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    Glass Bottom Boat

    4.6 (125 reviews)
    Closed Closed
    Updated 3 months ago

    Glass Bottom Boat Photos

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    The sea lions!
    Hayley C.

    My coworkers and I came to do a glass bottom boat tour as our team-building activity for the quarter...and we had a blast! Scout, the captain, was so nice and shared a ton of rich history about the Redondo Beach Pier. I agree with other reviews that the glass bottom isn't your typical glass bottom boat, however this one was so much better as we were really able to see the sealife underwater. Parking is in a nearby lot for about $2/hr, and there are plenty of cool restaurants nearby worth checking out.

    Captain Erik

    It was a short, inexpensive and fun ride. Captain Erik was informative and knowledgeable. Well worth the price.

    We saw a great deal online while visiting from out of town. The boat departure was right on time and felt like a decent amount of time spent in the harbor. We had a small group and all of the children were able to steer the boat and act as captain. Scout was our tour guide and seemed very knowledgeable and made small talk with everyone aboard. Worth the money and very enjoyable experience for our family.

    Elizabeth L.

    Redondo Glass Bottom Boat is just the best for kids and families. You will have the best time, in beautiful Redondo Beach and the kind staff that runs Glass Bottom Boat. You can find them simply by going to their website. I do not suggest you use some discount website like Groupon, because the website has the same prices and it is so easy to book, where on some other sites, it is just a pain. You end up at their website anyway because you have to register. It is so easy to do. I also called, but that is because I am always confused. They were so nice to me and I was registered in minutes. I think they go a few times a day but we went in the afternoon and it was just so wonderful. It is not so easy to find, so follow the directions. Once there is it is easy to park and the Redondo Beach Pier is very close. Once parked just walk up to the nice people right at the boat (it is a kiosk) and they will get you on and they leave on time, there is not a lot of waiting at all. The boat itself is super cute and not too big. They don't over crowd it so everyone has a chance to see well. The boat is an adorable red. The bottom is not really where the glass is. It is to the side, each side of the boat. This way you don't have to stand and try to get around other people's feet. There is enough seating for everyone and they are very ADA friendly. The service is just great. At the kiosk they are very friendly and the staff on board are great. We just loved our Captain. He was kind to the kids and informed us of a lot of cool things to see. There is not only fish to see through the glass they also take you to where the California Sea Lions hang out. They have a space made for them in the ocean and there are hundreds of them. The sound is so calming, at least for me. They are so cute, I so want to pet them, but of course you don't get right on top of them and bite you would get. They are just so darn cute. Seagulls are nearby and other beautiful birds that love Redondo Beach. Getting off the boat is easy and then you can walk to the pier for more fun. It is the best time and a must for tourists. We live nearby and can't wait to go again. Thank you, Glass Bottom Boat for the great time.

    Debra L.

    Coordinated this as a play date for my 3 year old toddler and his buddies from daycare! It was so fun! Our captain let each kid actually drive the boat for a good amount of time, which truly was the highlight and all the parents got some fun photos out of it. The glass bottom part of the boat was so fun and we were able to see tons of fish and a couple stingrays. Highly recommend!

    Sea lions!

    The staff members were all helpful and friendly! Our tour guide was knowledgeable and kind - he answered all of our questions and made the experience lovely. Thank you for having us!

    Seals resting on the deck.
    Lucy W.

    We took 6 kids, ages 9-12 on a tour and they all had an awesome time. From the moment we got to check in they were super nice, telling us we had 10 mins and we could use the restroom or grab snacks to have on the boat. The boat ride was full of fun facts, a chance for the kids feed fish and see them both above and below deck and lots of dad jokes. Our Captain really knows how to entertain the kids and adults and it was a blast. We even got to see a baby seal lion. Highly recommend if you are looking for a unique way to spend the afternoon. After you can grab lunch or an ice cream on the boardwalk. Great f

    Glass bottom boat
    Jaculine P.

    We had an amazing experience went out with the family brought my toddler we had a blast. the guy in the front Rapha was really kind and enthusiastic which made the experience a lot better. will definitely do the boat ride again.

    Fish view area
    Sophia V.

    We had a lot of fun on the boat. It was a short trip in the Harbor but perfect amount of time for our 6 year old. Lots of fish to see and they even let our daughter steer the boat for a few minutes!

    reservations required, walk in okay if space available
    Van D.

