San Diego: Amphibious Seal Tour by Land & Bay Waters

Summary

From city streets to San Diego Bay with sea lions and salty breeze

You’ll roll through downtown San Diego before splashing right into San Diego Bay aboard an amphibious vehicle with live narration. Watch sea lions laze on buoys, hear stories about local history from your guide, and see iconic sights like Point Loma and the Maritime Museum—all without switching seats. Expect laughter, salty air, and moments you’ll remember after you’ve left the city behind.

What’s the experience like?

I nearly missed the start because I got distracted by a street musician outside Seaport Village — honestly, his saxophone was way more convincing than my phone’s reminders. But I hustled over just in time to board this big blue Hydra Terra thing (it looks like a bus that’s trying to be a boat). Our guide, Maria, greeted everyone with this warm “You made it!” that made me feel less like a late tourist and more like an old friend who’s always running behind.

The first part is all rumbling through downtown San Diego, windows open, sun flickering off glass buildings. There’s this moment where you can smell both car exhaust and ocean air at once — weirdly comforting. Maria pointed out the Maritime Museum and some old ship whose name I forgot (sorry), but what stuck with me was her story about Point Loma and how sailors used to spot home by the lighthouse there. She waved at a couple of locals biking along Embarcadero; they actually waved back, which surprised me. Maybe people are just friendlier near water?

Then came the splashdown — literally, we drove straight into San Diego Bay. The whole bus-boat shuddered and there was this collective gasp-laugh from everyone onboard. Water lapped up against us and suddenly the city noise faded out. I could hear gulls overhead and caught that salty tang in my nose that always reminds me of summers as a kid. We cruised past these lazy California sea lions sprawled on buoys — one yawned so wide it looked fake. Maria tossed out facts about military ships nearby (the USS Midway loomed in the distance), but honestly I was too busy watching sunlight ripple on the water to catch every detail.

We drifted for a while before heading back to land, and I kept thinking how strange it felt — seeing skyscrapers on one side and open bay on the other, all from the same seat. It wasn’t perfect (someone behind me dropped their camera lens cap into the water; hope sea lions don’t mind souvenirs), but maybe that’s what makes these kinds of tours stick in your memory. I still think about that first splash, honestly.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — San Diego city and bay amphibious tour

• Explore downtown San Diego streets
• Board Hydra Terra vehicle
• Drive through San Diego Bay waters
• Pass by Embarcadero
• Pass Harbor and Shelter Islands
• Pass Point Loma
• Pass Maritime Museum
• Pass USS Midway Aircraft Carrier Museum
• Observe California sea lions
• Learn about military history and ecology

Top questions

How long does the San Diego Seal Tour last?

The tour lasts approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes.

Where does the amphibious tour depart from?

You can depart from either Seaport Village or Embarcadero in San Diego.

Is there a guide on board during the tour?

Yes, there is live narration provided by a local guide throughout the tour.

Will we see sea lions during this tour?

Yes, you’ll cruise past areas where California sea lions are often seen lounging on buoys.

Is this amphibious tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, all areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible.

Are service animals allowed on board?

Service animals are allowed; however, emotional support animals and pets are not permitted.

Should I arrive early for check-in?

Please arrive 30 minutes prior to your scheduled departure time; during high season allow an hour if parking is needed.

Does this tour include hotel pickup?

No hotel pickup is included; guests meet at their selected departure point.

Are infants or small children allowed on this tour?

Yes, infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller during the tour.

What’s included

Your day includes a 1 hour and 45 minute narrated amphibious journey through downtown San Diego streets and into San Diego Bay itself—passing landmarks like Point Loma, Embarcadero, Maritime Museum, Harbor Islands, plus all taxes covered. Just check in at your chosen departure point before rolling out with your guide—no need to switch vehicles or worry about accessibility along the way.