Marina Del Rey: Romantic Cruise, Dinner Charcuterie or Sushi

A Romantic and Elegant Way to Experience Marina Del Rey

If you’re looking for a memorable way to enjoy the stunning Marina Del Rey in Southern California, this luxury boat tour offers a perfect blend of scenic beauty, intimate ambiance, and delicious food. For just $109 per person, you can choose between a 1 to 2-hour cruise, featuring options like homemade dinner with fresh ingredients, charcuterie, or sushi, all while soaking in breathtaking views of California’s coast. Led by friendly and knowledgeable captains, this experience is tailored for small groups or private outings, making it ideal for anniversaries, birthdays, or just a relaxed escape with loved ones.

Two standout features make this tour particularly appealing. First, the fully electric boats are eco-friendly, whisper-quiet, and pollution-free—meaning you get to enjoy the marina’s sights without engine noise or emissions. Second, the personalized service and thoughtful touches—like music, photo-taking, and flexible add-ons—really elevate the experience from just a boat ride to a special occasion. That said, one thing to consider is that parking isn’t included, so be prepared for that extra step.

This experience suits couples seeking romance, small groups celebrating special events, or anyone who appreciates a relaxed, scenic aquatic adventure with superb food and excellent company. If you love picturesque sunsets, wildlife spotting, and a touch of luxury, this cruise will tick all those boxes.

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Key Points

Eco-Friendly Boats: Fully electric, noise-free, and pollutant-free for a peaceful ride.
Flexible Duration: Choose between a 1-hour or 2-hour cruise depending on your schedule.
Culinary Options: Homemade dinner, charcuterie, or sushi, with optional add-ons to enhance your experience.
Wildlife Sightings: Opportunities to see dolphins, sea lions, and other marine life.
Personalized Experience: Knowledgeable captains, customizable music, and photo services.
Ideal for Special Occasions: Perfect for romantic dates, anniversaries, birthdays, or intimate gatherings.

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An In-Depth Look at the Marina Del Rey Romantic Cruise

Setting the Scene: The Marina and the Boats

From the moment we arrive, it’s clear this isn’t your typical boat tour. The fully electric Duffy boats are sleek, modern, and designed for quiet operation. They are eco-conscious, with a capacity of up to 20 guests, split across two boats, so privacy and comfort are assured. The boats’ design means you can enjoy the gentle sounds of the water and the marina’s vibrant life without engine noise drowning out your conversations or music.

One of the immediate perks is the flexibility in timing—these cruises are available during morning, afternoon, and evening hours. Sunset cruises, in particular, are highly praised, offering a magical backdrop for photography or simply soaking in the changing colors of the sky. Reviewers mention that Captain Shaun’s sunset tour was “absolutely lovely,” and that it makes for a perfect romantic anniversary or special date.

What You’ll Experience on the Water

Once underway, the itinerary can include a leisurely cruise around Marina Del Rey, showcasing the best views of yachts, water activities, and the California coastline. The wildlife is an added bonus; travelers have reported sightings of dolphins and sea lions, which turn an already scenic outing into a lively water adventure. The calm waters and quiet boats create a serene environment, ideal for relaxing and enjoying the natural surroundings.

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Food and Drink: A Highlight of the Experience

What really sets this tour apart are the culinary options. You can opt for a homemade dinner with seasonal ingredients, or select the charcuterie platter featuring fruits, vegetables, cheese, crackers, and salami—perfect for sharing. Sushi is also available, making it a versatile choice whether you’re craving East Asian delicacies or classic finger foods.

The included two glasses of wine or soft drinks per person** add to the indulgence, with reviews consistently praising the quality and presentation. One guest called the charcuterie “delicious” and appreciated the thoughtful selection of snacks and drinks, making the cruise feel like a true dinner date on water.

