Step aboard the only glass bottom boat in the South Bay and cruise through King Harbor at the Redondo Beach Pier on a 45-minute wildlife tour. The boat's underwater viewing chamber puts you inches from the fish and marine life that live beneath the harbor, while the open top deck brings you face to face with the California sea lions that haul out on the docks and rocks nearby.

Cruise through calm King Harbor within the breakwall, departing from the boardwalk at the Redondo Beach Pier
Watch California sea lions basking, barking, and swimming from the top deck as the captain shares the history of the harbor and the pier
Descend into the underwater viewing chamber and look through 7-foot-wide windows at garibaldi (California's state saltwater fish), calico bass, sand bass, opaleye, perch, and other species
Listen to the captain narrate the history of Redondo Beach and King Harbor, from the original 1889 wharf through the pier's reconstruction in the 1990s
Enjoy a smooth, sheltered ride suitable for all ages, with the option to let kids take a turn at the helm under the captain's supervision

The boat departs from the boardwalk at the Redondo Beach Pier, surrounded by restaurants, shops, and fresh fish markets. After the tour, you are steps away from everything the pier and International Boardwalk have to offer.

What's Included

45-minute glass bottom boat cruise through King Harbor
U.S. Coast Guard-licensed captain with local expertise
Life jackets for all guests

Things to know

The boat stays within the calm, protected waters of King Harbor inside the breakwall. The ride is smooth and suitable for guests who are prone to seasickness. Maximum capacity is 19 passengers. Children under 90 pounds must wear a provided life jacket and be accompanied by an adult. The staircase down to the underwater viewing chamber is steep and not wheelchair accessible. Drones are not permitted on public trips. Well-behaved, calm pets are allowed. There is no restroom on the boat; restrooms are available at the Redondo Beach Pier before and after the tour. The boat has been operating for over 20 years, was built in 1995, and is annually inspected by the U.S. Coast Guard.

Itinerary

This is a typical itinerary for this glass bottom boat tour. The exact route within the harbor and the wildlife you see will vary by day and season.

Meet your captain at the dock on the boardwalk at the Redondo Beach Pier, next to the pedal boat rentals in King Harbor. After a quick safety briefing and welcome aboard, the boat pushes off into the calm, protected waters of the harbor.

Top Deck: Sea Lions and Harbor History

The tour begins on the open top deck as the captain steers through King Harbor, the sheltered marina at the base of the Redondo Beach Pier. The harbor's breakwall keeps the water calm, making for a smooth ride with no ocean swell. The captain points out landmarks along the pier and boardwalk and shares the history of Redondo Beach, from its origins as a shipping port in the 1880s and the construction of the first wharf in 1889, through its years as a surf culture hub and the pier's modern reconstruction in the 1990s. As the boat moves past the docks and rock formations inside the harbor, you will see California sea lions hauled out on the platforms, sunbathing, barking, and diving into the water around the boat. The captain explains the sea lions' behavior, their population in the harbor, and their role in the local ecosystem. Seabirds, including pelicans, cormorants, and gulls, are common sights along the harbor's edges.

Underwater Viewing Chamber: Fish and Marine Life

After circling the sea lion areas, the captain invites guests to descend the staircase into the boat's underwater viewing chamber. Built into the hull, the chamber has large 7-foot-by-2-foot windows on either side that sit below the waterline, giving you an unobstructed view of the marine life swimming just inches away. The harbor's rocky structures and pilings create habitat for a variety of fish species. Garibaldi, the bright orange fish designated as California's state saltwater fish, are among the most common and vivid sights. You will also see calico bass, sand bass, opaleye, smelt, perch, and occasionally stingrays or octopus moving through the rocks. The captain narrates from above, identifying species and explaining the ecology of the harbor. The underwater viewing portion typically lasts 10 to 15 minutes, with time to take photos and watch the fish from the benches inside the chamber.

Return to Dock

The boat returns to the top deck viewing for the final minutes of the cruise, with a last pass near the sea lions and a view of the Redondo Beach Pier from the water. The captain offers local recommendations and answers final questions before docking back at the boardwalk.

Pass-by highlights include: The Redondo Beach Pier and International Boardwalk from the water, sea lion haul-out areas on the harbor docks, pelicans and cormorants along the breakwall, and the King Harbor marina.

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