San Diego: Harbor Speed Boat Tour & Self-Drive Adventure

Summary

Drive your own speed boat past San Diego icons and sea lions

You’ll steer your own speed boat through San Diego Bay with a local guide leading by radio, passing sea lions at Point Loma and gliding under landmarks like the USS Midway and Coronado Bridge. Expect sun on your face, stories about Navy ships, and a fresh perspective on downtown — plus all safety gear and orientation included.

What’s the experience like?

We started zig-zagging out of the marina, my hands clumsy on the wheel but grinning like an idiot anyway. The harbor felt wider from that low-down seat — a little salty spray hitting my cheek, sun bouncing off the water. Our guide’s voice crackled through the radio, pointing out how the skyline looked from here (I’d only ever seen it stuck in traffic before). I kept catching myself glancing at the other boats, everyone waving or shouting something — it was loud but kind of friendly, you know?

Somewhere near Point Loma, we slowed down to watch sea lions sprawled across a bait barge. I swear one barked right at us. There was this fishy smell mixed with sunscreen and fuel — not exactly pleasant but somehow perfect for that spot. Li, our guide, told us about old Navy ships and which ones still sailed. He laughed when I tried to repeat one ship’s name in Spanish (I definitely butchered it). Didn’t expect to get a mini history lesson while trying not to bump into anyone.

Driving under the bow of the USS Midway felt weirdly small — like being a kid sneaking under a table at Thanksgiving. The Coronado Bridge arched above us in this pale blue haze; I didn’t even try for photos because sometimes you just want to look. By then my arms were tired but I didn’t want to give up steering. We drifted past Cabrillo National Monument and some old wooden ship that still sails (Li said it’s the oldest around), and honestly, I kept thinking how different everything looks from water level. Still do.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — San Diego Harbor speed boat tour

• Captain your own speedboat
• Pass Point Loma sea lions
• View Coronado Naval Base and Island
• Drive under USS Midway bow
• Hear narration at Maritime Museum
• See San Diego Bay from boat
• Pass Coronado Bridge
• Pass Cabrillo National Monument
• See oldest active sailing ship

Top questions

Do I need boating experience for this San Diego speed boat tour?

No boating experience or license is needed; full orientation is provided before you drive.

How long does the San Diego Harbor Speed Boat Adventure last?

The guided speed boat tour lasts about 2 hours including orientation.

Can two people share one speed boat?

You can book multiple boats if needed; each reservation is per boat with a weight limit of 425 lbs (205kgs).

What landmarks will we see during the tour?

You’ll pass by Point Loma, Coronado Bridge, USS Midway, Cabrillo National Monument, Maritime Museum ships, and more.

Is there hotel pickup included?

No hotel pickup is included; you meet at the marina for orientation and departure.

Are life jackets provided on this San Diego boat adventure?

Yes, US Coast Guard-approved life jackets are provided for all participants.

Is lunch or food included in this tour?

No meals are included; bring snacks if needed but there’s no storage on board.

Can children participate in this self-drive speed boat tour?

You must be 18 or older to drive alone; younger guests can ride as passengers within weight limits.

What’s included

Your day includes your own F13 mini speed boat with all taxes and fees covered, a full safety orientation before heading out, US Coast Guard-approved life jackets for everyone on board, plus live guided narration through a two-way radio as you explore San Diego Bay’s landmarks from the water.