Redondo Beach: Glass Bottom Boat Ride & Sea Lion Views

Summary

King Harbor’s sea lions, glass bottom views, local captain stories

You’ll hear sea lions before you see them as you set off from Redondo Beach’s King Harbor on a glass bottom boat ride. Watch marine life through huge underwater windows, listen to your captain’s stories about the harbor’s past, and catch glimpses of local landmarks along the way. The quiet underwater room leaves a lasting impression long after you’re back on shore.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Glass bottom boat tour in Redondo Beach

• Board boat at King Harbor
• View sea lions and marine birds
• Listen to harbor history from captain
• Go to underwater viewing room
• Observe fish through large windows
• See horse shoe shaped pier
• See Portofino Hotel

Top questions

Is this glass bottom boat ride suitable for young children?

Yes, it’s suitable for all fitness levels and lifejackets are provided for children.

Are there any stairs involved during the tour?

Yes, stairs down to the viewing area are steep and may not be suitable for all guests.

Will we see sea lions on this Redondo Beach boat ride?

The tour often gets close views of sea lions in King Harbor.

Is there a guide or captain providing information during the ride?

Yes, your Coast Guard Certified Captain shares local history during the trip.

Where does the tour take place?

The boat circles King Harbor in Redondo Beach, California.

Are service animals allowed on board?

Yes, service animals are allowed during this boat ride.

Is public transportation available nearby?

Yes, there are public transportation options near Redondo Beach harbor.

What kind of marine life can we see through the glass bottom?

You’ll spot various fish including California’s state saltwater fish, the garibaldi.

What’s included

Your day includes a Coast Guard Certified boat with adult and child life jackets provided; enjoy narration from your local captain as you explore King Harbor above deck before heading down steep stairs to an underwater viewing room with wide glass windows for watching fish and marine life up close.

What’s the experience like?

I nearly dropped my phone when the first sea lion barked — I thought it was someone on the dock messing around. But nope, it was this giant, whiskery guy flopped right on a buoy as we pulled away from Redondo Beach pier. Our captain just grinned and told us they’re regulars here, like old-timers at a café. The air smelled like salt and sunscreen, with that faint hint of fried fish coming from somewhere on the pier. It was warmer than I expected for the coast, but with the breeze you barely notice.

We circled King Harbor slowly, seagulls wheeling overhead and pelicans gliding so close to the water I wondered if they’d ever get wet. The captain kept tossing out bits of history about Redondo Beach — apparently there used to be a big saltwater plunge here? Never would’ve guessed. He pointed out the Portofino Hotel (looked fancy) and that huge horseshoe-shaped pier where people were fishing or just leaning over watching us float by. Then he waved us downstairs to the glass bottom viewing room — those stairs are pretty steep, so heads up if you’re wobbly.

I pressed my face right up to one of those big windows (seven feet wide — wild) and just watched these bright orange garibaldi darting around below us. There were other fish too, all shapes and colors, but those garibaldi really pop against the blue water. Some kid next to me kept squealing every time a fish swam by — honestly, same energy. It felt weirdly peaceful down there with everyone kind of whispering and pointing instead of talking loud like upstairs. I still think about that view sometimes when I’m stuck in traffic back home.