San Diego Sunset Sail: USS Midway & Bay Views

Watch the USS Midway slip past as the sun drops over San Diego Bay

You board at Sunroad Marina and sail within sight of the USS Midway and Maritime Museum as the sun sets over San Diego Bay. The captain positions the boat for views and photo opportunities while you sit on deck with blankets and cushions. The cruise includes an on-board bathroom and runs in light rain, departing at sunset with a small, shared group.

Step-by-step itinerary

Sunset sailing with city views

• Sail near USS Midway Museum
• Sail near San Diego Maritime Museum

The experience

The boat leaves Sunroad Marina at sunset, and within the first few minutes you're close enough to the USS Midway Aircraft Carrier Museum to see the scale of it: the hull, the flight deck, the whole thing lit up against the water. That's the moment most people reach for their phone, but the light keeps changing, so you end up just watching instead. The captain knows the bay well enough to position the boat so the landmarks line up without feeling rushed, and the San Diego Maritime Museum slides into view on the other side, its tall ships silhouetted against the last of the daylight.

You get a comfortable spot on deck with bean bags, cushions and blankets, which matters because the water cools down fast once the sun dips. The boat is a proper sail yacht, not a motorized tour vessel, so there's actual wind and the sound of rigging, and you're moving under canvas rather than just floating in place. The captain and crew handle everything. You're there to sit, watch the waterfront architecture change color, and catch whatever wildlife shows up: sea lions, sometimes dolphins, the occasional pelican diving. The bathroom is on board, so you're not stuck for two hours if you need it.

This is a shared experience, which means you'll have other people on the boat, but the Coast Guard capacity rules keep groups small enough that it doesn't feel crowded. If you're bringing your whole party, book one reservation for everyone instead of separate ones. The system can't guarantee separate bookings will sail together, and splitting up defeats the point. Infants need a ticket too, and they sit on an adult's lap. The cruise runs in light rain, so weather rarely cancels it, though you'll want to check the detailed map and directions under Special Instructions on your booking ticket after booking. The meeting point is Gate 1 at Docks A-D, and the office is open from noon until departure.

What’s included

Your sunset sail includes an experienced sail yacht captain, comfortable deck seating with bean bags, cushions and blankets, and an on-board bathroom. You'll sail within sight of the USS Midway Aircraft Carrier Museum and the San Diego Maritime Museum, with views of the waterfront and opportunities to spot local sea life.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 15:00, 16:30 and 17:00

Book up to3h before

AgesAdult (18 to 64 years) · Senior (65 and older) · Youth (13 to 17 years) · Child (6 to 12 years) · Infant (under 6)

GroupUp to 6

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 today

Good to know

Easy physical levelInfants must sit on laps

Operated by San Diego Sailing Experiences Inc

Is this one for you?Book this if you want San Diego's waterfront and military landmarks from the water without arranging your own boat: the fixed sunset departure and small group size mean you show up and the captain handles the rest.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (13 to 17 years); Child (6 to 12 years); Infant (under 6).

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.

What time does the sunset sail depart?

The boat departs at sunset. Office hours are noon until departure, so check your booking confirmation for the exact time on your date.

Can I book separate tickets for my family and sit together?

No. Make one reservation for your entire group to ensure everyone sails on the same boat. The Coast Guard capacity rules prevent the operator from guaranteeing separate bookings will be assigned together.

What if I'm late or my flight is delayed?

Refunds are not issued if you miss the tour due to late arrival or a delayed flight. Plan to arrive well before sunset departure time.

Do infants need a ticket?

Yes. Every person, including infants of any age, must have a ticket due to Coast Guard regulations. Infants sit on an adult's lap.

What's the minimum age to drink on the boat?

The minimum drinking age is 21 years.

Where exactly do I meet the boat?

Meet at Gate 1, Docks A-D at Safeharbor Sunroad Marina, 945 Harbor Island Dr, San Diego, CA 92109. Check the detailed map and directions in the Special Instructions section of your booking ticket after booking.