San Diego · CRUISES & BOAT TOURS
The bay is the reason the city is here, and the cheapest good day out on it costs less than lunch. These 15 range from a ninety-minute harbor loop to a full afternoon under sail, each priced and clear about what is included on board.
Cruise San Diego Bay aboard Flagship Cruises for one or two hours, with indoor and outdoor seating, narration, harbor views, naval ships, sea lions, and the Coronado Bridge. Guides such as Rusty and MC JJ add local color, while the onboard snack bar covers simple refreshments.
“Very nice and worth your time. Narrator was great. My recommendation is sit at the top right of the deck. The narrator tells the story based off that side.”
Sail from Shelter Island aboard the America, a replica of the schooner that won the first America’s Cup in 1851. Your English-speaking crew points out gray whales, dolphins, sea lions, Navy landmarks, and Old Point Loma Lighthouse. Snacks, soft drinks, blankets, and whale sightings are included.
“We had the best experience! Found a pod of Gray whales then 100s of dolphins! Just amazing! The crew was amazing and made the whole experience exceptional!”
Cruise from Mission Bay into the Pacific in about 10 minutes, with naturalists pointing out whales, dolphins, sea lions, and landmarks. The crew may include naturalists such as Allison or Jennifer. Expect a maximum of 100 people, onboard food for purchase, restrooms, and free parking on Quivira Road.
“Would 100% recommend this experience to anyone. The whole trip was informative and the crew were amazing. They knew exactly where to go to increase the chances of encounter. We found a whale and followed it at a safe distance.”
See San Diego from the water on a one or two-hour Flagship cruise with live English narration. Look for sea lions, military ships, aircraft carriers, waterfront landmarks, and the Coronado Bridge. Guides such as Rusty, Max, JJ, and Jen bring local history to life.
“Beautiful weather and very interesting info on San Diego! Loved it!!”
Cruise San Diego Bay aboard the Spirit of San Diego for about 2.5 to 3 hours. You’ll get a welcome sparkling wine, indoor dinner, live entertainment, and views of the USS Midway, Coronado Island, the bridge, and downtown. An unlimited bar upgrade costs $40.
“Everything was perfect!! Had a great time!! Dinner was sooo good!! Had chicken and steak and the DJ was amazing”
Captain your own F13 mini speedboat on a guided 13-mile tour of San Diego Harbor. Your guide, often David, Keegan, Keoni, or Alex, leads the way and narrates by two-way radio. Expect photo stops, sea lions, Navy ships, strong wind, and a good chance of getting wet.
“David was an amazing tour guide ! His instructions on how to operate the speed boat were clear and easy to understand. He was so friendly and gave us the freedom to venture out in appropriate areas. I would 10000% recommend to anyone visiting San Diego .”
Cruise from San Diego’s North Harbor for about 3.5 hours, with indoor and outdoor seating, naturalist talks, and chances to spot gray whales, dolphins, sea lions, birds, and more. Guides such as Becca explain migration and ocean life, while a bar sells snacks and drinks onboard.
“Fun and we saw multiple whales. The company was persistent and really worked to find whales an was successful!”
Cruise San Diego Bay for about two hours on a small sailing yacht limited to six people. You’ll pass the USS Midway and Maritime Museum, watch the skyline change at sunset, and may spot sea lions. Captains including Aaron, Patrick, Derek, Adam, and Maggie add local insight.
“Booked this last minute when our first sailing reservation was surprisingly canceled due to overlooking. Our Captain, David, had a good sense of humor. Unfortunately, it was cloudy and we didn't get to watch the sunset but it was a relaxing and enjoyable with friends.”
Join Sail San Diego for a three-hour sunset sail from Shelter Island, limited to six passengers. Look for Point Loma Lighthouse, USS Midway, Coronado Island, the bridge, sea lions, and dolphins while enjoying beer, hard seltzers, soft drinks, snacks, blankets, and your own music.
“I was solo and am grateful that Captain Chris has a great personality and is willing to converse. It was my first time on a sail boat and I loved every second. Everything was smooth sailing!”
Spend three hours aboard a 40-foot Catalina-style sailboat with up to six passengers. Captain Dave, Greg, Breezy, Chris, Frank, or another crew member may guide your route past Point Loma, Coronado, naval vessels, and the USS Midway. Beer, seltzers, soft drinks, snacks, blankets, and Bluetooth music are included.
“Just an absolute great time sailing for the first time . Planning my next sail. Captain Chris was wonderful!!”
Meet at 990 N Harbor Drive for a 30-minute Patriot jet boat ride around San Diego Bay. Your captain reaches up to 40 nautical miles per hour, adds 360-degree spins and power slides, and passes the USS Midway, Coronado Bridge, Seaport Village, and Coronado Island. Ponchos and ziplock bags are provided.
“Absolutely amazing experience! Patriot Flagship Cruises in San Diego was super fun and full of energy. The speed, music, and ocean views were unreal. Be ready to get soaked—it’s all part of the thrill! Perfect for a sunny day adventure. Would 100% do it again!”
Take a 30-minute open-air jet boat ride from North Harbor Drive, passing the USS Midway, naval ships, Coronado Bridge, Star of India, and downtown San Diego. The Patriot reaches speeds above 50 mph, adds 360-degree turns and loud music, and may leave you soaked. Ponchos are provided.
“What a fun ride!! Highly recomend to anyone that feels the need for speed and fun turns!!”
Join Captain Phillip aboard Liberty, a hand-restored yacht modeled on a 1904 sailboat, for a 2.5-hour San Diego Bay cruise. With space for six passengers, beer, white wine, soft drinks, snacks, and views of Navy ships, the Coronado Bridge, sea lions, and the skyline, this is a calm, personal evening on the water.
“Captain Phillip’s sailing tour was beautiful! My husband and I went out along the bay with our two other friends and it was an incredible experience! The views, the sailboat, everything was top tier. Will definitely be doing this again in the future and I recommend if you want an intimate personal experience, this is the tour to do! Thank you again!”
Take a self-guided one-hour glow pedal boat ride from 2803 Emerson Street on San Diego Bay. You get simple safety instructions, life jackets, a Bluetooth speaker, and a boat lit inside and out. Boats fit up to three adults and one small child, with well-behaved dogs welcome.
“The whole experience was so fun! Loved the light, the speakers they included on the boats were so fun to play music on, they had blankets since it was cold out. Great customer service & experience!”
Spend two hours cruising San Diego Bay from the Embarcadero with a seasonal brunch buffet, private table, and unlimited Champagne, mimosas, and sparkling cider. You’ll pass the Coronado Bridge, Star of India, Naval Air Station, Petco Park, and Point Loma, with indoor and open-deck seating.
“Everything was great. The breakfast potatoes were undercooked but other than that it was fantastic. My daughter enjoyed her birthday brunch.”
Water, streets, neighborhoods, or a run out of town.
