LA: Birthday Special Private Yacht (1 ticket covers 1-6 people)

Experience the Charm of a Private Yacht in Long Beach

Imagine spending a few hours on the water, surrounded by stunning views of Long Beach’s iconic sights—the Queen Mary, tropical landscapes, and lively sea life. For $399 per group (up to 6 guests), this private yacht tour provides a chance to celebrate a birthday or special event with your closest friends or family. The trip lasts around 2 hours, and the boat is exclusively yours, ensuring privacy and a personalized experience. We love that this tour includes an 8-inch cake and a banner, making it perfect for marking a memorable day, and you’re welcome to bring your own food and drinks to share during the voyage.

Two features really stand out: First, the chance to see wildlife like seals, sea lions, and even dolphins in their natural habitat—an authentic wildlife encounter that’s often highlighted in reviews. Second, the personal touch provided by Captain Ryan, whose friendly service and attention to safety create a relaxing, family-friendly atmosphere.

One thing to consider: the tour’s 2-hour duration means you’ll spend plenty of time on the water, but if you’re eager to explore more of Long Beach’s sights, this might be best as a standalone treat rather than part of a longer day.

This experience suits groups celebrating birthdays or special occasions, those wanting a private, intimate setting away from crowds, or anyone looking to enjoy beautiful scenery with wildlife sightings in a relaxed environment.

Key Points

• Private and Exclusive: Only your group of 1-6 people on the yacht, no strangers involved.
• Flexible Celebration: Cake, banners, and outside food/drinks welcome, perfect for birthdays or special events.
• Wildlife & Landmarks: Close-up views of seals, sea lions, dolphins, Queen Mary, and the lighthouse.
• Beautiful Scenery: Calm waters of Rainbow Harbor and scenic cruising along beaches and waterfront landmarks.
• Professional Service: Captain Ryan receives high praise for safety, friendliness, and making guests feel at home.
• Easy Booking & Access: Book well in advance (average 38 days), with options for pickup and mobile tickets.

A Deep Dive into the Long Beach Yacht Experience

Starting Point and Accessibility

The tour begins at Pierpoint Landing Sportfishing on Aquarium Way, a convenient location in Long Beach close to public transportation options. Arriving here means easy access for most travelers, and the boat is ready to set sail from a well-established pier. The check-in process involves receiving a mobile ticket, making the start smooth and contactless—perfect for modern travelers.

The Itinerary: What to Expect

This private yacht cruise is designed for enjoyment and wildlife viewing, with a relaxed itinerary that maximizes scenic time and wildlife encounters. The initial pass offers a slow, photo-friendly glimpse of the iconic Queen Mary ocean liner, passing by at a leisurely pace so you can snap pictures of this historic vessel from the water.

Next, your boat glides past shops and waterfront restaurants, giving you a vivid sense of Long Beach’s lively harbor scene—all without leaving the boat. This route offers a perfect combination of urban charm and nature.

Then, the focus shifts to local wildlife, where your captain will maneuver close enough to sea lions and seals lounging on buoys and moorings. According to reviews, seeing these playful animals up close is a highlight for many—one reviewer mentions how the sea lions are often hanging out and playing on the buoys, creating delightful photo opportunities.

Throughout the cruise, the boat passes by a beautiful lighthouse on a hill, adding to the scenic value and providing a picturesque backdrop for your photos. The cruise route takes you through calm, glassy waters of Rainbow Harbor, reflecting the skyline, and ends back at the starting point, completing a full, relaxing loop.

What Makes This Tour Special

Two specific aspects stand out: the personalized nature of a private yacht trip, and the opportunity to enjoy a custom playlist via Bluetooth speaker, adding your own soundtrack to the experience. The cake and banner are thoughtful touches that elevate the celebration, and bringing your own food and drinks gives you control over the menu.

Guests rave about the professionalism and friendliness of Captain Ryan, who is praised for making everyone feel comfortable and safe. The yacht itself is described as neat and clean, which adds to the overall sense of quality.

