The 11 2-Hour Experiences in San Diego We Would Book First

1.2-Hour Kayak Tour of the 7 Caves

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 586 reviews · 2 hours Our pick

Launch from Bike and Kayak Tours at 2158 Avenida De La Playa for a guided paddle through La Jolla’s Ecological Reserve. You’ll receive instruction and equipment, then look for sea lions, leopard sharks, garibaldi, and dolphins. Calm seas may allow entry into Clam’s Cave, but surf and tides can change the route.

“In this kayak tour, we had the chance to paddle along the beautiful coastline and even explore a cave up close. The experience of going through the cave was exciting, and our guides made sure we felt safe the entire time. They explained how to maneuver our kayaks properly so we could enjoy the cave without worry and they guided us through it the entire time. Beyond the cave, the guides were very informative about the history and significance of different landmarks along the shore. We learned interesting facts about the cliffs, the wildlife, and the unique features of the area. Their knowledge added so much more meaning to the…”

Check availability →Read our full review

2.2-Hour Private Sailing Experience in San Diego Bay

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 168 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) Top rated

Join Captain Liz aboard the clean, spacious Mojave for a private two-hour sail from Harbor Island. Your group of up to six can shape the route around the USS Midway, sea lions, Coronado, the skyline, sunset views, or a relaxed cruise with snacks, drinks, and champagne.

“My sisters and I took my mom for Mothers Day for a cruise on Harbor island Bay. Liz was sweet and patient! We all had such a great time!”

Check availability →Read our full review

3.2-Hour GoCar Tour of Downtown San Diego and Old Town

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 141 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $52Best value

Take a self-drive GoCar from Little Italy through Balboa Park, the Gaslamp Quarter, Old Town, Mission Hills, and Presidio Park. Your car provides GPS directions and narration, while gas, helmets, a map, and orientation are included. Drivers must be 21 or older with a valid license.

“Very fun experience and I actually learned a lot about the city even though I’ve lived here my whole life! Good customer service and thorough training on safety and route. Will definitely recommend some friends to do this and I have to try the Point Loma trail as well! Bring some sunglasses for the wind.”

Check availability →Read our full review

4.2-Hour San Diego Pier Fishing Experience

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 113 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $74

Meet guides such as Angel, TC, Chris, or Cruz at Crystal Pier in Pacific Beach for a two-hour lesson in casting, baiting, and handling fish. Poles, bait, and tackle are supplied. You may catch smelt, croaker, bass, rays, halibut, or sharks, then release everything safely.

“TC is an amazing fishing guide! Very knowledgeable and patient with my questions. I love fishing, but don't have a lot of experience even though I'm visiting from another fishing paradise, Florida. I feel a lot more confident now having spent time with TC. It is very evident that he has a love for his art and a gift for teaching. Crystal Pier is a beautiful setting with its historical cottages and quaint neighborhood in beautiful Pacific Beach. I will definitely be booking this tour again on my next trip to San Diego.”

Check availability →Read our full review

5.2-Hour Sunset Sail from San Diego

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 72 reviews · 2 hours (approx.)

Set sail from Harbor Island at 4 p.m. for a two-hour cruise past Point Loma, Coronado, Shelter Island, and downtown San Diego. Your captain, possibly Sal, Corey, or Charlie, handles the yacht, shares local maritime stories, and serves cheese, salami, crackers, and one beer, wine, or champagne.

“Fabulous cruise with a fabulous Captain! A wonderful experience I would certainly recommend.”

Check availability →Read our full review

6.2-Hour GoCar Tour of Downtown and Balboa Park

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 64 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $89

Take a two-hour GPS-guided GoCar tour from Little Italy through the Maritime Museum, USS Midway, Seaport Village, Petco Park, Balboa Park, the San Diego Zoo, and the Gaslamp Quarter. You drive yourself after an orientation, with a helmet, map, fuel, and recorded commentary included.

“I enjoyed the customer service. The attendant was polite and help throughout the entire process before the ride. Good experience and will recommend this place for others to try the place out.”

Check availability →Read our full review

7.Two Hour Kayak and Snorkel Tour for Two in La Jolla

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 34 reviews · 2 hours (approx.)

Paddle a two-person kayak at La Jolla Cove, then stop for guided snorkeling among sea lions and bright orange garibaldi. Brodie and the Everyday California crew provide instruction and local facts. The two-hour trip does not enter the sea caves, and you must be a comfortable swimmer.

“My friend and I got charged for this over a third-party and we were probably charged 235 dollars in total for this. In the past, I have done the same exp for 25% of the cost with no hidden fees. We paid extra fees at the actual company. Also, be careful of kayaking into the sea if it's your first time. My friend and I wiped out a lot because of very high waves and so we got sea water in our mouths, bleh! I wouldn't recommend the activity especially at this price. Boooo to this third-party company!!!”

Check availability →Read our full review

8.TC’S FISHING ADVENTURES! 2-Hour Fishing Tours

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 30 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $74

Meet TC’s team at 4500 Ocean Blvd in Ocean Beach for a two-hour pier fishing session. TC, Cruz, and Diego teach casting, baiting, and fish handling while you fish for bass, croaker, mackerel, rays, and small sharks. Dolphin sightings are possible, and equipment is provided.

“Knowledgeable guide! Lots of fun, great for kids. We took our 11 and 13 year old and they had a blast.”

Check availability →Read our full review

9.2 Hour Whale Watching Kayak Tour for Two

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 9 reviews · 2 hours (approx.)

You and a companion kayak about two miles west from La Jolla with a certified guide searching for migrating gray whales. Expect a safety lesson, gear, rest stops, and possible dolphins, sea lions, seals, and seabirds. No kayaking experience is required, but whale sightings are never guaranteed.

“Danielle's tour is wonderful. She gives tips for preparing that are completely accurate and helpful, right up to where to park. Then she's an amazingly clear presenter of everything from how to kayak to how to comport yourself in the water when on a tour with her. She connects with all the guests and remembers little facts about them, even while managing different abilities and personalities on the water. There are so many things I appreciated about her, from her organization loading the kayaks and her "pitstops" on the water that gave any newbies a chance to rest, to her interesting facts, her enthusiasm, and the general ease with which…”

Check availability →Read our full review

10.San Diego Bay: Signature 2-Hour Sailing Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 4 reviews · from $130

You’ll cruise San Diego Bay from Harbor Island aboard a classic sailing yacht with up to six people. Captain Alan may point out Navy history, wildlife, the Coronado Bridge, aircraft carriers, and downtown views during this English-language, two-hour tour.

“I was looking to actually sail. It was a boat ride and historic guided tour of San Diego bay.”

Check availability →Read our full review

11.2 Hour Private Group Surf Lesson in La Jolla

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 3 reviews · 2 hours (approx.)

Meet your CPR-certified Wavehuggers instructor at Tourmaline Surf Park for two hours of private surf coaching. You’ll get a wetsuit, board, bottled water, beach footwork practice, and one-on-one help catching waves. Instructors such as Cady and Jake tailor the lesson to your comfort and ability.

“We had such a fun time learning to surf! Our instructor Cady was so great. Both my fiancé and I have never surfed before and Cady got us both up in the water during our lesson! We will definitely book again next time we’re in the area!”

Check availability →Read our full review