It is loud. It is salty. It is basically the best $5 you can spend in Long Beach without getting a taco. If you've ever tried to park at the Pike on a Saturday afternoon, you already know the special kind of hell that is Shoreline Drive traffic. That's why the AquaLink Alamitos Bay Landing route exists. It isn't just a "water taxi" in the way people think of slow, chugging tourist boats. It’s a 68-foot high-speed catamaran that screams across the open water at 30 knots while you sit there with a cold drink, wondering why anyone still owns a car in this city.
Most people treat the AquaLink like a novelty. They take it once when their aunt comes to visit from Ohio. But if you actually live here or visit often, you realize it’s a tactical maneuver.
The Reality of the AquaLink Alamitos Bay Landing Connection
Getting from the southeast end of Long Beach to downtown usually involves navigating the nightmare of PCH or the stop-and-go crawl of 2nd Street. The AquaLink cuts through all that. It docks right at Alamitos Bay Landing, which is tucked away near the end of the peninsula, right by the Ballast Point Brewing terminal. You walk off the boat and you're immediately surrounded by some of the best outdoor seating in the city.
The boat itself is a beast. We’re talking about a twin-hull catamaran. It’s stable. It’s fast. Long Beach Transit runs this thing, and they don't mess around with the schedule. If it says it's leaving at 2:15 PM, you better be on that dock by 2:10 PM or you’re going to be watching a very expensive-looking wake disappear toward the horizon.
Wait. I should clarify something. This isn't the AquaBus. People get them confused constantly. The AquaBus is the little colorful boat that putters around the harbor for a couple of bucks. It stays inside the protected waters. The AquaLink? That’s the big sibling. It goes out into the actual ocean, past the breakwater, and hauls moving parts between the Aquarium of the Pacific and Alamitos Bay. You’ll feel the swell. You’ll see the oil islands (those brightly colored "islands" that are actually drilling rigs disguised as tropical resorts). It’s a legitimate boat ride.
Timing and the "Secret" Commute
The schedule is seasonal. That’s the one thing that trips people up. During the summer, it runs like clockwork every day. In the "off-season," which is basically whenever the marine layer feels like being stubborn in the spring or fall, the hours get slashed to weekends only.
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- Summer Season: Usually starts around Memorial Day. You get daily service.
- Off-Season: Weekends only. If you show up on a Tuesday in October expecting a ride, you’re going to be staring at an empty dock and a very confused seagull.
Honest talk: the ride takes about 40 to 50 minutes. Is it faster than driving? On a Tuesday at 10:00 AM, no. Driving takes 15 minutes. But on a Friday at 5:00 PM? When the 710 is bleeding red on Google Maps and the downtown parking structures are full? The AquaLink wins every single time because you’re not stressed. You’re on a boat.
Where You Actually Land: Alamitos Bay Landing Details
When the boat pulls into the AquaLink Alamitos Bay Landing dock, you aren't just in a random parking lot. You are at the epicenter of the 2nd & PCH overflow vibe.
Directly adjacent to the landing is Ballast Point. It’s massive. It has a second-story deck that overlooks the water. If you timed it right, you can grab a Sculpin IPA and watch the same boat you just hopped off head back toward the Queen Mary. Just down the walkway, you’ve got Boathouse on the Bay and Malainey’s Grill. It’s a very specific "Long Beach Nautical" vibe—lots of Sperry Top-Siders and people who know way too much about hull maintenance.
One thing the locals know: the landing is a great starting point for a walk. You can trek over the bridge into Naples. You can see the canals. You can judge the Christmas lights (if it's December) or the multimillion-dollar yachts (any other time of year).
How much does this actually cost?
It’s five dollars. $5.00 each way.
You can pay with the TAP card, the same one you use for the Metro in LA or the buses in Long Beach. You can also use the Go Long Beach Transit app. They don't take cash on the boat—don't be that person fumbling with nickels at the gangway while fifty people glare at the back of your head.
