Long Beach tours can mean very different things: a guided jetski ride along the coast, a private helicopter flight over the harbor and city, or a closer look at the Queen Mary itself. Use this comparison to match the activity style, pace, and level of privacy to the time you want to spend.
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How these Long Beach options compare
Use this comparison to match the itinerary, traveler feedback, duration, and key features to your preferred travel day.
| Tour | Best for | Rating | Reviews | Duration | Key point | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Coastal jetski ride | Travelers who want an active coastline ride close to the water | ★ 5.0/5 | 6 reviews | Approx. 2 hr | Guided format with a defined coastal route | View on Viator |
 Private helicopter flight | Travelers who want a private, fast overview with commentary | ★ 4.9/5 | 87 reviews | Approx. 15 min | Private tour format | View on Viator |
 Queen Mary tour | Travelers who want to focus on the Queen Mary as the main attraction | ★ 4.9/5 | 43 reviews | Approx. 2 hr–8 hr | Admission to the Queen Mary is included | View on Viator |
Three Long Beach experiences compared
Each option includes its own photo gallery, overview, key features, traveler profile, and direct Viator link.
Coastal water adventure with guided route
Guided Two hours Jetski Coastal Tour
Best for: Travelers who want an active coastline ride close to the water
This is the most active of the three Long Beach experiences. It begins at a marina in Long Beach and follows a coastal ride that runs past Palos Verdes and Huntington Pier, keeping the focus on being near the shoreline. The tour is guided, and the listed inclusions cover the jetskis themselves, fuel, and safety equipment. Photos are also included after the trip. It suits travelers who want an outdoor, close-to-the-water experience rather than a sightseeing overview from a vehicle or a fixed attraction. Two listed departure times give some flexibility when choosing when to go.
What this jetski tour offers
- Guided format with a defined coastal route
- Jetskis, fuel, and safety equipment are included
- Pictures are provided after the trip
Private aerial overview with commentary
Private Helicopter Tour over Long Beach: See Catalina, Queen Mary
Best for: Travelers who want a private, fast overview with commentary
This option is designed for travelers who want a quick, private overview from the air. The route description mentions views over downtown Long Beach, the Queen Mary, the port of Long Beach and Los Angeles, and wider sights such as Catalina and the L.A. Basin. It includes headsets so you can hear the guide clearly, plus live commentary on board. The product is marked as a private tour, which makes it different from the more open-ended feel of a shared sightseeing experience. It is the shortest of the three options and works well for someone prioritizing a compact, elevated look at the area.
What this helicopter tour offers
- Private tour format
- Live commentary and headsets are included
- All taxes, fees, handling charges, and fuel surcharge are included
Attraction visit centered on the Queen Mary
Queen Mary Glory Days Historical Tour
Best for: Travelers who want to focus on the Queen Mary as the main attraction
This experience is centered on the Queen Mary rather than on transportation around Long Beach. The product includes admission to the ship and a listed one-hour Glory Days tour, making it the most attraction-focused of the three options. The itinerary note indicates that the Queen Mary can be explored through different tour styles, but the confirmed inclusion here is the Glory Days tour. Its duration range is much longer than the other two products, so it may suit travelers who want time on site instead of a short ride or flight. Choose this if your priority is the ship itself and a visit built around that experience.
What this Queen Mary tour offers
- Admission to the Queen Mary is included
- A one-hour Glory Days tour is included
- A longer overall time range allows for a more flexible visit
How to choose a Long Beach itinerary style
Pick the jetski tour if you want an active outing on the coast, the helicopter tour if you want a private overview from above, or the Queen Mary tour if you want a more stationary attraction visit. The three options work well for different time budgets and different ways of seeing Long Beach.
Long Beach marina to the coastline
A guided ride along the coast from Long Beach toward Palos Verdes and Huntington Pier.
Over Long Beach and the harbor
An aerial route over downtown Long Beach, the Queen Mary, the port, and surrounding views.
Queen Mary onboard experience
A visit to the Queen Mary with admission and a included Glory Days tour.
Before you book in Long Beach
Check the live product page before booking. Departure details, activity order, inclusions, and available options can change.
Long Beach booking checklist
- Check the listed departure or option details carefully, since the three experiences use different formats and time spans.
- Confirm which inclusions matter most to you, especially whether the experience includes transport, admission, commentary, equipment, or photos.
- Review the product title and itinerary notes together so you understand whether the tour is mainly coastal, aerial, or centered on the Queen Mary.
Before booking a Long Beach tour
Which option is the most active?
The guided jetski coastal tour is the most physical and hands-on experience because you are riding a jetski along the coast.
Which option is private?
The helicopter tour is listed as a private tour, so it is the best match for travelers who want a more exclusive format.
Which option includes attraction admission?
The Queen Mary Glory Days Historical Tour includes admission to the Queen Mary along with the listed Glory Days tour.