Marina del Rey Water Bus

Getting Around by Water

The Water Bus runs a continuous loop through Marina del Rey’s eight major destinations, stopping at each dock roughly every 15-20 minutes depending on passenger traffic. Board at any stop—Fisherman’s Village and Burton Chace Park see the heaviest crowds, while Dolphin Marina and Wetland Park offer quieter boarding with shorter waits.

Pay $1 cash to the dock attendant when boarding. The boat doesn’t circle back—it’s a one-way circuit—so each time you get off and reboard, you’ll need another dollar. Most visitors either ride the full 45-minute loop as a casual harbor tour or hop off at two or three destinations to explore before catching the next boat.

The open-air pontoon boats seat about 40 passengers and include overhead covering for sun protection. Bring a light jacket for evening rides when harbor breezes pick up. Dock attendants can tie up bikes if there’s not enough floor space, and strollers fold easily into designated areas.

What You’ll See

The route threads through the marina’s main channel, passing hundreds of docked sailboats and motor yachts. Sea lions frequently haul out on boat platforms, especially near Fisherman’s Village and Burton Chace Park. Pelicans dive for fish along the entire route, and you might spot blue herons in the shallower areas near Wetland Park.

The water perspective reveals details you’d miss from land—architectural quirks on waterfront homes, the scale of mega-yachts at fuel docks, families paddle boarding in protected coves. It’s not dramatic scenery, but it captures the texture of marina life better than any walking tour.

Best Stops

Fisherman’s Village serves as the unofficial main hub, offering restaurants, shops, weekend live music, and the classic New England-style marketplace atmosphere. The lighthouse and boardwalk make good photo spots, and sea lions often perform impromptu shows near the docks.

Burton Chace Park hosts free summer concerts on weekends, features expansive lawn areas for picnics, and provides unobstructed harbor views. The park’s fishing pier attracts families, and multiple shade structures make afternoon visits comfortable.

Mother’s Beach offers the marina’s only swimming area—a calm, enclosed lagoon perfect for small children. The adjacent playground and multiple restaurants (including Cheesecake Factory and Beachside) make it a natural stop for families spending the day.

Wetland Park provides the quietest, most nature-focused stop. Short walking trails wind through protected habitat where you can observe birds and learn about coastal ecosystems without crowds.

Practical Tips

Arrive at your starting stop 10 minutes early—boats fill up fast on summer weekends and holidays, and there’s limited standing room. Less popular stops like Esprit and Dolphin Marina typically have shorter boarding waits.

The full loop takes about 45 minutes without stops, making it easy to time lunch or dinner reservations. If you’re dining at waterfront restaurants near Fisherman’s Village or Dolphin Marina (Dear Jane’s, Whiskey Red’s, SALT), factor in 5-10 minutes of walking from dock to restaurant.

Bring cash—cards aren’t accepted. The $1 fare hasn’t changed in years, making this one of LA’s most affordable attractions. Keep a few singles handy if you plan multiple stops.

Evening rides around sunset offer cooler temperatures and golden-hour lighting on the water, with extended hours on Fridays and Saturdays through 11pm. The July 4th extended schedule provides prime viewing for the marina’s fireworks show.