Santa Monica isn’t just about sandy beaches and palm trees—it’s also a surprisingly rich hub for wine-focused adventures on the water and the coast. Whether you’re looking for a luxurious private boat experience, a vintage VW tour with wine tastings, or a lively party cruise, Santa Monica offers a variety of ways to enjoy California’s renowned wine culture combined with stunning scenery. You can sail in style past sea lions and yachts, hop in a vintage camper for Malibu’s coastline, or sample local wines on a leisurely boat ride—all with an ocean breeze in your hair.
In this guide, we’ll explore the top 7 wine tours around Santa Monica. From private luxury cruises perfect for celebrating special occasions to affordable shared experiences, each option provides unique highlights. We’ll highlight what makes each tour stand out, including details about what’s included, guest reviews, and who will enjoy them most. Whether you’re a wine lover, a wildlife enthusiast, or just looking for a scenic escape, this list will help you pick the perfect water-bound or coastal wine tour.
Quick Overview
This list features a mix of private and shared boat cruises, vintage vehicle tours, and local food and wine walks. Expect luxury private boat cruises with cheese, charcuterie, and sea lions, as well as more casual shared experiences with wildlife spotting and scenic coastlines. Several tours include wine tastings, whether on a boat or at nearby wineries, making Santa Monica’s wine scene as accessible as it is picturesque.
1. Private Luxury E-Boat Cruise with Wine, Charcuterie & Sea Lions Spotting
The Private Luxury E-Boat Cruise offers an upscale, intimate way to enjoy the Santa Monica Bay. This 2-hour private cruise takes you on an eco-friendly electric boat, ideal for those wanting a quiet, luxurious experience away from crowds. The boat comfortably fits a private party—perfect for celebrations like birthdays, anniversaries, or just a special day out.
What makes this tour stand out is the focus on a personalized experience. You’ll enjoy a cheese and charcuterie board along with two glasses of wine, all included in the $275 per person price. The captain will navigate to the most scenic spots, where you can snap photos of yachts, coastal homes, and, if you’re lucky, spot playful sea lions basking on the docks. The reviews highlight the friendly crew and the chance to see sea lions up close. Some guests find the snacks modest, but overall, the serene setting and exclusive vibe make it worth the cost.
Bottom Line: A perfect choice for couples or small groups seeking a private, elegant cruise with wildlife viewing and gourmet snacks. It’s a pricier option, but the intimacy and scenery deliver lasting memories.
2. Private Vintage VW Hippie Tour to Malibu with wine tasting
This Vintage VW Hippie Tour takes you on a 4-hour journey in a classic 1972 VW camper van. It’s a nostalgic ride that combines scenic Malibu vistas with stops at iconic spots like Malibu Pier and Point Dume. Along the way, you’ll visit a local winery for a tasting, making it perfect for wine lovers who enjoy a bit of rock-and-roll history.
What makes this tour unique is the vintage vehicle experience—riding in a restored VW van that’s as much a part of the journey as the scenery. Guests rave about the photogenic stops and the informative guides. The Malibu Pier stop offers a quick peek into California’s surf culture, with plenty of photo opportunities. The $195 fee includes wine tastings and a sightseeing route that showcases coastlines, mountains, and seaside charm.
Guests have called it a “fantastic day,” especially noting the fun atmosphere and stylish ride. The tour is suited for those who want a relaxed pace, great photo ops, and a taste of Malibu’s coast with a vintage flair.
Bottom Line: Ideal for vintage car enthusiasts and wine fans alike, this tour blends scenic coastal views with a nostalgic ride and a wine tasting at an affordable price.
The Luxury Shared E-Boat Cruise is a 2-hour adventure aboard a fully electric Duffy boat. It’s perfect if you’re looking for a more affordable, social experience that still offers plenty of scenery and wildlife. The shared boat means mingling with other travelers, making it a good choice for solo adventurers or small groups.
This cruise offers a relaxing cruise through Marina del Rey’s waterways, where you’ll see yachts, houseboats, and possibly seals and sea lions. Along the way, enjoy a selection of meats, cheeses, fruits, and wine included with your ticket. The reviews commend the calm cruising experience and the wildlife sightings, especially the sea lions playing near the boats.
While not exclusively a wine-tasting tour, it’s a fantastic way to enjoy California’s coast with good company and a laid-back vibe. The $119 price makes it accessible for many.
Bottom Line: Great for those wanting a relaxed, social outing with wildlife viewing and snacks, all in a friendly, scenic environment.
4. Romantic Luxury Boat Cruise with Wine Cheese Sea LionTours
This Romantic Luxury Boat Cruise is designed for couples seeking an intimate experience. The 1 to 2-hour tour offers a guided journey through Marina del Rey’s calm waters, teeming with wildlife like dolphins, sea lions, and seabirds. Guests consistently praise the friendly guides and the breathtaking views.
