San Diego · CRUISES & BOAT TOURS
93 tours
Almost everything good in this city is easier to understand from the water. Below are the 15 boat trips that earn their fare, from a narrated hour round the naval piers to speedboats, brunch cruises and sunset sails, with prices, durations and what is included on deck.
San Diego Harbor cruise for $37: pick 1 or 2 hours, enjoy narrated Navy fleet views, Coronado Bridge sights, and sea lions.
“The travels I was with did a poor job at planning a birthday trip. The boat was big and empty and the tour guide was mediocre”
Sail on the America schooner replica for a 4.5-hour San Diego whale watch, with snacks, commentary, and a whale sighting guarantee.
“I took my daughter and three of her friends for her 16th birthday the 2nd of January. We had an amazing whale watching experience! The crew was fantastic—friendly, knowledgeable, and clearly passionate about what they do. The boat was very nice and comfortable, and it never felt overly crowded, which made the experience even better. We were lucky enough to see two gray whales—a mom and her baby—migrating together, which was absolutely incredible. The crew shared so much informative and interesting information about the whales and other marine life throughout the trip. The complimentary snacks and sodas were a really nice bonus, and when one of the kids started feeling…”
San Diego whale and dolphin cruise from Mission Bay. Spot gray whales and dolphins in open ocean, with onboard naturalists, snacks, and great views.
“Experience was amazing even with the rainfall we had that day. Staff was great and communicative. Wish their mic didn't have so many interruptions, but was still great! No complaints really, got to see some great stuff and wasn't expensive!”
Coronado Bridge, Navy ships, sea lions, and skyline views on a narrated luxury harbor cruise. 1 to 2 hours, about $37.
“We loved the tour and the information and the great scenery !! Definitely recommend.”
San Diego Harbor dinner cruise with gourmet dinner, skyline views, live entertainment, and optional unlimited open bar. About 3 hours.
“Easy to make reservations and changes. Good service, friendly staff, food was nicely presented and tasty.”
Self-drive F13 speed boats on San Diego Harbor with radio narration, sea lion sightings, and close passes of USS Midway and Coronado Bridge.
“Some technical difficulties had us start 30 minutes late. Otherwise the host was great and tour was fun.”
A 3.5-hour San Diego whale-watching cruise with indoor and outdoor decks, expert commentary, and real chances to spot gray whales, dolphins, and more.
“There is the chance you will see nothing, as was our experience, however they provide a rain check for such.”
Sunset sail on San Diego Bay on a small yacht with skyline views, USS Midway sightings, and cozy blankets. About 2 hours for $109.
“Great service, beautiful and relaxing. Bring a jacket… even if it’s warm when you set sail. Gets cold quickly.”
Small-group San Diego sunset sailing for up to 6. Enjoy Point Loma, USS Midway, Coronado, snacks, drinks, blankets, and your own music.
“The boat is so clean! I crawled on my knees, in my dark navy pants from the bean bag on the bow to the stern and not one speck of white dust was on my knees as I had feared.”
Small-group 3-hour San Diego Harbor sail with snacks, beer, and onboard gear, plus your own music. See Coronado Bridge and USS Midway.
“Great time on the sail boat. Dave was an awesome captain and shared a lot of knowledge with us along the way. Highly recommend to couples just looking to relax and soak in San Diego’s views.”
A 30-minute jet boat thrill on San Diego Bay, with ponchos, fast spins, and big views of Coronado and USS Midway for $45.
“We are always looking for something new to do everything we come to San Diego. We loved this! Crew was top notch- great views of the area, great playlist. Our nephew loved it- it was his pick to do this.”
Power spins, rock music, and iconic bay views. A 30-minute open-air Patriot jet boat ride for $45 with ponchos included.
“A lot of fun. You get less wet and less movement in the front of the boat. They do provide ponchos. We loved it. Would do again,”
Sail on the hand-restored Liberty at sunset with beer, white wine, and snacks. Small group, serious views, and real seamanship.
“Great tour. And worth the money. Tour guide is very personable. We had a lovely and relaxing evening. Thank you.”
Glow pedal boat on San Diego Bay. 1 hour, Bluetooth music, blankets, and skyline views. Up to 3 in your group, dog friendly.
“Fun hang out activity, would recommend for anyone! Boats aren’t hard to handle and the view is worth it.”
Bottomless mimosa brunch cruise on San Diego Bay from the Embarcadero, 2 hours with private table, scenic sights, and unlimited Champagne.
“It was amazing. Had all you can eat buffet with the unlimited Mimosas. Everything was perfect. And the view from the boat in the middle of the bay is something you can only dream of. I wish this on everyone to give it a try. It is worth every penny.”
