San Diego family sailing tour: Coronado Bridge & sea lions

Sail under the Coronado Bridge and past the USS Midway from the water

A 2.5-hour family sailing tour in San Diego Bay aboard the Sea Monkey, a 35-foot yacht with a USCG captain. You choose between two routes: circle the sea lions at Point Loma in calmer morning winds, or sail downtown past the USS Midway, Seaport Village and the Unconditional Surrender sculpture before passing under the Coronado Bridge. Life jackets are provided for all. Children under 12 must wear them. Warm blankets, snacks, and drinks are included.

Step-by-step itinerary

Family sailing tour in San Diego

• Depart from Safe Harbor Sunroad Marina
• Sail along coastline between Downtown and Coronado
• Choose to see sea lions at Point Loma or Downtown San Diego
• If Downtown, sail past USS Midway and Seaport Village
• View landmarks like Unconditional Surrender sculpture
• Sail under the Coronado Bridge
• Return to Safe Harbor Sunroad Marina

The experience

The Sea Monkey leaves from Safe Harbor Sunroad Marina and stays out for 2.5 hours, cruising the coastline between Downtown San Diego and Coronado. A USCG-certified captain runs the boat and handles the sails. Your job is to sit back, watch the water change perspective, and let the wind do the work. If conditions allow, the sails open and you'll feel the boat lean. Bring layers because it gets cool on the water even on a warm day ashore.

Pick your route when you book. The sea lion option heads straight to Point Loma and circles them for a close look. This works best in the morning when the winds are gentler and the water calmer. The downtown route is the longer story: you'll sail past the USS Midway from the water side, then along Seaport Village where you can see the Unconditional Surrender sculpture and wave to families on the shore. Either way, the finale is the same: sailing right under the Coronado Bridge from below, a view most people never get.

Onboard you get warm windproof blankets, a mix of snacks, and drinks including coconut water and juice boxes. There's a bathroom, and life jackets for everyone (mandatory for kids 12 and under). Infants sit on a parent's lap. The captain speaks English and stays with the group the whole time.

What’s included

• A USCG captain guiding the sail.
• warm windproof blankets.
• a selection of cookies and chips.
• coconut water, juice boxes, flavored sparkling water and water.
• an onboard bathroom.
• life jackets for all ages (required for children 12 and under).

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 09:00 and 13:00

Book up to4h 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 Sea Monkey Adventures

Is this one for you?This is a shared tour with a captain steering and the sails opening if weather allows, so you're not sailing the boat yourself. You're experiencing the bay from a different angle while someone else handles the technical work. It suits families who want the feel of being on the water without needing sailing experience, and the choice between two routes means you can pick based on whether your kids prefer wildlife or city landmarks.

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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 bring my toddler on the San Diego sailing tour?

Yes. Infants sit on an adult's lap during the sail. Children 12 and under must wear a life jacket, which is provided. The tour is designed for families of all ages.

What's the difference between the sea lion route and the downtown route?

The sea lion route heads to Point Loma and circles them for close viewing. It's calmer in the morning. The downtown route sails past the USS Midway, Seaport Village and the Unconditional Surrender sculpture, then under the Coronado Bridge. Both are 2.5 hours.

Do I need to wear a life jacket on this tour?

Children 12 and under are required to wear one. Life jackets are provided for all guests, and everyone has access to one if they choose to wear it.

What should I bring for a San Diego Bay sailing tour?

Bring warm clothes. It gets chilly on the water even on warm days. The boat provides warm windproof blankets, snacks, and drinks, so you don't need to pack food or beverages.

Where does the sailing tour depart from?

The Sea Monkey leaves from Safe Harbor Sunroad Marina in San Diego. Public transportation options are available nearby, and parking at the marina costs $16 per car for 2–3 hours.