Top California Water Tours

Discover the underwater world of Catalina Island during a 45-minute ride on a semi-submarine. The semi-sub allows you to view the marine life of Avalon Bay as you dive six feet (two meters) below the surface at Lovers' Cove. Stay dry as you get a close look at fish feeding around the submarine, then take in views of the island from your vessel's top deck during the return journey to Avalon.

Enjoy sublime coastal scenery as you spot marine life during this kayaking trip to La Jolla’s sea caves and ecological reserve. Paddle alongside your expert naturalist guide as you observe the numerous species of birds, dolphins, sea lions, and even orcas of the area. Kayak among the lush kelp beds that grow in the reserve and, if conditions permit, explore inside the sea caves that dot the rocky coastline.

Climb aboard a traditional paddlewheeler and embark on a scenic cruise around Lake Tahoe’s world-famous Emerald Lake. Learn about how the bay was formed, hear tales about Fannette Island, and discover Vikingsholm Castle from your included audio guide. Choose to enjoy the scenery and fresh air outside or sit indoors in a climate-controlled seating area. Pack light: lunch and a full-service bar are available for purchase.

Embark on a thrilling adventure to La Jolla’s mystical sea caves and be at one with the ocean on board a single kayak during this small-group excursion. Soak up remarkable scenery and discover wildlife species unique to San Diego in the ecological reserve with an expert naturalist/biologist guide leading the way.

See what lives in the Pacific waters surrounding Catalina Island without getting wet on a 45-minute underwater cruise. As you sit comfortably in a climate-controlled cabin on board a large boat, you'll glide below the surface to look for marine life in its natural habitat through your own porthole. Along the way, listen to live commentary from a guide.

With a 99% success rate, this is how you up your odds of seeing whales on your visit to Monterey. On board one of the industry’s most comfortable boats, you’ll float out to a protected sanctuary to view humpback whales, gray whales, blue whales, killer whales, sperm whales, and other wild creatures, including dolphins, sea turtles, sea lions, otters, and more.

Explore Long Beach Harbor on a boat tour focused on maritime activity, local wildlife, and coastal history. Cruise through an active port with views of the skyline, historic ships, and harbor infrastructure. Along the way, your guide provides context on notable shipping operations, naval history, and the role of the harbor in global trade, offering a practical look at one of the world’s busiest ports.

The Santa Barbara coastline is undoubtedly a breathtaking and scenic destination, and a cruise on the Azure Seas yacht is a fantastic way to enjoy the beauty of the area. Here are some key points to highlight about this cruise: This cruise provides a unique opportunity to relax and immerse oneself in the natural beauty and charm of Santa Barbara, making it a must-visit experience for both locals and tourists alike. *please note that all Viator bookings are for main deck tickets

Explore the wild and beautiful coastline of Laguna Beach from the water on one of Laguna's most affordable and yet best-rated kayak tours. Top-of-the line gear is included for your voyage gliding above giant kelp forests and coral reefs in the open ocean. An experienced guide ensures your safety and know the best places to look for marine animals like dolphins and harbor seals.

Elevate your sightseeing experiences in San Diego with this luxury whale- and dolphin-watching cruise. Instead of doing any research, enjoy having a crew to take you to places known for their whale and dolphin sightings. The luxury vessel is air-conditioned with indoor seating, as well as a restroom and stabilizers to ensure a smooth and comfortable ride.

Cruise the beautiful Santa Barbara coastline and take in breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean aboard a 70' yacht. This scenic experience offers a unique opportunity to enjoy Santa Barbara’s stunning coastline and vibrant wildlife from the sea. *All Viator bookings are main-deck only. ** Full bar available for purchase. Card only, no cash. Outside drinks are strictly prohibited. ***Accessibility: Our vessels are not accessible to passengers requiring wheelchairs, walkers, crutches, canes, orthopedic boots, or leg/knee braces for mobility or stability. Due to the age, original design, and physical layout of our vessels, including boarding access, thresholds, stairs, sloped or uneven deck surfaces, and narrow passageways, these mobility devices and mobility limitations cannot be safely accommodated aboard our vessels.

Discover a new side of Monterey—and get up close and personal with its wetlands and wildlife—on this family-friendly boat tour. Pick between morning and afternoon tour times, and hop aboard your electric-powered catamaran. The boat offers up-close views of the Elkhorn Slough, an estuary that’s home to animals ranging from sea lions and otters to bird species and more. Learn more as you go from your naturalist guide.

