San Diego Harbor Cruise provided by Flagship Cruises & Events
BEST SELLER
San Diego Harbor Cruise
San Diego Harbor Cruise
4.5
Book in advance
from
R 546,86
per adultReserve now & pay later: Save your spot free of charge with flexible booking.
Free cancellation
Not sure? You can cancel this booking up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Full view
Tour snapshot
Hear fun facts about San Diego as you sightsee from from water
Duration:
2h
Taking Covid-19 safety measures
Group size:
150
Wheelchair accessible
Ticket type:
Mobile
Free cancellation
- Duration:2h
- Taking Covid-19 safety measures
- Group size:150
- Wheelchair accessible
- Ticket type:Mobile
- Free cancellation
About
See San Diego’s top sights from the water, and save money on transport with this affordable cruise that passes Coronado Bridge, the Naval Base, and sea lions. You’ll learn about the waterway’s importance to the city via narration, and enjoy the view indoors or out. With options including either a 1 or 2 hour cruise, and multiple tour times, this guided cruise fits easily into any San Diego sightseeing plan.
Know before you go
- Duration: 2h
- Mobile tickets accepted
- Instant confirmation
Cancellation policy
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
Available languages
Chinese, English
Highlights
- Pick between indoor or outdoor seating, or sunbathe on the deck
- Choose between a 1-hour or 2-hour cruise, depending on your preferences
- Snacks and beverages are available for purchase (own expense)
What to expect
Meet for this San Diego cruise on North Harbor Drive. Once you check in, board the boat and find the area that suits you. You can sit indoors or outdoors, including on the sun deck.
Your cruise is fully narrated, and you can learn interesting facts about San Diego, its history, and its landmarks. If you’re lucky, you might catch sight of local seals and sea lions, too.
What you see depends on whether you’re on the 1-hour or 2-hour cruise. During both cruises, you can see the Coronado Bridge, the US Naval Base, and the Star of India. During the 2-hour cruise, you can also see the North Island Naval Air Station, the Naval Sub Base, and Cabrillo National Monument.
Snacks and beverages are available on board to purchase (own expense).
Your tour ends back at the meeting place where you boarded your ship.
Know before you go
- Duration: 2h
- Mobile tickets accepted
- Instant confirmation
Available languages
Chinese, English
Cancellation policy
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
Highlights
- Pick between indoor or outdoor seating, or sunbathe on the deck
- Choose between a 1-hour or 2-hour cruise, depending on your preferences
- Snacks and beverages are available for purchase (own expense)
What to expect
Meet for this San Diego cruise on North Harbor Drive. Once you check in, board the boat and find the area that suits you. You can sit indoors or outdoors, including on the sun deck.
Your cruise is fully narrated, and you can learn interesting facts about San Diego, its history, and its landmarks. If you’re lucky, you might catch sight of local seals and sea lions, too.
What you see depends on whether you’re on the 1-hour or 2-hour cruise. During both cruises, you can see the Coronado Bridge, the US Naval Base, and the Star of India. During the 2-hour cruise, you can also see the North Island Naval Air Station, the Naval Sub Base, and Cabrillo National Monument.
Snacks and beverages are available on board to purchase (own expense).
Your tour ends back at the meeting place where you boarded your ship.Need help booking?
Call the number below and use the product code: 5144_C0001
Important information
Inclusions
- 1-hour harbor cruise (if option selected)
- 2-hour harbor cruise (if option selected)
- Indoor and Outdoor seating
Exclusions
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Food and drinks (onboard snack bar available to purchase)
- Gratuities
Duration
2h
Departure details
- 990 N Harbor Dr, San Diego, CA 92101, USA Flagship ticketbooth
Additional information
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Please note: you must advise of your preferred departure times in the Special Requirements field at checkout. All times are subject to availability
- Please provide contact information (i.e cell phone) for the local operator to be able to reach you in case of changes to boarding or yacht
- Wheelchair accessible
- Stroller accessible
- Service animals allowed
- Near public transportation
- Infant seats available
- Transportation is wheelchair accessible
- For all our cruises: The State of California Department of Public Health has issues a new mandate. Masks are required for all individuals in all indoor public settings, regardless of vaccination status from December 15, 2021 through January 15, 2022.
