Los Angeles: Redondo Beach Glass Bottom Boat Cruise

Explore Marine Wildlife on a Redondo Beach Glass Bottom Boat Cruise

The Redondo Beach Glass Bottom Boat Cruise offers a fascinating half-hour journey into the waters off Los Angeles, with tickets priced at $33 per person. Departing from the International Boardwalk, this 45-minute tour is perfect for anyone eager to see marine life up close without leaving the coast. Built in 1995, the boat features a unique underwater viewing chamber that allows passengers to observe fish swimming right in front of the large windows below deck.

What makes this experience stand out is the opportunity to enjoy both above and below water views—watch sea lions basking on rocks and birds soaring overhead from the deck, then descend into the underwater chamber to marvel at vibrant fish and marine wildlife. The tour is suitable for all ages and offers sanitized, ready-to-use equipment for a worry-free adventure. With a local crew knowledgeable about the harbor and wildlife, visitors can expect an informative, fun outing that highlights the beauty of California’s coast.

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Key Points

• Price and Duration: Only $33 per person for a 45-minute tour that combines above and below water views.
• Unique Underwater Viewing: The underwater chamber offers uninterrupted views of fish and marine wildlife swimming beneath the boat.
• Family-Friendly: Suitable for all ages, with life jackets provided for children under 90 pounds.
• Convenient Location: Meets at the International Boardwalk, near Project Barley and the Candy Shop.
• No Onboard Toilets: Visitors should plan accordingly, as there are no toilets onboard, but bathrooms are available on the boardwalk.
• Flexible Booking: Cancel up to 24 hours in advance with a full refund and options to reserve now, pay later.

The Starting Point at Redondo Beach’s International Boardwalk

This cruise begins on the International Boardwalk in Redondo Beach, a lively area lined with shops and eateries. Guests meet at the blue ticket shack near the pedal boat rental dock, making it easy to find and accessible after parking nearby. The meeting point is just a short walk down from the parking area, and no transportation is needed beyond arriving at the boardwalk.

While there are no onboard toilets, visitors are encouraged to use the bathrooms located on the boardwalk above the ramp before the trip. The cruise departs in the morning, afternoon, and evening, providing flexibility to fit into various schedules.

Experience the Marine Wildlife from Both Decks

The main highlight of this tour is the viewing experience. From the deck, passengers enjoy the fresh ocean breeze and a chance to spot California sea lions lounging on rocks or swimming nearby. The local crew enhances the experience with knowledgeable commentary about the wildlife and harbor history.

Descending into the underwater viewing chamber reveals a vibrant underwater world. The large windows give close-up views of swimming fish of all sizes and colors, creating a sense of being beneath the sea without getting wet. This two-part trip ensures a balanced experience of above water scenery and underwater marvels.

The Boat’s Design and Viewing Features

Built in 1995, the glass bottom boat features a distinctive underwater viewing chamber with large windows on either side. Passengers sit on benches while watching the marine environment unfold beneath them. The design allows for unobstructed views, and the crew emphasizes that touching or leaning against the glass is discouraged to preserve clarity.

The boat’s unique underwater chamber is the star of the tour, providing an unparalleled perspective into the marine ecosystem off the California coast. The large windows are designed to be close to the water, so viewers can get as near as inches from the glass to enhance their viewing experience.

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Practical Information: Safety and Comfort

All safety equipment is provided, including life jackets for children under 90 pounds. The crew supplies sanitized, ready-to-use gear to make the outing safe and comfortable. The small group size and local expertise help create an informative and engaging atmosphere.

Visitors should be aware that there are no toilets onboard, so using the bathrooms on the boardwalk beforehand is recommended. The cruise is not suitable for individuals in wheelchairs, but otherwise, the experience is accessible for most visitors who can manage a short walk and a sitting activity.

The View of California’s Coast and Wildlife

The above deck experience offers views of the California coastline, including mountain viewpoints and the ocean breeze. Passengers enjoy a relaxing ride through diverse landscapes, with opportunities to see sea lions, seabirds, and other coastal wildlife. The crew’s local knowledge enriches the trip, providing insights into harbor history and marine ecology.

This up-close and scenic experience makes the tour ideal for families, couples, or anyone interested in marine life and coastal scenery. The timing—available in the morning, afternoon, and evening—permits flexibility and the chance to catch different lighting and wildlife activity depending on the time of day.

The Experience of Viewing Marine Life Up Close

The underwater chamber provides the most memorable aspect of this cruise. Passengers see fish of all sizes and vibrant colors swimming right in front of the windows. The clarity of the large glass panels allows for close-up observation of the marine ecosystem.

This part of the tour is particularly praised for educational value—the local crew shares information about the fish and wildlife, making it both entertaining and instructive. The views beneath the water are described as unmatched in clarity for a glass-bottom experience.

Logistics and Booking Details

The tour begins at the blue ticket shack on the International Boardwalk, near well-known landmarks like Project Barley and the Candy Shop. Guests are advised to arrive early to accommodate check-in and safety briefings.

Booking can be made with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, providing flexibility for changing plans. The reserve now, pay later option allows for easy planning without immediate financial commitment. The tour typically runs for 45 minutes and is live guided in English.

Who Will Appreciate This Tour the Most?

This glass bottom boat cruise suits anyone interested in marine wildlife, coastal scenery, or family-friendly outdoor activities. It’s an excellent choice for children, given the visual focus and short duration. The informative crew makes it engaging for those wanting to learn more about local marine ecosystems.

However, wheelchair users should note that accessibility is limited due to boat design. No food or drinks are included, but visitors are welcome to bring their own. The price point offers great value for such an immersive and scenic experience.

Redondo Beach Glass Bottom Boat: A Worthwhile Coastal Adventure

The Redondo Beach Glass Bottom Boat Cruise combines scenic views with marine discovery, making it a great option for families, couples, or solo travelers seeking a short but engaging tour. The underwater viewing chamber elevates the experience, providing close-up glimpses of California’s vibrant marine life.

While the lack of onboard toilets and limited accessibility are considerations, the informative crew, scenic landscapes, and marine wildlife encounters compensate well. For $33, this 45-minute journey offers quality time on the water with plenty of visual delights.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the cruise?
The cruise lasts 45 minutes, including both above and below water experiences.

What is included in the price?
The ticket price includes the glass bottom boat cruise, life jackets (for children under 90 pounds), and a captain leading the tour.

Are food and drinks provided?
No, food and drink are not included, but guests can bring their own.

Where does the tour start?
The tour begins at the blue ticket shack on the International Boardwalk, near Project Barley and the Candy Shop.

Is the boat accessible for wheelchair users?
No, the tour is not suitable for wheelchair users due to the boat’s design.

Are there toilets onboard?
No, visitors are advised to use the bathrooms on the boardwalk before the cruise.

What wildlife will I see?
Expect to see fish swimming in the underwater chamber, and from the deck, you may spot sea lions and seabirds.

Can I cancel my booking?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the tour.

Is there a best time of day to go?
The tour is available in the morning, afternoon, and evening, so you can choose based on your schedule and preferred lighting.

How many people can join?
The tour’s group size is generally small, providing an intimate experience, though specific group size limits are not detailed.

Can children participate?
Yes, children are welcome, but must wear a life jacket if under 90 pounds.

This Redondo Beach Glass Bottom Boat Cruise offers an engaging and scenic look into California’s coastal waters, making it a memorable choice for anyone wanting a short, family-friendly, marine-focused adventure.

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