Top San Diego On the Water

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.

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.

Explore San Diego bay like never before! Start your adventure at the Coronado Ferry Landing shopping center with breath taking views of the downtown San Diego skyline. Once checked in, you will be given a thorough safety briefing by our qualified team who will detail the use of the jet skis, regulations and restrictions during your experience. Once on the water, you can enjoy sightseeing of the beautiful downtown skyline, the Coronado bridge, navy base, the Midway aircraft carrier museum and if you are lucky, you may just see some seals and dolphins! Speeds up to 65mph!

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.

Go whale watching from San Diego aboard a replica of a historic sailing schooner that won the world’s first America’s Cup sailing competition in 1851. Throughout your cruise, your expert guide shares informative commentary about gray whales, dolphins, and other marine animals, along with details about the US Navy sites you pass as you head out on the Pacific Ocean.

Go with the La Jolla water sports company consistently voted #1 in the area. We are a proud local company that is continually upgrading our equipment and involved in our community helping at-risk youth experience the water. We are also a member of 1% for the Planet, providing 1% of our profits for beach clean-up. Rent from us and you'll enjoy 90 minutes of kayaking for two in the beautiful La Jolla Ecological Reserve.

A rare sunset sailing adventure aboard our 35-foot sailboat, Luna: small group, local captain sharing hidden stories, hands-on sailing, wildlife encounters, and unforgettable vistas of San Diego Bay. Participate or sit back and enjoy breathtaking sunset views of the city's skyline and waterfront attractions as we sail among tall ships, mega-yachts, and military vessels. Watch for playful sea lions, dolphins, pelicans, and maybe even a whale. Look to the skies for pelicans, ospreys, and other marine birds. We invite you to celebrate a special occasion with your partner, family or group and capture the moments in breathtaking photos. No sailing experience is needed for this family-friendly outing, but participation is welcome. We love sharing our knowledge and experience. Choose a public or private tour option when you book. Feel free to bring easy to handle snacks and drinks. Food and drink are not included. Free cancellation, 100% refund up to 24 hours before your reservation.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Step into the 16th century when you board the San Salvador Spanish galleon for a 4-hour sailing. The ship is a replica of Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo's ship that arrived in San Diego on September 28, 1542. For those who love history, or simply want an unforgettable San Diego sailing, this is an unconventional adventure tailor made for you.

Experience San Diego Bay at night aboard our Light Show Bay Cruise, featuring select seasonal events including our popular 4th of July Fireworks Cruise and SeaWorld's Ocean of Dreams drone spectacular. Enjoy dazzling aerial displays featuring ocean animals including sharks, dolphins, and a majestic orca, all brought to life with vibrant colors, immersive music, and stunning formations above the water. Relax and take in the beauty of San Diego Bay as the night sky transforms into an unforgettable summer light show experience. *Cruise experience varies by date. Select departures, including our 4th of July Fireworks Cruise, may feature special event programming such as fireworks displays in place of the SeaWorld Ocean of Dreams drone show. Please review your selected departure details for the featured nighttime experience.

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.

Located on Shelter Island, a well-known area of San Diego where some of the best seafood restaurants and fishing landings are located. Our crew will explain the basic operation and safety tips, and you will be ready for a fantastic time. The boats are equipped with pedal propulsion, so your hands are free to do anything else. Explore the best photo spots and enjoy amazing sightseeing in San Diego Bay at the same time. Get a good workout and find serenity among the waves.

Book this small group tour to get out on the San Diego Bay on a comfortable Catamaran at sunset. Your captain will make sure you are comfy with a glass of white wine, beer, and soft drinks onboard. Just relax as you sail along with your small group, checking out the San Diego skyline while looking out for friendly sea lions and sometimes dolphins.

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.

Explore San Diego’s Downtown and Old Town sights in a fun and fast-paced way—on a self-drive GoCar tour. This sightseeing adventure takes the stress out of reading a map, as the car talks and shows you the way with its built-in GPS. Enjoy hearing stories as you explore the city’s most popular areas, including Old Town, Little Italy, Balboa Park, Downtown and the Gaslamp Quarter.

Explore San Diego Bay with a glow nighttime pedal boat rental, an affordable and eco-friendly adventure perfect for all ages. Glide through the water on a pedal-powered boat complete with a sunshade and room for up to four passengers—four-legged friends are welcome, too! Enjoy the freedom to chart your own course during the one-hour rental and create unforgettable memories on the bay.

Family-friendly experience where you can both see and learn about life in our bays and oceans from a marine biologist with over 20 years of combined science, education, and museum experience. Explore San Diego's hidden gem of snorkeling! Everyone who visits San Diego knows about La Jolla, but did you know there's an even better snorkeling spot? Avoid the big waves and crowds with this more relaxed snorkel experience geared for all skill levels. Groups are small (maximum of 5 participants, with exceptions for private groups/families) which makes a more intimate and personal experience. **Important: After booking you will receive a welcome message with important details. Be sure to have notifications and/or emails from your booking platform turned on!**

Discover some of San Diego’s most incredible marine wildlife with the help of a local guide who knows the water like the back of their hand on this small-group boat tour. Try your luck spotting whales, dolphins, sea lions, and more while you enjoy the smooth ride on a former military boat with life jackets provided for your safety.

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 stereo system so you can enjoy music while cruising. Each boat fits up to 4 adults and 1 small child (4–5 years old), with a maximum total weight of 650 lbs. **Note: If your group of 4 is under 650 lbs and you’d like to stay on one boat, purchase 2 tickets. 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.

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.