whale mural and the famous Korean Friendship Bell.

The experience is usually carried out in small groups to enjoy a much more personalised tour. Please note that this activity is not suitable for children under 5 years old.

Details of interest:

• Price: from 107 euros per person.
• Duration: 2 hours and a half approximately.
• Means of transport: includes pick up and return to your hotel or place of accommodation. The tour is done by boat.
• Advantage of this option: ideal for nature lovers.
• Disadvantage of this option: not suitable for pregnant women, children under 5 and people with heart conditions.

This experience will allow you to feel like you're in the beautiful Venice without leaving the city of Los Angeles, touring water canals aboard a canoe. These canals were designed by Abbot Kinney and built in 1905 as part of an entertainment project on the Southern California coast.

The tour begins at the East Canal, where you will receive an informative and instructive talk from the guides before continuing your journey. Afterwards you will visit the Grand, Carroll, Linnie, Howland and Sherman Canals.

During the tour you will be able to see the interesting architecture of the houses in the area and a variety of waterfowl species. If you go at sunset, it's a great time to get the best pictures. A more than recommendable option if you are looking for a relaxing plan to enjoy in a magical place.

Details of interest:

• Price: from 98 euros per adult.
• Duration: 1 hour approximately.
• Means of transport: includes pick-up and return to your hotel or place of accommodation. The trip is done by canoe.
• Advantage of this option: it is an out of the cliché L.A. tour.
• Disadvantage of this option: not suitable for pregnant women, children under 5 years old and people with heart conditions.

Combining a boat ride with a city break can be a great idea. There are ferry tours that take you on a day trip to Catalina Island, departing from L.A., to get away from the hustle and bustle.

Catalina Island boat tours start with a brief guided tour of the centre of the island, so you'll have some basic information to help you get your bearings. You will then have plenty of time to explore the region on your own, taking in the shops, restaurants and beautiful scenery of the island.

The trip, both there and back, lasts 1 hour, so in addition to enjoying the destination you will also have the best panoramic views of the Los Angeles coastline. This experience is definitely one of the best things to do in Los Angeles during the summer.

Details of interest:

• Price: from 218 euros per adult.
• Duration: approximately 12 hours.
• Means of transport: includes pick up and drop off at your hotel or place of accommodation. The trip is made by ferry.
• Advantage of this option: free time on the island.
• Disadvantage of this option: you must have a full day to do this activity.

On this private tour you will have a totally personalised experience. The trip is done with your own group of family or friends, with a maximum of 6 passengers. The boat sails in and around Santa Monica Bay to sail under the Californian sun.

The experience includes delicious wines and gourmet meals to share with your family and friends in a unique setting. You'll also have time to take a dip in the water and you may even be able to spot dolphins, seals and whales on your tour. Depending on the time you take the tour you can enjoy sunrise, sunset or starry skies.

Tours that offer this tour include a visit to Venice's canals and historic waterfront, as well as the famous Santa Monica Pier and the mountainous Malibu coastline. Definitely a perfect activity if you want to enjoy a private boat ride with your friends or family.

Details of interest:

• Price: from 398 euros per group of up to 6 people.
• Duration: between 2 and 3 hours approximately.
• Means of transport: includes pick up and return to your hotel or place of accommodation. The tour takes place on a private boat.
• Advantage of this option: personalised experience to the maximum.
• Disadvantage of this option: it may not be suitable for children.

Enjoy this totally different experience! The boat you will board is nothing less than a semi-submarine. It's the Nautilus, where you can explore Catalina Island's Avalon Bay from an underwater point of view.

The boat was created after its predecessor the USS Nautilus, the first nuclear-powered submarine in the United States.

On this unique tour you can enjoy a 45-minute tour observing the underwater environment through its porthole. You'll also see schools of colourful fish and underwater gardens as you dive to a depth of about 6 feet.

On deck you'll be able to take in the best coastal scenery and stunning views of the island's harbour. The main attraction of this experience is the passage through the Lovers' Cove marine sanctuary, which is perfectly preserved in its natural state.

Details of interest:

• Price: from 46 euros per adult.
• Duration: approximately 45 minutes.
• Means of transport: no transfer to the starting point is included. The tour takes place in a semi-submarine boat.
• Advantage of this option: different experience, where you can enjoy a walk along the coast and see the seabed.
• Disadvantage of this option: Not recommended for people with heart problems or claustrophobic people.

There is no shortage of options for boat trips designed exclusively for couples. So if you are looking for an alternative to live an unforgettable moment with your loved one, you can opt for a private sailing tour along the coast of Los Angeles.

Aboard the boat, the captain will take you on a ride along the coastline of L.A., where you can enjoy the best views of Marina del Rey, the beaches of Malibu and Santa Monica.

