Top California Water Tours

Discover San Diego independently by mini speedboat and mini car with 2- to 4-hour rental. Hit the town (and water) solo or with a friend. Whether you’re on land or in the water you have the freedom to explore at your leisure. Recorded commentary and GPS guidance inside the car enable you to explore the city stress-free. The sightseeing route takes you past Balboa Park, San Diego Zoo, Gaslamp Quarter, and more.

Head into the Pacific on a guided whale-watching cruise led by local captains and onboard educators. This tour focuses on responsible wildlife observation, combining expert interpretation with eco-friendly vessels designed for comfort and stability. The experience offers a calm, educational way to observe marine life in its natural habitat while learning about ocean ecosystems and conservation efforts.

Book this group tour to spot whales breaching at sunset in Monterey Bay. Each tour is led by a naturalist or marine biologist who helps find the whales and shares facts about them. Sip provided coffee or tea while you cruise for around three hours looking for whales. Alcoholic beverages are not included, and snacks are not provided on this shared tour.

Take an electric Duffy boat to explore Marina Del Rey, a laid-back coastal community with boats, beaches and cycle paths. Explore its water ways and look out for sea lions, coastal birds, boat houses and enormous luxury yachts. It’s a relaxing way to enjoy the water, get a sense of the community and connect with nature. This shared experience comes with a fine selection of meat, cheese, fruit and wine.

If you’re looking for a relaxing way to take in the sights of Los Angeles without having to fight the traffic on land, this Los Angeles brunch cruise from Marina del Rey is an ideal pick. Set sail on the water and enjoy unlimited mimosas, Champagne, and sparkling cider, as you fully indulge in a delicious brunch, complete with starters, a main course, and dessert, too. Plus, your cruise provides live music to listen to as you sail.

Paddle your way through California's flora and fauna on a whitewater rafting tour down the Truckee River—with a guide on-hand to provide help throughout. Begin with easy rapids as you pass by the scenery of the Tahoe National Forest, then build up to intermediate-level, Class III rapids and an exhilarating finish in the Floriston Gorge. On hot days, you can enjoy a swimming break in natural pools along the way.

Experience some of the Bay Area’s top attractions all in one day on this combo Alcatraz and Muir Woods tour with a stop in Sausalito. At Muir Woods National Monument, stare in wonder at the coastal redwoods, some of the tallest trees on Earth. Soak up the charm of seaside Sausalito, and experience Alcatraz with a ferry ride to the former island prison and a cell house audio tour.

Save time and money and explore both San Francisco and Alcatraz on this 2-in-1 tour. Enjoy a coach tour with a knowledgeable local guide. Learn about the City by the Bay through visits to top attractions such as Fisherman's Wharf, Chinatown, the Presidio, and the Palace of Fine Arts. Then, hop aboard a ferry for a scenic ride to Alcatraz and explore with the award-winning audio walking tour.

See all of San Francisco's top sights and attractions in one hassle-free way with this combination sightseeing package. With a 72-hour hop-on hop-off bus pass, you have the flexibility to explore the city at your own pace, including highlights such as Fisherman's Wharf, Chinatown, the Golden Gate Bridge, and more. This package also includes ferry and admission tickets to Alcatraz Island, 60-minute San Francisco Bay cruise and a panoramic sunset tour.

Get a chance to spot whales and dolphins during this private boat tour in Newport Beach, led by a Certified Marine Naturalist. Listen to live narration on marine mammals as you travel comfortably in a rigid-hulled inflatable boat. Enjoy a scenic and fast-paced ride through Newport, Laguna Beach, and Dana Point in search of wildlife.

Get two classic San Francisco experiences—a bike ride starting at Fisherman’s Wharf and a visit to the notorious prison island of Alcatraz—in one combined tour package. Take a scenic ferry ride to Alcatraz Island, where you can explore at your own pace on a self-guided audio tour. Use the flexible 1-day bike rental on the day of your choosing and enjoy a safe ride with a helmet included.

