2.5-Hour Catamaran Sailing in San Diego: Small-Group Harbor Tour

Two and a half hours under sail, no motor noise, just the wind and the harbor around you.

A 2.5-hour catamaran sailing adventure in San Diego Harbor for small groups, with complimentary drinks and blankets included. You'll explore the downtown skyline, Coronado Bay Bridge, Embarcadero and Midway aircraft carrier while watching for sea lions, seabirds and often dolphins. The wide, stable catamaran design keeps the boat level and comfortable, and the captain keeps groups small enough that it feels like sailing with friends rather than a crowd.

The experience

Two and a half hours is long enough to motor out of the harbor, kill the engine, and sail under wind alone: the part most people come for. The catamaran is built wide and spacious, with several seating areas so you can find your spot: the bow nets are designed for sunbathing and lounging, or you can stay under cover. The boat's stable ocean design means you won't get the rolling and leaning that causes seasickness on narrower hulls. Blankets are aboard if the wind picks up, and there are bathroom facilities on deck.

The route takes you past the downtown skyline, under the Coronado Bay Bridge, along the Embarcadero and past the Midway aircraft carrier. Sea lions and seabirds show up regularly. Dolphins often do. The captain has over 38 years of experience running these sails and keeps the groups small. You're not packed in with fifty other people. If you want to take the wheel and feel the power in the sails, you can ask. Otherwise you can just sit and watch the water and the city recede.

Complimentary beer, wine and soft drinks are included for the whole sail. The best wind and sunshine usually come during the midday departures. Children from age 4 can ride along, and infants can come in a pram or stroller. Gratuities for the captain are not included but can be added by cash, Venmo or credit after you dock.

What’s included

• Complimentary beer, wine and soft drinks.
• blankets.
• bathroom facilities aboard.
• use of the bow nets for sunbathing and lounging.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 09:30, 11:30 and 13:00

Book up to3h before

AgesAdult (12 to 64 years) · Senior (65 and older) · Youth (9 to 11 years) · Child (4 to 8 years) · Under 4: can't be booked

GroupUp to 6

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 effortStroller-friendly

Operated by Fun Cat Sailing Catamaran Adventures

Is this one for you?The guide speaks English and the commentary is delivered by the captain as you sail, so you follow along naturally without needing to gather around or take notes. It works for all ages from 4 up, and for anyone who wants to relax rather than rush through a schedule.

Traveler reviews

4.97★★★★★★★★★★

114 verified traveler reviews

5 ★112

4 ★1

3 ★1

2 ★0

1 ★0

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (9 to 11 years); Child (4 to 8 years). Children under 4 can't be included in the booking.

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 will I actually see sailing around San Diego Harbor?

The catamaran passes the downtown skyline, Coronado Bay Bridge, Embarcadero and Midway aircraft carrier. Sea lions and seabirds are regular sightings. Dolphins often appear during the sail.

How long does the catamaran stay under sail without the motor running?

The captain turns off the motor as soon as possible once you're out of the harbor, so most of the 2.5-hour sail happens under wind alone. That's the core of the experience.

Will I get seasick on this catamaran?

The catamaran is built wide and stable, which means it doesn't roll and lean the way narrower boats do. The design is specifically meant to keep the ride comfortable and exhilarating without the motion that causes seasickness on other vessels.

Can I help sail the boat, or do I just sit and watch?

You're welcome to take the wheel and feel the power in the sails if you want to. Otherwise you can lounge on the bow nets, find a seat elsewhere on the boat, or just watch the harbor go by.

What drinks are included, and are there any other snacks?

Complimentary beer, wine and soft drinks are included throughout the sail. Blankets are also provided if the wind picks up or you want to lounge on the bow nets.

How many people will be on the boat with me?

The catamaran takes only small groups, so it feels like sailing with friends rather than being packed in with a crowd. The captain has been running these sails for over 38 years and keeps the groups intentionally small.