Top San Diego Water Tours

Enjoy a San Diego sunset cruise from Mission Bay as the sun sets behind the Pacific Ocean’s horizon, painting the coastal waters in golden hues. Catch views of SeaWorld and incredible view of the Ocean Beach Pier. Unwind with a drink, snap some memorable photos with loved ones on the deck, and soak up the relaxing vibe with soft music in the background. It’s the perfect way to wind down and savor California’s laid-back charm.

Encounter some of Earth's most magnificent creatures on a 2–3-hour whale-watching cruise in San Diego. The voyage departs right from Mission Bay, so you’ll be out into the open Pacific Ocean and looking for animals in just 10 minutes. Expert Guides and Naturalists on board help you spot whales and dolphins and learn about their lives in the deep blue sea.

Elevate your sightseeing experiences in San Diego with this luxury whale- and dolphin-watching cruise. Instead of doing any research, enjoy having a crew to take you to places known for their whale and dolphin sightings. The luxury vessel is air-conditioned with indoor seating, as well as a restroom and stabilizers to ensure a smooth and comfortable ride.

Swap city sightseeing for some time on the water with this exciting whale-watching cruise. Avoid the guesswork when trying to figure out where to spot whales, and let the experienced crew take you directly to places known for sightings. As well as whales, you may spot sea lions, sea birds, and sometimes dolphins—with commentary from the naturalist guides who can share plenty of facts about marine life.

See San Diego from a marine vantage point on this 90min harbor cruise, including a look at the marina, seabirds and potential sea lion sightings. Listen to live narration from your captain and enjoy for-purchase snacks from the onboard snack bar.

Experience the thrill of driving a speedboat—and enjoy a new way to sightsee—on this two-in-one San Diego Harbor tour. Learn the basics of boating from your guide before following their boat around the harbor, cruising past highlights such as the USS Midway, Coronado Bridge, the San Diego Maritime Museum, and more. Discover the stories behind the landmarks via the on-board, two-way communication system, and stop for photo ops.

Spend a few hours relaxing and sightseeing in the waters just off San Diego during this 1- or 2-hour San Diego Harbor cruise. Sit back and relax as you take in a fully narrated tour, offering top-notch sight lines of the San Diego skyline, a cruise under Coronado Bridge, a look at the bustling US Naval fleet, and a chance to spot some of the harbor’s resident sea lions.

Enjoy a sailing adventure on a Catalina-style sailboat with just six people aboard for a comfortable, small-group experience (or, find five friends and fill up the whole boat). Sail in San Diego Harbor, and look out for top city attractions, from Coronado to the USS Midway. Sit back and relax, and enjoy the views, all while enjoying complimentary beer, hard seltzer, non-alcoholic beverages, and snacks.

We’re excited to introduce our 60-minute Glow Boat Experience on Electric Boats — a romantic night date in San Diego Bay. The boats glow beautifully after dark and come equipped with a Bluetooth Speaker so you can enjoy music while cruising. Your group will be assigned one of our electric glow boats based on your group size. Both options offer the same Glow Electric Boat experience. * Red Electric Glow Boat: Up to 4 adults + 1 small child (4–5 years old), maximum combined weight 650 lbs. * White Electric Glow Boat: Up to 3 adults + 1 small child (4–5 years old), maximum combined weight 600 lbs. The specific boat model is assigned by our team based on your group size. Our crew provides full instructions and guides all boats on the water, with safety crew present. You’ll stay dry and comfortable the entire ride.

Guests get to kayak out into the La Jolla Ecological Reserve with trained professional guides to take them to various snorkel sports in the La Jolla Ecological Reserve (spot depends on safety and may change depending on the day.) Once the group arrivals at chosen snorkel spot, the guides will till all of the kayaks together with rope and drop a sea anchor, so the kayaks are stationary, and the guests get to hop out and snorkel in the majestic waters of the La Jolla Ecological Reserve. After the snorkeling portion, guests kayak back to the launching point. Entire duration last two hours. No snorkel experience necessary but preferred. Must be a comfortable swimmer in the ocean to participate.

The Gondola Company is your Passport to Italy. Indulge in all the magic and tradition of Venice right here in San Diego as you gently cruise in a private gondola through the enchanting canals of the Coronado Cays. Whether it’s a relaxing journey or a romantic adventure, each cruise is A Truly Memorable Experience.