Secure two top San Francisco activities with a single booking, combining an Alcatraz Island visit with a same-day Golden Gate Bridge boat cruise. If time is limited, coordinating the two experiences can be a challenge. This double ticket takes the hassle out of planning, featuring a self-guided audio tour of Alcatraz and a waterfront cruise with the chance to spot San Francisco Bay marine wildlife in a natural environment.

Combine two top Bay Area attractions in just five hours with this express tour to Muir Woods and the Golden Gate Bridge. Stroll through towering coastal redwood trees at Muir Woods before enjoying time to walk the Golden Gate Bridge and take photos from the San Francisco side of the bridge. Upgrade to include time in Sausalito for a more complete experience.

San Diego looks spectacular from the water and with this sailing tour, you can sit back, relax, and enjoy having a crew to take the lead. During your sailing trip, you can enjoy onboard perks, such as alcoholic and soft drinks as you enjoy the panoramic views of San Diego Bay.

Swap the hustle and bustle of Los Angeles for something a bit more relaxing—a scenic ferry trip to Catalina Island. Once you arrive, enjoy a guided tour of the main city of Avalon to help you get your bearings, and learn about its top sights. No need to worry about rushing back—the tour factors in some free time to explore Avalon’s shops, restaurants, and famous landmarks independently.

Boats that usually take groups out on the San Francisco Bay can be super crowded and it can even be hard to see the views. This San Francisco Bay Private Sailboat Cruise takes just you and your group out on the water, so you never have to worry about missing out on seeing something. See popular spots like Alcatraz Island and the Golden Gate Bridge or customize your time on the bay.

Explore Lake Tahoe’s famous Emerald Bay aboard a restored 1958 Century Coronado wooden boat. This private charter for up to six passengers lets you cruise the lake on your own terms with a dedicated captain who knows the best vistas and shorelines. Cruise during the calmest and least-crowded times to experience the lake as it was meant to be.

Tour San Diego Bay by boat with this small-group sailing activity for up to six passengers. You'll sail past the downtown and alongside aircraft carriers and submarines with a professional captain to take the helm. You may even spot marine life such as sea lions and dolphins along the way. Opt for a daytime departure to get time in the sun or choose an evening departure for the best shot at sunset views.

Dive into San Francisco’s foodie scene at the Ferry Building before making the trip to Alcatraz for a self-guided audio tour. Join your local guide and small group for a tasting tour of the farmer’s market and sample artisan cheese, chocolates, freshly baked bread, and much more. Then enjoy an enlightening deep dive into the history of San Francisco’s infamous maximum-security prison with the award-winning 'Cellhouse Audio Tour.'

Spend a day on Catalina Island, a Pacific getaway just one hour from Long Beach by ferry, on this full-day trip from Anaheim. Leave all the logistics to someone else, including hotel transport and ferry transfers. Upon arrival on the island, take a panoramic tour of Avalon, the main town, and admire views from the top of the hill. Then, enjoy free time to explore Catalina on your own.

On this experience, relax in style aboard a luxury dinner cruise. Enjoy panoramic views from the boat's deck and take your time over a gourmet, 3-course meal, as you cruise past twinkling city lights that ring San Diego Bay. Listen to an entertaining DJ play music and enjoy an unforgettable evening, or celebrate a birthday, anniversary or another special occasion.

Guarantee your visit to Alcatraz when you book in advance. Relax aboard your ferry transportation and return at a time of your choosing. Afterward, use your food voucher at a preselected restaurant in Fisherman’s Wharf.

Spend the night on the water—and pair your sightseeing with a gourmet meal—on this 2.5 hr. dinner cruise from Newport Beach. Take to the water and enjoy a freshly cooked, duet entrée at a private table paired with seasonal vegetables and delicious desserts. After dinner, grab your drink and enjoy the sparkling night sky from the outdoor decks.

Make the most of your limited time in San Francisco, and combine a guided morning bus tour with a visit to Alcatraz. Enjoy a fully narrated sightseeing adventure through iconic neighborhoods such as Haight-Ashbury, Chinatown, and North Beach, with stops at the Palace of Fine Arts, Golden Gate Bridge, Land’s End, and Twin Peaks. Then, skip the ticket line for your official Alcatraz Island ferry and tour, including a self-guided audio experience.