Marina Del Rey: A Romantic Boat Cruise with Sushi & Wine

A quiet electric boat is a fine way to see Marina del Rey: you glide past rows of yachts and waterfront homes without an engine rumble drowning out conversation. With Captain Shaun at the helm, you may also spot sea lions, while sushi and a bottle of wine for two make this a date outing with more to it than a view from shore.

I like two things in particular: the calm, enclosed marina route is suited to a slow evening together, and the included sushi and wine mean you do not have to plan every detail yourself. The main caveat is that charcuterie and a full dinner are add-ons, not part of the basic $119 ticket, so check exactly what is included before you book.

At a Glance

• Quiet electric Duffy boat: The cruise travels through Marina del Rey, past yachts and waterfront homes, in a boat designed for a calm ride.
• Sushi and wine included: The ticket includes assorted sushi and one bottle of red or white wine for two.
• Sea lions are possible, not promised: Wildlife may be spotted along the route, and the captain can help you look. Sightings depend on what is around that day.
• Private or shared options: Small groups and private cruises are available. The operator describes boats for 2 to 22 people, with 10 to 11 per boat.
• Add-ons change the meal: Charcuterie, extra sushi, dessert, flowers and surprise dinner options cost extra.
• Plan for the practical details: Arrive 5 to 15 minutes early, leave shoes off on board, and budget separately for parking and the captain’s gratuity.

A Slow Cruise Through Marina del Rey

This is a marina cruise, not an open-ocean trip. The boat follows a scenic route through Marina del Rey, where the view is a close-up of working harbor life: boats moored in neat rows, larger yachts, and homes along the water. The pace is gentle, and the electric motor keeps the ride quieter than a typical motorboat outing.

That quiet matters. You can talk without raising your voice, listen to music, and watch the harbor slide by instead of focusing on spray or speed. If you want a high-energy boat ride or a long stretch of open coastline, this is not the right format. If you would rather linger over a drink and take in the marina at an easy pace, it fits well.

The route is scenic rather than a set of named stops. Expect to cruise past boats and waterfront properties, with the captain guiding the outing and pointing out what is around you. Sea lions and other wildlife may appear, but no sighting can be guaranteed. Keep your eyes on the water and be ready with a camera, but do not make a wildlife encounter the sole reason for booking.

Captain Shaun Sets the Tone

The captain is more than the person steering. Captain Shaun has been praised for being personable, polite and good with families, as well as for making the outing feel relaxed. One family had a better look at seals when he brought the boat closer, and he shared boat facts and played a game with the children. On an anniversary cruise, he had the ordered food and drinks ready as a surprise and added a dish of his own.

Those details suggest a personal, attentive style, though the captain and exact service can vary. The tour is in English, and the outing is designed for couples, families and small groups. If you are bringing children, the calmer marina setting may be a more comfortable choice than a faster ride, while the wildlife can give younger passengers something to watch for.

Music is available for different occasions, and private tours can include your own music or a selected playlist. That can help set the mood, but the boat’s quiet ride is part of the appeal too. You need not fill every moment with a soundtrack.

What Comes With the $119 Ticket

The stated price is $119 per person. Included are the boat tour, an experienced captain, assorted sushi and a bottle of red or white wine for two. There is also a selection of music, and seasonal snacks and beverages may be offered as a courtesy. The exact snack selection can vary, so treat it as a bonus rather than the core meal.

The food details deserve a careful read before you book. The experience is promoted around sushi and wine, while charcuterie is an optional enhancement. If you have your heart set on a large cheese board, a birthday cake or a full dinner, choose the relevant add-on during checkout and confirm what it costs. The included sushi makes this more than a sightseeing ride, but it is best thought of as a light onboard meal rather than a guaranteed elaborate dinner.

The price can make sense for a special occasion, especially if you want a private boat, a captain, a marina cruise and food and wine handled in one booking. It is less compelling if you are mainly seeking a long sightseeing tour or a substantial dinner. Add-ons, parking and gratuity can raise the final cost, so compare the total with your plans rather than judging by the ticket price alone.

Optional extras include a large charcuterie board, surprise dinner, birthday cake, extra sushi, dessert, flowers, bottle service and photo or video packages. Availability and prices are not specified here, so check them before checkout. Select holidays carry a 30 percent premium, paid separately.

Choosing Shared or Private

Private and small-group options are available. The operator describes boats holding between 2 and 22 people, while also noting 10 to 11 people per boat. Since layouts and seating depend on the boat, check the selected option and the photos before booking, particularly if your group is larger or has specific seating needs. Weight restrictions apply, though no limits are provided.

