Boat Tours in San Diego at a glance
- Our pick: San Diego: Whale Watching & Dolphin Cruise Mission Bay, US$ 71 per person (2h–2h 30m, 4.59★ · 1,774).
- Top rated: San Diego Bay: Sunset & Day Sail Small Group Tour, US$ 119 per person (2h 30m, 4.99★ · 375).
- Best value: San Diego: 3-Hour Whale Watch Cruise & Gray Whales, US$ 34 per person (2h 30m–3h, 4.57★ · 444).
Price per person across the 24 options priced per person: US$ 34–US$ 800 (median US$ 116). With 100+ reviews: 19 of 29.
Of the 29 options: 25 with live guides in English, 27 with free cancellation, 26 with instant confirmation, 1 with hotel pickup, 20 kid-friendly, 7 private and 23 bookable last-minute.
How we rank: quality, number of reviews, availability, booking conditions and relevance to the topic. In the comparison table, our top 3 comes first. Prices are per person, except options priced per group: that price is for the whole group, and the per-person figure assumes the group is full. “Top rated” = the highest score among options with at least 100 reviews.
Boat Tours in San Diego — USS Midway Museum, Coronado Bridge and 14 more
Based on each operator's calendar. Confirmed when you book.
29 options
The 15 best
Ranked by quality, reviews, availability and booking conditions.
San Diego: Whale Watching & Dolphin Cruise Mission Bay Feel the ocean breeze on a San Diego whale watching cruise from Mission Bay, spot dolphins with an expert guide, enjoy food onboard, and free parking included. Every day · 09:00, 10:30 and 12:00 · All ages ★ 4.59 (1,774 reviews) Duration: 2h–2h 30m Live guide: EN ✓ Free cancellation. from US$ 71 per person
San Diego Whale Watching Cruise: Gray & Blue Whales Year-Round Sailing cruise on Yacht America with guaranteed whale sightings or return free. Gray whales Dec–Apr, blue whales Apr–Aug, dolphins, sea lions. Includes parking, snacks, guide. Every day · 09:00, 11:00, 13:15 and 14:00 · All ages ★ 4.81 (2,548 reviews) Duration: 4h Live guide: EN ✓ Free cancellation. from US$ 85 per person
San Diego: 3-Hour Whale Watch Cruise & Gray Whales 3-hour whale watching tour from Mission Bay on the 80-foot Legacy. See gray whales, dolphins & sea lions with certified naturalists. Free parking, indoor seating included. Every day · 10:00 and 13:30 · All ages ★ 4.57 (444 reviews) Duration: 2h 30m–3h Live guide: EN ✓ Free cancellation. from US$ 34 per person
San Diego Whale Watching Cruise: Gray Whales & Marine Life Gray whale migration off San Diego Bay on a 360-degree viewing yacht with live guide, safety gear included. Morning and afternoon departures, all fitness levels welcome. Every day · 09:30 and 13:30 · All ages ★ 4.45 (720 reviews) Duration: 3h 30m Live guide: EN ✓ Free cancellation. from US$ 54 per person
San Diego Bay: Sunset & Day Sail Small Group Tour Feel the breeze as you sail San Diego Bay at sunset, spot dolphins and sea lions, sip drinks on deck, and see the Coronado Bridge: includes small group and beverages. Every day · 11:00, 11:30 and 14:30 ★ 4.99 (375 reviews) Duration: 2h 30m Live guide: EN ✓ Free cancellation. from US$ 119 per person
San Diego Sunset Sailing: Catalina Sailboat & Drinks 3-hour sunset sail from Point Loma on a 6-person Catalina sailboat. Includes beer, soft drinks, snacks, views of USS Midway and Coronado Bridge. Small groups or fully private. Every day · 14:00 and 14:30 · All ages ★ 4.94 (642 reviews) Duration: 3h Live guide: EN ✓ Free cancellation. from US$ 127 per person
