Question 1

Do I need a reservation?

Accepted Answer

Not for daytime rentals. Kayaks, stand up paddle boards, electric boats and pedal boats all go out first come, first served — walk up to Dock C-10 and pick one. Night-lit pedal boats, private harbor tours, charters aboard the Dreamer and memorials at sea are all by appointment, so call (805) 642-7753 for those.

Question 2

Do I need a boating licence to drive an electric boat?

Accepted Answer

No. Electric boats run at harbor speed and steer with a wheel, and staff walk you through the controls at the dock before you leave. You do need to be 21 or older with valid photo ID, and you sign a rental contract.

Question 3

How old do I have to be to rent?

Accepted Answer

Electric boat renters must be 21 or older with valid photo ID. Night-lit pedal boat bookings require the person reserving to be 18 or older. Daytime paddle craft and pedal boats follow the standard rental contract signed at the dock.

Question 4

Is there a deposit?

Accepted Answer

Electric boat rentals require a $500 damage deposit on a Visa, Mastercard, Discover card or in cash. It is released when the boat comes back undamaged and you have not breached the contract — card companies can take five or more days to process it. Night-lit pedal boat appointments take a credit card at the time of booking.

Question 5

Why are there two prices for everything?

Accepted Answer

We give a cash discount. The lower figure on every price is what you pay in cash; the higher one applies to Visa, Mastercard, Discover and debit cards.

Question 6

How many people fit in a pedal boat?

Accepted Answer

Up to four adults plus one small child under 50 lbs, with a 1,250 lb total limit. That is the same for the swans, ducks, dragons and flamingos.

Question 7

What happens if the weather turns?

Accepted Answer

Every rental is weather permitting. Wind and swell can close the dock at short notice, so if the forecast looks marginal it is worth calling (805) 642-7753 before you drive over.

Question 8

Can I bring my dog?

Accepted Answer

Dogs have long been a familiar sight on the electric boats. We do not publish a formal pet policy, so please call ahead to confirm before you turn up with one.

Question 9

Can I bring food and drink on a charter?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you are welcome to bring your own food aboard the Dreamer, or have it catered from one of the harbor restaurants. Alcohol is the exception: because of the vessel's liquor licence, all alcoholic drinks must be bought on board. If you bring your own food you are responsible for utensils, linens and cleaning up.

Question 10

How long is a harbor tour?

Accepted Answer

Forty minutes, narrated, for up to 24 passengers — $395 by card or $350 cash for the whole boat. Tours run in daylight hours only. If you want longer than that, it becomes a private charter.

Question 11

Do you still run public dinner cruises or the water taxi?

Accepted Answer

No. Public dinner cruises and the Ventura Water Taxi both appeared on the previous website but are no longer offered. Private charters aboard the Dreamer took their place.

Question 12

What do I need for a burial at sea?

Accepted Answer

California requires an Application and Permit for Disposition of Human Remains, with line 16A reading "Scatter off the coast of Ventura County, CA". One permit is needed per person's remains. It costs $12 and comes from your California mortuary or crematory; for remains from out of state, contact the Ventura County Health Care Agency.

Question 13

Where exactly are you?

Accepted Answer

1575 Spinnaker Drive, Dock C-10, Ventura, CA 93001 — on the water at Ventura Harbor Village, directly in front of Brophy Bros. and One The Alley. Park in the Village lots and walk down to the boats.

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