San Diego’s near-perfect climate, gentle breezes and endless sunshine make the region an ideal destination to relax and set sail in beautiful Southern California waters. For visitors looking for a romantic sunset setting, a fun family outing or the opportunity to learn from certified experts, San Diego offers numerous options for the most skilled or novice sailing enthusiasts.
The following are just a few of the ways sailing enthusiasts can take to San Diego’s picture-perfect waters for an unparalleled maritime adventure all year-round.
POPULAR SAN DIEGO SAILING CHARTERS, WHALE WATCHING TOURS AND CRUISES
A visit to San Diego wouldn’t be complete without sailing along the Pacific coastline to enjoy the breathtaking views. From intimate jaunts around San Diego Bay to leisurely dinner cruises under the stars, a number of San Diego companies offer sailing tours to fit a variety of interests and experiences.
- Shelter Island Sailing offers six charter cruises daily. Guests leave Shelter Island and head into scenic San Diego Bay for a 4-hour dinner cruise that showcases all the major ships and military aircraft along downtown’s Embarcadero and Coronado’s Naval Air Station North Island. From December through March, guests can also silently enjoy the wonders of the California grey whale’s migration to the warm breeding grounds of Mexico on half-day whale watching tours aboard wind-powered vessels. Chartered fishing trips and cruises lasting one to seven days are also offered to explore the beauty of the Los Coronado Islands in Mexico; guests can also venture to Catalina Island or sail in San Diego’s picturesque Mission Bay.
- Visitors can explore the landmarks along San Diego Bay with Next Level Sailing. An affordable 2-hour trip allows guests to experience the thrill of sailing on two 80-foot International America’s Cup Class racing yachts, among the fastest mono-hull sailing vessels in the world.
- Sail San Diego provides guests a combination of luxury and fun. Offering sailing, whale watching and fishing excursions, guests can enjoy romantic sunset cruises or interactive family adventures. Whale watching tours during December through March last two hours, and guests get the thrill of seeing other marine life including dolphins and sea lions. Fishing trips are private charters and allow up to five passengers for half- or full-day tours; all equipment is available on board, including fishing licenses and live bait.
- Groups can sail aboard a top-of-the line, 58-foot sailing catamaran with AOLANI Cat Cruises. The first catamaran sailing charter in San Diego, the cruises provide guests the opportunity to see marine life like whales, dolphins and sea lions. Flat screen TVs, surround sound and indoor/outdoor seating for 30 guests add elegance and comfort to the adventure.
LEARN TO SAIL WITH THE EXPERTS
For visitors yearning to get behind the helm, San Diego offers hands-on sailing lessons from the experts. Guests can learn to navigate the protected waters of San Diego Bay in classes for all skill levels.
- JWorld Sailing–The Performance Sailing School on Shelter Island provides a range of sailing courses for all skill levels. Courses include a 2-hour Sailing Experience class, Performance Cruising and Live-Aboard Cruising. Serious sailing enthusiasts can take Introduction to Sailboat Racing or the Spinnaker Handling course. All courses are taught by U.S. Sailing-certified instructors.
- Shelter Island Sailing offers guests a choice of three 10-hour lessons. The Keelboat Class teaches the fundamentals of sailing; the Coastal Cruising Class builds on skills and introduces navigation systems, and the Combination Keelboat/Coastal Course teaches safety, seamanship and navigation to prepare visitors for a solo sail.
- Located in Coronado, downtown San Diego and Mission Bay, Seaforth Boat Rentals invites guests to climb aboard their fleet of Catalina sailboats for a range of sailing classes. Classes include a one-day group lesson on sailing safety in San Diego Bay, and an overnight group lesson teaches guests how to sail at night and day while practicing to be the ship’s skipper and crew. For longer trip experiences, three- to five-day sailing lessons to Catalina Island teach guests all they need to know about sailing; upon completion, certification awards are provided.
- Certified by the American Sailing Association (ASA), Harbor Island Yacht has over 70 sailboats and provides a fun and easy learning experience. Visitors can learn the ground rules of sailing in the Basic Keelboating class; afterwards they can advance to certified sailors as they embark on a weekend cruise to Catalina Island. Accommodating up to six people, the Catalina Island Basic Coastal Cruising trip is the perfect way to spend a weekend on the water while achieving a sailing certification.
DOCK AND DINE
San Diego Bay provides a picturesque dining experience with more than 60 waterfront restaurants, many featuring spectacular views. For an experience uniquely San Diegan, guests can “Dock and Dine” at many restaurants where the only thing as spectacular as the view is the delicious cuisine.
- Guests can dine along the water’s edge of Harbor Island at Island Prime and the adjoining C Level Lounge. Both known for superb steaks and seafood and panoramic views of the downtown skyline, Island Prime provides an elegant and upscale dining experience, while C Level Lounge embodies a casual, laid-back atmosphere. Dock slips are available at the nearby Sunroad Marina.
- Sailing enthusiasts can dock at Anthony’s Fish Grotto along downtown’s Embarcadero and choose between two restaurants. Anthony’s Fish Grotto serves quality seafood in a home-style environment; Anthony’s Fishette offers fast, casual meals for visitors on the go. Docking is limited to guests dining only at these locations; dockside services also include assistance in cleaning and prepping visitors’ “catch-of-the day.”
- Sailing enthusiasts can also dock at the landmark Bali Hai Restaurant on Shelter Island. When opened in 1953, Bali Hai was a paragon of mid-century American tiki culture where the exotic atmosphere drew a swinging crowd. Today, the restaurant offers a chic modern take on 21st century tiki culture that draws classic tiki lovers as well as a new generation of visitors to its fun, festive island style.
- Visitors can sail into beautiful Coronado Bay and dock and dine in luxury at Loews Coronado Bay Resort. Its 150-ft. dock offers 10 slips accommodating boats of any size. Guests can dine at Loews’ Market Café, known for its daily breakfast buffet, or Mistral, serving award-wining farm-to-table cuisine accompanied by top wine selections.
For guests interested in a place to sail and stay, San Diego’s hotels and resorts offer guests sparkling ocean or bay views and marinas for docking or renting sailboats.
- Guests can enjoy a stunning waterfront getaway at Kona Kai Resort & Spa, located on the tip of Shelter Island. The fusion of California beaches paired with Mediterranean style makes this resort a popular destination for sailing enthusiasts. The nearby Kona Kai marina holds 518 slips ranging from 30 to 200 feet; Shelter Island Sailing and Sail-USA 11 are also located nearby.
- Loews Coronado Bay Resort on Coronado offers guests a unique island vacation. Its 150-ft. dock offers 10 slips accommodating boats of any size, and marina guests can enjoy all the amenities of the luxury resort. Loews’ guests can also rent sailboats and learn to sail at the onsite Action Sports Rentals.
- At the Hilton San Diego Resort & Spa on Mission Bay, an “H”-shaped marina is over 100-ft. long and houses several docked boats including sailboats, kayaks and jet skis for rental.
- Paradise Point Resort & Spa on Mission Bay offers a variety of leisure activities for guests young and old, including a full-service marina where guests can rent sailboats, jet skis and kayaks.
- At the Catamaran Resort Hotel & Spa on Mission Bay, a nearby marina has many sailboats and other water vessels to rent for fun and relaxation.
- Guests of the Hyatt Regency Mission Bay Spa & Marina can enjoy views of the property’s onsite marina and a short walk to nearby Seaforth Boat Rentals, where they can rent water-sport vessels like sailboats and jet skis. Lessons are offered by a certified crew, and rental fees can be billed to the guest’s hotel room.
- The San Diego Marriott Marquis & Marina, located along San Diego Bay in downtown San Diego, boasts a 446-slip marina. Marina guests enjoy many of the services and the amenities of the luxury property, and the adjoining Seaforth Boat Rentals offers everything from kayaks and paddle boards to jet skis, powerboats and sailboats.
- Guests of the Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego, located along San Diego Bay in downtown San Diego, also can enjoy the rental opportunities of the adjoining Seaforth Boat Rentals including jet skis, powerboats and sailboats.
Happiness is calling in San Diego. For more information on San Diego’s offerings, including exciting vacation packages and valuable coupons for attractions, restaurants and more, visit the San Diego Convention & Visitors Bureau's website at www.sandiego.org or call 619-236-1212.
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