San Diego: Harbor Cruise

This 1 hour cruise takes you around the San Diego harbor. Sit back, take in the sights, and enjoy the views as you ride along the water.

Overview

Flagship Cruises and Events runs this one hour trip across San Diego Bay, departing from 990 N Harbor Dr. The boat is a multi level yacht with indoor and outdoor seating on three levels, open views all around, and a snack bar on board. A live narration runs throughout, covering the city's history and the sights along the shoreline.

What you actually see depends on the option booked. The listing mentions the Coronado Bridge, military ships, waterfront landmarks and marine life among the possible sights. Reviewers who took the south route mention the Navy ships and the bridge as the highlights, and one noted that the crew accommodated a wheelchair without fuss.

The pace is relaxed and the commentary is informative. Children 3 and under ride free. Drinks and snacks cost extra, so budget for those if you want a beer or a cocktail while you watch the carriers go by.

What's Included

Itinerary

1. Arrive at the dockMeet at 990 N Harbor Dr, San Diego, CA 92132. There is no hotel pickup, so plan to make your own way to the pier.
2. Board the yachtStep aboard a multi level vessel with indoor and outdoor seating across three levels and 360 degree views.
3. Cruise the baySail for 1 hour with live narration. Depending on the option booked, the route passes under the Coronado Bridge, past military ships, waterfront landmarks and possible marine life.
4. Snack bar on boardSnacks, soda, beer, wine and cocktails are available for purchase during the cruise.
5. DisembarkThe cruise ends after the hour on the water. Allow time to make your own onward plans from the dock.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points will help you get the most from the hour on the water.

• Sun protection. The listing recommends a sun hat and sunscreen, and one reviewer asked for more shade on the second deck stern area. Outdoor seating means direct sun for much of the trip, so cover up.
• Seating choice. Three levels with indoor and outdoor areas let you move around for views or shelter. One reviewer described the boat as very nice, with several levels to sit and enjoy the cruise.
• Food and drink. The on board snack bar sells snacks, soda, beer, wine and cocktails. These are not included in the ticket, and one reviewer called the drinks a great addition to the trip.
• Accessibility. The vessel is partially handicap accessible: the indoor main deck is reachable, but restrooms are downstairs and the open exterior is upstairs, with no elevators. One reviewer with a wheelchair said the crew was accommodating.
• Commentary. The narration is professionally delivered and reviewers repeatedly call the guides informative and knowledgeable. A few travellers wished the commentary carried more clearly to every seating area, so sit near a speaker if you want every word.
• Weather. Cruises may be canceled in the rare event of unsafe weather conditions. One reviewer described the ride as smooth.

Common issues. The main limits are physical rather than logistical. Restrooms sit downstairs and the open exterior deck is upstairs, with no elevators, so anyone with serious mobility restrictions should expect to stay on the indoor main deck. One reviewer wanted more shade on the second deck stern area, and some travellers felt the commentary did not carry clearly to all seating areas. Cruises can also be canceled if weather conditions are unsafe, though the listing describes this as rare. Smoking, glass objects and pets are not allowed, with the exception of assistance dogs.

Common Questions