san diego boat tours shelter island

🕒 Open Year-Round | Mon-Sun: 9am - 6pm | +1 619-297-7426

YOU'LL LOVE SEEING SAN DIEGO LIKE THIS

Founded by San Diegans in the late ’80s and family-owned ever since.

Family-Friendly, Certified Captains Luxury Sailboats

THE BEST WAY TO EXPERIENCE SAN DIEGO

Welcome Aboard! Experience the difference from the moment you arrive. From checking in at our cozy lounge to being greeted by our friendly Captains and Crew, you’ll enjoy the beauty of San Diego aboard our well-maintained fleet of modern-day sailboats. Departing from our private marina, we offer daily scheduled sailing charters 7 days a week, all year long. Choose from multiple sail times to suit your schedule and enjoy the beauty of San Diego from the water. -All Ages Welcome

PUBLIC SAILING OPTIONS

This isn’t your everyday crowded charter! When you sign up for our public sail, we keep it small and personal with a maximum of 6 guests. So, get ready to share the adventure with fellow sailing enthusiasts.

• Great for Kids
• Hour Glass 2 Hours

Public Morning Sail

Great option if you have limited time. Morning Sails are best know for calm waters and light wind.

Sailboat Limited to 6 Guests Max User USCG Licensed Captain Check Bubble Complimentary Drinks & Snacks

• Our Favorite
• Hour Glass 3 Hours

Public Day Sail

Our favorite for sure! Stronger winds give us more speed helping the boat go faster, creating a thrilling experience.

• Sells Out Fast!

Public Sunset Sail

Most popular and first to sell out. Sunset Sails may be among the most romantic and relaxing moments of your day.

PRIVATE SAILING OPTIONS

Grab your friends, family or special someone and see the best of San Diego on your own private sailboat.

Private Morning Sail

Sailboat Up to 12 Guests Max User Private & Bareboat Options Check Bubble Complimentary Drinks & Snacks

Private Day Sail

Private sunset sail, why people love sail san diego charters.

We did the morning tour and this was one of the best San Diego experiences we have done. From start to finish everything was easy. The sailboat was beautiful. Check in was quick and on time. Our group of four found the experience awesome. We live in San Diego and saw so many things we had never seen or even knew about. I'd definitely do this trip again.

We went on the morning sail and it was a perfect way to start the day. This great deal allowed all 3 of to have the most memorable 2 hours of our trip to San Diego. Wish we could’ve sailed all day! Our capt Greg was fun and knowledgeable and we had the time of our lives. Thanks for the memory Sail San Diego!

What a wonderful group to work with. We had the perfect morning, saw so much wildlife, learned about the military in the area and saw beautiful sights. Our daughter was able to steer the sailboat for a while and learned about how the wind impacted the sails. If you go, use Sail San Diego. You wont be disappointed. Make sure you check out the membership opportunities.

WHY SAIL SAN DIEGO?

At Sail San Diego, we believe that our captains & crew are the reason why our sailing experiences are better than the rest. From the dock crew cleaning the boats, the office crew making sure our guests are checked in, to the captains safely navigating the waters, our team is undoubtedly the most experienced in the industry.

Best of all – They are Friendly, Professional and Fun!

Why Sail San Diego?

THERE'S MORE THAN ONE REASON TO SAIL WITH US

RATED #1 ON TRIPADVISOR

Sail San Diego has been sailing guests for more than 3 decades & we are #1 on Tripadvisor by customer reviews out of 600+ tours in San Diego.

EVERYTHING IS INCLUDED

All beer, non-alcoholic drinks and snacks are complimentary. We don’t give you just one and make you pay for more! Free parking options nearby.

THE BEST CAPTAINS

Our US Coast Guard-certified captains are hand-picked from top charter companies worldwide and have 80+ years combined experience!

SAFETY & COMFORT

Our fleet is regularly maintained, meticulously cleaned & stocked before each sail. We have blankets onboard, and you can browse our store.

Visit the Sail San Diego Lounge

Stop by our retail and check-in lounge and say hi! We’ve got tons of limited edition sailing swag and cool brands like Helley Hansen, Sunski Sunglasses, and SunBum Sunscreen.

Give the Gift of an Experience - Purchase Your Gift Card Today!

Next Level Sailing

San diego's best whale watching & sailing experiences.

• Most Popular

Whale Watching

Jump on board the world-famous America for a once-in-a-lifetime Whale Watching experience in San Diego. We see whales all year long!

