Marina del Rey is one of the most spectacular playgrounds on the California coast — and if you haven’t explored it from the water yet, you’re missing the best seat in the house. Whether you’re a first-timer looking to try something new or a seasoned paddler chasing your next adventure, there is something on the water here that will absolutely light you up. Here’s your guide to the best water activities Marina del Rey has to offer — all in one place, all with Paddle Method.
Marina Discovery Paddle — Our Signature Experience
If you only do one thing on the water in Los Angeles, make it the Marina Discovery Paddle. This is our absolute favorite activity — and honestly, it’s hard to explain just how good it is until you’re out there gliding through the channels with a paddle in your hand and a grin you can’t get rid of.
The Marina Discovery Paddle is a guided stand-up paddleboard tour right through the heart of Marina del Rey — America’s largest man-made small craft harbor. You’ll paddle past stunning sailboats and superyachts, spot wildlife like herons, sea lions, and pelicans, pick up real SUP skills from our professional coaches, and come home with photos and memories that genuinely last a lifetime. It runs year-round, it’s welcoming to all levels, and it is the single best introduction to life on the water we know of.
Group rates start at just $65 per person, making it one of the best-value experiences in all of LA.
Sunset Discovery Paddle — Magic Hour on the Water
There is something genuinely transformative about being on a paddleboard as the sun melts into the Pacific. The Sunset Discovery Paddle is exactly that — a guided SUP experience timed to catch the warm glow of the evening sky reflecting off the calm marina waters.
This one is perfect for date nights, friend group adventures, solo explorers looking for a peaceful reset, or anyone who just wants to feel the call of the water in the most beautiful way possible. As the harbor settles into its evening rhythm, you’ll glide through golden-lit channels with our experienced guides leading the way.
Group rates start at $65 per person. Trust us — this one will end up in your camera roll and your memory bank for a very long time.
Discover Sunset Sailing — Set Sail on a 40-Foot Ocean Cruiser
Ready to add some sail power to your water life? The Discover Sunset Sailing experience is something truly special. Every Wednesday at sunset, you’ll board a stunning 40-foot ocean-going blue water cruiser skippered by an OUPV-licensed captain with decades of experience on the water and a long history of teaching sailing through the American Sailing Academy.
This is not a passive cruise — you’ll get behind the wheel, hoist a sail, learn basic seamanship, and really test your sea legs. It’s a 3-hour experience that will leave you feeling like a completely different person than when you stepped aboard.
Pricing starts at $250 per person, with private charters available for those who want the whole boat to themselves. Live life on the water — this is what that really means.
SUP and Sail Adventure — The Best of Both Worlds
Can’t decide between paddleboarding and sailing? You don’t have to. The SUP and Sail Adventure combines both into one epic day on the water. Start on a paddleboard, then step aboard a sailboat — two completely different ways to experience the Southern California coast, all in a single outing.
This is one of those experiences that people talk about for years. It’s ideal for adventurous couples, groups of friends who want to do something genuinely different, or anyone who wants to make the absolute most of a day in Marina del Rey. Priced at $300 per person, it’s an unforgettable investment in a day you’ll never forget.
Paddle Party — Group Fun on the Water
Looking to celebrate something? Bachelorette party, birthday, corporate team outing, family reunion — the Paddle Party is built for groups who want to have an absolute blast together on the water. For groups of 8 or more, it’s just $65 per person, and our coaches make sure everyone has a great time, whether they’ve paddled before or have never set foot on a board.
There’s something about being on the water together that breaks down walls, gets people laughing, and creates the kind of bonding that a conference room or restaurant just can’t replicate. This is team-building and celebration done right.
Why Paddle Method?
Since 2010, Paddle Method has been turning people into paddlers — thousands of students from all backgrounds, all fitness levels, and all corners of the world. Our lead coach and founder, Tim Sanford, developed a step-by-step learning methodology built around real conditions: busy marina channels, afternoon sea breezes, boat wakes, and the surf zone. We operate from the most beginner-friendly flat-water location in Los Angeles at Mother’s Beach in Marina del Rey, giving every new paddler the most comfortable, encouraging start possible.
Whether you’re brand new to the water or looking to level up your skills, we meet you exactly where you are — and we bring genuine enthusiasm to every single session. That’s not marketing speak. That’s just who we are.
Ready to Get on the Water?
Marina del Rey is waiting. The water is warm, the sunsets are spectacular, and your next adventure is one booking away. Whether you’re joining us for a Marina Discovery Paddle, a Sunset Sail, a SUP and Sail combo, or throwing the best group paddle party your crew has ever seen — we are here for all of it.
Let’s go paddle!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best water activity for beginners in Marina del Rey?
The Marina Discovery Paddle is our top recommendation for beginners. It’s a guided stand-up paddleboard tour through the marina that’s welcoming to all experience levels, runs year-round, and includes real skill coaching from our professional guides. Group rates start at $65 per person.
Do I need any experience to try paddleboarding or sailing with Paddle Method?
Absolutely not! All of our experiences are designed to welcome complete beginners. Our coaches are experienced in working with people of all backgrounds and fitness levels, and our step-by-step approach makes getting on the water comfortable and genuinely fun from the very first moment.
What is the SUP and Sail Adventure?
The SUP and Sail Adventure combines stand-up paddleboarding and sailing into one incredible day on the water. You’ll experience Marina del Rey and the Southern California coast from two completely different perspectives — on a paddleboard and aboard a sailboat. It’s priced at $300 per person and is one of our most memorable offerings.
Can I book a water activity for a large group or party in Marina del Rey?
Yes! Our Paddle Party is specifically designed for groups of 8 or more and is priced at just $65 per person. It’s perfect for bachelorette parties, birthdays, corporate team-building events, and family celebrations. Our coaches make sure every member of your group has an amazing time on the water.
Where does Paddle Method operate in Los Angeles?
Paddle Method operates primarily out of Marina del Rey, with the main beginner-friendly location at Mother’s Beach — the best flat-water learning spot in LA. We also run experiences across Santa Monica, Venice, Malibu, and Palos Verdes, giving you access to some of the most stunning coastal paddling destinations in Southern California.
