Boat rides in San Diego provide chances to see the area from the water, including champagne cruises, drive-your-own speedboat excursions, and other enjoyable outings. In addition, many hotels in San Diego’s downtown are accessible by foot from where these trips depart.
Here are the best boat rides in San Diego that the whole family will enjoy.
Top Boat Rides In San Diego
Patriot Jet Boat
The Patriot Jet Boat is a 30-minute thrill ride that circles San Diego Bay at up to 50 mph, while doing spins, stunts, and turns. Passengers will pass by military vessels, travel under the Coronado bridge, and enjoy some breathtaking scenery. It is operated by Flagship Cruises and is a favorite among residents and visitors alike. You’ll yell, laugh, and rock out to music throughout the trip.
Private Water Taxis
A private water taxi can pick you up and drop you off if you need to go between downtown, Point Loma, or Coronado. Going to your preferred eatery on or near the water is also available. There is a two-hour minimum booking requirement and room for up to 33 guests.
Coronado Ferry
Take the beautiful 15-minute ferry ride over the water that connects downtown San Diego to Coronado. You may carry a bicycle on board for no additional charge, and the journey will cost you a modest fair each way. This San Diego boat facilitates car-free travel for visitors. It provides Coronado tourists with simple access to the downtown area’s eateries and stores, and a method to reach the Coronado beaches while vacationing in downtown San Diego.
At the Broadway Pier or the Convention Center, passengers travelling from downtown, will depart at the Coronado Ferry Landing. From Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day, a seasonal shuttle service transports visitors from the Coronado Ferry Landing to Silver Strand and Orange Avenue (ideal for Hotel del Coronado guests).
Hornblower Cruises
A beautiful narrated San Diego harbor boat, a weekly dinner cruise, a Champagne brunch cruise, and whale-watching expeditions are all available with Hornblower Cruises. The Friday and Saturday lobster dinner cruises are also very popular.
Watch out for their harbor rides that include food and a movie. Each week’s movie is different.
Speed Boat Adventures
You get the opportunity to operate a 13-foot mini speedboat as part of a guided group tour of San Diego Bay. Kids aged five and older can ride in the boats, which can hold up to three people. The legal driving age is 18 (16 if an adult is in the boat).
The tour group leader often takes the wheel first, and you may hear them speak via two-way radio in your boat. Remember that Harbor Island, which is closer to the airport, is where this adventure departs.
Adventure RIB Rides
With a rigid hull for added stability, inflatable boats (RIBs) feature a rigid fiberglass hull, encircled by inflated pontoons. In several locations across the globe, RIBs are preferred for whale viewing. These boats are smaller and may ride rougher than bigger boats, since they were originally used for military patrols.
The smaller, lighter boat could make this more intimate encounter possible, but it might not be suitable for everyone, particularly seasickness sufferers.
Adventure RIB Rides offers a Wildlife and Naval Heritage Cruise in San Diego Bay, a tour of the Los Coronados Islands off the coast of Mexico, and whale and dolphin watching beyond the Bay (but which are visible from coastal San Diego).
Sail Stars and Stripes USA-11
The Stars and Stripes sailboat, an actual America’s Cup racing boat, is used for these excursions. Sailing aboard one of the world’s fastest sailing yachts for three hours is an exciting experience for visitors and residents alike. The crew also invites visitors to grab the wheel and sail around the harbor.
The tour offers free food, drinks, images, and films to see after the journey. Individuals, small groups, and big groups of up to 24 persons are welcome.
San Diego SEAL Trip
This waterproof bus/boat (or, duck boat) starts on dry ground before launching into the water. Particularly among youngsters, this waterfront excursion is extremely popular.
It now leaves from Seaport Village and lasts 90 minutes (30 minutes on land and 60 minutes at sea). While learning about San Diego’s past as a military town and taking plenty of stunning pictures along the route – you’ll probably see sea lions and a lot of different types of birds.
Bahia Belle
Embrace the Bahia Belle. You might assume that the Bahia Belle has that attitude, a three-story stern wheeler that leisurely floats between the Catamaran Hotel and Spa and the Bahia Resort Hotel in Mission Bay. She is Instagram-worthy at any time of day. Get on board for an evening party, a family sunset ride, or even New Year’s Eve festivities. Without the dialect, it is pretty similar to living in the South.
Conclusion
For individuals who like ocean scenery and exciting activities, San Diego is one of the most desirable travel destinations. Vacationers may choose from various sightseeing excursions, highlighting famous locations, among the top activities. One common alternative is boat rides in San Diego, where visitors may choose from sailing boats to thrill-seeking speedboats.
Meta Description: If you’re looking for a fun and exciting family outing trip, boat rides in San Diego are ideal. Join us as we go along this trip.