Top 4 Wine Tours In Santa Monica California

Santa Monica, California, offers more than just beaches and sunny days. Its marina, with a bustling fleet of yachts and scenic waterways, makes it a fantastic spot for unique wine tours and boat experiences. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply want a relaxing way to enjoy the maritime scenery, Santa Monica’s boat tours deliver. They combine sightseeing, wildlife watching, and quality wine and food in a way that few other destinations can match.

In this guide, you’ll find a detailed look at four top-rated boat experiences. From a romantic sunset cruise with cheese and charcuterie to lively karaoke trips with music and sea lions, these tours showcase the best of what Santa Monica’s waters have to offer. Each experience highlights different features, whether it’s luxury, wildlife, or interactive entertainment, helping you choose the perfect outing for your interests and plans.

1. Marina Del Rey Luxury Boat Cruise Wine, Charcuterie Sealions

This luxury boat cruise in Marina Del Rey stands out for its elegant setting and intimate wildlife encounters. For $149 per person, your 2-3 hour journey includes complimentary wine, cheese, and charcuterie, along with a chance to spot sea lions and other marine life. Operated on a Duffy boat, this tour offers a smooth, quiet ride perfect for romantic outings, birthdays, or anniversaries.

What makes this tour especially appealing is its focus on personalized service and scenic relaxation. The captain, Shaun, shares insights about Marina Del Rey’s history while you enjoy delightful wines and cheeses. The itinerary includes stops at two convenient locations—either Brizo Bar & Restaurant or Via Marina—and provides options for sunset viewing, wildlife watching, and sightseeing. The reviews highlight Shaun’s friendly personality and attention to detail, with many visitors saying it’s a “special, memorable experience” that balances luxury with casual fun.

Bottom line: If you want a luxurious, wildlife-rich cruise with top-notch food and wine in a private setting, this tour is hard to beat. It’s perfect for couples seeking romance or groups celebrating special milestones.

2. Los Angeles #1: Luxury Boat Cruise-Wine, Cheese & Sea Lions

This Los Angeles luxury boat cruise offers a 2-hour scenic tour in Marina Del Rey for $119 per person, making it a slightly more affordable choice. The highlight is the chance to see sea lions, large ships, and jetty wildlife while sipping wine and nibbling on cheese and charcuterie.

What sets this experience apart is its personalized touch and flexible options—such as a private tour upgrade. The captain, Shaun, who also happens to be a top-tier photographer, makes each trip engaging with stories about LA’s maritime life. Guests have praised his passion and the quiet ride, which allows for excellent wildlife viewing and photo opportunities. Reviews mention the sunset as a particularly beautiful time to be on the water, and the upgrade to a private tour ensures a more intimate experience.

Bottom line: This tour suits those wanting a shorter, customizable experience that combines wildlife viewing, wine, and a bit of LA history, all in a relaxed atmosphere.

3. Fun Adventure Party Boat Cruise-Wine-Charcuterie & Sealions

For a lively, social outing, this Fun Adventure Party Boat Cruise offers a 2-hour ride for $119 per person. With its focus on fun, music, and wildlife, it’s perfect for groups looking to add a bit of entertainment to their day. The tour features wine, cheese, and a curated charcuterie board, along with plenty of opportunities to see sea lions playing in the marina.

This tour’s uniqueness is its interactive karaoke entertainment—a rare feature on boat tours in LA. The captain, Cindy, makes the experience especially enjoyable with humor and a friendly attitude, encouraging sing-alongs and good vibes. Sightseeing includes wildlife and scenic views, with the added bonus of a relaxed atmosphere suitable for casual outings, bachelor/bachelorette parties, or family gatherings.

Guests frequently mention the delicious charcuterie and wine, as well as the captain’s humor and energy. It’s an ideal choice if you want a fun, social experience with wildlife watching and tasty snacks.

Bottom line: If your idea of fun includes music, wine, and wildlife, this lively cruise offers a memorable, relaxed party atmosphere that’s great for groups.

4. Venice Beach & Malibu View Boat Cruiser- Music Wine Sealions

This Venice Beach & Malibu View Boat Cruiser is a 2-3 hour cruise in Marina Del Rey priced at $103 per person. It provides scenic views of Venice Beach and Malibu, along with wine, live karaoke entertainment, and wildlife sightings, including playful sea lions.

What makes this experience stand out is its karaoke theme, offering the best singing entertainment in LA. The boat’s friendly captain, Shaun, creates a lively, engaging environment—perfect for groups, parties, or couples wanting a fun, interactive outing. The tour includes stops at three locations: Brizo Bar & Restaurant, Vía Marina, and another Vía Marina spot, with an emphasis on scenic, musical, and wildlife viewing.

Guests mention the beautiful views combined with wine and lively music, making it a great choice for group celebrations or a casual date night. The tour’s flexible itinerary and interactive entertainment make it memorable, especially for those who love singing along to their favorite tunes.

Bottom line: If you want a more energetic, interactive experience with scenic views and wildlife, this karaoke-themed boat cruise is a lively option for groups of friends or couples.

How to Choose

When deciding between these Santa Monica boat tours, consider your priorities. For a luxurious, wildlife-focused experience, the Marina Del Rey Luxury Boat Cruise is ideal. If a more personalized, shorter trip with great photos appeals, the Los Angeles #1: Luxury Boat Cruise offers flexibility.

For a fun, party atmosphere, the Fun Adventure Party Boat Cruise combines music, wildlife, and wine, perfect for groups wanting lively entertainment. Meanwhile, if you’re after a more interactive, musical experience with scenic views of Venice Beach and Malibu, then the Venice Beach & Malibu View Boat Cruiser delivers fun with karaoke and great photo opportunities.

Budget, time, and your specific interests—whether wildlife, luxury, or entertainment—will guide your choice. Booking early is recommended, especially for popular weekends and sunset times, which tend to fill quickly.

In summary, Santa Monica’s boat tours cover a spectrum from romantic luxury cruises to lively group parties. The luxury options are perfect for intimate celebrations, while the more energetic cruises suit energetic groups or music lovers. Whichever you pick, these experiences promise a memorable way to enjoy LA’s stunning waters and marine life. Don’t wait too long—these tours tend to book up early, especially during peak season.