Harbor Cruise in San Diego Bay

Harbor cruises are one of the best ways to learn more about San Diego in just an hour or two. On the boat, local experts will share fascinating stories about San Diego’s maritime history, local beach culture, and so much more.

There are many different companies that operate harbor cruises in San Diego, and each has their own focus. However, here are some of the things you can expect from your harbor cruise.

Sunset Harbor Cruise in San Diego

There are many harbor cruise operators in San Diego. Hornblower Cruises and Flagship Cruise are two of the most popular cruise companies.

Both providers offer a range of different types of cruises, including sightseeing tours, dinner cruises, wildlife tours, jet boats, and more. They also offer private events.

Hornblower Cruises

Hornblower Cruises is known for their 90-minute San Diego harbor tours, where you’ll see the best that San Diego has to offer. They offer both north bay and south bay routes. Additionally, they offer a wide range of dining cruises, including champagne brunches, seafood dinners, themed holiday celebrations, and much more.

For those interested in whale watching and wildlife tours, Hornblower also has those options available.

Flagship Cruises

Flagship Cruises also offers guided harbor tours as well as themed dining cruises, such as their craft beer cruise, prime rib dinner, and champagne brunch. They are also known for operating the Coronado Ferry, which runs back and forth between Downtown San Diego and Coronado.

For those looking for a thrill, they operate the Patriot Jet cruise, where you’ll zip all around the San Diego Bay.

Save on a Harbor Cruise with the Go San Diego Card

The Go San Diego Card is a great way to save money on Hornblower Cruises as well as many other great attractions in San Diego. The All-inclusive Go San Diego Card gets you admission to dozens of top attractions in San Diego, including harbor cruises, the San Diego Zoo and SeaWorld San Diego.

You can also build your own pass to get discounts on your favorite attractions. We offer an additional discount on the Go San Diego Card, so be sure to pick one up before your trip!

A harbor cruise is one of the most exciting ways to enjoy San Diego. To make the most of your trip, you’ll want to be prepared - here are some tips to help you have the best day possible out on the water.

Dress for Your Cruise

Dress accordingly for your cruise. It’s important to remember that it’s always cooler out on the water than it is on land, so you’ll need to bring a jacket. If you’re going to be on an open deck, you’ll also want to wear long pants and closed-toed shoes in case of any splashes.

Many dinner cruises have indoor areas, so you won’t have to worry as much about the weather. However, some of these cruises do have a dress code, so be sure to check with your operator before selecting your outfit for the evening.

If you’re going to be on an outdoor deck, you’ll also want to make sure you’re protected from the sun. Wear sunscreen and bring sunglasses to protect your eyes.

Getting to the Dock & Parking

Most cruises start from Seaport Village in the Embarcadero of Downtown San Diego. Parking in this area is expensive and can often be difficult to find, so consider taking an alternate mode of transportation.

The San Diego Trolley and the Coaster commuter train both have stops in downtown San Diego, and connect to many other key points in San Diego. You can also get to Seaport Village using the San Diego bus system.

Another convenient way and affordable way to get there is by using a rideshare service, such as Uber or Lyft.

Bring Water and Snacks

Find out what food and drinks are going to be available beforehand, if any, and plan appropriately. You may want to bring a bottle of water with you to ensure you stay hydrated. If food isn’t provided, consider bringing snacks for you and your family as well.

If you have dietary restrictions, talk to the cruise operator ahead of time to see what options will be available for you.

Bring Your Camera

Harbor cruises have some of the best views in all of San Diego, so be sure to bring your camera to snap some pictures! If you’re bringing electronics like a camera or smartphone on the boat, make sure you have a secure bag to store them in when not in use. When you’re outside on the deck, you may experience some spray from the boat.