Drift Through Alamitos Bay: A Duffy Day on Long Beach’s Gentle Waterways
All Ages • 21+ to Book • Up to 12 People • 2, 3, 4 Hour Options • Starting at $230
The first thing you notice is how quiet the bay becomes when the engine fades. The hum of traffic and the city’s distant pulse soften; the water takes over the rhythm. A Duffy boat slips away from the dock like a living room on water—cushioned benches, a broad shade canopy, Bluetooth music trailing behind—and suddenly the city is a frame for an intimate coastal parade: pelicans piecing the surface, stately homes nodding from their canals, and the sun arranging itself squarely on your lap. This is Alamitos Bay from a 12-person Duffy: slow, sociable, and unexpectedly transportive.
Trail Wisdom
Know the booking rules
Reservations require a 21+ booker and specify capacity limits—stick to them for safety and insurance compliance.
Bring a compact cooler
Pack food and drinks in a cooler that fits under the seat to keep the deck tidy and drinks cold.
Watch afternoon winds
Bay winds often pick up late day—plan your route so you return before strong crosswinds develop.
Use reef-safe sunscreen
Protect skin and local marine life by choosing biodegradable, reef-safe SPF.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •Naples Island canal walk—quiet residential canals with charming footbridges
- •Sunset views toward the Oil Islands and the breakwater—great for wide-angle photography
Wildlife
Brown pelicans, Great blue herons
Conservation Note
The bay is a shallow estuarine habitat—avoid wake near shorelines, pack out all trash, and use reef-safe sunscreen to minimize impacts.
Alamitos Bay and Naples Island were reshaped in the early 20th century through dredging and development to create the canals and marinas that define the area today.
Seasonal Guide
spring
Best for: Mild temperatures, Birdwatching, Less crowded docks
Challenges: Occasional rain early in season, Cool mornings
Spring brings comfortable temperatures and active shorebirds—pack a light jacket for cool mornings.
summer
Best for: Long daylight, Warm water, Family outings
Challenges: Higher demand on weekends, Brighter sun
Summer offers long days and warm weather—book well ahead for weekend slots and bring sun protection.
fall
Best for: Calmer seas, Golden light, Fewer crowds
Challenges: Occasional Santa Ana winds later in season
Early fall is ideal: warm water, steady skies, and calmer marinas for a relaxed cruise.
winter
Best for: Quiet marinas, Lower prices, Crisp air photography
Challenges: Cooler temperatures, Shorter daylight
Winter cruises are quieter and crisp—dress warmly and plan shorter tours with limited daylight.
Photographer's Notes
What to Bring
Layered JacketEssential
Windproof layer for late-afternoon chills and open-water breeze.
Sunscreen & HatEssential
Protects against reflected UV from water during long exposures.
Soft-Sided CoolerEssential
Keeps food and beverages cold and tucks under bench seating.
Small Dry Bag
Keeps phone, keys, and wallet dry during cruising and tie-ups.
Common Questions
Do I need a boating license to drive the Duffy?
No formal license is required; the operator provides a short orientation and basic handling instruction for first-time drivers.
How many people can the boat hold?
This rental is rated for up to 12 passengers—do not exceed this capacity for safety and insurance reasons.
Are life jackets provided?
Yes—life jackets of various sizes are provided onboard and their use is required for children and when requested by the captain.
Can I bring alcohol and a cooler?
Yes—bring food and beverages, including alcohol if everyone aboard is of legal drinking age, and keep consumption responsible.
Where does cruising start and end?
Pick-up and drop-off are at a Long Beach marina slip on Alamitos Bay—confirm exact dock location with the operator when you book.
What is the cancellation policy?
Cancellation and refund policies are set by the operator; confirm terms at booking and consider travel insurance for last-minute changes.
What to Pack
Sunscreen (reef-safe), Soft-sided cooler (food & drinks), Layered wind jacket (evening chills), Dry bag (phone & camera)
Did You Know
Naples Island’s canals and the shape of Alamitos Bay were created through dredging and land reclamation in the early 1900s, transforming tidal flats into the residential and recreational waterways seen today.
Quick Travel Tips
1) Book weekend slots early—they fill fast; 2) Bring a printed or screenshot of your booking confirmation for check-in; 3) Plan returns before dusk to avoid navigation in low light; 4) Street parking near the marina is common but check signage for timed limits.
Local Flavor
After your cruise, head to Belmont Shore’s 2nd Street for tacos or seafood, grab craft beers at a bar in Shoreline Village, or stroll Naples Island for gelato and canal views—the neighborhood mix is casual, community-oriented, and perfect for continuing the relaxed pace.
Logistics Snapshot
Closest airport: Los Angeles International (LAX, ~20–30 min drive); Trailhead/Dock: Alamitos Bay marina slip (confirm at booking); Driving distance from downtown Long Beach: ~10 minutes; Cell service: generally good across the bay; Permits/passes: No launch permit required—rental includes orientation and life jackets, and the booker must be 21+.
Sustainability Note
This rental operates in a sensitive estuarine zone—minimize wake near shorelines, pack out all trash, avoid disturbing roosting birds, and use reef-safe sunscreen.
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