Wildlife & Landmarks: Up Close and Personal

The highlight of this trip is the wildlife viewing. Sea lions and seals are often seen lounging leisurely or playing in the water, sometimes just feet from the boat. Dolphins are occasionally spotted, adding a bit of surprise and excitement. The Queen Mary passes by slowly, making it ideal for photos, without the boat having to stop or dock—so you get the perfect shot of this historic ship.

The Food & Celebration Experience

While the yacht doesn’t include a full meal, the 8-inch cake provides a sweet centerpiece for your celebration. Guests also bring their own food and drinks, turning the cruise into a floating picnic. The banner adds a festive touch, perfect for birthdays or anniversaries. The freedom to bring outside food makes this experience feel more relaxed and personalized.

Practical Details & Booking

Most travelers book this tour about 38 days in advance, which reflects its popularity. The price of $399 per group (up to 6 people) is reasonable for a private experience, especially considering the personalized service, exclusive use of the yacht, and included cake.

The 2-hour duration strikes a good balance, allowing for scenic cruising and wildlife viewing without feeling rushed. The tour offers pickup options and a mobile ticket, simplifying logistics.

What Our Reviews Say

• One reviewer called it the “amazing trip ever,” emphasizing Captain Ryan’s excellent service and the feeling of being “at home” on the water.
• Another highlighted the cleanliness of the yacht and the smooth, safe experience provided by Ryan, noting that he treated your like family.
• A third reviewer appreciated the fun sightseeing and learning about local sights while enjoying snacks and music, describing Ryan as an “awesome captain.”

These reviews underscore that personal service and wildlife viewing are the biggest draws, along with the quiet, scenic environment of a private boat.

Who Should Consider This Experience?

If you’re celebrating a birthday, anniversary, or special occasion and want a personalized, intimate setting, this tour hits the mark. It’s ideal for small groups who enjoy outdoor activities, wildlife, and scenic views without the chaos of larger tours.

Travelers who appreciate a relaxed pace and the chance to capture photos of iconic sights and animals will find this cruise especially rewarding. It’s a great way to escape the crowds and enjoy a luxurious yet accessible adventure in Long Beach’s harbor area.

The Sum Up: Is It Worth It?

This private yacht experience offers a blend of scenic beauty, wildlife encounters, and personalized celebration space for a reasonable price. It’s especially suited for those wanting a special day with close friends or family, where the emphasis is on relaxing, taking photos, and enjoying nature.

The friendly service, clean yacht, and scenic routes make this a memorable outing, and the ability to bring your own food and decorations allows for a truly customized celebration. Just remember, booking early is wise, and a good weather forecast makes all the difference.

If you’re after a unique, intimate experience that combines beautiful views with wildlife sightings, this yacht tour in Long Beach will likely be a highlight of your trip.

FAQ

How many people can join this tour?
Up to 6 guests can participate in this private yacht, making it ideal for small groups or family celebrations.

What is included in the price?
The $399 fee covers the entire yacht for your group, cake, and banner. You are welcome to bring your own food and drinks.

Can I bring outside food?
Yes, you’re encouraged to bring your own food and beverages to enjoy during the cruise. It’s a flexible, picnic-style experience.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, all ages are welcome. Children under 12 are required to wear life vests for safety.

How early should I book?
Most travelers book about 38 days in advance on average, especially during peak seasons or weekends.

What happens if the weather is bad?
The tour is weather-dependent. If canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a rescheduled date or full refund.

Can I customize the experience?
While the itinerary is fixed, you can add personal touches like decorations or playlists. The main focus is on wildlife viewing and scenic cruising.

Is transportation provided?
The tour offers pickup options, but the main meeting point is Pierpoint Landing in Long Beach, which is easily accessible.

This private yacht trip in Long Beach offers a wonderful mix of scenic beauty, wildlife, and celebration space—perfect for marking a special day in style and comfort. Whether you’re a wildlife enthusiast, a birthday celebrant, or simply seeking a peaceful escape on the water, this experience is well worth considering.