• Calendar Daily
• Clock 3 Hours

We've Had 200,000 Passengers Since 2006

100% Whale Watching 2022-2023 Winter Season

No Seasickness Guarantee

2023 america’s schooner cup.

After such a successful race last year, we are opening our deck up once again to the public for this phenomenal experience. We will be racing in the 2023 America’s Schooner Cup and we invite YOU to come help us hoist the sails and compete for the cup!

CORPORATE ENTERTAINING

Cocktail cruises, rehearsal dinners, catering & private dining, anniversaries, film/media production, engagement parties, bridal showers.

Take part in San Diego whale watching with Next Level Sailing for an experience of a lifetime. Aboard our beautiful, 139 ft yacht, you are able to take part in a highly faceted adventure. Not only are you being exposed to the exciting world of sailing, but are given the opportunity to meet an abundance of wildlife, including: sea lions, dolphins, whales, and more! Whether you are looking for the best SD whale watching excursion or planning an important event at sea, Next Level Sailing San Diego is here to fulfill your dreams. We pride ourselves in having a long-standing crew of young and talented sailors. Sail stress-free with our highly qualified team on board at all time. Qualified in First Aid and other Coast Guard required credentials, each of our crew members have some key roles in addition to their all-round charm and local knowledge.

Why Choose Next Level Sailing?

✓   Safety on Board : Safety is our number one priority for our customers. Everything you need to feel comfortable will be available to you upon arrival. We are a U.S. Coast Guard Inspected Vessel and we undergo annual inspections every year. 

✓ Charter Options : No matter what occasion, Next Level Sailing is prepared to make your event an experience of a lifetime. Our private charter options include: Whale Watching, Weddings, Rehearsal Dinners, Corporate Entertaining, Birthdays, Anniversaries, Reunions, Film/Media Production, Cocktail Cruises, Engagement Parties, Bridal Showers.

✓ Private Dining & Catering : We provide our guests with incredible private dining options, with menus hand selected from some of San Diego’s finest restaurants. In addition, live music is available.

✓ Our Boat : The Yacht America is a 139 ft racing yacht, with a capacity of 77 people. Whether you are hosting a larger party or partaking in a whale watching trip, you will have plenty of room to move around on our spacious San Diego boat.

✓ Trustworthy Crew : When setting sail, you will be welcomed on board with a highly qualified crew. They are excited to make your trip both easy and entertaining.

Where is The America?

See the current location of the America

You can see the location of The America in real time. Follow the link to see other details about the vessel.

Next Level Sailing Reviews

Not a whale in sight, but still a fabulous sail onboard Yacht America out of San Diego Bay. Thank you, Capt. Troy!

It is definitely worth it. We weren’t lucky to see any whales but we still had a great time in the boat. It was a nice and calm ride. So relaxing!

We had a great time on this trip, the crew was very knowledgeable. Unfortunately, we didn’t see any Whales but we did see lots of dolphins. I would do it again!

We loved our trip! The crew was extremely friendly and share lots of information on the local area including history, wildlife, and the Navy! We will be back!

If you want a great day sail on a classic yacht you’ll love this experience. We didn’t see whales but still had a great time, plus a free rain check for a future trip.

Wow, what a ship. Fantastic ship and crew, we give IT outsourcing best recommendations. Book online in Advance to make sure you get this experience.

We had a fantastic time on the trip. Got to see a blue whale, the only one seen that day by any tours. They had excellent narration and the staff was very friendly. Highly recommended!

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San Diego SEAL Tours

SEA & LAND ADVENTURES

We Make Vacations Better ®

Join us on san diego seal tours to view america’s finest city on a boat with wheels..

Ready to see the best of San Diego on sea and land?  Your 100-minute, fully narrated SEAL Tour departs from Seaport Village or the Embarcadero. Wind your way through picturesque San Diego streets before splashing down for a cruise through the waters of the San Diego Bay. Experience the history and ecological wonders of San Diego in the comfort and security of our virtually unsinkable Hydra-Terras. Here you will learn first-hand of our rich military history and cruise through the waters that are the playground of the California Seals and Sea Lions.

San Diego tours depart from two locations, Seaport Village or Embarcadero. Your land and sea adventure is led by one of our experienced sightseeing tour guides. Our captain and crew are locals who love this beautiful city, so they know about the best things to see and do!

View some of San Diego’s most famous points of interest including the Maritime Museum, Star of India, The U.S.S. Midway, Lindbergh Field, Seaport Village, Shelter Island and many other San Diego attractions!

