Dolphin Marina Slips

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 Marina del Rey, you can cruise Marina del Rey Harbor, run through its entrance channel onto Santa Monica Bay, or continue along the coast to Santa Monica Pier or King Harbor. The harbor’s eight basins are protected, no-wake water, and trailer boats typically put in at the public launch ramp in Basin H. Beyond the detached breakwater, Santa Monica Bay is open coastal water. Santa Monica Pier is a large pleasure pier, but NOAA charts a breakwater off its end that is submerged at high tide. King Harbor at Redondo Beach is a large small-craft harbor entered between breakwaters, with three inner basins.

Source: Los Angeles County Department of Beaches and Harbors (beaches.lacounty.gov)

From Marina del Rey, boaters cruise Santa Monica Bay to Santa Monica Pier or set aside a full day for Avalon and Two Harbors on Catalina Island. Santa Monica Pier is a close coastal sightseeing target, with its rides, restaurants and shops visible from offshore. Avalon draws visiting crews with harbor moorings, dinghy docks and shoreboat service, while Two Harbors offers moorings near secluded coves, landings and beaches. Marina del Rey’s tourism board presents Santa Monica as a short outing and Catalina as a full-day trip.

Source: Marina del Rey Tourism Board (visitmdr.com)