Rent a boat in Long Beach, CA.

What to know about renting a boat in Long Beach

There’s a large range of options for boat rentals in Long Beach. Fishing charters are particularly popular, with the possibility of catching yellowtail, white sea bass, blue perch and halibut. There are harbor tours including a tour to see whales and dolphins as well as sea lions and seals swimming around.

Power boats are a popular choice for people looking to cover a lot of the coastline or explore the bay. Jet skiing is also a popular activity in Long Beach for people looking to zip around the harbor for a few hours.

Electric boat rentals are a great option for travelers looking for a quieter experience on the water than a traditional powerboat. Duffy Electric Boats are available at multiple marinas in Long Beach and are a great option for less experienced boaters.

There are many great boating destinations surrounding Long Beach including Naples Island. Naples Island provides an excellent opportunity for a romantic gondola tour of the canals. It’s a neighborhood made up of three islands that is also a great place for stand-up paddleboarding or kayaking.

Another boating option in Long Beach is catching the ferry to Catalina Island. This is a very popular experience, so booking in advance is highly recommended. The Catalina Express ferry takes one hour to get from Long Beach to Santa Catalina Island. Catalina has beautiful beaches, wildlife preserves and some of the best scuba diving in all of California, noted for the impressive underwater kelp forests.

Because of Long Beach’s location, locals and travelers alike will never run out of things to do on the water. These nearby California spots will welcome you to fun on the water too! Check out Los Angeles, Torrance, Santa Monica, Malibu, Newport Beach, Dana Point, Oceanside, Encinitas, and San Diego.

Boating Events in Long Beach

There are countless boat parties and boating-related events that take place during the year in Long Beach. In December, the Parade of 1000 Lights is a waterfront parade of decorated boats that cruise through Shoreline Village and Rainbow Harbor. In the summer, the Long Beach Dragon Boat Festival is the largest in California, with over 100 teams from across the world competing for first place.

Other Things To Do in Long Beach

Not far outside Long Beach in the neighboring city of Buena Park is Knott’s Berry Farm - an amusement park that is a mix of fast rides and old-fashioned magic. Accessible from Long Beach in under 30 minutes, it’s the perfect way to spend a day with children or thrill-seeking adults!

Marinas in Long Beach

There are many marinas and yacht clubs in Long Beach for travelers looking to rent a boat or embark on a tour. Many are in Rainbow Harbor, the location of the moored Queen Mary, and in a neighborhood called Belmont Shore. Some popular Rainbow Harbor marinas include the Long Beach Shoreline Marina, Pine Avenue Pier, and the Shoreline Yacht club to start. In the Belmont Shore area, there’s Long Beach Marina Headquarters and Basin 4, amongst other highly rated marinas.

About Long Beach

Long Beach is a city located on the Pacific coast of California. It’s the third largest city in Southern California and is part of the Greater Los Angeles metropolitan area. It has its own airport as well as one of the busiest shipping sea ports. While once a less-than-desirable tourist destination, the city has transformed itself into a resort town. It provides a great blend of urban life with a relaxed, beachside community. It’s a culturally diverse city, with a rich variety of things to see and experience, and a fantastic range of restaurants.

The weather in Long Beach is mild, with summer temperatures rarely exceeding 90℉. In the winter months, the temperature rarely drops below 40℉ with a lot of clear, sunny days. There is very little rainfall annually in Long Beach. The best time to visit in terms of temperature is between March and mid-July and October through December.

Renting a boat in Long Beach is a great option for visitors looking to make the most of their stay. With miles of beautiful California coastline and massive harbors to explore, spending a day cruising on a boat is a popular choice for many travelers. While it is generally nice year-round, it’s advisable for winter visitors to pack warmer layers if planning on a day out on the water, as it can be cool, especially if the sun isn’t out.

While not a boat you can take out on the water, one of the biggest attractions in Long Beach is the Queen Mary, a retired 1930’s ocean liner that has been converted into a hotel with a museum and restaurants.

While onshore, be sure to stop at the famous Aquarium of the Pacific. It’s a massive aquarium that hosts over 11,000 animals, and it’s an excellent way to spend a rainy day or visit if you have kids. In April, the Toyota Grand Prix takes over the city for a weekend with car racing, live entertainment and other activities. If you’re in the mood for some retail therapy or need a bite to eat, check out the shopping of Shoreline Village, a charming commercial center on the waterfront.

Long Beach CA Boat Rental FAQs

How much does it cost to rent a boat in Long Beach?

Boat rentals in Long Beach, California start around $100/hour for a small powerboat to $500/hour for larger luxury yacht charters.

When is the best time to visit Long Beach, CA?

The best time to visit Long Beach is during the spring, early summer, and autumn months. You’ll enjoy sunshine and warm temperatures without the busy crowds and stifling heat. April through June and September and October are great months to visit Long Beach.