Reviewed · LOS ANGELES FOOD & DRINK TOURS
Romantic Boat Cruise with Wine & Cheese or Surprise Dinner
Sunset water views, minus the engine noise. This romantic cruise in Marina del Rey uses a fully electric, silent Duffy boat, so the whole experience feels calm from the first minute. I like the way you get two glasses of wine per guest while cruising past yachts and waterfront homes, and I also like that you can upgrade the vibe with charcuterie, sushi, or a surprise dinner for two.
One thing to consider: Captain Shaun plays host in a very interactive way. If you want a totally quiet, no-talking ride, you’ll want to set that expectation ahead of time.
Key Points Before You Go

- Electric and silent Duffy boat keeps the mood relaxed and conversation-friendly
- Two glasses of wine per guest are included, plus seasonal snacks and beverages as a courtesy
- Captain Shaun’s hosting style can be more talk-forward than you might expect
- Sunset timing near the jetty is a big part of why this feels special
- Optional upgrades like surprise dinner for two, charcuterie, sushi, and extra drinks
- Small-group feel with a range of 2 to 22 guests depending on the boat
Riding the Quiet Electric Boat Through Marina del Rey

Marina del Rey romance has a built-in advantage, the water stays scenic and slow. This cruise leans into that with a fully electric Duffy boat. The silence is real, so you notice the little stuff: the marina’s gentle movement, the light on the shoreline, and that laid-back feeling you do not get on louder boats.
You’ll glide past luxury yachts, waterfront homes, and the working layout of the marina. It is not a long offshore trip, but that is part of the appeal. You stay close enough to landmarks to feel grounded, while still getting that classic “we are on the water for real” moment.
Wildlife is part of the experience too. In particular, I would keep an eye out for sea lions, since sightings came up in recent experiences. If you have not seen sea lions up close before, it can quickly turn a pretty sunset cruise into a memorable one.
You can also read our reviews of more boat tours in Los Angeles
What You Get: Wine, Seasonal Snacks, Blankets, and Bluetooth

If you book this for date night, the included perks matter. You get a boat tour, an experienced captain, and a wide selection of music for all occasions. You also get two glasses of wine per guest, which sets the tone without requiring you to think about ordering or adding extras right away.
Comfort details are surprisingly important on a 1 hour to 90 minutes cruise. You’ll have blankets available, which helps a lot when the breeze comes off the water. There are also Bluetooth speakers, so if you want to bring your own music vibe, you can.
You should also know that seasonal snacks and beverages are offered as a courtesy. That can make the whole ride feel a bit more like a planned evening and less like a quick sightseeing loop. And if you are thinking wine and cheese specifically, there are optional upgrades that can turn the snack into something more substantial.
Captain Shaun and the Right Level of Host Energy

Captain Shaun is the name to remember here. People described him as friendly, entertaining, and genuinely invested in making the cruise feel special. That shows in how he approaches the route and the timing, especially around sunset.
One detail I love from the experiences shared is how he tries to get you close to the best views. He can position the boat so you get a better angle as the light changes, including while moving around the jetty. That practical “chase the best view possible” mindset is what turns a good cruise into a great one for couples.
Music also plays a role. Several experiences highlight romantic French music as part of the mood, which fits the quiet electric feel really well. If you want a specific sound, it is smart to tell the captain your preference ahead of time.
Now the balanced note: Shaun can also talk while he drives and points things out. If you want a silent cruise where the only soundtrack is the water and your conversation, say that up front. The captain’s interjections are part of his hosting style, and you can avoid awkward mismatch by setting expectations.
The Cruise Timeline: From 4360 Via Marina to the Sunset Angle

The whole experience is built around a simple loop. You start at 4360 Via Marina, and you meet by Brizo’s Restaurant docks entrance. You will want to arrive 5 to 15 minutes early. Late arrivals can miss the tour, and refunds are not provided if the guidelines are not followed.
When you arrive, the best move is to follow their contact instructions. Sit by the bench at the docks entrance and call your captain, and text the booking info right away. This is not the kind of tour where you can casually wander in and hope it works out.
Once you are aboard, you get a safety briefing and then you are off. The cruise route is scenic through the marina, which means you are not sitting in one spot the whole time. You are moving enough to see how the light and scenery change, and you are positioned enough to enjoy the golden hour without feeling rushed.
The duration is typically 1 hour to 90 minutes. That range matters because it affects your comfort level. If you are planning this around dinner, plan buffer time so you do not feel like you are squeezing the cruise between busy reservations.
Where the Boat Excels: Sunset, Photos, and Small-Group Romance

This cruise works because it is designed for the moment you came for, sunset on the water. The electric boat helps because you can hear each other, enjoy music, and still feel the ambiance.
Photography is another underrated reason this is popular. In shared experiences, the captain was praised for great photography, which matters if you want more than a few blurry shots. If you are celebrating something big, this is also where the boat format helps. You get a shared background that feels special, without needing a complicated plan.
It is also built for relationship time. You can treat it like a romantic date, but it works for birthdays and celebrations too. The vibe is more intimate than a large party boat, even when the group is bigger.
Group size is a wide range, from 2 to 22 guests. If you are the type who wants privacy, pick times that feel more couple-friendly, and communicate what you want. If you are more social and want light conversation, you can lean into that too.
You can also read our reviews of more wine tours in Los Angeles
Upgrades That Turn a Nice Cruise Into a Real Event