- Most travellers can participate
- This experience requires good weather. If it’s cancelled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 150 travellers
Inclusions
- 1-hour harbor cruise (if option selected)
- 2-hour harbor cruise (if option selected)
- Indoor and Outdoor seating
Exclusions
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Food and drinks (onboard snack bar available to purchase)
- Gratuities
Departure details
- 990 N Harbor Dr, San Diego, CA 92101, USA Flagship ticketbooth
Duration
2h
Return details
- Returns to original departure point
Additional information
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Please note: you must advise of your preferred departure times in the Special Requirements field at checkout. All times are subject to availability
- Please provide contact information (i.e cell phone) for the local operator to be able to reach you in case of changes to boarding or yacht
- Wheelchair accessible
- Stroller accessible
- Service animals allowed
- Near public transportation
- Infant seats available
- Transportation is wheelchair accessible
- For all our cruises: The State of California Department of Public Health has issues a new mandate. Masks are required for all individuals in all indoor public settings, regardless of vaccination status from December 15, 2021 through January 15, 2022.
- Most travellers can participate
- This experience requires good weather. If it’s cancelled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 150 travellers
Travel safe during COVID-19
Last updated: 15 Dec 2021
A note from San Diego Harbor Cruise
For all our cruises: The State of California Department of Public Health has issues a new mandate. Masks are required for all individuals in all indoor public settings, regardless of vaccination status from December 15, 2021 through January 15, 2022.
What you can expect during your visit
- Regular temperature checks for staff
- Regularly sanitised high-traffic areas
- Guides required to regularly wash hands
What you can expect during your visit
- Regular temperature checks for staff
- Regularly sanitised high-traffic areas
- Guides required to regularly wash hands
- Hand sanitiser available to travellers and staff
- Transportation vehicles regularly sanitised
- Contactless payment for gratuities and add-ons
- Face masks required for guides in public areas
- Paid stay-at-home policy for staff with symptoms
- Gear/equipment sanitised between use
- Face masks required for travellers in public areas
- Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Itinerary
- You'll start at990 N Harbor Dr990 N Harbor Dr, San Diego, CA 92101, USAFlagship ticketboothSee address & details
- 1San Diego BayStop: 2 hoursEnjoy breathtaking view of the beautiful San Diego Bay including downtown San Diego, Midway ship, Coronado Island, Coronado military base, Coronado bridge, cruise ship terminal and many more!Read morePass byStar of IndiaCoronado BridgeNaval Base San DiegoShelter Island Park ShorelineCabrillo National Monument
- You'll return to the starting point
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
652 reviews
Excellent
438
Very good
136
Average
45
Poor
22
Terrible
11
Eddie E
3 contributions
Couples
The boat captain was great at explaining the ships and their history. Breeze was great and weather was windy. Bring a sweater because once the boat gets up to speed it then drops like 10 degrees at least due to wind factor. Went in April but if you go in summer then you may not not a sweater. The top deck has first come first serve benches and tables in the center of the deck. I'd reserve a table as its more comfortable. The benches become uncomfortable because you have to crane your back and back to see sights and sounds. Standing is the best but it can get tiresome. Line for alcohol drinks is up to 15 minute wait so either get in line early (bar is on second floor) or don't drink until after you're off the boat. Some people are on for 1 hour and others are on for 2 hours. After an hour the boat will head back to the boat. The 2 hour group stay on board and eat brunch and get drunk while the next 1 hour group boards. Staff is friendly. I didn't bring cash but it be nice to tip the staff im the tip bucket on your way out. Family owned and operated and it shows.
Written 18 April 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Amy
2 contributions
Family
Our Flagship Cruise was the highlight of our vacation to San Diego. We took an afternoon whale watching cruise with Captain Brendan, Guide Dale and mate Raoul. My daughter is 7 yrs old with Muscular Dystrophy. The crewmates, especially Dale and Raoul, took amazing care of her by assisting me as I carried her up the steps to the deck. Raoul stayed close to us to make sure the other passengers made space for her to see at the rail in her special stroller. Dale made her honorary "Captain Claire" and proclaimed her the ship's good luck charm when we were the first ship of the afternoon to see a whale. He asked the other passengers to thank her for bringing her good luck as we left after a beautiful tour in pretty calm waters. Many passengers stopped to thank her, which made her very proud.
This was a great family afternoon in San Diego at a very reasonable rate, especially if you check Groupon. For other families with disabled kids, this is a very friendly and helpful place for your child to come and receive special attention. I found out after we boarded that I could have brought her wheelchair as long as we stayed on the main deck, which is wall to wall windows.
Give it a shot and you will not regret it!
This was a great family afternoon in San Diego at a very reasonable rate, especially if you check Groupon. For other families with disabled kids, this is a very friendly and helpful place for your child to come and receive special attention. I found out after we boarded that I could have brought her wheelchair as long as we stayed on the main deck, which is wall to wall windows.
