Experience San Diego Bay in the best way possible with a specialized cruise on one of these excellent guided tours.
(Photo: Getyourguide.com)
San Diego’s beautiful harbor is a fascinating place to take a cruise thanks to the impressive marine life, such as sealions and dolphins, and the high rises of the Gaslamp Quarter close to the shore. And you can experience excellent views of both on a harbor dinner cruise or a sunset cruise that takes you out onto the open water to offer a new perspective of the city. Here are five of the best San Diego boat tours based on factors such as the value for money, onboard health and safety measures, and the uniqueness of the experience.
San Diego Harbor Cruise
For a simple, effective harbor cruise with no added bells and whistles, a trip aboard the Spirit of San Diego has proven to have enduring popularity with previous visitors. The harbor cruise includes narration so that you can fully appreciate the city sights, which include Coronado Bridge and the San Diego skyline. If you select the shorter South Harbor tour, you’ll pass the impressive ships of the US Navy, such as the Midway Aircraft Carrier, and the US Navy Surface Fleet. This tour runs multiple daily departures. From $28 per person.
San Diego: Best of the Bay Harbor Cruise
(Photo: Getyourguide.com)
Another popular cruise option aboard a charming ship takes passengers on a 90-minute tour of San Diego Bay. The narration is well balanced to offer insight into the city landmarks, the harbor’s military and naval history, and the bay’s natural features. There is also some fascinating information on local environmental initiatives to help support resident species such as sealions, pelicans and herons, all of which you may be lucky enough to see during your trip. This cruise runs at least once a day. From $30 per person.
Sights & Sips: Two-Hour Sunset Cruise
If you’re keen to multitask in order to get the most out of your time in San Diego, Sights and Sips may well be the tour for you. Combining a harbor cruise with a happy hour, all while the sun sets over the Pacific Ocean, makes excellent value for money. The two-hour cruise of San Diego Bay includes complimentary cocktails and other beverages, served alongside appetizers. This tour runs most Fridays and Saturdays from the late spring through to early fall months. From $59 per person.
Champagne Brunch Cruise in San Diego
(Photo: Getyourguide.com)
For an even classier time on the open water, this champagne brunch cruise comes with unlimited bubbly and sparkling cider. But just so that the midday alcohol doesn’t go straight to your head, you can also enjoy a range of dishes, including carved meats or seafood entrees, as well as a salad and dessert bar. Your journey includes interesting narration and light music to set the tone along with the fantastic harbor views. This two-hour brunch cruise runs on Saturdays and Sundays only from spring through fall. From $105 per person.
Harbor Dinner Cruise in San Diego
A more substantial meal is also possible on this harbor dinner cruise. Combining many of the highlights of the aforementioned options, you can start the trip off with a glass of sparkling wine before setting sail to explore the southern Californian coastline. When it comes to your gourmet dinner, choose from entrees like steak, chicken picatta or pan-seared salmon. There’s also a dessert and salad bar and a deck with open seating to relax on after your meal. For an additional fee you can also upgrade to an open bar. This dinner cruise runs only on Sundays. From $111 per person.