City of Long Beach: Rainbow Harbor

In California you must be 16 or older and hold a California Boater Card to operate a vessel powered by a motor of 15 horsepower or more, including a personal watercraft. Someone aged 12 to 15 may operate that same class only while supervised on board by a person at least 18 who is also in possession of a California Boater Card. The supervising adult needs the card, not just the years. State Parks' Division of Boating and Waterways administers it. The rental company sets its own minimum rental age, often higher, so confirm it when booking.

Source: California State Parks, Division of Boating and Waterways, dbw.parks.ca.gov and californiaboatercard.com (parks.ca.gov)

California requires a Boater Card, rather than a conventional boating license, for most recreational operators of motorized vessels. Since January 1, 2025, the requirement applies regardless of age and includes personal watercraft. Operators generally must be at least 16 for vessels over 15 horsepower; ages 12 to 15 may operate only if supervised on board by an attentive adult 18 or older, and must either hold a card themselves or be supervised by a cardholder.

Rental vessel operators are exempt. Exemptions also cover direct supervision and qualifying temporary visitors. Approved applicants may print a 90-day temporary card while awaiting the permanent card. California State Parks’ Division of Boating and Waterways administers the program.

Source: California State Parks Division of Boating and Waterways (parks.ca.gov)

From Long Beach, you can boat Alamitos Bay, Marine Stadium, Queensway Bay and San Pedro Bay. Alamitos Bay is a sheltered small-craft harbor entered between two jetties and served by Alamitos Bay Marina. Marine Stadium forms the bay’s more enclosed inner section, with a city ramp for boats up to 23 feet. Queensway Bay offers protected downtown harbor cruising from the Downtown Marina or nearby South Shore Launch Ramp. Long Beach Harbor opens into broader San Pedro Bay, which is protected by breakwaters; continuing outside the federal breakwater leads to open coastal water.

Source: City of Long Beach Parks, Recreation and Marine (longbeach.gov)

From Long Beach, boaters can choose Rainbow Harbor, the Naples canals, Marine Stadium in Alamitos Bay and Avalon Harbor on Santa Catalina Island. Rainbow Harbor pairs waterfront attractions with restaurants and shops; Naples offers gondola rides through its canals; Marine Stadium draws water skiers and rowers with a sand beach and launch ramps; and Avalon provides assigned moorings and shore boat service for an island stop.

Source: City of Long Beach Parks, Recreation and Marine (longbeach.gov)