Give it a shot and you will not regret it!
Written 25 March 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Amy, thank you for the awesome review! We are so glad we could exceed your expectations, and Captain Claire's. We look forward to seeing you again soon!
Written 30 March 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Sheila A-L.
Milwaukee, United States3 contributions
We joined the two-hour harbor cruise and found it to be comfortable, informative and interesting. The vessel was about 1/3 full so there were plenty of seats and it was easy to hear the narrator. The staff were most helpful taking photos with stunning backgrounds. Good value
Written 19 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Christina D
1 contribution
Family
Purchased a Groupon for 4 adults. It was easy to make the reservations and process the Groupon through their website. They email you confirmation and your ticket. We arrived 15 mins early as stated. There is a line and because it’s first come first serve to get a good spot, you should get there 20-25 min early. When they started boarding the lady ANNA scanned my ticket but stated it was only valid for 1 adult, the ticket said “1-Adult Groupon for 4” which should be obvious it’s actually for 4 adults. Instead of being professional and understanding she proceeded to tell me to get out of line and go “figure it out at the booth!”. It was clear she wasn’t going to be helpful to the situation so I walked to the booth as she very loudly said “ugh she’s so stupid!” to everyone who was behind me in line. Then suddenly she appeared next to me and said “I’m going to go ahead and stand with you so you see you’re wrong” at this point I realize she’s clearly insane because I was never argumentative and never asked for her further assistance. I only stated one thing to her and she lost it “it’s a Groupon for 4, here’s my email confirmation” she proceeded to go off the hinges all while standing directly in front of me now, mask down and no matter how much I moved away from her she would move closer. I then politely ask her to move away from me and give me my personal space back. Her response was “no, I’m ok!” so then I moved and finally was assisted at the service booth. According to the lady at the booth, Flagship has not updated their systems related to groupons and most “ticket scanning” employees are unaware of the Groupon’s so they just direct you to the booth. Which is fine but hopefully you don’t run into ANNA because she will berate you. My best advice, just go the booth first. Sadly we lost our place in line and didn’t get a good spot to sit. Overall fun cruise, staff on board were very nice.
Written 16 October 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Lyn
San Diego, CA1 contribution
Friends
Been on this tour multiple times would normally highly recommend it. The narrator is always very animated and gives interesting information however this time there was just far too many people. Had to fight for a seat and then there were so many people upstairs you couldn't see the sites. I know you're trying to make up for being closed last year but having this many people defeats the point.
Written 6 September 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
lagunabelle
Laguna Beach, CA7 contributions
Courtesy, Efficiency, onboard cleanliness. We took the "Spirit of San Diego".
We booked the 2 hr 1.45p-3.45p and received proof of purchase online and exchanged it for one ticket for 4 people at the kiosk on the harbor. Crew at the boarding were very helpful. We climbed a very steep staircase to second indoor floor. If you are handicapped, there is a lower indoor level. There is an outside seating/viewing area at bow and rear of boat. Liquid refreshments only were available. Sound system was not available on the second level although the commentator visited the level on a couple of occasions. We could not hear the full commentary. Would suggest you upgrade your sound system.
We booked the 2 hr 1.45p-3.45p and received proof of purchase online and exchanged it for one ticket for 4 people at the kiosk on the harbor. Crew at the boarding were very helpful. We climbed a very steep staircase to second indoor floor. If you are handicapped, there is a lower indoor level. There is an outside seating/viewing area at bow and rear of boat. Liquid refreshments only were available. Sound system was not available on the second level although the commentator visited the level on a couple of occasions. We could not hear the full commentary. Would suggest you upgrade your sound system.
Written 21 January 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Thank you for your cruising with Flagship! We appreciate your feedback and for letting us know there were issues with the sound system during your tour. We hope to see you again soon!
Written 3 February 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Rose
1 contribution
Family
Very nice boat ride along the southern and northern harbor shores of beautiful San Diego. They provided great information on all parts and the military water/air crafts and the base located on Coronado. Snacks, hotdogs, Sodas and alcohol beverages available, plus Bathroom access. Sit inside for a side view with A/C on or outside on the back deck or the very top. Wear a hat and apply sunscreen. Parking is easy during the week. I suggest to pay the metered parking of $2.50 for 3 hrs or park on side of USS MIDWAY museum for $10 all day.
