As a longtime resident of San Diego, I can say that when you’re visiting the city and the surrounding neighborhoods, there are many options for how you can explore.
I’ve enjoyed making my way through Balboa Park to its museums and the San Diego Zoo, and La Jolla for shopping and cafes, all by foot. The electric shuttle services in Downtown San Diego and Pacific Beach, the FRED and the Beach Bug respectively, have been winners for me as well.
You can also rent a car for maximum flexibility, but public transport or an Uber or Lyft are also possibilities that allow for movement from the San Diego International Airport (SAN), in Downtown San Diego, and even for fun day trips beyond San Diego proper!
And then there are tours in so many of the city’s neighborhoods that provide stories, history and fun! One of my favorites is the Tequila, Tacos & Tombstones Walking Tour in Old Town San Diego but bus tours like the Old Town San Diego: Hop-on Hop-off Narrated Tour can help you hit highlights as well.
While all those ways are worth considering, there may not be a more unique and special way to see San Diego than from the water! Known for its year-round warm weather and beautiful scenery, taking a harbor cruise is an experience I’d highly recommend!
A harbor cruise out of the San Diego Bay is a fantastic family-friendly way to get out on the water, learn about the history and culture of the city, and of course, take in views of the skyline.
Harbor Cruise Boat in San Diego Bay
Go on Our Favorite Harbor Cruises
Perhaps you're sold on taking a harbor cruise on the San Diego Bay and are just looking for the best one. Perfect!
Top choices are the 90-Minute Best of the Bay Harbor Tour by City Cruises and the Best of San Diego Bay Harbor Sightseeing Cruise. Both of these cruises will cover the highlights and include San Diego skyline views.
If a sailboat sounds more your speed, I’d recommend the San Diego: Classic Yacht Sailing Experience as it’s just that, ‘An Experience’!
If you’re thinking a meal and some drinks during your cruise sounds nice, I’d recommend the San Diego Bay Gourmet Dinner Cruise or the San Diego: Buffet Breakfast and Brunch Boat Cruise, both offering delicious food and drinks.
We cover the details of more harbor cruises below including a family-friendly cruise in an amphibious vehicle, a Christmas harbor cruise, and a cruise for New Year’s Eve!
If you want more details about the best harbor cruises in San Diego, or perhaps the best times to cruise, best places to cruise or some harbor cruise tips, read on!
Seaport Village in San Diego
Harbor Cruise Options
There are many types of harbor cruises to choose from in San Diego. From dinner cruises to sightseeing and whale watching tours, there really is something for everyone!
Most cruises in San Diego start from Seaport Village in the Embarcadero neighborhood and will take you through the San Diego Bay around historically beautiful Coronado Island and picture perfect Point Loma.
Some cruises may also take you up to Mission Bay or even to La Jolla!
Harbor Cruise in San Diego Bay from Above
What to Expect on Your Cruise
During your boat cruise, you’ll learn about the vibrant nature, history, and culture of San Diego. Harbor cruises are one of the best ways to learn more about San Diego in just an hour or two.
You’ll get to take in the best view of the San Diego skyline, the surrounding beaches, marine life, and so much more.
Coronado Bay Bridge Connecting Coronado and Downtown San Diego
Downtown San Diego Skyline
One of the most exciting things you’ll see on your harbor tour is the Downtown San Diego skyline!
Viewing from a boat is one of the best vantage points to see the entire skyline and the mountains behind it. Whether morning, noon or night, the modern high rises and planes taking off and landing against the beaches and colors of the sky are something I’m sure you’ll really enjoy seeing.
Star of India from the San Diego Bay
Maritime Museum of San Diego
San Diego has a long history as a port and a naval base.
The Maritime Museum of San Diego is in the harbor in the Harborview district of Downtown San Diego. It’s home to an extensive collection of restored historical ships and submarines.
One of the most notable ships at the Maritime Museum is the Star of India, which you will see as your boat passes through the harbor. Originally built in 1863, she traveled all around the globe before retiring to San Diego.
The USS Midway from the San Diego Bay
USS Midway
Another historic ship you’ll pass in the harbor is the USS Midway Aircraft Carrier Museum.
This was a historic naval ship that served for almost 50 years as an aircraft carrier. It is now a naval museum and events center.
You can visit the USS Midway Museum before or after your harbor cruise at a discounted price when you get a Go City San Diego pass before you arrive using the savings code GVSD5OFF.
Glorietta Bay Park, the Coronado Bridge and Downtown San Diego in the Distance
Coronado Island
Picturesque Coronado Island, is located directly across the bay from Downtown San Diego.
Depending on the route of your cruise, you may also see the Hotel del Coronado, which is one of San Diego’s most iconic landmarks.
You’ll also see the North Island Naval Air Station.
Boardwalk Around Harbor Island in Point Loma
Harbor Island and Shelter Island
These man-made peninsulas jut out from the Point Loma side of the San Diego Bay. Both are home to marinas and yacht clubs, and on special days, you may even catch a sailboat race in the harbor.
These ‘islands’ have been an important part of San Diego’s maritime culture for decades.
Statue Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo at Cabrillo National Monument
Cabrillo National Monument
Many harbor cruises will take you all the way out to Point Loma. At the end of the peninsula is the Cabrillo National Monument, which you can see from the water.
This monument commemorates Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo’s first landing in the San Diego Bay in 1542.
San Diego was one of the first parts of California to be settled, and this monument represents the rich history of the area. San Diego was under Spanish and later Mexican rule before becoming part of the United States.
Sea Lion Next to Sea Bird in San Diego Bay
Marine Wildlife
A harbor cruise can be a great way to see our unique marine wildlife up close!
San Diego is known for its group of charming sea lions. During your tour, your guide may also discuss the importance of marine conservation efforts.
San Diego is also an excellent place to go whale watching, but you won’t see any whales on your harbor cruise. This is because the whales live outside of the harbor in the open ocean. To see the whales, you’ll need to take a specific whale watching cruise.