    I discovered Glass Bottom Boat on Groupon and thought it was a unique and potentially romantic experience. My boyfriend is a good sport about getting dragged to random places I want to check out. The business will send you an email on parking, or you can refer to my review of the Redondo Beach Pier. Once on the pier, they are located on the boardwalk side near King Harbor Brewing Co. I thought it was relatively easy to find. Reservation recommended, but they also allow walk-ins. Check in 10 min prior to your departure time. You should probably use the restroom prior. General Pricing: $24/adult (18-64) $18/teens (13-17), seniors (65+) and active military $12/children (0-12) Captain Jake was really welcoming and tries to ensure a positive user experience, however there are things beyond his control. Our fairly full boat had a family of 4 with 2 well behaved kids, a family of 3 with a MONSTER CHILD, and 2 couples. That monster child was just crying, screaming, climbing, bumping into people, ABSOLUTELY MONSTER. I appreciate that Captain Jake was making attempts to sooth the child, and separated the families and the couples for the glass bottom portion, but that child really killed my personal experience. I would pay a buttload more money for a children free tour. I'm not letting that affect my review since it's not the business's fault but THE HORROR! Captain Jake did a great job telling us fun facts about the Redondo Beach pier and the features from the boat. He made PUNNY JOKES throughout the tour. Also he was super great and interactive with the kids. All of the kids had the opportunity to be the Captain an steer the boat around safely with Captain Jake managing the engine control portion. The well behaved children were super cute and enjoyed the experience. The monster child's parents opted out. My only criticism of the experience is that the Glass Bottom portion that I expected from the experience was extremely brief. We were broken into 2 groups and each group had about 5 minutes on the bottom. I could use less over the above the ship random tour and more time on the bottom. My favorite parts of the 45 minute experience was the 10 minutes where the groups were separated. The families went down to the bottom first. Some minor climbing needed so wear sensible shoes. The quiet and peaceful waves was so enjoyable. From above Captain Jake was sprinkling down bait to attract the fishy for the folks at the bottom of the boat, but from atop you can also see the fish gather. Then when it was our turn to go down it was such a cool experience. Wildlife is so much more vibrant and stunning than anything you see at the aquariums. There was a guide of what you'll probably see above the glass and we definitely saw plenty of top smelt, barred sand bass, calico bass, the beautiful opealeye perch and a few garibaldi fishes. Then it was back to shore. Definitely a unique experience I don't see at any of the other beaches/piers in the area. If I were to come back I think I want to rent the whole boat for a time slow (19 people max) to ensure a more quality experience. Maybe a family outing or a group of friends outing where I have enough folks to reserve a whole time slot to avoid children.

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    Jake M.

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    2 months ago

    Scout was a fun and informative captain. He engaged with the small children and well as the adults.

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    Jake M.

    Thanks Sophia, glad you guys had a good time!

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    3 years ago

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    Jake M.

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    Jake M.

    Thanks can’t wait to see you again soon!

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    Jake M.

    Thanks, glad you saw a ton of fish!

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    3 years ago

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    Jake M.

    Thanks so much for the wonderful review!

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    2 years ago

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    Jake M.

    Thanks so much! I’m glad you guys had a good time!

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    Jake M.

    Thanks Ty, I’m glad Captain Scout showed you a good time!

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    Jake M.

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    9 months ago

    one of my favorite birthday gifts to give my students. always a good time. nice staff too

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    Jake M.

    Thank you!

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    2 years ago

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    Jake M.

    Thanks so much for the wonderfully thorough and thoughtful review!

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    1 year ago

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    Jake M.

    Thanks so much, Captain Scout is a wealth of knowledge?

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    2 years ago

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    Jake M.

    Thanks for the long review and photos!

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    Jake M.

    Thanks for the lovely review, family friendly is our goal!

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    11 months ago

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    Ask the Community - Glass Bottom Boat

    Does the Glass bottom boat have a restroom?

    No it does not. We recommend going before your trip.

    Are dogs allowed?

    Yes as long as they are well behaved and calm. If the captain feels your dog may be disturbing other passengers or wildlife on the trip he may ask them not to come.

    I have a newborn (6 weeks old) that will be with us. Does 6-7 week old need a ticket as well?

    I assume they would since the website says child tickets (ages 0-12) are $10.

    I'm wondering where the best place to park is, and what would be a good meeting spot for people who want to meet up before they go to the boat? Thanks!

    Public prepaid parking lot at 200 N Pacific Ave. there is a lower level if you turn right and right after pulling in which typically has much more available parking. You can meet on the International Boardwalk at any of the local shops or… Read more

    Does anyone know if this spot is open, despite all the COVID-19 closures on the redondo pier?