Once on the water, the boat tour glides past resident San Diego seals and sea lions, a few California brown pelicans, and several other wildlife species from the safety and comfort of our amphibious vehicles.

Enjoy a leisurely cruise and witness various San Diego attractions including Point Loma, the North Island Naval Air Station, Point Loma Submarine Base, the Scripps Institution of Oceanography, the Marine Mammal Training Center, Shelter Island and much more!

FREE Self-Guided Walking Tours (adult ticket) Enjoy San Diego your way with our self-guided walking tours. As you finish your SEAL Tour, the adventure continues at your own pace, using your smartphone for turn-by-turn guided audio tours. Explore rich history, discover hidden gems, and immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of America’s Finest City. Even after you disembark, the fun keeps going, ensuring an unforgettable experience that’s uniquely yours.

Select Your Journey

Whether you’re just breezing through or enjoying an extended stay, we’ve got several options to choose from to help you maximize your time in San Diego and still see the best first!

1423 reviews

San Diego Seal Tour 4.6

San Diego SEAL Tour

• 100-minute, fully narrated SEAL Tour
• State-of-the-art U.S. Coast Guard certified Hydra-Terra vehicles
• Wind your way through picturesque San Diego streets
• Cruise through the waters of San Diego Bay
• FREE Self-Guided Walking Tours (adult ticket)

Old Town Trolley Pass & SEAL Tour

• 1 day of free unlimited re-boarding aboard the Old Town Trolley
• Only hop-on and off tour over the bridge to Coronado
• FREE Self-Guided Walking Tours

Whaley House Evening Guided Tour

• Be part of the historic legacy, mystery and legends of the Whaley Family, and hear of their myths and misconceptions
• Approximately 30-minute guided tour through the historic Whaley House and the surrounding grounds
• Regale in the tales of the spirits from the past and perhaps even experience the paranormal

Whaley House Daytime Self-Guided Tour

• Self-paced tour through the interior and surrounding grounds of the House
• Immerse yourself into the history that makes the property a unique legacy site
• Discover the heritage that leads many to believe that the Whaley House is America's Most Haunted
• Get an unparalleled peek into early California history

Ghosts & Gravestones

• Join our spirited & entertaining tour built on stories, history, mystery and legends
• Travel back and hear about the spirits of characters who lived & died in San Diego
• Hear stories of how Pioneer Park changes to the darker side when the sun goes down
• Includes outside of the Whaley House and grounds. Tour does not enter the house.

San Diego City Lights Night Tour

• Open-air sightseeing perfect for taking pictures
• Approximately 1 hour and 40 minute tour
• See San Diego’s famous sights illuminated at night
• Take in romantic views of the city and cruise past notable landmarks

1-Day Old Town Trolley Tour

• 1 day of free unlimited re-boarding
• Hop on & off at 11 Old Town Trolley stops
• San Diego’s largest fleet with the most frequent service

ADVENTURE TOUR

Click to start

DID YOU KNOW...

The Star Of India is the World’s Oldest active iron clad sailing ship, sailing since Abraham Lincoln was President.

Seaport Village was built on landfill over Punta de los Muertos, Dead Man’s Point, where the Spanish expedition of 1782 buried those who had died of scurvy.

Artist Pae White designed the Visitor INFO Center with colored glass in hues that mimic the dawn and dusk hours of the San Diego Bay

There are 33 different species of seals? The largest of these is the elephant seal, weighing up to 8,800 pounds.

The foam flotation system in the SEAL has side sections of 100% aluminum, the hull is divided into small compartments and filled with foam material.

The Naval Base located at Ballast Point was originally a Spanish Fort.

The USS Midway was America's longest-serving aircraft carrier of the 20th century, from 1945 to 1992.

Please rotate your phone

Tour schedule, the seal tour departs daily.

Wind your way through picturesque San Diego streets before splashing down for a cruise through the waters of the San Diego Bay. The sightseeing tour is approximately 100 minutes; 40 minutes on land and 60 minutes on the water. 

Click BUY TICKETS to see our Calendar

Closed Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Schedule subject to change due to weather and low tide conditions or city events.

Download Brochure

Points of Departure

• Seaport Village Map
• Embarcadero Map

SAN DIEGO TRAVEL GUIDE

CHOOSE YOUR CRUISE

Sea lion express 🦭.

All  ages welcome  |  Yep, the bar is open!

