Know Before You Go: Ride the WaterBus
Going to ride the WaterBus in Marina del Rey this summer? Here are 10 things to know before you go on this Los Angeles scenic water ride during summer Fridays and weekends. And a bonus tip for you: Hop on at 11 a.m. when they first open on Friday and you might have the WaterBus all to yourself!
2024 Hours of Operation
June 21 – September 2, 2024
Fridays, Saturdays and 4th of July: 11 a.m. – 11 p.m.
Sundays & Labor Day: 11 a.m. – 9 p.m.
**EXTENDED DATES & HOURS FOR 2024**
Fridays in September: 6, 13, 20, and 27: 5 p.m. – 11 p.m.
Sundays in September: 1, 8, 15, 22, and 29: 10:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Select Sundays in October: 6, 13, and 20: 10:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.
1. The Marina WaterBus is an open-air water taxi.
2. Hop on or off at your leisure—there are eight stops throughout the harbor. Click here to view the map.
3. You pay $1 per person, one way (cash only) and if you hop off and return later, you pay another $1 per person, one-way.
4. The WaterBus stays in the harbor and glides smoothly at a relaxed speed of 5 mph.
5. Bikes and strollers are allowed. The boat crew will even tie up your bikes for you if there isn’t room to bring them onboard.
6. Service pets are allowed.
7. The WaterBus operates on summer weekends only along with holidays like Labor Day and special event nights like the Marina del Rey’s annual 4th of July fireworks show.
8. Make plans to stop for lunch, dinner or cocktails at nearby restaurants when you stop at places such as Fisherman’s Village (Whiskey Red’s, El Torito, KC’s Crepes, La Serenata), Brizo Bar & Restaurant, Tony P’s Dockside Grill and Mother’s Beach (Beachside, Cheesecake Factory, and Killer Shrimp). Dear Jane’s, the seafood restaurant owned by Michelin-star chef Josiah Citrin, is also accessible via the Dolphin Marina stop.
9. The wait can sometimes be 10-15 minutes for the next WaterBus, depending on the pick-up spot you choose. Fisherman’s Village is a popular place to board, though there are others along the way with less people (meaning shorter wait time!).
10. Sea lions, along with other marine life such as pelicans, herons and more, can be spotted throughout the marina. Click here to learn more about where to view marine life in MDR.
Updated May 25, 2024