What better way to see San Diego than from the water? From aquatic adventures to maritime marvels, America’s Finest City has some of the best seaside entertainment that SoCal has to offer. The water never reaches temperatures even close to say, Caribbean destinations, but you can expect balmy 68-degree water temps in late summer. Still, there are plenty of ways to be on the water year-round in San Diego and have a great time. Here are six of our picks.
Maritime Museum of San Diego
San Diego’s seafaring heritage is on display at the Maritime Museum of San Diego where engaging exhibits and exciting programming celebrate the city’s rich maritime history. Visitors who want to get out on the water can choose from three oceanic adventures.
Tour the bay on an authentic naval Swift Boat, take a journey on the tall ship Californian, or book a trip aboard a full-scale replica of the San Salvador, which first sailed into the port of San Diego in 1542. You can even be a part of the crew on the Californian and the San Salvador, where passengers get a chance to man the helm and haul a line.
The museum is located on Harbor Drive at the Star of India Wharf and is open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. in the summer, and 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. during the rest of the year.
San Diego SEAL Tours
Hop aboard a Coast Guard-approved amphibious vehicle at Seaport Village or the Embarcadero for a 90-minute tour of San Diego by land and sea. As the captain navigates the Hydra-Terra vehicle through the city streets, a member of the SEAL team points out some of the city’s most famous landmarks.
Once the vehicle enters the water, passengers will be able to see several species of wildlife that are native to California, including seals, sea lions, and brown pelicans. While out on the water, the first mate continues the narration, showcasing the city’s naval history and scenic coastline. Tours are offered daily except on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.
Flagship Cruises
This family-owned charter company has offered on-the-water entertainment since 1915. The fleet includes speedboats, yachts, ferries, and water taxis that provide unique ways to see San Diego from a different perspective. Brunch and dinner cruises, whale watching excursions, thrill rides on a 2,800-horsepower jet boat, and leisurely trips across the bay to iconic Coronado Island are only some of the many opportunities to enjoy the city from the sea.
Flagship’s Patriot Jet Boat is included in the Go San Diego Card’s Build Your Own Package, so riders get a discount. This high-speed boat ride will get your adrenaline pumping as the captain performs tricks and turns at up to 50 miles per hour.
Bike and Kayak Tours La Jolla
At Bike and Kayak Tours in La Jolla, the knowledgeable staff will get you outfitted for adventure. Whether you choose to explore on your own or take one of their small group tours, you’ll enjoy the beauty of the bay as you paddle or peddle your way along the coast. The company’s popular tours take adventure seekers to seven sandstone caves in a kayak, through the shallows of La Jolla Shores while snorkeling among the sharks, and on a free-fall descent down Mt. Soledad on mountain bikes. The La Jolla store is at 2158 Avenida De La Playa in La Jolla.
Fly Guys Watersports
Soar above the shore when you book a futuristic flyboarding experience at Fly Guys Watersports at the Cabrillo Isle Marina. With jetpacks attached to your feet, you can flip, dip, spin, and dive. Certified instructors teach basic maneuvers and advanced tricks to participants who meet the minimum age and weight requirements. All necessary safety equipment is provided, and wetsuits are available if the water temperature gets a bit chilly.
High-definition GoPro footage of your flight is offered with the Fly Guys’ Superfly packages. Flyboarding packages are available for individuals or groups of up to sixteen people.
Point Loma Tide Pools
One of the coolest seaside stops on a GPS-guided tour with GoCar is the Point Loma Tide Pools. The rugged shoreline is dotted with many of these shallow pools of water at low tide. Curious visitors who peer into the pools will find them filled with mollusks and crustaceans. Park rangers and volunteers from the Cabrillo National Monument are often on hand to point out the features of the tide pools and identify the plant and animal species that can be found in them.
Enjoy these attractions and save money and time on your San Diego vacation with a Go San Diego Card. Cardholders receive significant savings on some of the city’s most popular activities and attractions, as well as additional discounts on dining, shopping, and entertainment. Besides providing real customer savings, the pass comes with skip-the-line privileges at select attractions, a dedicated app for easy access, a complimentary guidebook, and flexible options for planning a customized itinerary. We’re sure you’ll agree that the Go San Diego Card is much more than a discount card.