San Diego Sunset Sailing: Catalina Sailboat & Drinks

Three Hours on the Water: San Diego's Sunset Sail Past the Coronado Bridge

You sail for three hours from Point Loma on a small Catalina sailboat with up to five other passengers, passing the USS Midway, Coronado Bridge, and Point Loma lighthouses as the sun drops. Beer, soft drinks and snacks are included, plus blankets and binoculars. Book all six seats to make it fully private, or confirm your departure time with the operator after purchase since it varies by season.

Step-by-step itinerary

San Diego sunset sailing tour

• Depart from Sail San Diego marina
• Sail past Point Loma lighthouse
• View old and new Point Loma lighthouses
• Sail next to USS Midway Museum
• See Coronado Bridge up close
• Sail by Coronado Island
• Enjoy complimentary drinks and snacks
• Watch sunset over the ocean

The experience

The boat's already there when you arrive at the marina in Point Loma: a Catalina sailboat, six seats, the water still bright. You step aboard and the captain's checking lines, the city skyline already starting to glow behind you. This is a three-hour San Diego sunset sailing excursion, and it's built small on purpose: just you, maybe five others, no crowds, no script. The boat leaves when the tide and your group are ready, and you're already thinking about which side to sit on.

Once you're out past the breakwater, the bay opens up. The captain points the bow toward Point Loma and you pass the old and new lighthouses, their white towers catching the last hard light. Cold beer or a seltzer appears in your hand (complimentary, along with snacks), and you can feel the boat settle into its rhythm. The USS Midway slides past on your left, massive and strange from the water, a view most people never get. The Coronado Bridge arcs across the horizon, and Coronado Island sits low and golden on the far side. Nobody's narrating it. The captain's there if you want to ask something, but mostly you're just watching the light change.

If the wind drops and you get cold, there are blankets stacked near the cabin. You can stream your own music to the boat's speakers if you want, or bring binoculars and look for dolphins or sea lions along the coast. The whole thing is loose enough that it doesn't feel like a tour. It feels like you borrowed a friend's boat and happened to sail at the right hour. The one thing to know: you need to call Sail San Diego after you book to confirm your exact departure time, since it shifts with the seasons and the light. And if you're bringing people who booked separately, let them know ahead of time so you end up on the same boat instead of split across two.

If your group is six people, you can buy all six tickets and have the whole boat to yourself. Otherwise, you're sharing with whoever else booked that slot: still small, still calm, just not alone. Either way, you're off the dock and into the Pacific before the sun hits the water.

What’s included

• Your three-hour evening sail includes complimentary light beers and hard seltzers (for guests 21 and older), non-alcoholic beverages, and light snacks.
• You'll also have access to provided blankets and binoculars, and can stream your own music to the boat's speakers.
• The boat departs from Sail San Diego's private marina in the Point Loma neighborhood.

Information

Lasts 3h, runs every day at 14:00 and 14:30, from US$ 127 per person, with a live guide in English, in groups of up to 6 and with free cancellation up to 24 h before.

Days and timesEvery day except Friday: 14:00Friday: 14:00 and 14:30Another time? ›

GroupUp to 6

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Book up to1d before

AgesAdult (13 and older) · Child (under 13)

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Low physical effortWheelchair accessibleStroller-friendlyPublic transport nearby

Operated by Sail San Diego

Is this one for you?Book this if you want to see San Diego's skyline and landmarks (the USS Midway, Coronado Bridge, Point Loma lighthouses) from the water without arranging a guide or itinerary. The small group size and open ocean setting mean you get the views without the tour-group feeling.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (under 13).

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?

Departure times vary throughout the year. You must contact Sail San Diego after booking to confirm your exact departure time.

How many people can fit on the boat?

The Catalina sailboat is limited to six passengers. You can book all six tickets to make it a private sail, or share with other guests.

What's included in the price?

A three-hour sailing cruise, complimentary light beers and hard seltzers (minimum drinking age 21), non-alcoholic beverages, light snacks, blankets, and binoculars.

Is this a guided tour with commentary?

No, this is not a guided tour. The captain doesn't provide narration but is happy to answer questions about what you're seeing.

What if my friends are booking separately?

Contact Sail San Diego in advance to let them know you're traveling together. Otherwise, you may be seated on different boats.

Can I bring my own music?

Yes, you can stream music to the boat's Bluetooth speakers.

Is the boat wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the boat is wheelchair accessible. Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller.