UCLA Marina Aquatic Center
Discover watersports at UCLA Marina Aquatic Center! Kayak, sail, and paddleboard in beautiful Marina del Rey. Open to all.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, calmer waters
UCLA Marina Aquatic Center
Best Time
Fewer crowds, calmer waters
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover watersports at UCLA Marina Aquatic Center! Kayak, sail, and paddleboard in beautiful Marina del Rey. Open to all.
"A gem of Los Angeles, offering phenomenal staff and reasonably priced sailing lessons and rentals."
✨ Open to All!
No experience needed to rent kayaks/paddleboards. Lessons available for sailing & windsurfing.
🅿️ Parking Tips
Arrive early, especially late afternoons, as parking can fill up with students.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Kayaking Adventures
Marina del Rey
Explore the marina's calm waters with guided kayaking tours or rentals. Perfect for an hour of scenic exploration.
Sailing Lessons
Marina del Rey
Learn the ropes of sailing with expert instructors. Options for all skill levels, from beginner to advanced.
Paddleboarding Fun
Marina del Rey
Enjoy a peaceful paddleboard session on the water. No experience needed to rent and enjoy the views.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Student Perks & Public Access
Best Value for Water Sports
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
What are some little known resources that ucla offers?
✨ Open to All!
No experience needed to rent kayaks/paddleboards. Lessons available for sailing & windsurfing.
🅿️ Parking Tips
Arrive early, especially late afternoons, as parking can fill up with students.
Beginner sailor looking to join a club in Marina Del Rey, CA. Any tips or suggestions on deciding on a club?
Learning to Sail (Marina Del Rey)
💰 Student Discounts
UCLA students get cheaper lessons/rentals by joining UCLA Recreation.
☀️ Glorious Setting
Perfect for a jog, bike ride, or just enjoying the scenery.
Sailing Crew?
Tips
from all over the internet
✨ Open to All!
No experience needed to rent kayaks/paddleboards. Lessons available for sailing & windsurfing.
🅿️ Parking Tips
Arrive early, especially late afternoons, as parking can fill up with students.
💰 Student Discounts
UCLA students get cheaper lessons/rentals by joining UCLA Recreation.
☀️ Glorious Setting
Perfect for a jog, bike ride, or just enjoying the scenery.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the UCLA Marina Aquatic Center for its excellent instruction in kayaking and sailing, with staff described as welcoming and helpful. The beautiful marina setting is a major draw, offering a serene escape. While facilities are basic, they are clean and functional. Some find private lessons pricey, but the overall experience is highly valued.
"A 3 hour private lesson as an introduction to kayaking was very instructive, taught in a relaxed and supportive way, and an exhilarating experience. All the staff, from manager, to desk greeter, to teacher were welcoming, warm, friendly, very helpful. Manager went an extra distance to be responsive and informative to emails setting up the lesson, and then made a point of finding us and introducing herself when we were prepping for the
lesson.
Facilities are a bit spartan, but clean and well-maintained. Late afternoon was packed with students and athletes training, so early arrival is suggested, if only to be sure of getting a parking space.
Setting is glorious on a sunny, warm, light-wind fall day. The fee is a bit pricey for a private lesson, but the attention and help are priceless."
Alan M Solomon
"Wonderful place to get kayaking or sailing classes. I did not this place existed, and I've been to Marina del rey quite a few times. It's also beautiful for a jog, bike ride, or just the scenery when you get to the end of the walk."
Heena
"We went here to go kayaking in the Marina and they gave us great instructions on what to do how etc before we got our kayak. The Marina was a great place for an hour of Kayaking and checking stuff out, too. I will definitely be back!"
Kathrin Rising
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The UCLA Marina Aquatic Center is located in Marina del Rey. While specific public transport details aren't widely shared, driving is common. Parking can be competitive, especially during peak student training times, so arriving early is recommended.
Yes, parking is available, but it can get crowded, particularly in the late afternoons when students and athletes are training. It's advisable to arrive early to secure a spot.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, the UCLA Marina Aquatic Center is open to the public. While UCLA students may receive discounts on lessons and rentals by joining UCLA Recreation, anyone can rent equipment or take lessons.
You can rent kayaks and paddleboards without prior experience. Lessons are also available for sailing, windsurfing, and other watersports.
Yes, UCLA students can often get more affordable rates for lessons and rentals by joining UCLA Recreation.
While private lessons can be a bit pricey, the attention and instruction are considered priceless by many. Group lessons or rentals offer more budget-friendly options. Specific pricing can be found on their official website or by contacting them directly.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can enjoy a variety of watersports including kayaking, paddleboarding, and sailing. They offer lessons for various skill levels and rentals for those who want to explore independently.
Absolutely! They provide great instructions before you get on the water, making it a welcoming place for beginners to try kayaking, paddleboarding, and even sailing.
Weekday mornings tend to be less crowded and offer calmer waters, making them ideal for a more peaceful kayaking or paddleboarding session. Late afternoons can be beautiful but may be busier with student training.
The facilities are described as spartan but clean and well-maintained, providing a functional base for your watersports activities.
📸 📸 Photography
The marina setting itself offers beautiful scenery, especially on a sunny day. Capture shots of people kayaking, sailing, and paddleboarding against the backdrop of the water and boats. The sunset can also provide stunning photo opportunities.
While you can take photos, it's best to use a waterproof case for your phone or camera to avoid accidental drops into the water. Focus on capturing the experience and the scenic views of Marina del Rey.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While private lessons might be a splurge, consider renting equipment for a more budget-friendly family outing. The scenic setting of Marina del Rey also makes it a pleasant place for a family stroll or bike ride. Remember to arrive early for parking, especially if you're visiting with children during peak times.
💰 Budget Travelers
Remember that UCLA students often get discounted rates by joining UCLA Recreation, so if you have any affiliation, explore those options. Even if you're just looking for a scenic spot, the marina itself is beautiful for a walk or jog without any cost.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring Marina del Rey by Water
For those seeking a bit more adventure, sailing lessons are a highlight. The center provides instruction for various skill levels, making it a fantastic place to learn the fundamentals or hone your existing abilities. Paddleboarding offers a more serene experience, ideal for enjoying the scenery and getting a gentle workout. The staff are known for being welcoming and providing clear instructions, ensuring a positive experience for all.
It's worth noting that while the facilities are described as 'spartan,' they are clean and well-maintained, focusing on functionality for watersports. The real draw is the glorious setting and the opportunity to engage with the marine environment.
Learning to Sail and Kayak
For those interested in sailing, the center offers lessons that cater to different experience levels. The attention and help provided during these lessons are often described as 'priceless,' making the fee feel justified for the quality of instruction received.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit