arrow-down arrow-left arrow-right arrow-up play-button plus tab-indicator dots close menu search facebook google-plus instagram pinterest rss twitter tiktok youtube rss-two heart Check FeaturedBadge linkedin minus apps placeholder linkedin

Getting Around San Diego On the Water

Water-Centric Ways to Soak in the Sights

San Diego's location on the Pacific Ocean and it's picturesque natural harbor allows for fun ways to explore the region via the water. A ferry will take you across the bay to Coronado, a harbor cruise will tour the sights within San Diego Bay, or venture farther out aboard a whale watching, sportfishing or charter boat.

Coronado Ferry

The Coronado Ferry, owned and operated by Flagship Cruises & Events, runs regularly across San Diego Bay, between the Broadway Pier and the Convention Center in downtown San Diego and the Coronado Ferry Landing. A 15-minute ride one way, the ferry provides gorgeous views of the downtown skyline and the Coronado Bridge. Purchase tickets online or at any of the departure locations.

Whale Watching

During winter and summer, witness the long annual migration of 10,000+ grey and blue whales along the coast between Mexico and Alaska aboard a daily whale watching trip, most of which include a naturalist to help identify whales, dolphins, seals and other wildlife.

> Book a Whale Watching Trip

Sportfishing

Take to the coastal waters of San Diego for a half-day, full-day or multi-day sportfishing excursion. Named one of the best sportfishing cities in America, San Diego's catch can include yellowtail, white sea bass, bonito, tuna, rockfish, sheephead, sculpin, and barracuda among others depending upon the time of year.

> Go Sportfishing in San Diego

San Diego Bay Tours

Experiencing San Diego from the water an absolute must.

For a slower-paced aquatic adventure, book passage on any number of harbor excursions, dinner cruises, tall ship sailing outings or private yachts adventures. All provide a water-level view at San Diego's skyline, sealife and bayfront landmarks.

Or pick up the pace aboard a speedboat, high-performance catamaran, rigid inflatable boat or even the Stars & Stripes USA-11, the same yacht raced by Dennis Conner during the 1992 America's Cup. Some offer the opportunity to navigate and captain the boat, plus friendly guides packed with interesting and entertaining San Diego lore.

> Embark on 7 Spectacular Water Tours

Charter Boats

Chart your own course on the water with a sailboat, speedboat or fishing boat charter, with or without a captain. Be it a romantic sunset sail along the San Diego skyline or a private sportfishing trip with friends and family, a day on the water is a fun and memorable way to enjoy San Diego.

> Find the perfect charter boat

Find a place to stay

Book online or call 1-800-350-6205 to speak with a local expert

Related Articles and Features

Deals just for you

Accommodation

Romance Package

Pacific Terrace Hotel
Valid: Jan 2 - ongoing

There's nothing quite like watching the sun disappear into the Pacific while sitting beside that special someone. Looking to infuse even more romance into your Pacific Terrace getaway? Take advantage...

Activity

75-minute Naval History Bay Tour Only $15***

Maritime Museum of San Diego
Valid: Jan 10 - ongoing

Join us at the Maritime Museum of San Diego for a high-speed 75-minute narrated Naval History Tour! The US Naval Vietnam-era PCF 816 Swift Boat Listed In National Register Of Historic Places is...

Activity

$3 Off Birch Aquarium at Scripps

Birch Aquarium at Scripps
Valid: Dec 19, 2024 - ongoing

Use code SDTA at checkout to save $3 off general admission for up to six people. Tickets must be reserved online in advance for a specific date and time.

Events to check out

Event

Port of San Diego Big Bay Boom!

Jul 4, 2025

The Port of San Diego Big Bay Boom July 4th Fireworks Show is back, promising another spectacular display over San Diego Bay. Fireworks will be discharged simultaneously from barges placed...

Event

Fort Rosecrans Memorial Day

May 26, 2025

The Fort Rosecrans Memorial Day celebration is one of San Diego's largest and most celebrated memorials dedicated to our fighting men and women. On this day we honor all of our fallen soldiers and...

Event

CONCACAF Gold Cup

Jun 15, 2025

Drawing large crowds and millions of television viewers across the region, the Gold Cup is a celebration of soccer, sportsmanship, and culture.

Stay in touch

Sign up to receive the latest news, events, and updates about San Diego. Our monthly and weekly newsletters will keep you informed about the latest and greatest happenings in the destination.

Sign Up

Partners

Explore

Plan

Stay

Follow Us

Language:

English | Change Language

Select your country or region

China
Germany
Great Britain
Japan
Mexico
Korea
Switzerland
Brazil
France
Australia
Canada
USA

Or use Google Translate

Afrikaans
Albanian
Arabic
Belarusian
Bulgarian
Croatian
Danish
Deutsch
Español
Estonian
Filipino
Finnish
Francais
Georgian
Greek
Haitian-Creole
Hebrew
Hindi
Hungarian
Icelandic
Indonesian
Irish
Italian
Japanese
Korean
Latvian
Lithuanian
Macedonian
Malay
Maltese
Nederlands
Norwegian
Persian
Polish
Portuguese
Romanian
Russian
Serbian
Slovak
Slovenian
Swahili
Swedish
Telugu
Thai
Turkish
Ukranian
Vietnamese
Yiddish