For a date, a private cruise can make the outing feel more intimate and lets you choose music. For a family or small gathering, a shared option may be a more affordable way to get on the water. The trade-off is privacy: if quiet conversation and a special occasion are the point, confirm that your reservation is private rather than assuming it from the word romantic.

The general atmosphere is relaxed, not formal. Wear comfortable clothes, leave high heels at home, and plan to remove your shoes on board. That makes sense on a small boat, where practical footing and room to move matter more than dressing for a restaurant.

Timing, Wildlife and the Evening Mood

The listed duration is one to two hours, with start times depending on availability. That range is worth checking: a one-hour cruise is a shorter outing with time for a marina circuit, while a longer slot gives you more time to settle in and enjoy the ride. Exact route and timing may change with weather, marina operations or daylight.

The experience can be especially appealing around sunset, when the water and boats take on softer light. But the schedule is not a promise of a particular sunset view. Daylight and operational changes can affect timing, and changes for those reasons do not qualify for a refund. If the light is important to you, ask about the available departure time before booking.

Wildlife adds an element of anticipation. Sea lions are a highlight when they appear, but this is not a dedicated wildlife expedition, and the marina route does not guarantee a close encounter. Think of them as a welcome possibility alongside the boats, homes and harbor scenery.

Getting to the Dock Without a Scramble

The meeting point is the dockside door outside the restaurant’s patio. Arrive 5 to 15 minutes early and allow extra time for Los Angeles traffic. Late arrivals may miss the boat, and no-shows are non-refundable, so do not plan to reach the dock at the last minute.

Parking is not included, and the operator is not affiliated with the hotel’s parking. Weekend valet parking is listed at $49 to $59, about a two-minute walk from the boat. Validation may be available with a minimum $100 add-on purchase or $100 or more in gratuity, but availability is not assured. Confirm the details before relying on validation.

Gratuity is also separate. The suggested amount is 20 percent or more of the total booking, or at least $25 per person. That is a meaningful addition to the ticket price, especially for a group, so include it in your budget rather than treating it as an afterthought.

You can reserve now and pay later, and cancellations made at least 24 hours in advance qualify for a full refund. Last-minute bookings need confirmation. Select holidays carry the separate 30 percent premium, and changes caused by weather, marina operations or daylight are not refundable.

Who Will Enjoy This Cruise Most

This outing suits couples who want a relaxed date with food and wine already arranged, and people celebrating an anniversary or birthday who like the option of adding cake, flowers or a dinner surprise. It also works for families looking for a calm activity with a chance to spot seals and a captain who may engage the children along the way.

It is a less natural choice if you want a long coastal voyage, a guaranteed wildlife encounter, or a full restaurant-style dinner included in the ticket. Likewise, if you are watching costs closely, add up the extras before committing. Sushi and wine are included, but charcuterie, extra plates, dessert, parking and gratuity may not be.

Should You Book It?

Book this cruise if you value a quiet ride, a personal captain and an easygoing marina setting more than a packed sightseeing itinerary. The sushi and wine give the outing a celebratory feel, and the optional extras make it easy to tailor for a special date. Captain Shaun’s warm approach, when he is your captain, can add a human touch to what might otherwise be a simple boat ride.

Before paying, confirm whether your booking is private or shared, what food is included, and the total cost with any extras. If those details match your expectations, this is a pleasant way to slow down in Los Angeles and see Marina del Rey from the water. If you expect charcuterie and a full dinner at the base price, pause and check the add-ons first.

FAQ

How long is the cruise?

The cruise lasts one to two hours. Check available start times and duration options when booking.

What food and drink are included?

The ticket includes assorted sushi and one bottle of red or white wine for two. Seasonal snacks and beverages may also be offered as a courtesy.

Is charcuterie included?

No. A large charcuterie board is an optional add-on. Confirm its price and availability when booking.

Can I see sea lions?

You may see sea lions or other wildlife, but sightings are not guaranteed. The captain can help point out wildlife along the marina route.

Is the boat private?

Private or shared cruise options are available. Check the specific option you select, since a booking is not automatically private.

How many people can the boat hold?

The operator describes boats for 2 to 22 people and notes 10 to 11 people per boat. Seating and layout depend on the boat, and weight restrictions apply.

What should I wear?

Dress comfortably. High heels are not allowed, and you should expect to take off your shoes on board.

Where do I meet the boat?

Meet at the dockside door outside the restaurant’s patio. Arrive 5 to 15 minutes early.

Is parking included?

No. Parking is not included. Weekend valet parking is listed at $49 to $59, about a two-minute walk away. Validation may be available under certain conditions, but it is not guaranteed.

What is the cancellation policy?

Cancel at least 24 hours in advance for a full refund. No-shows are non-refundable, and schedule changes due to weather, marina operations or daylight do not qualify for refunds.