Departing in the harbour you will see stunning yachts of various designs and even ocean liners.

As an added bonus to this experience, when the sailboat is away from the shore passengers are allowed to drive it, and even hoist the boat's sails.

Details of interest:

• Price: from 596 euros per couple.
• Duration: 4 hours approximately.
• Means of transport: does not include transfer to the starting point. The trip is done by sailboat.
• Advantage of this option: romantic experience for couples.
• Disadvantage of this option: it is exclusively for couples.

Taking a boat ride along the L.A. coastline is already a luxury in itself, but if you want to enhance the experience even more you can opt for a premium cruise.

This type of tour will take you on a tour of the most famous sites of Los Angeles from the sea. As you enjoy the best coastal views, you will listen to peaceful music, taste gastronomic delights and accompany it all with a good sparkling wine.

The buffet menu is extensive and varied depending on the time of day you experience it, starting with a fruit reception and a basket of brunch-type pastries, fresh salads, shrimp cocktail and more. A premium experience and a superb option if you're looking to feel like another Hollywood star.

Details of interest:

• Price: From 125 euros per person.
• Duration: Approximately 2 hours.
• Means of transport: Pick up and drop off at your accommodation included. The tour is done by boat.
• Advantage of this option: includes high level gastronomic experience.
• Disadvantage of this option: it is cancelled if the minimum number of passengers is not reached.

This is another experience that's all about luxury, the difference is that the plan is to party while cruising the Californian coast.

You'll start at Newport Harbour where the cruise departs and where you'll be greeted with a glass of champagne. The tour includes a high-end dinner and live shows, including a DJ so you can dance to your heart's content.

This is an excellent alternative if you're looking for a night out, and it's just one of the many things to do at night in Los Angeles.

Details of interest:

• Price: from 98 euros per person.
• Duration: 2 hours and a half approximately.
• Means of transport: pick up and drop off at your accommodation included. The activity takes place on the cruise ship.
• Advantage of this option: includes high level gastronomic experience and live entertainment.
• Disadvantage of this option: it is cancelled if the minimum number of passengers is not reached.

A must-do maritime experience for any traveller is to go whale watching. In Los Angeles you will have the opportunity to do so aboard a 20-metre cruise ship.

The starting point is the port of Newport Beach, the boat will head towards the coast of Orange County, where you will be able to observe these majestic animals. Depending on the time of year you take the tour you will see different species of whales, for example in the winter you will see the humpback whale; in spring the Minke whales are more frequent; and in summer the species you may encounter are the grey whale and fin whales.

Throughout the tour, the staff on board will tell you all you want to know about the local marine biology, as in addition to the whales you are likely to encounter other sea inhabitants such as seals, sea lions and dolphins. A very interesting activity and part of the best things to do in LA with kids, as it becomes a very educational experience.

Details of interest:

• Price: from 32 euros per person.
• Duration: 2 to 3 hours approximately.
• Means of transport: does not include transfer to the starting point.
• Advantage of this option: ideal for nature lovers.
• Disadvantage of this option: not suitable for people who get dizzy easily.

The first piece of advice you should bear in mind when taking a boat trip is to relax, as you are in good hands. Both the captain and all the staff on the boat on the trip of your choice are well trained professionals who will be looking after your safety throughout the trip. It is important that you take their recommendations and sailing instructions into account at all times.

On the other hand, bear in mind the type of excursion you have booked in order to choose the right clothing. If it is a daytime excursion, wear comfortable clothes, usually sportswear or shorts, so that you can move around more freely.

If your trip includes a dip in the sea, remember to bring your swimming costume, a change of clothes and a towel, preferably made of quick-drying fabric.

Protect yourself from the sun, as you will be more exposed to it at sea and this can cause skin burns. Take appropriate sunscreen and sunglasses to protect your eyes and to be able to contemplate the sights and landscapes much more comfortably.

Don't forget a light hat for protection, especially if you're visiting in warmer weather, as warm seasons are often the best time to visit Los Angeles.

Los Angeles is a coastal city with a lot to see, and in many occasions it can be a short time to visit all its attractions. A good way to see much of this region and its main tourist sites is through a boat tour, which, taking advantage of the coastal location of the city, covers much of it in a short time.

On a boat tour of L.A., you will know not only its charms, but you will also be living a different experience while enjoying the sun and the Californian sea.

Marine transportation allows you to have an unparalleled view of the beaches and coastal wilderness that can only be achieved from within the sea.

In addition to the above, the Los Angeles city boat experiences each have their own unique charm to suit a variety of tastes. Whether you are a foodie, a nature lover, or a party animal, everyone will find a boat ride to suit their preferences.