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San Diego Harbor Cruise: 90-Min Best of the Bay

City Cruises San Diego Harbor • 970 N. Harbor Drive • San Diego, CA 92101

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San Diego Harbor Cruise in San Diego, California

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San Diego Bay Cruise Ticket Options

Harbor Cruise San Diego - Package Options

Hornblower Dinner Cruise + Go San Diego All-Inclusive Pass

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San Diego Best of the Bay Harbor Cruise in San Diego, California

Go San Diego All-Inclusive Pass in San Diego, California

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$150.81

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Hornblower Dinner Cruise + Go Los Angeles Explorer Pass

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Go Los Angeles Explorer Pass in Hollywood, California

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Package Starts at (USD):

$119.70

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Hornblower Dinner Cruise + Secret Food Tours San Diego

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Secret Food Tours San Diego in San Diego, California

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$119.61

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Hornblower Dinner Cruise + SeaWorld San Diego Combo

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SeaWorld San Diego in San Diego, California

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$107.73

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Hornblower Dinner Cruise + Tequila, Tacos, & Tombstones Food Tour

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Tequila, Tacos, and Tombstones Food Tour in San Diego, California

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$114.14

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Hornblower Dinner Cruise + Little Italy Food Tour Combo

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Pizza, Pasta and Piazzas - Little Italy Food Tour in San Diego, California

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Hornblower Dinner Cruise + Brothels, Bites, and Booze Food Tour

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Brothels, Bites, and Booze Food Tour in San Diego, California

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Hornblower Dinner Cruise + San Diego Zoo Combo

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$103.56

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Hornblower Dinner Cruise + San Diego Zoo Safari Park

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San Diego Zoo Safari Park in Escondido, California

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Hornblower Dinner Cruise + Sesame Place San Diego

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Sesame Place® San Diego in Chula Vista, California

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Overview

Hop aboard the San Diego harbor cruise to admire the stunning city skyline and local landmarks from the water. This 90-minute tour includes close-up views of Seaport Village, Shelter Island, Point Loma, and more. Gain insights into the city's history and wildlife from knowledgeable onboard staff while enjoying food and drinks from the onboard cash bar.

up to 2 hrs 1 or more people

Good To Know

from Ashley, one of our San Diego Travel Experts

Enjoy the views of the city skyline and over 50 local landmarks from San Diego Harbor.
Check in at Pier 2 on North Harbor Drive. Boarding starts at 4 pm.
The cruise is family-friendly and recommended for all ages.
Children ages 4 and below cruise free! Children must be accompanied by adults to be permitted on board.
Bring a valid ID for guests 18 years and older.
Order food and drinks from your table and enjoy top-notch onboard service.
Cruise sails rain or shine with U.S. Coast Guard approval.
Feel free to dress casually and comfortably in smart casual clothing and shoes.

Description

from San Diego Best of the Bay Harbor Cruise

Experience the ultimate sightseeing adventure on San Diego Bay with the Best of the Bay 90-Minute Harbor Tour. Step aboard the comfortable vessel for a professionally-narrated journey through San Diego's maritime wonders.

Your voyage begins with panoramic views of Seaport Village and Shelter Island, followed by a glimpse into the bustling ship-building and dry-docking facilities. Cruise beneath the majestic Coronado Bridge and past Point Loma, where the historic Cabrillo National Monument stands sentinel over the Pacific.

Throughout the tour, expert guides, passionate about local history and wildlife, will share captivating stories about San Diego's naval heritage and the natural habitats of marine animals and sea birds that call the bay home. Whether you're capturing the stunning coastline on camera or simply relaxing and taking it all in, every moment promises to be memorable.

Join in for an unforgettable 90 minutes on the water, where history, natural beauty, and the vibrant spirit of San Diego converge in one spectacular harbor tour.

Boarding Location: Pier 2, 970 N. Harbor Drive, San Diego, CA 92101

Promotional Images (6)

Several tourists onboard the San Diego Best of the Bay Harbor Cruise vessel, with some seated on benches while others standing just enjoying the beautiful views of the marina on a sunny day.

Customer Photos (8)

San Diego Harbor Cruise by Hornblower photo submitted by Anthony Italiano

San Diego Harbor Cruise by Hornblower photo submitted by Karen Singleton

San Diego Harbor Cruise by Hornblower photo submitted by Jessica Gomez

San Diego Best of the Bay Harbor Cruise Reviews

9 Reviews

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John Ruggiero

Tucson, AZ

1 Review

Verified Traveler

"San Diego Harbor"

September 2019

Harbor cruise was excellent. I recommend doing both the North and the South bays at the same time. Make sure you get in the front of the line for boarding if you want a seat on the top deck. I gave it average review because of on glaring irritating thing they did. You have to go to the ticket window even if you buy your tickets from Tripster. I accept that. However get this. There were four count 'em four people inside the glass booth but only one person was working on tickets. So you have to wait which I understand usually but I even asked one guy that wasn't working on the tickets and he said he was only there to answer questions. Oh bring some Off or another insect spray for waiting in line because the biting flies were awful.

Tip: Bring insect spray.