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The Captain and Personal Service

The experience with the captain makes all the difference. Many reviews highlight Captain Shaun as friendly, knowledgeable, and attentive—helping with photos, repositioning the boat for better lighting, and sharing interesting tidbits about the marina’s history. Several guests mention that Shaun’s positive energy and professionalism made their outing memorable and relaxed.

The music selection is broad, with a wide variety of playlists available, allowing you to customize the ambiance. For special celebrations, the crew can also accommodate birthday cakes, surprises, or other add-ons, which can be booked separately.

A Few Considerations

While the experience offers excellent value, it’s worth noting that parking is not included—so you’ll need to plan your transportation accordingly. Plus, special holiday surcharges (Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, 4th of July, Christmas, New Year’s) may add 20-30% to the price, so factor this into your planning if you’re visiting during peak times.

Restrictions include no smoking, alcohol, or drugs onboard. Also, the tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users or babies under one year, which could be a consideration for some travelers.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This cruise is best suited for those wanting an intimate, relaxed, and scenic experience. Couples celebrating a special occasion will find the setting perfect for romance. Families with older children or friends celebrating birthdays or anniversaries also enjoy the cozy atmosphere and personalized service. If you’re looking for a low-key water adventure with excellent food and friendly guides, this is a winner.

Why This Tour Offers Great Value

For the $109 price point, you’re not just getting a boat ride—you’re paying for a full, personalized experience with quality food, drinks, and friendly service. The reviews repeatedly mention the high standards of the food, wine, and guide expertise, making it clear that this isn’t just a boat tour, but a thoughtfully curated outing.

The wildlife sightings and stunning sunset views add special touches that elevate the experience, making it worthwhile for those who want more than just a sightseeing trip. The optional add-ons—sushi, charcuterie, birthday treats—offer flexibility to tailor the cruise to your taste and occasion.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a romantic escape with beautiful views, quiet electric boats, and delicious food, this tour hits all the right notes. It’s especially well-suited for couples or small groups wanting a personalized, intimate experience in Marina Del Rey. The friendly, knowledgeable guides and beautiful scenery ensure you’ll leave with memories worth sharing.

This cruise is a great value for the quality of service, the scenic beauty, and the thoughtful touches that turn a simple boat ride into a special celebration. Whether you’re celebrating an anniversary, birthday, or just want to treat yourself to something memorable, this tour offers a refined yet relaxed way to enjoy one of LA’s most picturesque marinas.

FAQs

How long are the cruises?
You can choose between a 1-hour or 2-hour cruise, giving you flexibility depending on your schedule and how much sightseeing or relaxing you want.

Is food included?
Food isn’t included in the base price, but you can select optional add-ons like homemade dinner, charcuterie, or sushi during booking. The two-hour tour includes hand-crafted charcuterie and wine as part of the package.

Are drinks provided?
Yes, each guest gets two glasses of wine or soft drinks included in the tour. Additional beverages or champagne can be ordered separately.

What about wildlife viewing?
Guests often see dolphins, sea lions, and other marine life during their cruise, especially during the wildlife adventure cruises.

Is parking available?
Parking is not included, so plan ahead to find a nearby lot or street parking. This is a minor inconvenience compared to the overall experience.

Are there any restrictions?
Smoking, alcohol, and drugs are not permitted on board. The tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users or babies under 1 year.

Can I customize the experience?
Yes, the crew is flexible with music playlists and can accommodate special occasions with add-ons like cakes or surprise dinners, booked separately.

Final Words

This romantic boat cruise in Marina Del Rey offers a sophisticated yet fun way to explore one of California’s most beautiful marinas. With friendly guides, excellent food, wildlife sightings, and stunning sunset views, it appeals to travelers who want an authentic, intimate water experience. For those celebrating a special moment or simply seeking a peaceful escape on the water, it delivers excellent value and memorable moments.

Whether you’re a couple wanting to mark an anniversary or friends celebrating a birthday, this cruise will likely be one of your highlights in LA. It’s an experience that combines nature, luxury, and personal service, all in a setting that’s hard to beat.