The base experience already includes wine, snacks courtesy, and comfort items. But the add-ons are where you tailor it to your celebration.
Here are the optional enhancements available:
- Surprise dinner for two
- Assorted sushi platter
- Freshly made charcuterie
- Additional drinks and other upgrades
If you are choosing between wine and cheese versus a surprise dinner style, think about your end goal. For a short, sweet romantic date, pairing-style upgrades can feel perfect. For an actual “this is the plan tonight” celebration, a surprise dinner for two gives structure and makes the timing feel meaningful.
One practical tip: if you want the dining to feel smooth, plan your expectations around a 1 hour to 90 minutes window. You are not doing a multi-hour dining experience out on the water. So choose the upgrade that matches how long you actually want to stay at the table.
Price and Value at $129 per Person (and What Can Add On)

At $129 per person, this is priced like a real experience, not a budget activity. The value comes from what is included: the boat itself, a professional captain, the music setup, two glasses of wine per guest, and comfort items like blankets.
It also helps that the boat is electric and quiet. That is not just a gimmick. The calm ride changes how the whole evening feels, especially if you plan to talk, take photos, or just enjoy the sunset without noise competing with your night.
That said, you should look closely at the extras and policies you will be responsible for:
- Optional add-ons cost extra
- Parking is not included
- There is a minimum of 20% or $25+ per person
If you are the kind of traveler who usually pays for food and drinks separately, this can still feel like good value because you are getting part of that covered up front. If you are trying to keep spending tight, you can book the core cruise and treat upgrades as optional, then decide based on the mood once you are on the boat.
Who This Is Perfect For (and Who Should Skip It)

This is a strong fit for couples who want a calm, romantic setting with minimal fuss. It is also great for birthdays, anniversaries, and special dates because the boat format makes the celebration feel built-in, not improvised.
It can work for small groups as well, especially if you are a group of friends or family celebrating together and you want a shared scenic experience. Just remember the boat capacity can be up to 22 guests, so the feel will depend on the actual group size you get.
There is a clear limitation: it is not suitable for people over 250 lbs (113 kg). If anyone in your party is close to or above that limit, you should skip this option and look for another boat experience with different weight requirements.
Getting Ready: How to Make This Cruise Go Smoothly

Do not treat this like a walk-up activity. You need to call or text right after booking with your information, and you should not just show up without contact. When you arrive, sit by the bench at Brizo’s Restaurant docks entrance and let the captain know you are there.
Also, be on time. Arrive 5 to 15 minutes early because late arrivals may miss the tour and refunds are not provided for missed tours. If weather or daylight changes cause schedule adjustments, refunds are also not described for those cases, so plan this as a flexible part of your day, not a strict hour-by-hour anchor.
If you have a preference for quiet versus talk, say it early. Captain Shaun can bring facts and conversation while he hosts, and you will enjoy it more if your expectations match the style of the experience.
Should You Book This Marina del Rey Romantic Boat Cruise?
Book it if you want a sunset-focused date in Marina del Rey with an electric, silent boat, included wine, and the kind of captain-led experience that helps the evening feel effortless. The experience is especially compelling if you like the idea of getting close to sunset angles, spotting marine life like sea lions, and having someone handle the flow of the ride.
Skip it if you need total silence, strict quiet-only vibes, or if you are traveling with someone over 250 lbs (113 kg). Also think twice if you hate the idea of optional add-ons and might get surprised by how quickly the total cost changes once you include dinner or extra drinks.
If you like romance with a practical plan, this is the kind of cruise that turns a simple evening into a real memory, with minimal logistics once you are there.
FAQ
How long is the romantic boat cruise?
The duration is 1 hour to 90 minutes, depending on the available starting times.
What is included with the $129 per person price?
It includes a boat tour, an experienced captain, a wide selection of music, 2 glasses of wine per guest, blankets, and Bluetooth speakers. Optional add-ons can be purchased separately.
Is the cruise electric and silent?
Yes. The experience is described as a fully electric, silent Duffy boat designed for calm and comfort.
Can I add a surprise dinner, sushi, or charcuterie?
Yes. At checkout you can purchase options including surprise dinner for two, assorted sushi platter, and freshly made charcuterie, plus additional drinks.
Where do we meet for the cruise?
You meet by Brizo’s Restaurant docks entrance at 4360 Via Marina. Sit by the bench and call your captain, and text your booking info right after booking.
Is there a weight limit?
Yes. The experience is not suitable for people over 250 lbs (113 kg).
Is parking included?
Parking is not included. The provider says they are not affiliated with the hotel valet, and validation may be available with a minimum 25% gratuity.
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