Tom Smith

Fort Pierre , SD

1 Review

Verified Traveler

"Ok cruise, but unfortunately short"

June 2018

We booked the 2 hr harbor cruise. Unfortunately about 10 minutes into the first hour the boat had an engine issue and had to return to the dock. Since we booked online and got part time f our cruise we were unable to get a refund. The people on the boat were so noisy it was extremely hard to hear anything the captain was saying. We were disappointed. You would think Hornblower would have another boat they could have brought in to finish our cruise, but they didn’t.

Tip: It will s very breezy on the boat so bring a jacket or blanket.

Anthony Italiano

Medford, NY

1 Review

Verified Traveler

"We saw Sea Lions"

June 2018

It was nice taking a short boat ride around the bay to see the marine life. There was also a lot of interesting stuff to see on the shore. We enjoyed the adventure!

Tip: Bring a jacket it can be windy

Larissa Leslie

1 Review

Verified Traveler

"Great hour"

April 2018

Was a lovely tour and very informative

Karen Singleton

Moreno Valley, CA

1 Review

Verified Traveler

"Wonderful experience"

April 2018

Took my 3 children and 2 grandchildren on a 2 hour harbor cruise. The children enjoyed it immensely! I stood outside in the bow of the boat because my son wanted to be outside. I would have given it 5 stars if I could have heard the first mate telling us about the surroundings. I only caught glimpses of what he said. Put speakers outside and you will have 5 stars.

Tip: Ask the captain which way the boat will be going around the harbor. I sat on the side away from shore and missed some of the sights.

James and Janet Chrzanowski

CRYSTAL LAKE, IL

1 Review

Verified Traveler

"Very Pleasant and Relaxing - After Much Confusion..."

February 2018

Cruise very pleasant in itself but boarding was confusing bordering on chaotic for first timers. No signage stating that two different cruises were leaving from the same dock...Further, no mention was made by ticket office/advertising/dockside personnel that the same boat was actually used for both the one hour and two hour cruise with the boat returning to the dock after an hour to pick up passengers for either: a one hour cruise, or another full two hour cruise...

Narrators were (switched after one hour leg) very informative...On board beverages were fairly priced and white tablecloths were a surprise.

Definitely five stars if the confusion hadn't existed...

Tip: Generally covered above, I believe...

Tripster Customer

Denver, CO

1 Review

Verified Traveler

"Pleasant experience"

October 2015

Pleasant experience, informative n the views was beautiful. The ride was smooth.

Tip: Buy ur tickets a head of time. Know where to park

Ilse van Ewijk

Los Angeles, CA

1 Review

Verified Traveler

"Magnificent views of San Diego!"

October 2015

My mom visiting from Belgium, my husband and I took the 2-hour Hornblower cruise of the San Diego bays during a weekend trip. The boat itself was spacious and could accommodate a lot of people even though the numbers aboard at the time I went were low. The captain gave detailed information about all the different bays and areas. The bar aboard provided drinks and snacks at reasonable prices too. When I compared everything to other tour boats, I could not have been happier not to be crammed like a sardeen on a touristy boat. Would definitely recommend the Hornblower to everyone out there!

Tip: Sealions Baycruise SanDiego

San Diego Harbor Cruise by Hornblower photo submitted by Ilse Van ewijk

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San Diego Best of the Bay Harbor Cruise is located at City Cruises San Diego Harbor • 970 N. Harbor Drive • San Diego, CA 92101

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Frequently Asked Questions about San Diego Best of the Bay Harbor Cruise

Where does the cruise depart?

The cruise departs from Pier 2 located at 970 N Harbor Dr, San Diego, CA 92101.

How long is the cruise?

The cruise lasts approximately 90 minutes. Check-in is 30 minutes prior to departure.

Is parking available?

City Experiences does not own or operate any parking lots in the area. However, pay-to-park options are available at the nearby lot on Navy Pier, next to the USS Midway.

Does this cruise have any age restrictions?

There are no age restrictions. Plus, children ages 3 and under cruise free! Please note that all minors require adult supervision.

Is gratuity included?

A service charge is collected at the time of reservation, related to the cruise and the service included in the ticket. If you wish to purchase drinks or food onboard, we recommend you leave a gratuity onboard based on the quality of service provided to you by your server.

What is the dress code for this cruise?

The dress code is casual attire, such as khakis, nice jeans, dresses, button-up shirts, and blouses.

What should I bring?

Please bring a valid photo ID. The U.S. Coast Guard requires all passengers over 18 years old to have valid photo identification. Also, bring a light jacket or wrap, as it may get breezy on board.

What happens if it rains or snow?

City Experiences cruise sails rain or shine. In the case of severe weather conditions or upon the direction of the U.S. Coast Guard, the boat will remain dockside, but provide the full dining service.

Is this cruise regulated by the U.S. Coast Guard?

Yes, all City Experiences vessels are subject to inspections by the U.S. Coast Guard and have licensed crew members onboard. They also follow Maritime Security (MARSEC) guidelines.

Is smoking allowed?

Smoking is not permitted.

Are life preservers on board?

Each vessel is 100% Coast Guard certified with life preservers and all required lifesaving equipment, including child life vests.

Is the vessel wheelchair or stroller accessible?

Yes, the vessel is stroller and wheelchair accessible (with some limitations). Please note that the outer decks are accessible via stairs only.

Will I get seasick?

The vast majority of guests experience no discomfort as the cruise remains in the calm waters of the harbor. However, if you are prone to motion sickness, you might experience seasickness and may need to take medication for motion sickness before boarding.