Private Sailing Cruise San Diego Bay: Swim and cocktails

You set the itinerary: afternoon swim, sunset sail, or whale watching off the coast.

A private sailing cruise on the yacht Riviera in San Diego Bay for up to six guests, where you choose between an afternoon swim in Glorietta Bay, a romantic sunset sail, or Pacific Ocean whale and dolphin watching depending on the season. The captain and crew customize the route, refreshments and charcuterie boards to your preferences, and the whole experience lasts around two hours.

The experience

What makes this different from a shared tour boat is that you're not following a fixed schedule or splitting the captain's attention with thirty other people. The Riviera holds a maximum of six passengers (you and five guests, or fewer if you want more space), so the crew attends to what you actually want to do that day. In summer months, you can anchor off Coronado Island and swim directly from the yacht into Glorietta Bay. In late winter and spring, the boat heads out to the Pacific where you watch for whales, dolphins and seals along the San Diego coast. The route, the timing and the stops are yours to shape.

Onboard, beer, wine, specialty cocktails and soft drinks come chilled and ready, paired with charcuterie boards built around your tastes. The captain and crew are experienced sailors who know the bay and the coast, and they handle the navigation and the work while you sit back. Two hours is long enough to feel like a real escape (not rushed, not a full-day commitment), and short enough to fit into an afternoon or evening without swallowing your whole day in San Diego.

What’s included

• Beer, wine, specialty cocktails and soft drinks.
• customized charcuterie boards tailored to your preferences.
• captain and crew service for the full duration.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 15:30

Book up to1d before

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Low physical effortPublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Sail Riviera San Diego

Is this one for you?The yacht departs from San Diego Bay itself, so you don't need a car to reach the dock or arrange separate transport to a distant marina. If you're staying in downtown San Diego, Coronado or nearby, the location works whether you're renting or relying on rideshare to get there.

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Top questions

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

Can I swim during the cruise?

Yes. During the warm summer months, the Riviera anchors off Coronado Island in Glorietta Bay and you can dive into the water from the yacht. In late winter and spring, the boat heads to the Pacific Ocean instead, where swimming is not the focus but whale and dolphin watching is.

What's included in the drinks and food?

Beer, wine, specialty cocktails and soft drinks come with the cruise, along with customized charcuterie boards. The crew tailors both to your specific preferences before you board.

How many people can come on the cruise?

The yacht Riviera is limited to a maximum of six passengers total, including you. That might be you and five guests, or a smaller group if you prefer more space on the boat.

What time of year is best for whale watching?

Late winter and spring are when the boat takes to the Pacific Ocean to watch for whales, dolphins and seals off the San Diego coast. Summer months are better for the calm-water swim in Glorietta Bay near Coronado Island.

How long does the cruise last?

The cruise runs for approximately two hours, long enough to feel like a real getaway without taking up your entire afternoon or evening.