This is a  guided  tour. Get your camera in full op mode to capture all the action and playful antics of the Big Bay ‘ s blubbery behemoths as they sun themselves and jostle for space on the bait docks south of Shelter Island. We bring knowledge of sea lions, Point Loma, Navy trained dolphins and Cabrillo Monument along with other surprising information from this side of the bay. As always, your host brings a comedic, improv flair to each tour . . .  “where anything can happen.”

Tour: approx 1 hr. 🌴 Price : $29 (all tix)

The fine print: This is not a private charter. Other groups/people will be on board. Our boat holds 30 passengers,. A minimum of eight passengers (all groups combined) is needed to operate. Absolutely no outside food or beverages permitted.

🍾 Special tour! 🥳 #tikigram tour

All  ages welcome  |  Yep, the bar is open!

We hit 10k followers! 🙌 This is our celebratory free cruise for our IG followers! Sorry non-followers, this is a free cruise for our fans. If you ‘ d like to be one and there ‘ s tics still available, follow us on IG to get the code. Tour will be fun, interactive, and filled with great prizes and games…like all our tours!

One tic per guest when booking, reservations with one more than one tic will be removed and refunded. Make sure you collab with your friends!

Tour: approx 2 hrs. 🌴 Price : FREE! (with promo code)

Laki’s Liquid Lounge 🎺

18+  |  Yep, the bar is open! |

This is not a guided tour. The perfect, low-key, night out with friends and coolest“date night”. Laki ‘ s Liquid Lounge is here! San Diego ‘ s first and only floating tiki lounge. Gorgeous skyline views, tranquil night breezes, and calm waters make San Diego Bay at night a“must-see.” Chill vibes, mood lighting, great drinks, and music from days of the past transport you to a different time. Enjoy the smooth sounds of artists like Ella Fitzgerald, Sinatra, Sammy, Michael Bublé, Nina Simone and occasional live acoustic sets from local musicians. Stay cozy San Diego, BYO-Blanket. 18+ only.

Tour: approx 1 hr. 45 mins. 🌴 P rice: $62 – adult / $54 – senior & military

The fine print: This is not a private charter. Other groups/people will be on board. Our boat holds 30 passengers, a minimum of eight passengers (all groups combined) is needed to operate. Absolutely no outside food or beverages permitted.

TIKI TONics 🍻

21+  |  Yep, the bar is open!

This is  not  a guided tour. Enjoy the day with friends – both old and new – while sipping cocktails on the bay.🍹 This cruise removes the tour guide and creates a social environment of fun, laughter and scenic picture taking. Book now and become part of the most fun Tiki vibe in San Diego!

Tour: approx 2 hrs. 🌴 P rice: $57  – adult / $51 – senior & military

the tropical TIKI 🌺

This is a  guided  sightseeing tour. Board the Tiki to discover all things San Diego: USS Midway, Coronado bridge, Star of India, and so much more. Our hosts are bay experts AND rock star improvisors, so expect the unexpected! As always, your host brings you tons of facts using comedic wit and improv flair.

Tour: approx 1 hr. 45 mins. 🌴  Price:  $57 – adult / $51  – senior & military / $40 – children

fireworks & tiki fun 🎆

All ages welcome on this 4th of July extravaganza. Come celebrate the biggest birthday of the year – America ‘ s! Join us on the famous (kind of) Tiki boat and enjoy 360 degree panoramic views of the entire Big Bay ‘ s annual tribute to our country. We position our boat so you can enjoy incredible views of all three barges of pyrotechnics located throughout the Big Bay with a bonus of watching Sea Worlds fireworks to the north. Book now and make it a 4th the entire family will remember for years to come!

Tour: approx 2 hrs. 15 mins. 🌴  Ticket price:  $68 – adult / $60  – senior & military / $48 – children

Tiki Time Bay Tours

2803 Emerson Street

San Diego, CA 92106

(858) 848 -0097

Book a weekday tour!

YACHT RENTAL SAN DIEGO | 75FT CATAMARAN CHARTER

Your Yacht Rental, Your Crew, Your Dream Day on Beautiful San Diego Bay!

WIN A $25K YACHT WEDDING SIGN UP HERE

Largest Capacity

Triton has the largest occupancy of any San Diego catamaran. We are Coast Guard certified to have up to 100 passengers on board.

Enjoy our comfortable,  modern 13-seat custom bar, built-in waterslide, plenty of seating, elegant décor, flat screen tv, dance floor, and bow trampoline.

Epic Sights

Splash through San Diego Bay and set your eyes on the greatest monuments that San Diego has to offer on our ticketed charters

Cocktails and Beer

Triton offers cocktails, draft beer, wine, soft drinks, juice, and more! Ask about our catering options!

