Spend a few hours relaxing, sunbathing and sightseeing in the placid waters just off San Diego during this 1 or 2 hour San Diego Harbor cruise. Sit back and relax as you take in a fully-narrated tour, offering top-notch sight lines of the San Diego skyline, a cruise under Coronado Bridge, a look at the bustling US Naval fleet and a chance to spot some of the harbor’s resident sea lions. Choose between 1 and 2 hour cruise options, offering you two trips to fit your schedule and interests.

Choice of either a 1 or 2 hour tour
Enjoy fantastic views of San Diego's skyline and Coronado Bridge
Comfortable outdoor and indoor seating
Catch seals and sea lions sunbathing on the rocks just off shore
Snacks and beverages available for purchase

What's Included

1-hour harbor cruise (if option selected)
2-hour harbor cruise (if option selected)
Indoor and Outdoor seating

Hotel pickup and drop-off
Food and drinks (onboard snack bar available to purchase)
Gratuities

Meeting and Pickup

Meeting point

990 N Harbor Dr, San Diego, CA 92132, USA
Flagship ticketbooth

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

What To Expect

Explore the huge ships, scenic skyline and wealth of marine life of San Diego Harbor during this 1- to 2-hour cruise. During your ride you can enjoy informative commentary about the city’s history while doing some sunbathing, sightseeing and relaxing in the cool ocean breeze.

Pick your preferred departure time for your cruise, choosing from among morning and afternoon options, then make your way to North Harbor Drive to begin your trip. As you step on board, take note of the ship’s variety of amenities, including ample sun decks, comfortable seating options and an on-board cafe to buy food and drinks.

Then cast off for your harbor excursion, enjoying a full-narrated overview of the sights you’ll see along the way. Among the sights you’ll see during your ride are the home of the US Naval fleet, the city’s busy shipyards, Coronado Bay Bridge and the Star of India, the oldest iron-hulled sailing vessel still floating.

Your exact trip will vary slightly depending on if you select the 2-hour or 1-hour option. Those on the 2-hour trip will receive the full itinerary, while those on the 1-hour trip will select between a North Bay or South Bay trip. Those on the North Bay trip will check out North Island Naval Air Station, the Naval Sub Base, Harbor and Shelter Island and Cabrillo National Monument. Meanwhile, the South Bay cruise covers the Star of India, Coronado Bay Bridge, US Navy fleet and the shipyards.

End your ride back at the original departure point.

San Diego Bay

2 hours • Admission Ticket Free

Star of India (Pass By)

Coronado Bridge (Pass By)

Naval Base San Diego (Pass By)

Shelter Island Park Shoreline (Pass By)

Cabrillo National Monument (Pass By)

Additional Info

Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Wheelchair accessible
Stroller accessible
Service animals allowed
Near public transportation
Infant seats available

Transportation is wheelchair accessible
Most travelers can participate
Please note: you must advise of your preferred departure times in the Special Requirements field at checkout. All times are subject to availability
Please provide contact information (i.e cell phone) for the local operator to be able to reach you in case of changes to boarding or yacht
Some ships only have restrooms either up or down a flight of steps
This tour/activity will have a maximum of 150 travelers

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.

Cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time.
This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Frequently Asked Questions

The answers provided below are based on answers previously given by the tour provider to customers’ questions.

Q:Is parking available near the departure point?

A:Yes! Parking is available at the USS Midway parking lot. Parking fees apply and may vary.

May 2023

Traveler Photos

Featured review

Kenya_H

We had a wonderful time on this beautiful cruise. We saw both the south and north side of the bay. The tour was very informative and relaxing. I would certainly do this again. We highly recommend taking this cruise for a memorable experience.

Reviews

4.5

2,052 reviews

Total review count and overall rating based on Viator and Tripadvisor reviews

Reviews by Viator travelers.

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Showing 1-10 of 2,052 reviews

I selected the 2-hour...

Siti_B, Apr 2024

I selected the 2-hour cruise. The tour guide was very informative regarding the navy ships which I find very fascinating. I learned how to identify the different ships. The entire tour was wonderful and I would highly recommend it.

Rusty, the guide, was...

Diane_W, Apr 2024

Rusty, the guide, was very knowledgeable about the San Diego Bay area... It was nice to see everything from the Bay rather than having to drive around to everything.

Great day on the water

loretta_t, Apr 2024

Loved seeing the city from the water and learning about the military base. super informative. I didn't realize how much there is to do in San Diego.

