Last updated on October 14th, 2025
Let’s talk San Diego harbor cruises – which in my opinion are one of the best ways to take in this beautiful city.
If you are looking for the best boat tours in San Diego, you’re in the right place! I’ve rounded up the top family-friendly San Diego harbor cruises and boat tours right here to help you plan a great trip.
#1 Top Pick
Don’t have time to read the full article? Choose between a one or two-hour harbor cruise when you book this Family-Friendly and Most Highly-Rated San Diego Harbor Tour for an amazing time on the water.
I am a San Diego local and experiencing the best of what this city has to offer is my job and my passion. San Diego Bay is one of the most dynamic waterways in the west. When you experience it from onboard a boat, you’ll get a whole new perspective of iconic landmarks like Seaport Village San Diego, the USS Midway, Point Loma, the U.S. Naval Fleet and Submarine Base, and of course the Coronado Bay Bridge. You’ll also learn some cool things about San Diego and its maritime history.
But how do you know which tour is right for you? This guide to the best San Diego harbor cruises is not just a list of all the options; I’ve put together a curated list of the top-rated boat tours – plus tips and insight based on personal experience and research – so you know you’re making the right choice for your family before booking a tour.
Best Boat Tours in San Diego
1. Flagship Cruises & Events: San Diego Harbor Tour
Flagship Cruises offers one of the most popular narrated tours of San Diego Bay. Choose between a 1-hour or 2-hour tour that takes you past major landmarks such as the USS Midway Museum, Star of India, and Cabrillo National Monument. Learn about the city’s naval history, architecture, and marine conservation efforts while enjoying views of sea lions, pelicans, and herons.
- Duration: 1 or 2 hours
- Average Rating: 4.5 Stars
- Cost: From $35 per person
- Great for: First-time visitors, families, history lovers
2. City Cruises San Diego: Scenic 90-Minute Narrated Harbor Tour
This tour runs the same route along San Diego Bay as the Flagship cruise, but I actually like it better because it squeezes everything into a relaxing 90-minute tour so you don’t have to choose between a one or two-hour cruise.
I also enjoyed this cruise because it has nice indoor and outdoor seating options. The Admiral Hornblower is the same boat they use for dinner cruises, so there are big tables inside and comfortable patio seating outside. The captain narrates the tour so you will get to hear all about the sites as you pass them.
- Duration: 90 minutes
- Average Rating: 4.4 Stars
- Cost: From $30 per person
- Great for: First-time visitors, families, history lovers
► Check Rates & Availability for the 90-Minute Narrated San Diego Harbor Tour
3. San Diego Harbor Dinner Cruise
Combine a harbor cruise at sunset with a delicious dinner! This two and half hour cruise on San Diego Bay is a beautiful way to spend the evening. The tables are inside so you don’t have to worry about the wind or the weather while you’re eating, but the big windows still provide phenomenal views.
Start with a welcome cocktail when you board the boat, and then enjoy a really nice meal on the water. There’s live entertainment and dancing. My husband and I got married on a boat in Newport Harbor, and this dinner cruise very much reminded me of that celebratory atmosphere onboard!
- Duration: 2.5 hours
- Average Rating: 4.1 Stars
- Cost: From $125 per person
- Great for: Couples, celebrations, sunset lovers
► Check Rates & Availability for the San Diego Dinner Harbor Cruise
4. Champagne Brunch Cruise
This two-hour brunch cruise features unlimited mimosas, champagne, or sparkling cider, along with a great buffet. After enjoying a fairly lavish meal (there are lots of great options at the buffet), you can stay at your private table inside or head outside to the open air for sunshine and fresh sea breezes. The tour is narrated, and there’s music, too.
- Duration: 2 hours
- Average Rating: 4.6 Stars
- Cost: From $115 per person
- Great for: Brunch lovers, couples, celebrations, leisurely weekend plans
► Check Rates & Availability for the San Diego Champagne Brunch Cruise
5. San Diego Seal Tour
I love this tour because it offers the best of both worlds – a drive along the waterfront learning a bit about the sites and then a San Diego harbor cruise – all wrapped up in one 90-minute tour onboard an amphibious vehicle. The tour departs from Seaport Village.
The first time we took this tour my son was not even 10 years old, and we both really loved it. Kids will find it an absolute thrill when the “bus” they’ve been riding in steers straight into San Diego Bay! From there you’ll get to take in sweeping views of SeaWorld San Diego and Vacation Isle, and see wildlife such as the California brown pelican, seals, and sea lions.
- Duration: 1 hour and 45 minutes
- Average Rating: 4.7 Stars
- Cost: From $52 per person
- Great for: First-time visitors, families, history lovers
6. San Diego Bay Jet Boat Ride
Want to experience the thrill of a speedboat without having to worry about driving one? A ride on the Patriot may be for you!
This jet boat boasts 1,400-horsepower engines for a turbo-charged ride. You’ll zip past the USS Midway, under the iconic Coronado Bridge and around San Diego Bay, reaching speeds of up to 40 nautical mph while high-energy music plays. The captain will steer the boat into 360-degree spins and slides to add to the thrill.