Captain & Crew

Your San Diego boat rental includes a Coast Guard certified captain and crew members to assist you on your journey.

Triton arrived from a long 38-day journey and landed in San Diego Bay – Making Triton the newest San Diego yacht rental.

What Our Yacht Rental Customers Are Saying

With over 700 5 star reviews, you can be sure you’ll have a blast on our luxury yacht charter!

TAKE OUR 360° TOUR

Why Choose a Catamaran Yacht Rental?

What does your dream day look like? If it includes cruising the California coast, Mission Bay, and San Diego Bay on a private, luxury yacht with your own captain and crew to take care of all the details, you’ve come to the right place.  Kick back, relax, bask in the sun and take in the gorgeous views of the San Diego skyline, while we sail into the day of your dreams.

We’ll customize your sail to your needs, whether you’re looking for a sunset sail with your family, an adventure trip out to sea with your friends, or a cruise around the bay to entertain clients and colleagues.

Our beautiful yacht rental is designed to accommodate private charters for couples, families, friends, or your most important clients. Our catamarans offer options so that you can plan the perfect afternoon or multi-day sail:

Our boats are beautiful, but it’s our people that make the real difference; we take pride in our customer service and strive to provide friendly captains and staff to ensure that your charter is enjoyable and stress-free.

Don’t just dream of your yachting vacation, let us help you make it a reality. Tranquility awaits on the Triton Catamaran.

What You Can Expect On Your San Diego Yacht Charter

Every charter includes a captain and crew that are dedicated to making your trip comfortable and safe. With a captain at the helm, and a crew member assisting with drinks, questions, add-ons, and requests, you will feel as if this is your yacht and your crew.

Embark from Shelter Island and set a course for the Pacific Ocean or San Diego Bay. Either head north to La Jolla and gaze upon the San Diego coastline, or head south towards Coronado to lay eyes on some of the most gorgeous scenery that California has to offer.

San Diego Yacht Rental Details

Includes captain and crew A full 13 seat bar offering cocktails, spirits, wine, beer, and non alcoholic beverages Open air seating throughout the boat including bean bags on the bow Luxury catamaran sailing on a 75-ft catamaran yacht Professional Bluetooth sound system 2 restrooms onboard Waterslide off the back of the boat! Up to 100 passengers

Stand Up Paddleboards Lily pad Ocean Kayaks Water slide Live music Catering and staff

Our Yacht Rentals Are Perfect For

Weddings – Make it a day you and your guests will never forget; exchange vows at sea and then dance the night away on the Triton dance floor, with the breeze in your hair and the salt on your skin.

Bachelorette Parties & Bachelor Parties – A perfect way to kick off the celebrations! Meet at the docks and start your day off right as you toast to the bride or groom on your own private charter and the San Diego skyline as your backdrop.

Corporate Events – Celebrate your success, impress your clients and prospects, and treat everyone to a memorable day away from it all.

Family Reunions – Reconnect in an unforgettable atmosphere aboard your own private charter. Swim, dance, snorkel, kayak, take in the beautiful scenery and abundant wildlife of San Diego Bay, and make memories you’ll cherish forever.

Family Vacations – Show your kids the good life aboard your own private charter. Grab the lily pad, the snorkels, and the water slide and set off for a day of fun in the sun.

Anniversary Celebrations – Looking for a unique way to celebrate your love? Treat yourselves to an unforgettable and private evening on the Big Bay. Or invite your family and friends and make it a celebratory party aboard the Triton Cat!

Celebrations – No matter what event your celebrating, we’ll bring your dream day to life. Share what you had in mind, and we’ll make sure every detail is accounted for.

View our 15 Excuses to Rent a Party Boat in San Diego to see pricing, and what to expect!

Why Choose a Catamaran Charter?

If you’re looking for a San Diego yacht rental, you have options; we aren’t going to pretend to be the only boat in the bay. But, if you have ever experienced a sail on a cat, you’ll know why we are a bit biased.

Catamarans offer much more space than monohull boats making them the perfect choice for groups; on a catamaran there really is no bad seat.

Catamarans also offer more stability with less rocking back and forth than monohull boats, which can help with seasickness.

Thanks to their shallow draft, catamarans can access areas of the bay too shallow for most boats.

Triton is the largest catamaran in The Big Bay and one of the only options in San Diego if you are looking for a private catamaran charter that can hold up to 100 people.

