Boat Rides & Cruises in San Diego

THE 10 BEST San Diego Boat Rides & Cruises

Boat Rides & Cruises in San Diego

Boat Tours & Water Sports
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₹0 - ₹44,400 +
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Travellers' Choice Awards winners (including the "Best of the Best" title) are among the top 10% of listings on Tripadvisor, according to the reviews and opinions of travellers across the globe.
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97 results sorted by featured
  • Our Featured sort order ranks tours, activities, and experiences by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, your individual user browsing history and preferences while using Tripadvisor, the frequency of user clicks generally, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.
Showing results 1-30 of 97
*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.

What travellers are saying

  • Phillip P
    3 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    We had a great time, seeing all the sites and listening to the very knowledgeable narration of rusty. He did a great job, a walking in encyclopedia!
    Written 18 March 2025
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • twinkiemarie
    Keller, TX2 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    We saw the most beautiful dolphins and humpback whales!! It was an absolutely perfect experience! The crew was very knowledgeable and friendly.
    Written 19 March 2025
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Natalie S
    4 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Such a great experience. I want to say that we did not see a wh6glae - it's nature,6 so not guaranteed! But, because we didn't see one, they gave us a voucher for another trip, which I was really pleasantly surprised by! And we saw great wildlife - sea lions, and Best, a stampede of dolphins! It was the best encounter I have had. Plus, they provided great narration of the different ships and sites of the bay. I've already recommended this service to lots of personal acquaintances.
    Written 19 March 2025
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Keli T
    3 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    We've been on this tour now three times and it never disappoints! The first time, we saw a gray whale, the second time (most unforgettable!) we saw a mother and baby blue whale and this most recent time we saw tons of dolphins! The new boat is awesome, too! The staff is always amazing, friendly, knowledgeable and laid back. Well worth the money!
    Written 18 March 2025
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Getaway299496
    Tampa, FL3 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    We had a great time! DJ was an awesome captain and took amazing care of my wife and I during our voyage! Two thumbs up! We definitely recommend this enjoyable sail.
    Written 19 March 2025
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • GoGatorsWayne
    Odessa, FL852 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Outstanding tour of the harbor. The captain and his crew give an excellent narration and an enjoyable boat ride. We recommend this tour to anyone. The only drawback is it felt kind of bad when they asked for tips at the end. Go on this cruise. You will like it.
    Written 2 October 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Al W
    Colorado Springs, CO36 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Had been once before several years ago with my boys, wanted to take my wife this time. The waves were a little choppy following two days of rain, pushing through the break to start the tour was a little dicey (even the guide said so). Luckily nobody in our group tipped. It was an enjoyable experience, both guides were friendly and fun and informative. The views were great. Unfortunately we couldn’t risk going into the caves because of the conditions. Returning to shore and “surfing” the waves in was fun, but most everyone in our group flipped into the icy water. It was so cold (and I’ve experienced my fair share of cold water) that my legs were numb after walking from chest-deep water onto land. If we had tipped way out to sea, I would think hypothermia would be a possibility. They should provide mandatory wetsuits free-of-charge in the winter months, rather than charging extra for them (about half our group had purchased them, including my wife). Overall, a good experience and recommend doing it once.
    Written 20 March 2025
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Tamara T
    2 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Jewel was VERY informed. I took the same trip in 2016 and this one had so much information about San Diego. The ride was smoothe as well. The captain was very thorough and took time to ensure the passengers with small children were safe. I would highly recommend.
    Written 19 February 2025
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Brenda V
    2 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    John was an awesome guide. The trip was very memorable. I'm glad we got to experience this. recommend an earlier morning trip to be able to get in the cave safely before the waves pick up
    Written 17 March 2025
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Aggahop
    Bronx, NY13 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    It was truly an amazing experience! The morning started off foggy so the captain (Brian) recommended postponing the departure by 30 min. We ended up having a private tour since other participants cancelled last minute. We got to experience an eerie (slightly foggy) morning with dozens of dolphins all around us, and finished the tour off with barking sea lions sunbathing on a buoy. We did not see any whales, but this is never a guarantee since the space we covered is vast. It was a wonderful experience and we’re grateful to Brian for his professionalism and friendly demeanor. Highly recommend!
    Written 22 February 2025
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • TheExplorerFamily
    Somerset, NJ7,131 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    While browsing for “Things to Do in San Diego” on TripAdvisor. I came across this unique activity. Read a little more about it and booked 8 tickets – 7 adults and a 5-year-old. The “Venetian” experience in the Canals of the Coronado Cays turned out to be quite memorable.

    We arrived at the docks a little early because we were not sure about the parking spaces, and wanted to be on time for the ride just in case we had to spend time looking for a spot. It turned out that parking was plentiful – always a bonus.

    We checked in, and while waiting for our two Gondoliers – Niko and Luca – to get our boats ready, we were able to admire a glorious Sunset that lasted halfway through our ride. That natural beauty added so much to our enjoyment…

    Niko was our gondolier. He made it easy for us to get into our boats, and then played some soft music while he easily steered the boat. On the way back, he belted out a typical Italian song about calm waters, peaceful surroundings and the Moon. He had an amazing voice that even left our little kid enchanted and mesmerized.

    Our side-by-side rides took us through the neighboring canals and a small part of the Bay. The surrounding houses, boats and yachts were beautifully decorated with lights and Christmas decorations.

    Before we left the docks for our pleasure cruise, the sweet lady at the counter had taken a photo of all of us. At the end, she gave us a card with their website listed on it, and informed us that the photos that she took would stay on the site for 30 days, and we could download them for free. That was a tiny, but very considerate and thoughtful gesture, since we got all of us in one frame. What a pleasant surprise that was…!

    All of us thoroughly enjoyed this Italian experience right here in San Diego. It will stay in our memories for a long time.

    We will have no hesitation in doing this again on our next visit, and highly recommend this fabulous experience to all tourists, as well as locals.
    Written 12 February 2025
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Jennifer P
    4 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Excellent! Couldn’t ask for a better sail. Rick was our captain and he was terrific. Our family of four had so much fun and it was exactly what we were looking for in our San Diego vacation. I would definitely recommend and would book them again.
    Written 18 March 2025
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Julie
    Gilbert, AZ4 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    The boat was very nice and loved the ambiance with the fire scene on the tv screen (great touch). Bathrooms were nice and clean. Views were beautiful! The staff were friendly and helpful. The food was good but not great and that is the only reason I gave this a 4 star rating. I would recommend doing this!
    Written 17 March 2025
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Coastal19851973871
    1 contribution
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    I’d never operated a speed before, but the Captain made it easy and intuitive. The view was inspirational. I was ready to move at the end.
    Written 11 March 2025
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Jackie P
    Roscoe, IL20 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    We enjoyed our day. Sadly we didn’t get to see any whales but we saw absolutely tons of dolphins. It was an extremely enjoyable experience.
    Written 6 March 2025
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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