When you check-in, a waterproof poncho and plastic bag to keep your stuff dry will be provided. This is a great tour to consider if you are visiting San Diego with teens or just want a little more adrenaline added to your boat tour.
- Duration: 30 minutes
- Average Rating: 4.8 Stars
- Cost: From $40 per person
- Great for: Adventurous travelers, teenagers, thrill seekers
7. San Diego Bay Sailing Tour
If sailing is more your thing or something you want to try, consider the 2-hour classic sailboat cruise with San Diego Sailing Tours.
This is a peaceful, intimate experience, with a maximum of just six people on board for a personalized experience. Enjoy stunning views of the downtown skyline, Coronado Bridge, and Point Loma from the deck. Snacks and bottled water are provided while you sail. We have not yet tried this San Diego boat tour, but it is high on my list!
- Duration: 2 hours
- Average Rating: 5 Stars!
- Cost: From $95 per person
- Great for: Couples, small groups, those seeking tranquility
► Check Rates & Availability for the San Diego Bay Sailing Tour
8. Sights & Sips Cocktail Sunset Cruise
Ideal for socializing and sightseeing, this 2-hour sunset cruise happens every Friday and Saturday night on San Diego Bay. Spend happy hour on the water and enjoy views of the city skyline and a beautiful sunset. Appetizers are included, and you can purchase drinks at the bar.
- Duration: 2 hours
- Average Rating: 3.9 Stars
- Cost: From $52 per person
- Great for: Couples, young adults, sunset lovers
► Check Rates & Availability for the Sights & Sips Cocktail Sunset Cruise
9. San Diego Whale Watching Tour
Operating from December through April, this 3-hour tour offers a chance to witness the gray whale migration along the California coast. The experienced crew provides informative commentary on marine life and conservation.
I recommend you do a little research the specific week you would like to go, as some people complain they don’t see any whales toward the end of the season. Other times, they see many! You might just see a quick glance of grey whales popping up from the water, but in many cases, you’ll see them jump up and make a huge splash.
The 2-story boat is equipped with free Wi-Fi (it can get boring being on the boat for 3+ hours, so you’ll appreciate the internet access), indoor and outdoor seating, a snack bar, and restrooms.
During your time on the water, your guide will share interesting facts about the whales, their migratory patterns and habitat, and other species that call the ocean home.
- Duration: 3 hours and 30 minutes
- Average Rating: 4.4 Stars
- Cost: From $52 per person
- Great for: Wildlife enthusiasts, families, photographers
► Check Rates & Availability for the San Diego Whale Watching Tour
10. Bahia Belle – Mission Bay Cruise
A bit off the beaten path on Mission Bay you’ll find the Bahia Belle.
This charming, vintage-style sternwheeler boat cruises through Mission Bay offering a relaxing and nostalgic experience. Live music, drinks, and stunning sunset views make it a hit with both couples and families. The Bahia Belle operates seasonally.
We took this cruise when we stayed at the Bahia Resort Hotel and it was a lot of fun for very reasonable price.
► Visit the Bahia Belle’s website to find the latest cruise schedule and ticket info.
11. Coronado Ferry
This one is not exactly a boat tour, but if you are looking for a budget-friendly way to get out on the water and snap some great photos of the San Diego skyline, I highly recommend a ride on the Coronado Ferry. The ferry runs daily from two departure ports – the Broadway Pier near the Embarcadero and USS Midway Museum on the hour and the San Diego Convention Center on the half hour.
The ride across the bay takes 15 minutes, and once you arrive you can take a little time to enjoy some of the fun things to do on Coronado Island before taking the ferry back. Coronado Ferry Landing itself is a charming village on the waterfront filled with shops and restaurants, so definitely take some time to explore or grab a bite while you are there.
- Duration: 15 minutes (each way)
- Cost: $9 per adult
- Great for: Budget travelers, families, spontaneous day trips
How to Save on Your San Diego Vacation
There are a variety of ways to save money on hotels and tickets to San Diego’s many theme parks and attractions – including AAA discounts, military or student discounts, and CityPASS San Diego.
I highly recommend CityPASS when visiting San Diego, as you can bundle and save up to 45% on admission to the top theme parks and attractions in San Diego. Choose either SeaWorld San Diego or LEGOLAND and then add three other attractions of your choice, with options including the San Diego Zoo, USS Midway Museum, Old Town Trolley Tours, and more! It’s a great way to save money and makes planning your itinerary easy.
Final Thoughts: San Diego Harbor Cruises
San Diego boat tours offer something for everyone—whether you’re in search of thrills, romance, wildlife, or simply a new view of the city. These cruises provide a unique way to explore the area’s rich maritime heritage, vibrant marine ecosystems, and stunning coastal scenery.
By choosing the right tour based on your interests – and the kids or other people you are traveling with – this excursion can easily be the highlight of your trip! Whether you’re after a relaxing sunset sail, an educational wildlife tour, or a lively dinner cruise, there’s a harbor experience for every traveler.
► Be sure to also check out these very chilling San Diego Ghost Tours.
Save These Top San Diego Boat Tours for Later!
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