Long Beach offers three very different ways to spend time on the water or at a landmark. One is a guided jet ski ride along the coast, one centers on the Queen Mary, and one is a private yacht charter for a small celebration.
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This comparison is designed for travelers researching things to do in Long Beach. For related planning, see our TourPickGuide experience comparisons and USA tours and experiences.
Long Beach tour options at a glance
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Guided jet ski ride | travelers who want an active guided water experience close to shore | ★ 5.0/5 | 6 reviews | Approx. 2 hr | Guided tour format keeps the route and pacing simple. | View on Viator |
 Queen Mary visit | travelers who want a history-focused visit centered on one landmark | ★ 4.9/5 | 43 reviews | Approx. 2 hr–8 hr | Admission to the Queen Mary is included. | View on Viator |
 Private yacht charter | groups planning a private birthday or occasion with their own food and drinks | ★ 4.8/5 | 24 reviews | Approx. 2 hr | Private charter means no strangers onboard. | View on Viator |
Long Beach tour reviews and key differences
Each option includes its own photo gallery, overview, key features, traveler profile, and direct Viator link.
Compare by activity style
Guided Two hours Jetski Coastal Tour
Best for: travelers who want an active guided water experience close to shore
This experience is built for travelers who want to get on the water quickly and cover a stretch of coastline in a short guided outing. It begins at a marina in Long Beach and follows the coast from Palos Verdes to Huntington Pier, so the route is the main feature of the trip. The included items make it easy to plan for the activity itself, since jetskis, fuel, and safety equipment are covered, along with photos delivered after the trip. With set departure times listed, it suits visitors who want a simple, active option rather than a longer sightseeing day.
Guided Two hours Jetski Coastal Tour
- Guided tour format keeps the route and pacing simple.
- Jetskis, fuel, and safety equipment are included.
- Photos are provided after the trip.
Compare by landmark visit
Queen Mary Glory Days Historical Tour
Best for: travelers who want a history-focused visit centered on one landmark
This option is centered on the Queen Mary in Long Beach and is the most landmark-focused of the three choices. Rather than a moving water activity, it is a ship-based visit that includes admission and a listed Glory Days tour component. The product materials also indicate that the Queen Mary can be explored through different tour themes, so the experience is designed around time on and around the vessel. That makes it a practical choice for travelers who prefer a structured visit with a historical focus instead of a fast-paced ride or a private celebration. It works well when you want one main attraction to anchor your time.
Queen Mary Glory Days Historical Tour
- Admission to the Queen Mary is included.
- The listed tour component is already part of the package.
- It can fit a shorter visit or a longer time on site within the posted range.
Compare by group style
LA: Birthday Special Private Yacht (1 ticket covers 1-6 people)
Best for: groups planning a private birthday or occasion with their own food and drinks
This private yacht option is designed for a small group celebration rather than a public tour. One ticket covers the whole party, and the boat is reserved just for your group, with no strangers onboard. The confirmed inclusions are practical for a birthday or similar occasion: a cake, banner, balloons, utensils, taxes, and a restroom on board. You can also bring your own food and drinks, and the yacht has a Bluetooth sound system for your playlist. The route highlights Long Beach waterfront scenery and sea life viewing from the boat, so the experience combines a private party setting with a relaxed sightseeing cruise.
LA: Birthday Special Private Yacht (1 ticket covers 1-6 people)
- Private charter means no strangers onboard.
- Cake, banner, and balloons are included.
- Restroom onboard and BYOB are both confirmed.
Choosing an itinerary style in Long Beach
If you want an active outing, the jet ski tour gives you the most hands-on water time. If you want one major attraction and a more stationary visit, the Queen Mary is the clearest fit. If you are planning a celebration or want a private setting, the yacht charter is the most group-oriented choice.
Coastal ride
A guided jet ski route from Long Beach along the coast toward Huntington Pier.
Onboard tour
A Queen Mary experience centered on admission and a Glory Days tour on the ship.
Private harbor cruise
A private yacht trip through Long Beach waters with scenic viewing and sea life spotting.
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 option and timing details before booking, since the products use different formats and time windows.
- Review the included items carefully so you know what is provided and what you may need to arrange separately.
- If you are comparing group size, note that the private yacht is limited to a small party, while the other experiences are not described that way.
Long Beach tour questions answered
Which option is best if I want the most active experience?
The guided jet ski tour is the most active choice because it is built around riding along the coastline rather than staying on a vessel for sightseeing.
Which experience includes a private setting for my group?
The private yacht charter is the only option described as private, with no strangers onboard and coverage for a small group under one ticket.
Which option is most focused on a single attraction in Long Beach?
The Queen Mary tour is the most attraction-centered choice because it includes admission and a listed tour component around the ship.