San Diego: Sunset Sailing Tour on Small Group Yacht

Summary

Small group sailing at sunset past Coronado Bridge and Point Loma

You’ll slip away from busy San Diego into open water with just a handful of fellow travelers on this small-group sunset sailing tour. Watch city lights appear behind you as you pass Coronado Bridge and Point Loma, sip complimentary drinks, grab a blanket if you get chilly—and maybe find yourself unexpectedly quiet as the sun disappears.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect to feel so quiet out there, honestly. San Diego’s always buzzing, but as soon as we left the marina near Shelter Island, the city sounds faded and it was just us—six of us total—on this Catalina sailboat. Our captain (I think his name was Mike?) handed me a cold beer and pointed out the old lighthouse on Point Loma, which I’d only ever seen from land. The air smelled like salt and sunscreen, and someone’s playlist drifted through the speakers—Fleetwood Mac, then something I didn’t recognize.

We sailed right by Coronado Bridge. It looked different from the water—bigger somehow, almost blue-green in the late light. I tried to take a photo but my phone didn’t really do it justice; sometimes you just have to let things be what they are in that moment. There were snacks (chips and some kind of trail mix), and when it got chilly, Mike tossed me a blanket without saying anything. He answered questions if we had them but mostly let us just sit with our own thoughts or chat quietly. I liked that he wasn’t trying too hard—just seemed happy to be out there too.

The sun dropped behind Point Loma slower than I expected. There was this hush when it finally hit the horizon—nobody said much, except for one guy who whispered something about how he wished his dad could see this view (I felt that). On the way back toward downtown San Diego, city lights started flickering on behind us. It was all softer than I imagined—a little wind in my hair, taste of salt on my lips, no big speeches or anything dramatic. Just a slow ride back while somebody laughed about almost dropping their seltzer overboard.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Sunset sailing tour in San Diego

• 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

Top questions

How long is the San Diego sunset sailing tour?

The sunset sailing tour lasts approximately three hours.

Is food or drink included on the sailing trip?

Yes, complimentary light beers, hard seltzers, soft drinks and light snacks are included.

How many people can join each boat?

Each boat is limited to six guests for a semi-private experience.

Does the tour include pickup from my hotel?

No, hotel pickup is not included; you meet at Sail San Diego's private marina in Point Loma/Shelter Island.

What landmarks will I see during the sunset sail?

You’ll pass by Point Loma lighthouses, Coronado Bridge, Coronado Island and get views of downtown San Diego.

Is this a guided tour with commentary?

No formal commentary is provided but captains are happy to answer questions during your sail.

Can I book all six spots for a private group?

Yes, booking all six tickets gives you a completely private sail for your group.

Are children allowed on board?

Yes, infants and small children can join; strollers or prams are allowed.

What’s included

Your evening includes a three-hour small-group sailing cruise departing from Point Loma’s private marina with complimentary light beers or hard seltzers (for those 21+), soft drinks and light snacks along the way; blankets are available if it gets chilly and binoculars are provided for coastline or wildlife spotting before returning after sunset.