San Diego Whale & Dolphin Watching Cruise Marine Wildlife Cruise San Diego Bay aboard the 82-foot Peregrine with expert naturalists narrating gray whales, blue whales. Every day · 09:00, 10:00 and 13:30 · All ages ★ 4.80 (360 reviews) Duration: 3h 30m Live guide: EN ✓ Free cancellation. from US$ 76 per person
San Diego: 3-Hour Sailing Cruise & Harbor Views 3-hour sailing trip on San Diego Bay with beer, snacks & views of Coronado Bridge, USS Midway. Max 6 passengers, Shelter Island departure. Complimentary drinks included. Every day · 10:00 and 11:00 · All ages ★ 4.95 (570 reviews) Duration: 3h Live guide: EN ✓ Free cancellation. from US$ 116 per person
San Diego Sunset Cruise: SeaWorld & Ocean Beach Pier Mission Bay sunset cruise from San Diego with full bar, SeaWorld views, and Ocean Beach Pier sightings. Year-round departures, free parking, all fitness levels. Every day · 16:00 and 16:15 · All ages ★ 4.44 (335 reviews) Duration: 1h 15m Live guide: EN ✓ Free cancellation. from US$ 47 per person
San Diego: Speed Boat Captain Tour & USS Midway Pass Captain your own speedboat through San Diego Bay with live narration. USS Midway, sea lions, Maritime Museum, Coronado Bridge. No license needed, guide included. Every day · 09:00, 11:00, 13:00 and 15:00 · From age 3 ★ 4.81 (772 reviews) Duration: 2h Live guide: EN ✓ Free cancellation. from US$ 89 per person
San Diego Sunset Sail: USS Midway & Bay Views Evening sailing cruise on San Diego Bay with views of USS Midway and Maritime Museum. Includes captain, deck seating with blankets. Departs Sunroad Marina at sunset. Every day except Tuesday and Wednesday · 15:00 · All ages ★ 4.91 (662 reviews) Duration: 2h ✓ Free cancellation. from US$ 99 per person
San Diego Bay Brunch Cruise: Bottomless Mimosas & Live Music Brunch cruise on San Diego Bay with bottomless champagne and mimosas, buffet menu, and live entertainment aboard a luxury yacht. Sat and Sun · 11:00 · All ages ★ 4.52 (380 reviews) Duration: 2h Live guide: EN ✓ Free cancellation. from US$ 126 per person
San Diego Bay Jet Boat Ride: 360-Degree Spins Dual-engine jet boat ride on San Diego Bay with 360-degree spins, views of the USS Midway and Coronado Island, and plastic ponchos included. Every day · 12:30, 13:30, 14:30 and 15:30 · From age 7 ★ 4.77 (449 reviews) Duration: 30m Live guide: EN ✓ Free cancellation. from US$ 45 per person
Gondola Cruise Coronado Cays San Diego: Private Canal Tour Cruise through Venice-style canals in a private gondola in San Diego's Coronado Cays. Just you and your guests gliding past the Coronado Bridge. Every day · 13 start times, 13:00 to 21:00 · From age 3 ★ 4.88 (257 reviews) Duration: 50m Live guide: EN ✓ Free cancellation. from US$ 74 per person
San Diego Sunset Sail: Classic Yacht, 6 Guests Sail San Diego Bay aboard a 41-foot classic sloop with Captain Phil. Just six guests, craft beer and wine included, no crowds or scripts. Every day · 11:30 and 15:00 · All ages ★ 4.93 (363 reviews) Duration: 2h 30m Live guide: EN ✓ Free cancellation. from US$ 125 per person
Also popular with travelers
The ones most travelers have taken, by number of reviews.
