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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

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$10 off Tall Ship Sail Experiences

Maritime Museum of San Diego
Valid: Jan 10 - ongoing

Join the Maritime Museum of San Diego Sail Crew for a 4-hour sail aboard the state tall ship Californian or the 16th-century Spanish galleon San Salvador and save $10.00 with this promo code...

Wineries

$10 off-Chauffeured Vineyards Adventure

San Diego Beer, Wine & Spirits Tours
Valid: Jan 9 - ongoing

Call 858.551.5115 and get $10 off your booking. Or booking online and enter promo code: 24SDTA5 Join us on the Chauffeured Vineyards Adventure  for award-winning wine tastings and wine...

Accommodation

BAY, BREAKFAST & BUBBLES

Humphreys Half Moon Inn
Valid: Jan 6 - ongoing

Cheers to Breakfast with Bay Views    Wake up to San Diego's sunshine and savor a gourmet breakfast with breathtaking bay views at  Humphreys SoCAL Dining & Music. Enjoy...

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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...

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San Diego French Film Festival

May 4 - May 7, 2025

San Diego Francophone Event of the Year

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Gator By The Bay-Zydeco, Blues & Crawfish Festival

Bon Temps Social Club of San Diego
May 8 - May 11, 2025

The spirit, sounds and flavors of southwest Louisiana come alive at the largest and most-authentic Louisiana-themed music and food festival this side of the bayou. With everything from A to Zydeco,...

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