    Yes we are open.

    Are the pedal boats pet friendly?

    View All 7 Questions

    Review Highlights - Glass Bottom Boat

    Captain Jake is informative about local wildlife and occasionally cracks silly jokes during the mini-adventure.

    Mentioned in 15 reviews

    Read more highlights

    Alchemy Sailing Adventures

    Alchemy Sailing Adventures

    5.0
    (9 reviews)
    0.5 mi

    Geoff and Emily are the perfect sailing captains, guides, boat companions etc. They are so…read moreknowledgeable, fantastic conversationalists and just the loveliest people. The Alchemy is a gorgeous 36ft Sailboat, it was very comfortable for our party of 4 (plus Geoff & Emily), but can definitely comfortably accommodate additional numbers. Our group sailed for 4 hours from Redondo to Palos Verdes (swim/lunch break in PV) back up towards Manhattan Beach before we returned to the lovely King Harbor Marina (parking is very convenient!). I highly recommend going with Alchemy Sailing over the larger companies that operate out of Marina del Rey. The setting is much more picturesque sailing around the South Bay, and you're not stuck for an extended period navigating out of the labyrinth that is Marina del Rey. Plus you don't want to miss out on sailing with Geoff & Emily, they really made the experience very special and I can't wait to go again!

    I waited way too long to try a sailing adventure after moving to SoCal, but glad it finally…read morehappened and that Geoff was my Captain . We got to enjoy a beautiful mid day sail towards PV and already planning my next one out to Catalina. He gave me a great heads up on wind conditions and the optimal time to go out. I can go on and on about the amazing craftsmanship he put into the interior of the boat. Super knowledgeable and great instructor if you're looking to learn things while "out at sea" (can I say that now?? I mean basically feel like a sailor now ).

    Photos
    Sunrise between Santa Cruz Island and Catalina
    Sunrise between Santa Cruz Island and Catalina
    Alchemy Sailing Adventures
    Alchemy Sailing Adventures

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    Newport Coastal Adventure

    Newport Coastal Adventure

    4.9
    (464 reviews)
    32.7 mi
    Certified professionals
    Family-owned & operated

    After stumbling across Captain Erica Tik Tok's page, we wanted to book an adventure. We have been…read moreon other whale watching adventures in Newport and Newport Coastal Adventure is by far the best. We are hooked and will ONLY go on their adventures now. Went on a 2 hour tour with Captain Erica and Molly, down in Newport Beach. They were absolutely the best. Captain Erica was knowledgeable and friendly that we were able to enjoy the whole ride. We saw a momma grey whale and baby and hundreds and hundreds of bottle nose dolphins. As Captain Erica said, we must have had lucky people on board to experience both on the same tour. Molly got some awesome and amazing shots that she was able to share with us. We thoroughly enjoyed the surfing dolphins that were created by the wake from our boat. The conditions were perfect, and the experience was worth every penny. We're already planning our next tour for the upcoming season and can't wait to book an Oxnard adventure with them. Hopefully we can get this dynamic duo again. Can't speak highly of Captain Erica and Molly. Total worth it. See you guys soon.

    This was by far the worst whale watching tour I've ever taken. I've done whale watching multiple…read moretimes before -- in Boston and other locations -- and every other tour actually went out into deeper waters where whales are usually found. This tour, however, barely left the coastline. If whales could be seen that close to shore, I could have just stood on the beach and saved my money. The trip was advertised as 2 to 2.5 hours, but it only lasted about 1.5 hours. Most of that time was spent heading back toward the harbor, and then we sat near the harbor entrance for around 20 minutes just watching sea lions. I honestly don't understand why anyone should pay $50 per person just to look at something you can easily see from the shore. It felt misleading and disappointing. The boat never seriously attempted to go offshore, where whales are actually located. What made this even more frustrating was that I specifically asked the staff before booking whether we were likely to see whales, and they assured me we would. Do not waste your money on this tour.

    Photos
    Imagine being this close to wild dolphins- you can just about touch them off our customized Zodiac Boat. Photo by Mark G.
    Imagine being this close to wild dolphins- you can just about touch them off our customized Zodiac Boat. Photo by Mark G.
    Our Whale Watchers Viewing Humpback Whale Off Newport
    Our Whale Watchers Viewing Humpback Whale Off Newport
    Humpbacks are the friendliest whales! (Actual photo from trip by Captain Ryan)

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    Humpbacks are the friendliest whales! (Actual photo from trip by Captain Ryan)

    Glass Bottom Boat - boating - Updated June 2026

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