Experience the beauty of the San Diego coastline on a peaceful sunset sailing tour, avoiding the crowds at popular viewing spots. Relax aboard your vessel as you take in stunning sunset views, along with possible sightings of dolphins, vibrant seabirds, and sea lions. Along the way, enjoy scenic views of the Coronado Bridge, Point Loma, and San Diego Bay.

Go sightseeing on the waters of San Diego Bay during this cruise that provides a delicious seated brunch of seasonal dishes accompanied by unlimited Champagne, mimosas, and sparkling cider. After enjoying a lavish plated brunch dish, stay at your private table or head outside to the open air for sunshine and sightseeing.

Put your sea legs to good use while in port and see San Diego’s sights by both land and water on a shore excursion by amphibious vehicle. Listen to stories that bring San Diego’s history to life as you travel along the water’s edge, then steer straight into San Diego Bay. Take in sweeping views of SeaWorld, watch for the seals and sea lions that play, eat and bask at Quivira Basin, and return to your ship along the scenic Harbor Drive.

With this San Diego harbor cruise, you can check off views of a selection of San Diego’s most important monuments, without encountering crowds or traffic. Simply enjoy a stress-free sail through the water in a large catamaran, and benefit from a full bar on board, so you can purchase drinks along the way.

Swap crowded ferries and sightseeing tours for a much more intimate alternative—a private boat trip exclusively for your personal group. Set off in the morning for a better chance of spotting wildlife, and benefit from having a captain to take care of the navigating and driving, so you can focus on the views.

Set sail aboard a comfortable sailing yacht on a small-group excursion from San Diego. Cruise around San Diego Bay, taking in views of the scenic waterfront, military vessels, and historical landmarks. Travel past Point Loma and Coronado, and catch sight of wading birds, sea lions, and maybe dolphins. Try your hand at sailing the yacht, or simply relax on the deck and enjoy the views.

Admire views of San Diego that many other visitors miss—and help keep your sightseeing personal—on this small-group sailing excursion that's timed for sunset. Travel aboard a Catalina–style sailboat, and soak up the peaceful ambiance, plus a photo-worthy perspective on the city skyline, Old Point Loma Lighthouse, Coronado Island, and other highlights. Along the way, enjoy beer, soft drinks, and snacks, plus blankets in case you get cold.

Spend an evening gourmet wining and dining aboard the ‘Spirit of San Diego,’ enjoying top-notch food and drink while you soak up skyline views. During this San Diego dinner cruise, you sip a complimentary cocktail and enjoy live on-board entertainment as you cruise 25 miles of California’s coastline and gaze at the stars above.

Launched in 1914 to her removal from regular service in 1996, the Pilot enjoyed an active career as San Diego’s chief pilot craft – assisting almost every one of the thousands of major commercial ships to enter or leave the bay during that time. Visitors will share this narrated historic bay tour aboard one of the few vessels in the country honored with the distinction of being on the National Register of Historic Places by the United States Department of the Interior.

Sail the lovely waters off San Diego in style on a private yacht charter. The itinerary is up to you, or your captain can suggest some places to go. You can opt for a whale watching tour (seasonal), or lay anchor and go for a swim. If you prefer, choose a bay tour; seeing sights like Hotel del Coronado, Point Loma Lighthouse, Tijuana, and the San Diego skyline.

Prepare for an unforgettable encounter with the giants of the sea. Our 3.5-hour premium whale watching expedition takes you beyond the shoreline and into the heart of the ocean’s most spectacular playground. Whether you’re a seasoned nature lover or a first-time explorer, this journey offers the perfect balance of excitement and coastal relaxation. This trip is highly recommended during Blue Whale season (June – September). Since these 100-foot giants migrate further offshore, we recommend these trips during blue whale season as the extended time they provide give us a wider window to secure a successful sighting. Witnessing the largest animal to ever live is a true once-in-a-lifetime moment—maximize your chances by booking during their peak summer residency.

A boat ride in San Diego Bay offers the perfect vantage point from which to view the city’s Skyline. This luxury sailing adventure on a 40-foot yacht lets visitors take in the sights in comfort and privacy, the perfect activity for those seeking an extra special addition to their San Diego trip.