Written 23 September 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Mike M
Lewes, DE391 contributions
Make sure to get to the ship on time as it leaves promptly at the designated time and leave time to find parking. We cut is close ourselves.
We visited San Diego for our niece's wedding and this was one of the trips that we took. We signed for the 2 hour tour so first we went to the southern end of the bay, returned to port and then departed for the northern end. The ship was clean and the staff friendly. As you would expect, there was a long line for the bar when the boat departed and the drinks were priced a bit high.
The tour guide certainly knew every bit of the San Diego Bay and just about every ship located there. All I can say about that is LESS is better as it seemed like he droned on and on. I think if if highlighted the more fascinating ships or other sights and skipped the lesser known, it would have kept more interest especially when the ship passengers ranged in age from babies to grandparents.
The best part was probably seeing the sea lions sun bathing.
We visited San Diego for our niece's wedding and this was one of the trips that we took. We signed for the 2 hour tour so first we went to the southern end of the bay, returned to port and then departed for the northern end. The ship was clean and the staff friendly. As you would expect, there was a long line for the bar when the boat departed and the drinks were priced a bit high.
The tour guide certainly knew every bit of the San Diego Bay and just about every ship located there. All I can say about that is LESS is better as it seemed like he droned on and on. I think if if highlighted the more fascinating ships or other sights and skipped the lesser known, it would have kept more interest especially when the ship passengers ranged in age from babies to grandparents.
The best part was probably seeing the sea lions sun bathing.
Written 17 August 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Thanks for the detailed review Mike! We appreciate your feedback.
Written 3 February 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Brian M
2 contributions
WARNING: Their website is totally misleading. The boat in the pic is NOT the one we got. Everybody in line felt like they got scammed. We signed up for the Fourth of July Big Bay Boom and ended up a speed boat. We brought it to the attention of the ticket taker and she said "yeah I get that all the time." Pictures taken beforehand were "lost" and our captain seemed to not be paying attention during the 20 minute firework show. He kept spinning us in circles to see all the barges shooting fireworks, except smoke covered up the ones he kept pointing to, although he did make an announcement at the end that tips were allowed.
Written 5 July 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
MsDND
Inglewood, CA2 contributions
Family
I actually would give the San Diego Harbor Cruise itself a 5/5. Giving 3/5 for a few reasons:
1) We were 1st in a long line waiting to board. When we were released to board, I very politely asked the crew member (who later turned out to be the tour narrator),
“ Where’s the best place to sit”. He replied, “On the boat”. He was rude and sarcastic in my opinion.
2) We paid for the 2 hour cruise. Wasn’t aware that they bring the boat back after the 1st half then go back out to a different part of the harbor for the 2nd half. After 1st half, our family started to get off the boat with most of the other passengers. I said to the narrator standing at the exit , “we were expecting 2 hours”. He told us that it is 2 hours and to stay on the boat for the rest. I wonder if all the others that got off the boat knew.
3) The first half of the trip, we sat inside the boat. We couldn’t understand one word that was being spoken by the narrator because the sound system was very bad inside the boat. Muffled, low sound, garbled. 2nd half we sat on the top of the boat outside and the clarity of the narration was excellent! Heard everything very clearly and had a much better experience the 2nd half. The huge ships and beautiful blue ribbon- like bridge above our heads was amazing. The overall Harbor Cruise was great. Top: If it’s not hot out bring a jacket!
1) We were 1st in a long line waiting to board. When we were released to board, I very politely asked the crew member (who later turned out to be the tour narrator),
“ Where’s the best place to sit”. He replied, “On the boat”. He was rude and sarcastic in my opinion.
2) We paid for the 2 hour cruise. Wasn’t aware that they bring the boat back after the 1st half then go back out to a different part of the harbor for the 2nd half. After 1st half, our family started to get off the boat with most of the other passengers. I said to the narrator standing at the exit , “we were expecting 2 hours”. He told us that it is 2 hours and to stay on the boat for the rest. I wonder if all the others that got off the boat knew.
3) The first half of the trip, we sat inside the boat. We couldn’t understand one word that was being spoken by the narrator because the sound system was very bad inside the boat. Muffled, low sound, garbled. 2nd half we sat on the top of the boat outside and the clarity of the narration was excellent! Heard everything very clearly and had a much better experience the 2nd half. The huge ships and beautiful blue ribbon- like bridge above our heads was amazing. The overall Harbor Cruise was great. Top: If it’s not hot out bring a jacket!
Written 12 April 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Can I bring small dog in a stroller
Jeanne Freedman
Hatboro, PA3 contributions
Sorry but I don't know.
