Top San Diego Water Tours

Spend a few hours relaxing, sunbathing and sightseeing in the placid 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. Choose between 1 and 2 hour cruise options, offering you two trips to fit your schedule and interests.

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.

Take an evening cruise wining and dining aboard the ‘Spirit of San Diego,’ enjoying top-notch food and drink, plus sparkling skyline views during this San Diego dinner cruise. Dig into your included gourmet meal, accompanied by a complimentary cocktail and live on-board entertainment, as you cruise 25-miles worth of California’s beautiful coastline and gaze at the twinkling stars above. You can also upgrade your cruise to include an unlimited open bar for an additional price.

Experience the thrill of driving your own speed boat during this tour of San Diego Harbor. Learn the basics of boating from your expert guide before following your guide's boat around the harbor, cruising past highlights such as the USS Midway, a US Navy submarine, Coronado Bridge, Seaport Village, the cruise ship terminal, the historic ship Star of India and San Diego Maritime Museum. Learn from your guide about these landmarks via the onboard two-way communications system and stop for photo ops on this exciting tour.

On this experience, relax in style aboard a luxury dinner cruise. Enjoy panoramic views from the boat's deck and take your time over a gourmet, 3-course meal, as you cruise past twinkling city lights that ring San Diego Bay. Listen to relaxing background music and enjoy an unforgettable evening, or celebrate a birthday, anniversary or another special occasion. Viator Exclusive: Upgrade to a guaranteed, private table by a window and bottle of Champagne.

Sail into the setting sun aboard a Catalina style sailboat during this intimate cruise with a small group. Feel like you have the ship all to yourself on this trip that’s limited to just 12 total guests, watching as the last rays of the sun drop into the glistening waves. Enjoy the included beer, wine, soft drinks and snacks during the ride, as well as jackets and wind gear in case you get cold. You can even plug in your own music to add to the fun. Departure times vary throughout the year. Guest must contact Sail San Diego after purchase for the exact departure time.

Take in the highlights of San Diego Bay during a sightseeing tour by amphibious vehicle. Travel on both land and water like a ‘duck tour,’ 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.

Zoom around the waters of San Diego Bay on a jet boat ride that provides speed, splashes, and spins. As you race through the scenic waterway, your captain points out landmarks including the USS Midway, Coronado Island, Seaport Village, the Embarcadero, and the city skyline. Hang on as your captain takes your boat into power slides, 360-degree spins and other thrilling maneuvers—a high-octane twist on sightseeing in San Diego.

Encounter some of Earth's most magnificent creatures on a 3-hour whale-watching cruise in San Diego. The voyage departs right from Mission Bay, so you’ll be out into the open ocean and looking for animals in just 10 short minutes. Marine biologists onboard help you spot whales and dolphins and learn about their life in the deep blue sea.

Enjoy a sailing adventure on a Catalina-style sailboat with just six people for a comfortable, semi-private experience (or, find five friends and fill up the whole boat). Sail in San Diego Harbor during the day. Sit back and relax to enjoy the water views while enjoying complimentary beer, wine, soft drinks and snacks.

This is a personal tour from one to six passengers that is engaging and diverse tailored to the specific selected tour option(s) Both private and mixed tours are available.

Watch the sun set over San Diego during an all-inclusive small-group cruise aboard a classic sailboat. Pass landmarks such as the Maritime Museum, Coronado Bridge, and USS Midway, and look for sea lions, dolphins, and other wildlife around San Diego Harbor on the 2.5-hour cruise.

See San Diego from a marine vantage point on this 90-minute 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.

Cruise around San Diego bay aboard an authentic 1992 America’s Cup racing yacht and travel at twice the speed of the average sailboat. The Stars and Stripes USA-11 is one of the fastest and best known America’s Cup racing yachts. It was designed and built to be raced in San Diego, and has been restored to pristine condition. Take a turn at the helm and join in grinding the winches to raise and trim the sails.

Go sightseeing on the waters of San Diego Bay during a 2-hour brunch cruise that provides a delicious seated brunch accompanied by complimentary champagne. After enjoying a lavish plated brunch dish, stay at your private table or head outside to the open air for sunshine and sightseeing.

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 Wine makes this tour a great choice for couples or travelers celebrating a special occasion.

Spend happy hour on the water during this San Diego evening cruise. After a welcome glass of sparkling wine, enjoy views of the water and city skyline as you glide through San Diego Bay.

Enjoy Sunday in beautiful San Diego with a 2-hour brunch cruise on a luxury yacht. Help yourself to the seafood, steak, waffles and chocolate fountain at the buffet while sipping on unlimited mimosas. While you drink and feast, soak up the views of the water and the city skyline around you. When you’re ready to stretch your sea legs, head to the dance floor where live entertainment and music awaits.

Sail Liberty offers the unforgettable experience of a beautiful sailboat touring adventure aboard a traditional sailing yacht. Our replica 1904 Yacht, offers excellent sailing for small group harbor tours and a remarkable sunset cruise all the while using traditional sailing techniques aboard a classic vessel unlike any other in San Diego.

See San Diego’s sights by land and water on a 1.5-hour seal tour independent shore excursion, and explore this picturesque port of call in an 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.

Set sail on the San Diego Harbor for a 2.5-hour dinner cruise with beer pairings, and spend an evening dancing, drinking and dining on board an elegant yacht. Kick off the night with a sumptuous buffet paired with beers from the region’s renowned craft breweries. Watch the sun set into the Pacific Ocean and take in views of San Diego’s city lights, Coronado Island and the bustling harbor as you dance to songs by the yacht’s DJ.

Avoid the stress of being on a loud and crowded boat by opting to charter a private yacht instead. Admire the beauty of the San Diego coastline and get the chance to spot marine life such as whales or dolphins. Stay hydrated along the way with bottled water included, as well as snacks too.

Hop aboard a whale-watching cruise in San Diego for the chance to see whales and other Pacific marine life. You'll head out of the bay into the open ocean on board a large boat to look for the whales on the surface of the water.

Take in views of San Diego's top attractions from the deck of your own private yacht—yours for a few hours, anyway. This private catamaran cruise for up to six people allows you to relax and enjoy the ocean breeze, listening to commentary from your captain. Keep watch for whales, sea lions, and dolphins while enjoying provided snacks and bottled water.