Top San Diego Water Tours

Take in the highlights of San Diego Bay during a sightseeing tour by amphibious vehicle. Travel on both land and water, starting on the streets of Seaport Village and rolling down Harbor Drive alongside San Diego Bay. Transition into the water after departing Seaport Village. Cruise past the SeaWorld and Vacation Isle, experiencing the best of maritime San Diego on this fun and informative tour.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Set sail at one of the best times of day—sunset—during this San Diego Bay cruise. Board a comfortable sailing yacht and cruise along San Diego's coastline, taking in views of the scenic waterfront, military vessels, and historical landmarks. Catch sight of marine life and enjoy spectacular photo ops. Gorgeous sunset views and comfortable bean bag seating makes this tour a great choice for travelers celebrating a special occasion.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Revel in a beautiful evening under the stars with a fun and picturesque Signature San Diego Dinner Cruise on the bay! Turn your dinner into an incredible night out with a delicious chef-curated buffet for all ages savored alongside the breathtaking backdrop of the city skyline. From the breezy open-air decks and comfortable indoor spaces, you’ll soak in spectacular views of San Diego’s iconic landmarks, such as the Coronado Bridge and the Rady Shell while our DJ spins today’s top hits. This unforgettable dining experience is complete with a fully stocked cash bar, games, and dancing into the night! Set sail for a one-of-a-kind evening you won’t soon forget!

San Diego looks spectacular from the water and with this sailing tour, you can sit back, relax, and enjoy having a crew to take the lead. During your sailing trip, you can enjoy onboard perks, such as alcoholic and soft drinks as you enjoy the panoramic views of San Diego Bay.

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.

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.

What makes this experience truly unique is the combination of refined European luxury and a relaxed, intimate atmosphere. You will be sailing aboard a beautifully crafted French yacht, designed for comfort, performance, and elegance, and reserved exclusively for your small private group. With fewer guests on board, there is plenty of space to unwind, move freely around the deck, and enjoy a more personal, unrushed experience on the water. Your captain, Dylan, is friendly, knowledgeable, and passionate about sailing the San Diego Bay. He creates an easygoing, welcoming atmosphere while maintaining professional seamanship and attentive hospitality. Whether you would like to learn about sailing, take the helm, relax with a glass of wine, or celebrate a special occasion, the experience is tailored to your group. Every sail is unhurried, personal, and designed to feel less like a tour and more like having your own private yacht for the day.

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.

Enjoy a thrilling new way to explore San Diego Bay—and enjoy speed, splashes, and spins along the way—on this high-speed jet boat tour. As you race along the scenic waterway, spot landmarks including the USS Midway, Coronado Island, Seaport Village, the Embarcadero, and the city skyline. Then, hang on as your captain takes your boat into power slides, 360-degree spins, and other high-octane maneuvers.

Watch the sunset over San Diego and admire the city and ocean views during a small-group cruise on a classic 1904-styled sailboat. Pass landmarks such as the Maritime Museum, Coronado Bridge, and the USS Midway. Look out for sea lions, dolphins, and other wildlife around San Diego Harbor while relaxing and sipping on the provided wine, beer, or non-alcoholic drinks.