Lisa V
Port Clinton, OH19 contributions
If make reservations on line, do you have to wait in ticket box line ?
Jodi P
Salt Lake City, UT
Are masks required on the boat?
Baroque_Flute
Sedona, AZ24 contributions
No, but if you're concerned for your safety you can stay outside. In our experience, it was impossible to hear the guide inside, and outside was much nicer. Be prepared for it to get windy.
MaxxFactor
1 contribution
What is the difference between the south and the north bay tour
Gary R
Ripon, WI12 contributions
South bay tour was more interesting to me - you go under the Coronado bridge and right past to most of the big naval ships (though not the active duty nuclear carriers) at the navy base. The north bay was interesting too - you go close to Point Loma and see a bunch of sea lions sunning by fishing bait area. And you get additional information about the Coronado naval base.
Kenneth K
Bloomington IN, United States5 contributions
Are small pets allowed on the cruise?
Riversider
Apache Junction, AZ38 contributions
Sorry, I don't know. They're very nice; give them a call.
Sunset Paradise 2328
Las Vegas, NV4 contributions
Will my service dog be allowed on the boat with me. She has her on water vest?
Sunset Paradise 2328
Las Vegas, NV4 contributions
Will be able to bring my service dog with me on cruise? She has her own water vest
Are people take people in a wheel chair?
bellevue1
Lynnwood, WA657 contributions
I didn't see people in the wheel chair on the day we were there. But there is a wheel chair friendly ramp going into the boat. The wheel chair may have to stay in the first floor dining room though, cause from the first floor you have to take stairs to the second floor dining room and also the deck.
About the operator
Don’t take it from us – here’s what people have to say about this operator.
By: Flagship Cruises & Events
MetM1
00Good but not extraordinary
The cruise by it self was ordinary. No entertainment while on water. The diner was good but not a culinary experien…
Parker1211
00Outstanding harbor cruise
Very impressed with the entire experience. Food was better than expected with lots of options including smoked sa…
JoeTourGuidez
00Ridiculous Price but Good
At over $580 for 4 people the price is ridiculous. High fees on top of high price. That said, the food was VERY goo…
tigcokie
00best brunch in forever
highly recommend so fun and staff awesome the food was delicious and your glass never empty!! ship clean and spacio…
Alfred Z
00Must do for couples!!!
Easy location, great views and excellent service from the staff, Cesar our main server make sure champagne kept pou…
mshelleap
00Nice experience
Everything was good. It was a very nice experience the whole time. Wish there were more to eat but we were told the…
staceysZ5188DL
00It was So/so
Dinner was OK, staff was nice, kids running all over the ship made it a little annoying. It was very hot most of th…
joselN1557IM
00excellent expense.
we took the one-hour north harbor tour. I am glad we did excellent information. the sites he pointed out were very …
Carla M
00Lovely boat ride for couples / family.
The boat ride was lovely seeing the harbor lights not rocking at all. Trying different types of main course meals …
Yotriadri95
00Excellent.
Very romantic and relaxing. An unforgetable experience, and without a doubt I would definitely do it again.
Lillongo
00Wonderful for a Bachelorette party
This was a wonderful experience for a larger bachelorette party group!! We loved the service and the quality of the…
joyv550
00Fireworks "cruise" was okay. Good view
I went on the 4th of July fireworks cruise and we had a great view of the fireworks from where they stopped. My com…
bonitav240
00My favorite part of the experience was the food. Each entrée was very fresh
My favorite part of the experience was the food. Each entrée was very fresh. Our waiter was very attentive too.
CrestaBellaTX
00Go Hornblower vs Flagship
All in, not a great experience, especially for my wife. Booked with Flagship, which was a mistake. Easy to book, c…
K599RXgarym
00Food fiasco
Don't run out of food and provide low quality substitutions. Notify the guest in advance when you substitute chicke…
Frequently Asked Questions about San Diego Harbor Cruise
- During this experience, places you will visit include:Discover and book San Diego Harbor Cruise on Tripadvisor
- San Diego Harbor Cruise price starts from R 533,84. Discover and book San Diego Harbor Cruise on Tripadvisor
- San Diego Harbor Cruise cancellation policy: For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience. Discover and book San Diego Harbor Cruise on Tripadvisor
- San Diego Harbor Cruise is hosted by Flagship Cruises & Events. Read reviews, discover additonal experiences or contact Flagship Cruises & Events on Tripadvisor. Discover and book San Diego Harbor Cruise on Tripadvisor