Water Sports & Activities Near Me
(Updated for 2024) Get ready to make a splash! Los Angeles may be known for its sandy beaches and sunny weather, but did you know that there are tons of water sports and activities that you and your family can enjoy? Whether you're a seasoned water sports enthusiast or just looking to try something new, we've got you covered with our ultimate guide to the best water sports and activities for families in Los Angeles. So grab your swimsuits, sunscreen, and sense of adventure, and let's dive in!
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13755 Fiji Way
Marina del Rey, CA, 90292
Enjoy views of the Marina on a dinner cruise, sunset cruise (seasonal), or brunch cruise with your kids. Soak up views of passing sailboats and sea animals. Hornblower’s fleet of five ships is located in the heart of the Marina, at Fisherman’s Village, with ample parking. Take a Marina del Rey cruise any time of the year. They also offer Marina del Rey winter holiday cruises, New Year’s Eve cruises, Mother’s Day cruises, Father’s Day cruises, 4th of July cruises, and Thanksgiving cruises.
13717 Fiji Way
Marina del Rey, CA, 90292
Have some family fun on the water and explore the harbor by kayak, paddleboard, sailboat, motorboat, electric Duffy boat, or jet ski. Hourly rentals are available and no special license is required. Look for the kiosk behind El Torito restaurant in Fisherman’s Village. Make a reservation at 310-360-4444.
13552 Fiji Way
Marina Del Rey, CA 920292
Take a public fishing trip departing from Dock 52 and head out onto Santa Monica Bay on the hunt for halibut, sea bass, and more. Guides are available to help if you have no experience. Tackle and fishing licenses are on the boat. Whale watching and wildlife excursions also run year-round.
Aloha Brothers
1600 Pacific Ave
Venice, CA 90291
Take a group surfing lesson at Venice Beach with the entire family or a private surfing lesson. The instructors at Aloha Brothers are trained to give you the best surfing experience.
13723 Fiji Way, B-U6
Marina Del Rey, CA 90292
Blue Pacific Yachting offers a variety of sailboats for instruction, sailing by members, and chartering by the public. Their fleet includes everything from 25-foot Merit 25 to the luxurious, comfortable Lagoon 380, a 38-foot catamaran. The staff of dedicated sailing professionals.
13755 Fiji Way
Marina del Rey, CA 90292
Take a WaterBus around the Marina in the summer months. The WaterBus service runs Thursdays through Sundays, plus summer holidays. For just $1 per ride, you can take the WaterBus to eight stops in the Marina, including Burton Chace Park, Fisherman’s Village, Waterfront Walk, Dolphin Marina, Marina “Mother’s” Beach, and more. Bikes and strollers are welcome aboard. You can purchase your ticket from the dock attendants stationed at each WaterBus stop. The WaterBus operates from mid-June through the beginning of September.
Echo Park Lake
751 Echo Park Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90026
Echo Park pedal boats are a great way to enjoy the outdoors with your family! Your kids will love the swan boats at Echo Park. The stylish swans feature the option of a shade covering for sunny days, are easy to maneuver, and are great fun for everyone.
Various Locations
Take a group stand-up paddle lesson and tours/team-building excursions in Marina harbor, Santa Monica Beach, Malibu, or Venice. Reservations are required in advance. Paddle Method is an accredited SUP school that is all about making SUP instruction fun and accessible for all.
LA River
Sepulveda Basin Wildlife Reserve
Burbank Blvd. at Woodley Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 91436
Paddle the LA River and experience a one-of-a-kind Los Angeles kayaking experience. These guided kayak tours are in the "Sepulveda Basin Wildlife Reserve" section, which is the most natural, wonderfully green part, within one of two official Recreational Zones. It's a leisurely, 2.5-mile flatwater paddle with deeper water and few obstacles. You'll paddle in your single kayak for approximately 2 1/4 hrs., with all basic equipment provided (boat, life jacket, paddle, helmet), as you learn all about the LA River from experienced boating staff. This activity is usually doable for kids 10 years and up.
14001 Fiji Way
Marina del Rey, CA 90292
The MAC is home to kayaking, rowing, sailing, surfing, stand-up paddleboarding, and windsurfing classes, as well as MAC Junior Rowing Team, and youth boating programs. The Marina Aquatic Center is open to the public and offers equipment rentals, group programs for adults and youth, Semi-private and private lessons, BBQ, fire pit, and great sunset views.
14045 Panay Way
Marina del Rey, CA 90292
You don’t need to go to Venice, Italy to enjoy an Italian gondola. You can rent a gondola in Marina Del Ray on a 32-feet, complete with pillows, music, lamps, gondolier, appetizers, and drinks. The gondola seat up to 6 passengers. Reservations are required in advance, and are for ages 12 and up.
309 Palm St. #A
Newport Beach, CA 92661
See giant blue whales, finback whales, gray whales, and many more in their natural habitat on a whale-watching cruise! With one of the largest marine protected parks just outside of Newport Bay, whales and dolphins of all types can be viewed as soon as you leave the bay.
7620 Tampa Ave.
Reseda, CA 91335
Start a Scuba Diving Adventure with Aloha Dive. Your scuba certification adventure begins with online academics where you learn the fundamentals of scuba equipment and the safety rules of scuba diving in your own home and at your own pace. Upon completion of your online academics, you start a class to review the fundamentals of safe diving practices. Upon completion of classroom review, it’s off to a private pool where you develop a comfortable training level of scuba skills. Then you will start your Open Water Boat trips aboard Aloha Dive's private boat.
Fisherman’s Cove
Laguna Beach, CA
Take a 2-hour guided kayak tour from Laguna Beach to see kelp forests, sea lion colonies, and reefs. Watch for bright garibaldi fish and playful dolphins as you explore alongside your experienced guide, and learn about the area’s unique ecosystems.
13900 Marquesas Way
Marina Del Rey, CA 90292
Get an outside view of the pristine beaches of southern California, with your own yacht charter in Los Angeles. It is the perfect way to see all the best parts of the pacific shore. Whether you want to rent a boat in Los Angeles or try an exclusive Yacht charter in Marina del Rey, Long Beach, or Newport Beach you can expect nothing but sunny shores and plenty of adventure.
24440 Dana Point Harbor Drive
Dana Point, CA 92629
Get exclusive underwater glass viewing of some of the largest creatures on earth in Manute’a! The high-tech, high-speed catamaran sailboat offers the world’s most unique dolphin and whale-watching experience. Manute’a carries up to 49 passengers with comfortable seating for all.
400 Main Street
Newport Beach, CA 92661
Choose from a huge selection of public cruises including sunset, live music, evening, brunch, fiesta, holiday, and many more. Cruise Newport Beach also offers yacht and ship rentals for all-size events. Snacks and drinks will be available on the boat. Outside food is also welcome.
309 Palm St. #A
Newport Beach, CA 92661
Select from several whale-watching cruises year-round. The whale watching & dolphin cruises view giant blue whales, finback whales, gray whales, humpback whales, minke whales, several species of dolphin, and much more.
34671 Puerto Place
Dana Point, CA 92629
If you are looking to take water sports with your family to a new level, jet skiing is an activity you should add to your to-do list. The Kawasaki high-speed water beasts can be a fun way to spend a day at the beach with your family.
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