View of Shoreline Village from the Aquabus. Of course it was cloudy the day I visited. Of course it was. Photo: Anna Chen/Metro

For a few years now, I’ve been meaning to hit Long Beach during the summer and give the Aquabus and Aqualink a try because it’s an excuse to ride a boat, honestly. Various things kept getting in the way, but this summer I was determined to make this trip happen. So finally, at long last, here’s my review of the Aquabus and Aqualink.

First, a little basic info. Long Beach Transit operates the Aquabus and Aqualink water taxis. Weekend service starts around April and runs through October. Seven-day service runs from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend. Boats depart approximately every half hour.

The Aquabus is smaller and circles Rainbow Harbor between the Aquarium of the Pacific and the Queen Mary. The cost of a one-way ride is $1. The Aqualink is larger and and travels between the Aquarium, the Queen Mary and Alamitos Bay Landing, where you can easily walk to Seal Beach and enjoy its quaint, small-town beachfront-ness. The cost of a one-way ride is $5. You’ll need exact change in cash for both.

To get to the water taxis via Metro, take the Blue Line to Downtown Long Beach Station. From there, you could walk to the Aquarium of the Pacific or Shoreline Village — it’s mostly downhill and fairly pleasant and takes about 20 minutes. Or you could take the free Passport bus to the docks. If you choose to start your trip from the Aquarium of the Pacific, use Dock 4.

At Dock 4. That’s the Aquabus on left, a riverboat on the right.

Nice, sedate ride on a very clean boat.

On the day I visited, I had planned to make the trip out to Seal Beach via the Aqualink, but sadly I was more pressed for time than I thought, so I went for a spin on the Aquabus instead. The trip is not super fast but it was still fun. Even though I could have reached Shoreline Village or the Queen Mary for free via the Passport bus, I didn’t mind ponying up the two bucks for a cruise around the harbor.

The Aqualink has an outdoor deck. Even though it’s more expensive to ride, I also think it’s worth it, especially if you’re looking for a unique way to visit Seal Beach. If you’re setting out for a cruise (lucky you!) and have some luggage to transport, the Aqualink might be an option for you since it docks near the Carnival Cruises Terminal.

Duarte Senior Center On the Move Riders enjoying a sunny ride on the Aqualink.

So there you have it. I’ve finally managed to ride a water taxi in Long Beach. And I’d ride it again, too. In the meantime, let me know if you’ve ridden one of the water taxis. How was your experience? Do you think it’s gimmicky or a fun summertime activity? If you haven’t tried the Aquabus or Aqualink, would you like to?