San Diego Harbor Cruise by Hornblower in San Diego, CA

City Experiences by Hornblower970 N. Harbor DriveSan Diego, CA 92101
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Overview

Enjoy beautiful views of the city skyline and local landmarks by water aboard a San Diego Harbor Cruise. Professionally narrated by your Captain, you’ll see Seaport Village, Shelter Island, Coronado Island, Point Loma, marine life, and so much more. A snack bar is available for onboard food/drink purchases. It’s a fun and relaxing way to take in San Diego Bay!

up to 2 hrs 1 or more people

Good To Know

from Ashley, one of our San Diego Travel Experts
  • Sails rain or shine with U.S. Coast Guard approval.
  • Vessels are open-air so dress for the weather, and bring a light jacket.
  • Casual and comfortable attire is encouraged.
  • Cover more than 12 miles of scenic San Diego Bay.
  • Pass by more than 20 points of interest including Point Loma, Cabrillo National Monument and more.

Description

from San Diego Harbor Cruise by Hornblower
Enjoy the best sightseeing on San Diego Bay with a professionally-narrated boat tour of the harbor. Pass by more than 20 of the city's most iconic landmarks. This one-hour San Diego Harbor Cruise by Hornblower Cruises covers over 12 miles on the Big Bay, passing by Seaport Village, Shelter Island, ship-building and dry-docking facilities, Coronado Island, Point Loma, and Cabrillo National Monument, among many others.

See delightful marine animals and majestic sea birds, and hear about what local environmental efforts are doing to protect them. Spot sea lions romping about.

There are plenty of opportunities to capture all the sights in photos and video, and the fully stocked snack bar is always open.

Meeting Location: Pier 2 970 N. Harbor Drive, San Diego, CA 92101 at Broadway. Pay to park options available.

Dress Code: Casual & Comfortable

San Diego Harbor Cruise by Hornblower Reviews

9 Reviews
John Ruggiero Tripster User Profile Image
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.
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Tip: Bring insect spray.

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Tom Smith Tripster User Profile Image
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.
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Tip: It will s very breezy on the boat so bring a jacket or blanket.

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Anthony Italiano Tripster User Profile Image
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!
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Tip: Bring a jacket it can be windy

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Larissa  Leslie Tripster User Profile Image
Larissa Leslie
AU
1 Review
Verified Traveler
"Great hour"
April 2018
Was a lovely tour and very informative
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Karen Singleton Tripster User Profile Image
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.
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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.

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James and Janet Chrzanowski Tripster User Profile Image
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...
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Tip: Generally covered above, I believe...

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 Tripster User Profile Image
Tripster Customer
Denver, CO
1 Review
Verified Traveler
"Pleasant experience"
October 2015
Pleasant experience, informative n the views was beautiful. The ride was smooth.
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Tip: Buy ur tickets a head of time. Know where to park

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Ilse van Ewijk Tripster User Profile Image
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!
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Tip: Sealions Baycruise SanDiego

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Frequently Asked Questions about San Diego Harbor Cruise by Hornblower

Where does the cruise depart?

The cruise will board at Hornblower Cruises & Events located at 970 N. Harbor Dr, San Diego, CA 92101. Meet at Pier 2. Check-in is 30 minutes prior to departure.

Do I get to choose the South or North cruise for my One-Hour Harbor Cruise?

You can be selective on which time you select. Currently, the North Bay Route 10:00 am, 12:30 pm and 3:00 pm. The North cruise covers the California Sea Lions, Nuclear Submarine Base, Star of India, Point Loma Lighthouse, America's Cup Harbor, North Island Naval Air Station and the Cabrillo National Monument. The South Cruise departs at 11:15 am, 1:45 pm and 4:15 pm and cover Midway Aircraft, Naval Destroyers & Frigates, Convention Center, Ship Building Facilities, Naval Station San Diego, Coronado Island and travel under the Coronado Bay Bridge.

Is parking available?

Hornblower/City Cruises does not own or operate any parking lots in the area. However, pay to park options are available nearby. Hornblower San Diego shares a parking lot with the USS Midway. Parking fees are typically $10 for 12 hours (subject to change).

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 additional beverages or food enhancements onboard, we recommend you leave a gratuity onboard based on the quality of service provided to you by your server.

What happens if it rains or snow?

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

Does this cruise have any age restrictions?

There are no age restrictions. All minors require adult supervision.

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, especially for those cruises that occur out on the open ocean.

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

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

What time do I board the ship?

Boarding is 15 minutes prior to your departure time.

Is smoking allowed?

Smoking is not permitted.

Can we meet the captain and visit the pilot house?

Yes. Guests are welcome to come and meet the captain and the first officer. However, for safety and security reasons, please check with the staff onboard before visiting the pilot house.

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 ship wheelchair or stroller accessible?

Yes, the vessel is both wheelchair and stroller accessible. Infants must sit on laps.

Will I get seasick?

The vast majority of guests experience no discomfort at all as they do not leave the calm waters of the harbor. If you tend to have a problem with motion sickness, you may experience seasickness.