Included are calming music, wine, cheese, and a peaceful atmosphere, making it a perfect romantic escape. The tour’s reviews often mention the delightful wildlife sightings and the stellar service. It’s a modestly priced option at $149 per person, providing a well-rounded experience without feeling rushed.
This tour is especially suited for couples or small groups wanting a personalized, scenic cruise with wildlife encounters. It’s a top pick for celebrating anniversaries or special dates.
Bottom Line: For those looking to combine romance with nature, this tour offers an elegant, memorable experience with friendly guides and beautiful scenery.
This Vintage VW Hippie Shared Tour, priced at $199 per person, takes you along Malibu’s coast with stops at Point Dume, Malibu Pier, and a local winery. It’s a shared group experience, so it’s best for travelers who enjoy social outings and relaxed pace.
Guests love the scenic views of the Pacific Ocean and the informative guides who share local history and wine insights. The $199 fee includes wine tastings and scenic stops, with some guests mentioning the beautiful vistas of mountains and vineyards. The tour’s focus on a vintage vehicle adds a nostalgic touch, making it stand out from more conventional tours.
While it only has one review, the enthusiastic feedback notes the impressive scenery and fun atmosphere.
Bottom Line: An affordable, scenic way to explore Malibu in vintage style, great for social groups or travelers who want a relaxed, wine-filled afternoon.
6. Food and Wine Tour Santa Monica
The Food and Wine Tour offers a delicious 2.5-hour walk around Santa Monica’s iconic streets. This tour focuses on Mexican and Latino cuisine, with guests enjoying five tacos, desserts, and two alcoholic drinks. It’s a great way to combine culinary exploration with local history.
Led by lively guides, you’ll stroll roughly 1.5 miles, visiting popular spots along Third Street Promenade and Ocean Avenue. The tour emphasizes authentic flavors and the stories behind Santa Monica’s diverse food scene. The reviews are all 5-star, highlighting the engaging guides and hearty food.
This tour is perfect for foodies who want a leisurely, tasty experience without a focus on wine exclusively, but it does include drinks. It’s a fantastic way to learn about Santa Monica’s culinary culture.
Bottom Line: A flavorful, educational tour suited for those who like walking and exploring different cuisines, ideal for food lovers and curious travelers.
7. Fun Adventure Party Boat Cruise-Wine-Charcuterie & Sealions
This Party Boat Cruise combines fun, wildlife, and wine in a lively 2-hour private Duffy boat experience. Perfect for celebrating with friends, it offers a relaxed yet festive atmosphere—think sunset views, cheese, wine, and playful sea lions.
The $119 per person price includes a curated charcuterie board, wine, and wildlife sightings. The reviews highlight the friendly captain and the entertaining vibe, with many guests noting the sightings of sea lions playing nearby. The boat’s cozy size fosters a sense of camaraderie, making it suitable for small groups or couples seeking a casual celebration.
This tour is best suited for people wanting a fun, social outing with wildlife watching and a relaxed party environment. It’s a more affordable way to enjoy the water with a lively crowd.
Bottom Line: Great for groups or couples wanting a cheerful, wildlife-rich cruise with wine and snacks, perfect for celebrating or just having fun.
How to Choose the Right Santa Monica Wine Tour
Picking the ideal tour depends on your interests, budget, and how much time you want to dedicate. For intimacy and luxury, the private cruises like the Luxury E-Boat or Romantic Wildlife Tour are top picks, offering personalized service and stunning scenery. If you prefer a more social, budget-friendly experience, the shared electric boat or party cruise give you wildlife sightings and a lively atmosphere at a lower price.
Thinking about a scenic drive coupled with wine tasting? The Vintage VW Malibu tour offers a nostalgic ride with picturesque stops. For foodies with a curiosity about Santa Monica’s culinary scene, the Food and Wine Tour combines walking with tasting authentic local dishes.
Booking early is advisable, especially for popular options like private cruises or sunset tours. Check the weather forecast—most tours are outdoor and weather-dependent—and consider the activity level. The boat trips are mostly relaxed, but some involve walking or mild boat movement.
Final Thoughts
Santa Monica offers a surprising variety of water-based and coastal wine experiences. For a truly luxurious escape, the Private Luxury E-Boat Cruise delivers privacy, wildlife, and fine wine in a serene setting. The Vintage VW Malibu tour gives you a nostalgic coastal drive paired with wine tasting—ideal for vintage car lovers. The casual, lively Party Duffy Boat is perfect if you’re celebrating with friends and want wildlife sightings in a fun environment.
If you’re short on time but want to sample Santa Monica’s flavors, the Food and Wine Tour offers a delicious and easy way to explore the local culinary scene. Whichever you choose, these tours promise memorable views, good company, and a taste of California’s famed wine culture—book early, and enjoy the ride.
This complete list of Santa Monica’s top 7 wine tours should help you find the perfect match for your style and budget. Whether you’re after a romantic sunset cruise, a lively wildlife adventure, or a flavorful walk through the city, Santa Monica’s water and coastal tours make for unforgettable experiences.