The Sea Lion Excursion in Marina del Rey promises a unique opportunity to observe these playful marine creatures up close in their natural habitat. Visitors can expect a well-guided tour that combines a 30-minute observation session with a scenic 25-minute boat cruise, allowing them to capture memorable photos and soak in the stunning coastal views of Santa Monica Bay. With the chance to enjoy personal refreshments and experience close encounters with the sea lions, this excursion offers a delightful way to take in the beauty of California’s coastline. As for what else this adventure entails, it’s worth exploring further to uncover the full experience.
Key Points

- Guided 1-hour tour starting in Marina del Rey includes 30-minute sea lion observation, 5-minute photo stop, and 25-minute boat cruise through Santa Monica Bay.
- Tour offers close encounters with nearly 30 sea lions and scenic views of the Californian coastline and luxury yachts.
- Pricing typically starts at €63 per person, with flexible booking and free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
- Guests can bring their own food and drinks, and the tour may include an optional sunset photo opportunity.
- Customer reviews highlight the personable nature of the captain and the overall enjoyable experience, despite some reported issues with communication and no-shows.
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Contents
- Key Points
- Activity Overview
- Pricing and Booking
- Experience and Itinerary
- Customer Reviews
- Additional Information
- Sea Lion Encounters
- Coastal Sightseeing
- Onboard Amenities
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Is the Sailboat Wheelchair Accessible?
- What Types of Wildlife Can We Expect to See Besides Sea Lions?
- Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Excursion?
- Can We Bring Our Own Alcohol on the Boat?
- Are Life Jackets Provided, and Are They Required to Be Worn?
- Recap
- Our Top Picks in Los Angeles
- More Tours in Los Angeles
- More Tour Reviews in Los Angeles
- Not for you? Here's more things to do in Los Angeles we have recnetly reviewed
Activity Overview

The Sea Lion Excursion is a 1-hour guided tour that starts in Marina del Rey.
The tour includes a 30-minute guided portion, a 5-minute photo stop, and a 25-minute boat cruise.
During the tour, visitors will see the Santa Monica Bay and get the chance to observe nearly 30 sea lions.
The highlights of the excursion include sighting sea lions, enjoying coastal views of Marina del Rey, and seeing luxury yachts.
The activity is a great opportunity for close encounters with these marine mammals and capturing memorable photos.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Los Angeles.
Pricing and Booking

Typically, the Sea Lion Excursion costs from €63.00 per person.
Customers can reserve their spot without any upfront payment, allowing them to book now and pay later. On top of that, the tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, ensuring a full refund if plans change.
Visitors can check the availability of different starting times to find the most suitable option. The booking process is designed to be flexible and accommodating, catering to the needs of various travelers.
Guests should note that the itinerary is subject to change, and they’ll receive further instructions via text message prior to the tour.
Experience and Itinerary

Guests hop aboard a sailboat for close encounters with the sea lions inhabiting the Santa Monica Bay.
The guided tour provides a 30-minute opportunity to observe nearly 30 sea lions resting on the docks and rocks of the Marina del Rey harbor. Guests can take photos and enjoy the coastal views of the luxury yachts during the 25-minute boat cruise.
To enhance the experience, guests are encouraged to bring their own food and drinks. While itineraries are subject to change, instructions will be provided via text message.
This excursion offers a chance to witness the magnificent sea lions in their natural habitat.
Customer Reviews
Customers’ opinions on the Sea Lion Excursion are mixed, with an overall rating of 3.5 out of 5 based on 4 reviews.
Positive feedback highlights the captain’s personable nature and the comfortable experience. However, some customers have encountered issues, such as no-shows for prepaid bookings and a lack of communication.
Despite these drawbacks, the cruise offers opportunities for close encounters with sea lions and coastal views of Marina del Rey’s luxury yachts.
The itinerary is subject to change, and customers receive instructions via text message.
More Great Tours NearbyAdditional Information
As part of the Sea Lion Excursion, the meeting point instructions are sent via text message to participants. This allows for flexibility and ensures everyone arrives at the designated location.
The cruise offers customer support for any inquiries or issues that may arise during the experience. Plus, an optional sunset photo opportunity is included, providing guests with the chance to capture the stunning coastal scenery.
The team is committed to ensuring a seamless and memorable excursion for all participants.
- Meeting point instructions sent via text message
- Customer support available for inquiries and issues
- Optional sunset photo opportunity included in the cruise
Sea Lion Encounters