San Diego: Bottomless Mimosa Brunch Cruise & Bay Views San Diego Bay brunch cruise with unlimited champagne, mimosas & sparkling cider. Pass Coronado Bridge, USS Midway Museum & Downtown. Private table, buffet included. Thu–Sun · 11:00 and 11:30 · From age 4 ★ 4.63 (335 reviews) Duration: 2h Live guide: EN ✓ Free cancellation. from US$ 128 per person
San Diego Bay Sailing Tour: Catalina 34' Sailboat, Small Group Sail San Diego Bay and coastal waters aboard a Catalina 34' sailboat with up to six guests, live guide, and two hours of fresh air and sea life viewing. Every day · 11:00, 14:00 and 17:00 ★ 4.88 (208 reviews) Duration: 2h Live guide: EN ✓ Free cancellation. from US$ 119 per person
San Diego: Whale & Dolphin Watching Zodiac Boat Tour Feel the ocean air on a small Zodiac boat in San Diego, spotting whales, dolphins, sea lions and more with a friendly local captain. Includes windbreakers & life jackets. Every day · 08:30 and 12:00 · From age 3 ★ 4.81 (168 reviews) Duration: 3h Live guide: EN ✓ Free cancellation. from US$ 149 per person
2-Hour Sailing Tour San Diego Bay: See the USS Midway from Water Sail San Diego Bay for 2 hours aboard a yacht with an experienced captain, departing from Harbor Island. You'll see the USS Midway Museum from the water. Every day except Tuesday and Wednesday · 12:00 · All ages ★ 4.95 (160 reviews) Duration: 2h ✓ Free cancellation. from US$ 99 per person
San Diego Sailing Cruise: Classic Yacht, Six Guests Sail San Diego Bay aboard a 41-foot classic yacht with just six guests and a USCG-licensed captain: no crowded tour boats, no script, just the skyline. Every day · 11:30 and 15:00 · All ages ★ 4.98 (85 reviews) Duration: 2h 30m Live guide: EN ✓ Free cancellation. from US$ 125 per person
San Diego Bay: Day Sailing Tour with Drinks & Skyline Views Sail San Diego Bay past Coronado Bridge, USS Midway & Embarcadero. Relax with included drinks, local guide, and city skyline views. Small group day tour. Every day · 11:00 and 11:30 ★ 5.00 (81 reviews) Duration: 2h 30m ✓ Free cancellation. from US$ 119 per person
Compare 8 more options for Boat Tours in San Diego
From US$ 199 per person · 2 h to 4 h
Private day sail San Diego: Helm the boat under Coronado Bridge Sail San Diego Bay for 2.5 hours on a private boat with up to 12 guests, passing the USS Midway, Seaport Village and under the Coronado Bridge. Every day · 13:00 ★ 4.99 (69 reviews) Duration: 2h 30m Live guide: EN ✓ Free cancellation. from US$ 488 per person
Private Sailing Charter San Diego Bay: Set Your Own Course Sail San Diego Bay on a private yacht with captain for three hours, visiting the USS Midway, Coronado Bridge, Point Loma and historic ships. Every day · 11:00 and 14:30 ★ 4.94 (50 reviews) Duration: 3h Live guide: EN ✓ Free cancellation. from US$ 499 per group
Private Pink Boat Cruise San Diego Bay: 2-Hour Harbor Tour Private 2-hour electric boat cruise for up to 8 guests on San Diego Bay with captain narration of Downtown, Coronado Island, and USS Midway, plus karaoke and your own drinks. Every day · 10:00, 12:45, 15:30 and 18:15 ★ 5.00 (6 reviews) Duration: 2h Live guide: EN ✓ Free cancellation. from US$ 375 per group
Bay Fishing Charter San Diego: Catch Bass & Halibut Catch bass, halibut and seasonal yellowtail on a 4-hour San Diego Bay fishing charter with all tackle, snacks and drinks included. Every day · 07:00, 12:00 and 14:00 ★ 5.00 (3 reviews) Duration: 4h Live guide: EN ✓ Free cancellation. from US$ 1,200 per group
Private 45' Bay Cruiser Tour San Diego: 2 to 4 Hours Rent a private 45-foot bay cruiser in San Diego for groups up to 12, with USCG-licensed captain and scenic views of the downtown skyline. Every day · No fixed time · Pickup available ★ 5.00 (2 reviews) Duration: 2h–4h ✓ Free cancellation. from US$ 1,100 per group
