AquaLink returned to Long Beach this Memorial Day Weekend after a one-year hiatus and offered free rides to all passengers.
Hundreds of passengers flocked to Boarding Dock #4 in anticipation of the boat’s return.
One of the city’s most popular forms of public transportation, AquaLink is a water taxi that takes passengers anywhere from Belmont Pier to the Aquarium of the Pacific. It also stops at other attractions such as the Queen Mary.
With a price of just $5 per adult and $1 per child, AquaLink is a favorite for locals and tourists who need a cheap way to get around while also enjoying a beautiful view of the city.
Last Summer the Board of Directors for Long Beach Transit decided against allowing the water taxi to continue operations due to concerns over how COVID-19 would negatively affect operations and endanger passengers.
Now, the popular attraction is back in business and better than ever.
Passengers can expect to see numerous boats, kayakers, and occasionally even some wildlife.
The boat also gives a close up view of two of the four oil islands that are scattered throughout the bay. A remarkable view of the Long Beach city skyline makes the trip even more memorable.
Of course, there are some notable changes AquaLink made to ensure the safety of their passengers. Face masks are required at all times, even when utilizing the outdoor seating areas. The new guidelines also limit the amount of passengers per ride to 40 people.
Anyone trying to enter after the 40 person mark is asked to wait for the next ride, which is usually about an hour and a half later.
Food and drinks are also prohibited and can no longer be consumed during the ride, which means the wet bar area at the center that is normally used to sell food and beverages is completely empty.
Instead, there is a small cocktail bar placed near boarding docks where people waiting to enter the boat can purchase beers, wines, and margaritas. Though they must finish drinking them before the boat arrives.
Despite these small changes, every ride was packed with people who were just glad that the service was back.
Erika Pauley, a resident of Long Beach, said she was excited to be aboard after its year-long closure.
“I’m really glad that aqualink is back because it gives you an opportunity for a cheap, fun, activity during the summer time to explore a little bit of Long Beach and beyond… that I think everyone in the community is able to afford,” she said.
Pauley used the service on Sunday to catch a ride to Seal Beach, where she ate at popular mexican restaurant, Avila’s El Ranchito and enjoyed a cocktail with friends.
Each AquaLink trip takes about 45 minutes and the service is only available from 11:30am to 7pm, but it is still a viable option for people who aren’t in a rush. Another passenger, Vianne Kelly, said that AquaLink is a great transportation alternative for when you’re just looking to sightsee and relax.
“It’s definitely cheaper than Uber but the only downside is the time it takes to get to your destination. But that’s not really a problem if you’re just there to have a good time and see the views,” she said.
AquaLink will be in service for the entirety of Summer 2021 and will offer free rides to the public From May 27th to July 4th.