Bring Your Dog

Can dogs come on the boat?

Yes. Dogs are welcome aboard. There is one thing to bring: your dog’s own life vest. We provide life jackets for people, children and infants included, but not for pets.

Why is a Duffy good for a dog?

Electric means no engine roar and no exhaust, which helps a dog that is nervous around noise. The boat moves at 5 mph at most, and the water inside Alamitos Bay is calm, so the ride is gentle. The roof gives shade, and with the windows up the breeze comes through the cabin.

What should you bring for your dog?

• A life vest that fits. Put it on at the dock, before boarding.
• A leash. Keep it on while boarding, near other boats, and when the sea lions appear.
• Water and a bowl. Shade helps, but dogs still get thirsty on the water.
• A towel. For wet paws and the bench.
• Treats. For a calm dog at the dock and a good dog on the water.

How do you make a dog’s first boat ride easy?

• Walk the dock first so your dog can see and smell the boats before getting on one.
• Board calmly, vest on, leash short.
• Give your dog a spot beside you on the bench, out of the driver’s way.
• Keep the first trip to an hour if you are not sure how your dog will take to the water.
• Watch for hot surfaces in summer: docks warm up in the sun, and paws feel it.

Where can you go with a dog?

The whole route: around Alamitos Bay and, when the tide allows, the Naples Canals. When the tide is too high for the canals, you can still cruise around Naples Island, into Jellyfish Cove, Spinnaker Bay, Marina Pacifica and Mother’s Beach. Check the tides page before you choose a time.

When is the best time to go with a dog?

A weekday morning suits most dogs. The air is cool and often still, and with fewer kayaks and sailboats out, the bay and the landing are calmer than on a weekend, which helps a dog that is new to boats. In summer, midday is hot: the roof keeps the cabin shaded, but a long trip in the afternoon heat is hard on thick-coated and flat-faced breeds. A sunset start suits a relaxed dog; those slots are popular, so book early. Our guide to the best time for the Naples Canals compares every hour of the day.

Can a dog come along to an occasion?

A dog’s birthday counts as an occasion. So does a family day with the dog along, or a date night that includes the dog. The birthday guide covers planning a party on the water.

What else should you know before you go?

Each boat carries up to 12 people, children and babies included, and the renter and driver must both be 21 or older. Arrive 30 minutes early so there is time to check in and fit the vest. The rules and packing list has the rest.

Is your dog suited to a boat trip?

Most dogs that are calm on a walk and comfortable around people do fine. Think twice if your dog is very anxious with new places, reacts strongly to other animals, or struggles in the heat, and talk to your vet about an older dog or one with health concerns. The sea lions can be exciting; a leash and a calm voice help.

What if your dog gets anxious on the water?

• Sit close, with a hand on your dog, and keep your own voice relaxed.
• Offer a familiar blanket or toy from home.
• Keep the windows down for a quieter cabin if the wind seems to bother them.
• Head back early if your dog is not enjoying it. There is always a next time.

What should you do after the trip?

Give your dog fresh water and a rest in the shade, and rinse off any salt water at home. Check paws for anything picked up on the dock. If your dog loved it, the bay will be there next month; if not, a short walk along the landing is a gentler way to enjoy the water together.

Can you bring more than one dog?

Call (562) 598-2628 before you book to talk it through, so we can plan the trip around your dogs and the rest of your group.

What does it cost?

$125 for one hour or $250 for two, per boat. See prices and the complete guide to renting a Duffy in Long Beach.

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