2-hour harbor cruise took 1 hour

Cheryl_N, Apr 2024

Booked a 2-hour harbor cruise and the boat returned after one hour so only got half of the experience.

Fine boat and staff, boring harbor.

Mark_K, Apr 2024

We bought the 2-hour tour but disembarked after the first hour. The boat and staff were fine, but San Diego harbor is just not that interesting.

Thumbs up

Richard_H, Apr 2024

It was an all around good experience. First time visitors should opt for the 2hr cruise to see the full harbor. Only $5 more than 1 hr cruise. Our guide Max, was a wealth of knowledge. You get to see the city from a different vantage point. Great looks at some of our naval ships docked. Watching the planes come over the hill and drop down to the runway was cool. Also, dress appropriately. It was a little chilly out on the water when we went. Parking was a little hard to come by because the lots right by the Midway were full and one of them we had to be out by 5pm. Check that before paying. But, we recommend a parking garage open to the public at the Wyndham hotel. It's across the street near all the attractions along the harbor. $7/hr for the first 5 hrs and $42 for the whole day/night. Not horrible if spending the whole day in the city. Contrast that with the lot we pd $30 for and had to be out by 5pm. Wish I could download photos. Because I just snapped some good pics from the plane that showed everything you'll see on the cruise.

Our narrator was...

MaryAnn_G, Apr 2024

Our narrator was excellent! He knew so much about the sights, the history, and interesting details. The staff was very helpful and the boat was very comfortable and easy to get around in. We’ll worth the trip!

2 hour cruise

Lorraine_L, Mar 2024

Lovely cruise on a beautiful day. Rusty was a highlight of the cruise with his deep knowledge and insightful narration.

Upper deck experience full harbor tour

Robert_G, Mar 2024

My husband and I wanted to see everything on the upper deck. It was a Beautiful day! Sunny, partly cloudy w/cool breeze, the speaker was very informative about the surrounding areas as the boat passed through the Harbor. Also we're glad we did the 2hr tour to have the full experience of the Harbor. Thank you we enjoyed it!❤️

Loved it!

Laura_T, Mar 2024

Loved it! Great history info, combined with the hop on hop off trolley it was a really cool way to experience SD!

Rusty who narrated the...

Dana_C, Mar 2024

Rusty who narrated the cruise describing all structures, ships, planes, helicopters, history and related information etc was excellent.

Beautiful day in the water

sonja, Mar 2024

A beautiful day on the water. The narration was interesting the the drinks were.perfect. Ty for making.my birthday special.

Beautiful and lovely

salman_D, Mar 2024

One of the best tours. Lady was excellent explaining and give history lessons, I like her humor. Highly recommend.

It was fun and...

Ledy_Y, Mar 2024

It was fun and experienced doing the harbor cruise. And learning the history of San Diego was nice to know.

Lovely afternoon

Jennifer_H, Mar 2024

Had a great time touring the Harbor. Rust our guide was very informative and time flew by. Throughly enjoyed the snack bar and all the information o. The ships and coast line.

The 2 hour trip was...

Sanjeed_K, Feb 2024

The 2 hour trip was engaging. We never felt bored during the trip. Well maintained ship with clean facilities.

Great Cruise!

kelleymichelle, Feb 2024

We took the two-hour cruise and very much enjoyed it! Even before we boarded, while we waited on the ramp, we were entertained by the lobsters and sting rays in the waters below. Once it was time to board, Max, the tour guide, gave everyone a warm welcome. The boat was very nice and in much better condition than other sight-seeing cruises I've gone on. We took a seat on the top deck. Max was engaging and super informative. We enjoyed the views and learning so much about San Diego and its naval history. Make sure if you opt for the 2-hour cruise to stay onboard when they return to pick up the 1-hour group. We thoroughly enjoyed the cruise!

Nice thing to do on a nice day.

Stephen_M, Feb 2024

The narrator was pretty funny, a little corny, but very informative and enjoyable. The two hour trip required docking and reloading some passengers (there is a one-hour option) halfway through so that was a little annoying, but still recommend the full tour as there is plenty to see at both ends.

Fun date (:

Nathan_B, Feb 2024

The crew members and tour guide are friendly and knowledgeable. Great experience! They have a concession stand with anything from snacks, soda or an alcoholic beverage. We went on the last tour of the day and the sunset was beautiful!! Great moment for pictures! I would go again (:

I’d go again!

Rita_j, Jan 2024

Enjoyed seeing all of the WWII ships and enjoyed the views from the boat. Get there early to grab a seat on top in the sun.

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