About Us

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About Cruise San Diego

At Cruise San Diego, we are passionate about our waters and the history and wildlife that surround us. Part of that history starts with the OHANA, our beautiful vessel that serves as the platform for all of our bay cruises. This aluminum passenger ferry was built by the Chaffee Machine Company of San Diego for the Wrigley Family, yes the makers of the famous chewing gum. The vessel was designed to provide year-round service for their family and friends between Los Angeles and Catalina Island (which they also owned). After their passing, the vessel and Catalina Island were deeded to the State of California. The Cabrillo, as she was known back then, was then purchased by a private investor to run whale watching trips out of Long Beach, CA before Cruise San Diego found her and decided to bring her back home. Cruise San Diego is a locally owned and operated company whose mission is to share the beauty and history of our waters with our customers.

The Ohana

Our Crew

James

James

Captain

Capt. James is the primary captain aboard the OHANA and has extensive knowledge about Mission Bay and years of experience navigating the ocean. James runs a tight ship and prides himself on having a friendly and professional crew so you can relax and enjoy our cruises.

Bryan

Bryan

Captain

Capt. Bryan has years of experience navigating the waters. Bryan has spent most of his life on the water and has a love for our beautiful Bay come through on every trip.

Mike K

Mike K

Captain

Captain Mike has trained on many types of vessels and brings a wealth of knowledge to the Ohana. His guided tour and laid back personality are sure to make your trip a relaxing and enjoyable one. He’d be the first to tell you that he loves anything on the water.

John

John

Captain

Dani

Dani

Naturalist/Deckhand

Vanessa

Vanessa

Naturalist/Deckhand

Dave

Dave

Deckhand

David is one of the best deckhands in the fleet. His hard work ethic and gentle personality make him an invaluable crew member. David loves being on the water and everything the Bay has to offer. You’ll sure to be pleased with David’s customer service on your trip.
Oscar

Oscar

Deckhand

Jaeny

Jaeny

Naturalist/Deckhand

Jaeny joined our team to due to her marine life  Her love for our waters is what makes her an excellent team member of our deck crew. While on a cruise, make sure and ask her a question about the wildlife, she has a ton of information to share.

Nelson

Deckhand

Josh

Josh

Deckhand

Najja

Bartender/Deckhand

Derwayne

Derwayne

Bartender

Derwayne has over 20 years of experience serving customers at a bar. He enjoys the relaxed work environment that comes with having a job on a boat. He especially loves meeting new people. Derwayne is great with our customers and can serve up a drink that is sure to make you come back for more.
Samela

Samela

Bartender

Samela joins us on the water a couple of times a week to serve up the best specialty cocktails in Mission Bay. Be sure to find her in the galley and order a delicious drink to enjoy while you take in the views the bay has to offer.

Bernadette

Bernadette

Bartender

Bernadette brings her good vibes and positive energy to the Ohana every day. Her infectious smile and can do attitude ensure our passengers have a good time. With Bernadette behind the bar you are sure to get service with a smile.

A little about the Ohana!

Built locally by Chaffe Machine Company, the Ohana, formerly named Cabrio, belonged to the Wriggly family. That is right, the family who gave us Big Red, Spearmint, and Juicy Fruit chewing gum! The family cruised on the Ohana back and forth from Los Angeles to Catalina Island. Cruise San Diego bought the Ohana from the State of California and gave her a new life cruising Mission Bay offering the public amazing experiences!