Sunset Sailing Cruise San Diego Bay: Champagne Included Sail San Diego Bay on a French yacht with champagne toast, passing Coronado Bridge, Sunset Cliffs and Point Loma. 2.5 hours with a small group or private option. Every day · Every 1 h, 10:00 to 18:00 · All ages ★ 5.00 (1 review) Duration: 2h 30m Live guide: EN ✓ Free cancellation. from US$ 199 per person
Private Catamaran Sailing Cruise San Diego Bay: Up to 6 Guests Sail San Diego Bay on a private 32-foot catamaran with a live English-speaking guide, spotting sea lions, dolphins and whales while you steer or relax in the sun. Every day · 11:00, 14:00 and 17:00 ★ 5.00 (2 reviews) Duration: 2h Live guide: EN from US$ 800 per group
Sunset Sailing Tour San Diego Bay: Up to 6 Guests Sail San Diego Bay at sunset with a skipper, viewing downtown, naval vessels, sea lions and dolphins while enjoying refreshments and snacks. Every day · 11:00, 14:00 and 17:00 ★ 5.00 (1 review) Duration: 2h Live guide: EN from US$ 800 per person
The top 12 of 29 options, side by side
✓ 2026-11-14| Option | Price | Duration | Rating | Days and times | Guide languages |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| San Diego: Whale Watching & Dolphin Cruise Mission BayOur pick | US$ 71 per person | 2h–2h 30m | 4.59★ · 1,774 | Every day · 09:00, 10:30 and 12:00 | English |
| San Diego Bay: Sunset & Day Sail Small Group TourTop ratedGroup of up to 6 | US$ 119 per person | 2h 30m | 4.99★ · 375 | Every day · 11:00, 11:30 and 14:30 | English |
| San Diego: 3-Hour Whale Watch Cruise & Gray WhalesBest value | US$ 34 per person | 2h 30m–3h | 4.57★ · 444 | Every day · 10:00 and 13:30 | English |
| San Diego Whale Watching Cruise: Gray & Blue Whales Year-Round | US$ 85 per person | 4h | 4.81★ · 2,548 | Every day · 09:00, 11:00, 13:15 and 14:00 | English |
| San Diego Whale Watching Cruise: Gray Whales & Marine Life | US$ 54 per person | 3h 30m | 4.45★ · 720 | Every day · 09:30 and 13:30 | English |
| San Diego Sunset Sailing: Catalina Sailboat & DrinksGroup of up to 6 | US$ 127 per person | 3h | 4.94★ · 642 | Every day · 14:00 and 14:30 | English |
| San Diego Whale & Dolphin Watching Cruise Marine Wildlife | US$ 76 per person | 3h 30m | 4.80★ · 360 | Every day · 09:00, 10:00 and 13:30 | English |
| San Diego: 3-Hour Sailing Cruise & Harbor ViewsGroup of up to 6 | US$ 116 per person | 3h | 4.95★ · 570 | Every day · 10:00 and 11:00 | English |
| San Diego Sunset Cruise: SeaWorld & Ocean Beach Pier | US$ 47 per person | 1h 15m | 4.44★ · 335 | Every day · 16:00 and 16:15 | English |
| San Diego: Speed Boat Captain Tour & USS Midway PassGroup of up to 12 | US$ 89 per person | 2h | 4.81★ · 772 | Every day · 09:00, 11:00, 13:00 and 15:00 | English |
| San Diego Sunset Sail: USS Midway & Bay ViewsGroup of up to 6 | US$ 99 per person | 2h | 4.91★ · 662 | Every day except Tuesday and Wednesday · 15:00 | — |
| San Diego Bay Brunch Cruise: Bottomless Mimosas & Live Music | US$ 126 per person | 2h | 4.52★ · 380 | Sat and Sun · 11:00 | English |
By what you need
- Private (7): Gondola Cruise Coronado Cays San Diego: Private Canal Tour (US$ 74 per person) · Private day sail San Diego: Helm the boat under Coronado Bridge (US$ 488 per person) · Private Sailing Charter San Diego Bay: Set Your Own Course (US$ 499 per group)
- Small groups (up to 15) (13): San Diego Bay: Sunset & Day Sail Small Group Tour (US$ 119 per person) · San Diego Sunset Sailing: Catalina Sailboat & Drinks (US$ 127 per person) · San Diego: 3-Hour Sailing Cruise & Harbor Views (US$ 116 per person)
- With pickup (1): Private 45' Bay Cruiser Tour San Diego: 2 to 4 Hours (US$ 1,100 per group)
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