Electric Boat Rental Adventure in Newport Beach (up to 12 ppl)
Description
Our fleet of electric u-drive boats has Sun Cruiser & Bay Island Duffy boat models and is the most upscale electric boat rentals in Newport Harbor and has the best pricing. As a couple or group your guests will be pampered in the many amenities.
Tour Options
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Service animals allowed
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Boat Driver must be at least 21 years or older
- Pets allowed on board for a small fee
Reviews(298)
Super easy to check in and drive the boat. Beautiful intercostal area and ride around the island. Unfortunately we were late due to SoCal traffic and there wasn’t flexibility with keeping the boat out longer (despite there being several available) but I don’t fault them since we were the late. Would recommend!
The staff was really friendly and the boat was in great condition
I reserved a specific boat well in advance for my best friend's birthday and was looking forward to celebrating with a group of nine women who had all taken time off work and some us that driven three hours to be there. When we arrived, we were told by the manager, Tyler, that specific boats are not guaranteed, despite my having called ahead to reserve that particular boat. I explained that this was the reason I had booked with this company. After pleading with him, Tyler said that type of boat would be available about 30 minutes later, but that our rental time would not be extended, meaning we would lose part of the time we had paid for. We reluctantly agreed because it was important to us to have the boat we had reserved. By the time we finally boarded, we were already frustrated because of the delay, his lack of regard for our situation, and reducing our time on the water. While a crew member was helping us get situated, we commented that the boarding process had become quite an ordeal and that every minute mattered because it was cutting into our rental. About ten minutes after leaving the dock, Tyler pulled alongside us in a dinghy, shouting for us to turn the boat around immediately and return to the dock. He threatened to call the Harbor Sheriff if we did not comply. We were completely shocked and asked what was happening. Tyler told us that a crew member had reported that someone in our group had called him an offensive name. We immediately denied it and explained that we had only said the situation had been "quite an ordeal." He said he did not believe us and insisted we return. After we got back to the dock, Tyler changed his story. He first apologized and then said that while we hadn't called him one insult, we had supposedly called him another. None of us had done so. The entire interaction was confusing, embarrassing, and completely unnecessary. Instead of enjoying a birthday celebration, our group spent the afternoon dealing with accusations, threats of law enforcement, and an incredibly hostile interaction. To make matters worse, as we were leaving, Tyler laughed and sarcastically said, "Happy Birthday." This was one of the most unprofessional customer service experiences I have ever had. Threatening paying customers, relying on an unverified accusation, interrupting a rental after only ten minutes, and treating a respectful group of senior citizens this way is unacceptable. I hope Harbor Boat Rentals reviews how situations like this are handled in the future so that no other customers have their special occasion compromised.
Thank you for taking the time to share your concerns. We take all customer feedback seriously and have conducted a thorough review of this incident, including the original reservation phone call, statements from multiple staff members, and video footage from our facility. After reviewing the reservation call, we found that while you did inquire about a specific boat model, at no point during the conversation was that particular boat guaranteed or reserved. As explained upon your arrival, our fleet operates on a first-come, first-served basis, particularly during peak periods such as the Fourth of July weekend when all available boats were fully booked throughout the day. Our supervisor, Tyler, informed your group that the requested boat was currently on the water but offered the option to wait approximately 30 minutes for its return. He also explained that because we were fully booked with subsequent reservations, we would not be able to extend the rental beyond the scheduled return time. This option was offered in an effort to accommodate your request despite the holiday demand. Unfortunately, during the interaction that followed, multiple members of your party became increasingly confrontational and directed vulgar and disrespectful language toward our staff. Our dock employees reported feeling uncomfortable, and the behavior continued despite multiple attempts by our team to de-escalate the situation. Because of the repeated verbal abuse directed toward our employees, Tyler made the decision to refuse service and issued your group a full refund before the rental began. Our company has a responsibility to provide a safe and respectful working environment for our employees and a welcoming atmosphere for all guests. We will not require our staff to endure abusive behavior as a condition of providing service. After the refund was issued, members of your party continued to argue with staff, made threats, and verbally confronted employees and other customers on the dock. The situation continued for approximately 30 minutes before Tyler advised that, if the disturbance continued, the Harbor Sheriff's Department would be contacted to issue a trespass order. It was only at that point that members of your group began recording the interaction. Your review states that your group had already departed the dock and was later called back after approximately ten minutes on the water. Our review of the incident, including video evidence, does not support that sequence of events. We understand that it is disappointing when a preferred boat is unavailable during one of the busiest weekends of the year. However, our responsibility extends to both our customers and our employees. While we always strive to accommodate special requests whenever possible, we cannot guarantee specific boats unless that service is explicitly offered, nor can we continue providing service when staff members are subjected to abusive or threatening behavior. We regret that your celebration did not proceed as planned, but we stand behind our team's handling of this situation and the decision to issue a full refund and refuse service after the repeated misconduct directed toward our employees. We wish you the best moving forward.
Can only go in a circle a lot of the outlets are blocked off was hard to find what boat rental you’re renting from. I didn’t get you very far because the boats go very slow and you have to stop if the ferry is going across.
We had the most amazing time yesterday on the bay! We rented a Duffy for two hours, the perfect amount of time to see many sights, and to spend quality time with our grandchildren. We appreciated the woman who helped us with our reservations as she was able to get us the best price available! We will always remember making beautiful memories on the bay in the summer of ‘26!!
The experience was amazing! From booking the trip to arriving .. the Viator customer service was great!! The employees at the dock were so pleasant and helpful. My family was so impressed and we will definitely be coming back !!! Thank you so very much for a fun time on my birthday.
We loved it! Friendly staff. Boat was clean and in great condition. Our family had a lot if fun. We will rent it again.
Relaxing self drive tour of Bay and Canals enjoying views of lovely homes and incredible boats. Lovely to enjoy weather and refreshments as you go.
Super easy to book and really nice staff who gave good directions for us. Really enjoyed our time and would recommend this to people coming to the area.
Great experience & very good value through Groupon. Boat was awesome and fit 11 of us very very comfortably with room to spare. Caught a beautiful sunset.
