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San Diego Bay: Jet Boat Ride with Spins & City Views

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Free cancellationTravelers' pick

1/8

Duration30m

GroupUp to 100

LanguagesEN

Mobile ticketAccepted

Fast spins city skyline salty air on san diego bay

You’ll feel pure adrenaline as you speed across San Diego Bay on a jet boat ride—with wild spins, city skyline views, salty wind in your face, and close-ups of iconic ships like the U.S.S. Midway. Ponchos keep you mostly dry (but not your shoes), and your local captain keeps things lively all along the waterfront.

30m

Step-by-step itinerary

Board dual-engine jet boat
Zoom around San Diego Bay
Enjoy city skyline views
See Coronado Island and bridge
Spot Midway ship and cruise terminal
Experience 360-degree spins
Feel the roaring wind

The Experience

I thought I was just signing up for a quick spin around San Diego Bay—honestly, I figured it’d be like any other boat ride. But as soon as we stepped onto that bright yellow jet boat and the engines kicked in, it felt different. The captain (his name was Mark, I think?) grinned at us and handed out these crinkly plastic ponchos. “You’ll want these,” he said. I laughed but took one anyway. The smell of sunscreen and saltwater was everywhere—plus something sharp from the fuel that stuck to my nose for a minute.

The first few minutes were almost gentle—just gliding past the U.S.S. Midway’s hulking shape and the old Star of India ship. Then Mark cranked it up and suddenly we were flying across the bay, wind whipping so hard my cheeks hurt from smiling (and maybe yelling). I could see Coronado Island off to the right, sunlight bouncing off the bridge in that way that makes you squint even with sunglasses on. At one point we spun all the way around—like a full 360—and water sprayed up over everyone’s heads. My friend tried to film but just ended up with a video of her own scream.

There were families and some teenagers onboard too—one kid kept pointing at the Navy helicopters over North Island Naval Air Station, shouting facts to anyone who’d listen. It made me realize how much is packed into this little stretch of water: cruise ships docked near downtown, military bases, old ships mixed with new ones. The whole thing only lasted about half an hour but honestly it felt longer—in a good way. My hair was plastered to my forehead by the end and I couldn’t stop laughing about how soaked my shoes got despite the poncho (so yeah, don’t bring anything you care about unless it’s in a ziplock).

What’s included

Your ticket covers a 30-minute dual-engine jet boat ride around San Diego Bay with plastic ponchos and ziplock bags provided to help keep you dry.
You’ll catch waterfront sights including downtown San Diego’s skyline, U.S.S.
Midway Aircraft Carrier, Star of India and other Maritime Museum ships, North Island Naval Air Station and Coronado Bridge before heading back ashore still grinning from all those spins.

Good to know

Demanding physical levelPublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Flagship Cruises Events