Hornblower Cruises was founded in California over 40 years ago, and in that time they’ve grown into a major tour company that operates quality sightseeing cruises in cities all over the United States. In San Diego, they offer a wide range of tours catering to a variety of interests, tastes, and budgets. They are perhaps best known for three primary San Diego tours: the One-Hour Harbor Cruise & Sea Lion Adventure, the Best of the Bay Ninety-Minute Harbor Tour, and the Whale & Dolphin Watching Adventure. However, beyond these three popular cruises, they also do sunset cruises, dining cruises, private events, attractions packages, and more.
Save on your visit to the Hornblower San Diego Cruises!
Hornblower San Diego Cruises is included on the Go San Diego Pass. Save an additional 5% on the Go City Pass with Coupon Code: GO5CMANTIS The discount stacks on top the current sale prices! Promo expires on April 30th.
One-Hour Harbor Cruise & Sea Lion Adventure
The One-Hour Harbor Cruise & Sea Lion Adventure tour is a convenient, affordable way to experience the sights and sounds of beautiful San Diego from the water. This tour typically runs twice a day (three times a day in the summer). Along the way, you’ll listen to an informative narration as you cruise past such San Diego attractions as Point Loma, Cabrillo National Monument, and some 20 other notable spots. Of course, you’ll also need to be keeping an eye out for sea lions, sea birds, and a whole bunch of other charming marine animals. Tickets run approximately $30 for adults and $15 for children between the ages of 4 and 12. Children 3 years old and younger may ride for free.
Best of the Bay Ninety-Minute Harbor Tour
The Best of the Bay Ninety-Minute Harbor Tour is a longer, more elaborate version of the north harbor tour described above. During this scenic cruise, you’ll cover a whopping 20 miles of scenery while enjoying remarkable views of over 50 famous San Diego landmarks, including the downtown skyline, Shelter Island, Seaport Village, and Coronado Island—just to name a few. And, since this is San Diego Bay, you never know just what kind of wildlife you might encounter, so you’ll want to have your phone and/or camera always at the ready! The Best of the Bay Tour departs twice a day, with tickets costing roughly $35 for adults, $18 for kids 4 through 12, and nothing for little ones who are 3 or under.
Hornblower Whale & Dolphin Watching Adventure
Hornblower Cruises offers unique varieties of the Whale & Dolphin Watching Adventure tour throughout the calendar year. During the summertime, the focus will be on catching a glimpse of the majestic blue whale, while the winter months will provide the best opportunity to view the distinctive gray whale. Regardless of the season, this three-and-a-half hour live-narrated tour will afford you the chance to see the many wonders of the open ocean, including sea creatures like fin whales, dolphins, sea lions, and more. The Whale & Dolphin Watching Adventure usually runs multiple times a day, but check their seasonal schedule for the most up-to-date information. Tickets are priced at $50 for adults, $25 for kids 4-12, and again, children 3 years old and younger ride for free. Last but not least, Hornblower Cruises policy mandates that if you’re unlucky enough to not see a whale during your cruise, you’ll receive a complimentary voucher to return for a second attempt on another whale-watch or harbor cruise.
Other Hornblower Tours and Services
In addition to its most popular tours detailed above, Hornblower Cruises organizes a number of other San Diego tours.
• If you are seeing other sights while in San Diego you can save some money if by getting a Go San Diego Pass. The Hornblower San Diego Cruises is included as are many other great San Diego Attractions.
The Sights & Sips Cocktail Cruise is a two-hour sunset cruise that runs weekend evenings. You’ll enjoy Hornblower’s signature cocktails, appetizers, and desserts as you bask in the sun setting over gorgeous San Diego Bay. A ticket is approximately $50 for adults, and $38 for kids 4-12.
• Though most known for their cruise tours, Hornblower also offers two different guided Segway tours. There’s a two-and-a-half hour outing that takes you through downtown San Diego and Balboa Park, and a one-and-a-half hour excursion that covers the Embarcadero and Gaslamp Quarter. Both tours cost about $50 regardless of your age.
• Hornblower Cruises also coordinate a variety of package deals that allow you to combine a harbor tour with admission to the world-famous San Diego Zoo and a one-day pass for the hop-on, hop-off Old Town Trolley. By purchasing this package deal, you’ll save nearly $25 compared to how much you’d spend if you bought each ticket separately.