Is it wheelchair accessible? Yes. The ramps at both the Aquarium/Dock 4 and Alamitos Bay Landing are designed for it. The crew is usually pretty great about helping people board. They have bike racks, too, but they fill up fast. If you're planning a "bike-and-boat" day, get there early.
Why the Ride Matters More Than the Destination
There is something psychological about being on the water. Scientists call it "Blue Space" theory—the idea that being near water lowers cortisol. I don't know about all that, but I do know that smelling the salt air and seeing the Long Beach skyline from a mile out at sea is better than staring at the bumper of a 2014 Honda Civic on Ocean Blvd.
You see the Port of Long Beach from the outside. You see the massive container ships. You realize how small you are. It’s a reality check that costs less than a latte.
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Common Misconceptions About the AquaLink
- "It’s just for tourists." Wrong. I see people with laptops. I see people coming home from work. It’s a legitimate transit link.
- "I’ll get seasick." Unlikely. The catamaran design is specifically built to stop that side-to-side rolling. Unless there’s a massive storm surge (in which case they won't even run), it’s a smooth ride.
- "It’s always open." Check the website. Seriously. Long Beach Transit updates the AquaLink alerts constantly. If the swells are over a certain height, they pull the plug for safety.
Navigating the Docks: A Pro Tip
Don't go to the wrong dock downtown. The AquaLink leaves from Dock 4 near the Aquarium of the Pacific. If you’re standing by the Queen Mary, you’re on the wrong side of the water. You’ll see the big yellow signs. Follow them.
At the other end, the AquaLink Alamitos Bay Landing stop is right by the 110 Marina Drive area. There’s a big parking lot there if you want to leave your car and head downtown for the night. This is actually a brilliant move if you’re planning on going to a concert at the Terrace Theater or hitting the bars on Pine Avenue. Park for free (or cheap) at the bay, take the boat in, party, and Uber back—or catch the last boat if you’re responsible.
The Weather Factor
Long Beach is usually "sunny and 75," but the ocean is different. It’s always ten degrees colder on the water. Even in July, once that catamaran hits 30 knots, the wind chill is real. Bring a hoodie. Every time I go, I see someone in a tank top shivering in the corner because they forgot that physics exists.
Practical Steps for Your Next Trip
If you want to do this right, don't just wing it.
- Download the TAP app. Load ten bucks on it before you even leave your house.
- Check the "Live Map." Long Beach Transit has a real-time tracker. You can see exactly where the boat is. If it’s lagging behind the Long Beach Breakwater, you have time to grab another coffee.
- Choose your seat wisely. The back of the boat is louder but has the best views of the wake and the sunset. The cabin is air-conditioned/heated and quiet, but you’ll feel like you’re in a bus. Sit outside. That’s the whole point.
- Watch the Sunset. If you can catch the 5:00 PM or 6:00 PM run (depending on the time of year), do it. Seeing the sun drop behind the Palos Verdes Peninsula while you’re mid-channel is world-class.
The AquaLink is one of those rare things that actually makes a city feel like a community. You’re on a boat with strangers, everyone is looking at the same dolphins or sea lions, and for forty minutes, nobody is honking their horn. It makes the AquaLink Alamitos Bay Landing route more than just a commute. It’s a reminder that we live in a coastal city, something we often forget when we’re stuck in the drive-thru at a Del Taco.
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Go to the landing. Get on the boat. Look at the water. It’s the cheapest cruise you’ll ever take, and honestly, probably the best.
Next Steps for Your Trip
To make the most of your visit to Alamitos Bay Landing, verify the current seasonal schedule on the Long Beach Transit website before heading out, as times change frequently based on sunset and demand. If you're arriving by car, park in the free public lot at 110 Marina Drive, but arrive at least 20 minutes early during summer weekends to secure a spot. For those planning to eat, put your name in at Ballast Point or Boathouse on the Bay before you board the boat if you're traveling from downtown; that way, your table might be ready just as you dock. Finally, ensure your TAP card is loaded via the app to avoid any boarding delays, as the crew cannot process cash fares on the vessel.