See San Francisco’s most famous waterfront landmarks from the water on a bay cruise that combines iconic views with onboard flexibility. Sail beneath the Golden Gate Bridge, pass Alcatraz Island, and take in panoramic views of the city skyline while listening to stories and insights through an app-based audio guide. With skip-the-line boarding and indoor and outdoor viewing areas, it’s an easy way to experience the bay from a different perspective.

Spend a few hours relaxing and sightseeing in the waters just off San Diego during this 1- or 2-hour San Diego Harbor cruise. Sit back and relax as you take in a fully narrated tour, offering top-notch sight lines of the San Diego skyline, a cruise under Coronado Bridge, a look at the bustling US Naval fleet, and a chance to spot some of the harbor’s resident sea lions.

Explore one of California's most iconic settings from the beauty of San Francisco Bay. This narrated Golden Gate Bay cruise journeys alongside Alcatraz and Angel Island State Park, past the shores of Sausalito and beneath the Golden Gate Bridge. You can choose to view the sights from inside your boat or out on deck.

Keep your eyes peeled for majestic whales on this group whale watching excursion from Long Beach. Your captain takes you to the best spots to search for whales, while you sit and relax aboard your cruise boat. There’s a restroom on the boat, so no need to worry. You can also purchase water, soda, and snacks, so bring some money with you.

Explore the captivating marine life of Catalina Island on this Dolphin and Sea Lion Tour. Set sail from Avalon on a six-passenger boat to encounter playful Common Dolphins and majestic sea lions in their natural habitat. During whale migration season, the tour also ventures to spot Grey, Blue, and Fin Whales, along with other coastal wildlife like Harbor Seals and resident Bald Eagles. With a dedicated Captain on board, the adventure promises an engaging experience filled with local insights and wildlife spotting. Ideal for families and nature lovers alike, this tour lasts up to one hour and is suitable for ages 4 and up. - Up to 1-hour tour searching for dolphins and sea lions - Maximum capacity of 6 passengers for a personalized experience - Opportunity to see various whale species during migration season - Departure from Avalon, accommodating small bags and cameras

Take in the highlights of San Diego Bay during a sightseeing tour by amphibious vehicle. Travel on both land and water, starting on the streets of Seaport Village and rolling down Harbor Drive alongside San Diego Bay. Transition into the water after departing Seaport Village. Cruise past the SeaWorld and Vacation Isle, experiencing the best of maritime San Diego on this fun and informative tour.

Sail Tahoe Blue is the premier sailing charter in South Lake Tahoe. We offer a unique sailing adventure and include complementary local beer and wine, as well as non-alcoholic beverages on all of our daily cruises. Unlike other tour boats which take 50+ passengers, our sailing yacht, "Blue", limits our capacity to 18 passengers. If you care to enjoy the beauty of propulsion by Mother Nature without the sound and smell of an engine, come sail with us!

Go on a spectacular whale watching tour of the Monterey Bay Sanctuary with your experienced captain narrating the entire way. The boats range from 53’ to 70’, and they are equipped with bathrooms and plenty of seating. Your captain will guide you through the bay and find where the whales are playing. You just need to be ready and waiting with your eyes and cameras.

Witness the stunning Santa Barbara sunset aboard the Azure Seas yacht. Departing from Stearns Wharf, this 1.5-hour cruise offers breathtaking views of the coastline and the majestic Santa Ynez mountains. Perfect for romantic evenings or gatherings with friends and family, the cruise features a full bar with local wines, craft beers, cocktails and delicious snacks (available for purchase). - 1.5-hour sunset cruise from Stearns Wharf in Santa Barbara - Full bar onboard with local wines and craft beer options (credit card only, no cash) **All Viator bookings are main-deck. ***Our boats do not accommodate wheelchairs, canes, or walkers.

Bypass the line and head directly to the gate with your prebooked tickets for this San Francisco Bay sightseeing cruise. This sunset cruise takes you across the bay with outstanding views of the city skyline, Golden Gate Bridge, the San Francisco Bay Bridge, and Alcatraz Island. Relax while background music sets the tone. Watch the sunset or select a city lights cruise during winter months.

Enjoy a different perspective and admire San Francisco and its surrounding sights from the water on a San Francisco Bay sailing cruise. Onboard a catamaran, sail past the iconic Golden Gate Bridge, legendary Alcatraz Island, and the hamlet of Sausalito. Take advantage of great photo ops while you soak up the sea breeze during this scenic tour.