Cruising along the tranquil waters of Santa Monica Bay, guests embark on a thrilling journey to encounter the charismatic sea lions that call this coastal region home.
The guided tour offers a 30-minute viewing of nearly 30 sea lions lounging on the docks, providing ample opportunities for picture-perfect moments.
The subsequent boat cruise allows participants to observe the majestic animals in their natural habitat, watching as they gracefully dive into the waves.
With the chance to capture stunning coastal vistas and luxury yachts in the background, the sea lion excursion promises an unforgettable experience for nature enthusiasts and photography buffs alike.
Coastal Sightseeing
Following the captivating sea lion encounters, guests on the excursion can now turn their attention to the picturesque coastal sights surrounding Marina del Rey.
During the 25-minute boat cruise, you will enjoy breathtaking views of the area, including:
- The sleek and luxurious yachts docked in the marina
- The serene waters of Santa Monica Bay
- The stunning backdrop of the Californian coastline
This visual feast, combined with the opportunity to spot the playful sea lions, creates a well-rounded and immersive experience for visitors.
With the flexibility to bring their own refreshments, guests can customize the excursion to suit their preferences and make the most of this unique coastal sightseeing adventure.
Onboard Amenities

The sea lion excursion provides guests with a variety of onboard amenities to enhance their experience. Passengers can bring their own food and drinks to enjoy during the cruise, allowing them to customize their refreshments. Plus, the cruise offers an optional sunset photo opportunity, enabling guests to capture the coastal scenery at the most picturesque time of day.
| Onboard Amenities | Description |
|---|---|
| Bring Own Food | Passengers can bring their own snacks and beverages |
| Sunset Photo Op | Opportunity to photograph the coastline at sunset |
| Comfortable Seating | Sailboat is equipped with seating for all guests |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Sailboat Wheelchair Accessible?
The sailboat is not explicitly mentioned as wheelchair accessible. The available information does not indicate whether the boat is equipped to accommodate guests with mobility needs. Further details would be needed to determine the boat’s accessibility.
What Types of Wildlife Can We Expect to See Besides Sea Lions?
Along with the expected sightings of sea lions, guests may also spot various coastal birds like pelicans, cormorants, and gulls. The excursion provides opportunities to observe the diverse marine wildlife inhabiting the Santa Monica Bay area.
Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Excursion?
There are no age restrictions for the excursion. Children of all ages are welcome to participate. Families can enjoy the opportunity to observe the sea lions in their natural habitat during the 1-hour boat tour.
Can We Bring Our Own Alcohol on the Boat?
Guests are allowed to bring their own alcohol on the boat. However, it’s important to consume responsibly and follow the crew’s instructions for safe enjoyment of the excursion. Excessive alcohol consumption may be prohibited for the safety and comfort of all participants.
Are Life Jackets Provided, and Are They Required to Be Worn?
Life jackets are provided on the boat and must be worn at all times for safety. The crew will ensure everyone has a properly fitted life jacket before the cruise departs.
Sea Lion Excursion
Recap
The Sea Lion Excursion offers a unique opportunity to observe these playful marine animals in their natural habitat and soak in the stunning coastal views of Santa Monica Bay. With a 30-minute sea lion observation and a 25-minute scenic boat cruise, guests can capture memorable photos, enjoy personal food and drink, and experience close encounters with these captivating creatures. It’s an unforgettable way to explore California’s vibrant coastline.
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