Insider Info: On-the-Water Experiences

Many visitors and new residents love Marina del Rey for its waterside tranquility and most of all…its On-the-Water experiences. But how does one get in touch with the right people and places? We’ll help guide you with these tidbits below.

Connect with fellow enthusiasts; learn the ropes about what is current. Marina del Rey offers a welcoming community for boaters of all kinds and experience levels. There are many different boating clubs and associations that cater to the novice sailor/boater to help promote and encourage the development of sailing. Single Mariners of Marina del Rey is a non-profit club that only asks for donations to participate, while Marina Sunday Sailors offers your first two visits free and then if you want to join, it’s a small cost. Both clubs bring together adults who share a love of sailing and provide sailing activities in a friendly environment.

More MDR boat clubs

At the Marina's many yacht clubs, local and visiting boat owners can find access and a full array of services. The clubs also serve as a social hub for the boating community, and often offer facilities perfect for staging a memorable waterside event.

Yacht owners who plan on visiting our lovely harbor for a few days can rent guest docks through Pacific Mariners Yacht Club at a nominal fee per night based upon availability. For those who plan on docking in Marina del Rey for an extended length of time, yacht clubs such as Marina Venice Yacht Club (MVYC) might be of interest. On Sundays from 4:00-7:00pm they have an Open House for guests to check out the club. MVYC is a non-profit organization of people who just like the Pirates of the Caribbean, like to hit the Island for a great time, in the Corinthian Spirit.

More MDR yacht clubs

For an On-the-Water experience that's everything you envision – a range of sail and power yachts are available for private, skippered charter or bare boat rental. Marina Boat Rentals is your best source for daily rentals of these types of boats and kayaks. They even have two Duffy Electric Boats available equipped with a stereo and dining table – great for families and friends as it seats up to 12 people. If you’re looking to be more of an observer on the water, Blue Pacific Boating offers sailing to Malibu and Redondo beach, up close viewing of racing sailboats in Santa Monica Bay, and whale watching at sea level expedition style.

Insider Wrap Up: You don’t need to be affiliated with UCLA to participate in lessons and rentals through UCLA Marina Aquatic Center. It’s available to everyone for a modest affiliate membership fee. They offer lessons for kayaking, rowing, sailing, surfing and windsurfing.