Triton catamaran made her maiden voyage to San Diego in August 1st 2020. She is a brand new, GC70, 75 ft day charter catamaran that boasts capacity for 100 passengers and a large deck with outdoor seating.

How Much Does it Cost to Rent a Yacht in San Diego?

Pricing depends on the number of guests in your party. Typically the pricing structure works as follows:

$825/hr Weekdays and $975/hr on Weekends for up to 40 guests

$1,000/hr Weekdays and $1,150/hr on Weekends for up to 50 guests

$1250/hr Weekdays and $1,400/hr on Weekends for up to 60 guests

$1500/hr Weekdays and $1,650/hr on Weekends for up to 70 guests

$1750/hr Weekdays and $1,900/hr on Weekends for up to 80 guests

$2,000/hr Weekdays and $2,150/hr on Weekends for up to 90 guests

$2,250/hr Weekdays and $2,400/hr on Weekends for up to 100 guests

To check pricing and availability click here 

Where to Park and What to Bring

Parking Directions : Please click HERE  for the map of where to park. For free parking, please park in the rear of the parking lot as there is no meters. We do not have assigned parking, so please be sure to come at least 30 minutes early.

Walking Directions : Once parked, please click HERE for walking directions. You must arrive AT LEAST 30 MINUTES prior to your charter time. Please fill out your waivers and be prepared to present your waiver via QR code, and have your ID handy before you arrive.

Yacht Rental San Diego FAQ’s

We’ve put together a list of our most common questions about our San Diego yacht charters below. If you have more questions, don’t hesitate to call us or email us !

General FAQ

Where are you located?

Triton is located at 2700 Shelter Island Dr. San Diego CA 92101 on the commercial dock next to Sail San Diego. Watch our Pre-Boarding video to help with parking!

What are your COVID Guidelines?

We are committed to the safety of our customers and our staff. We follow CDC recommendations on the state level as well as the county recommendations. Since our venue is outdoors, customers are not required to wear a mask. Triton is sanitized before, during, and after every charter with hand sanitizer available for guests.

What comes standard with each charter?

Triton includes a captain, crew, bartender, waterslide (for private charters), dance floor, seating for up to 100 guests, 2 restrooms, and modern decor! 

Can we film our experience?

 Drone Filming

Filming/bringing a drone for your charter is prohibited. Triton’s location is an ever-changing “no fly zone” with only very few locations able to actually take-off with a drone. We do offer drone filming services where our experienced pilots will communicate with our captain to get the shot that you need. Please inquire for cost.

DSLR/Production Filming

Bringing professional filming equipment on-board must be approved with our administrative team.  Triton Charters must be added as “additionally insured” on your insurance policy. Filming with intent to distribute is prohibited on Triton without prior approval. Cell phone videos/pictures are encouraged! 

What is your refund/cancellation policy?

Private Charters – Triton Management LLC requires all cancellations be made 14 days prior to the scheduled departure time to receive a full refund. Cancellation within 14 days of the charter will forfeit their deposit. Any cancellations made within 72 hours before the charter will forfeit the full amount of the contracted services and are non-refundable.

Ticketed Charters –

Ticketed Charters – Tickets are 100% refundable if canceled at least 24 hours prior to the charter’s departure time. Triton Charters may cancel ticketed charters anytime for any reason in which case, our customers will receive a full refund.

WEATHER POLICY

Triton Charters does not operate in unsafe weather conditions, but a light rain shower is not a deterrent. The captain will assess the weather and should the captain determine that the conditions are unsafe to run the charter, the charter may be rescheduled or it will be canceled.

If a trip is canceled by Triton Charters for any reason, you will have the option of receiving a voucher for a future trip or receiving a full refund.

Please note that failure to show for the reserved trip without cancellation will result in no refund

**Triton Charters reserves the right to change/alter our cancellation and refund policy as needed based on availability, or any circumstances deemed necessary. 

Is there a deposit?

The deposit for Private Charters is 10% of the total cost. This must be paid upon booking and the remaining amount is due 72 hours before your charter date.

How is my price determined?

Triton has unique pricing structure allows our customers to get the best deal possible for a private experience. The pricing is as follows:

Weekday Pricing

1-40 Passengers $825/hr

41-50 Passengers – $1,000/hr

51-60 Passengers – $1,250/ hr

61-70 Passengers  – $1,500/hr

71-80 Passengers – $1,750/hr

81-90 Passengers – $2,000/hr

91-100 Passengers – $2,250/hr

Weekend Pricing

1-40 Passengers $975/hr

41-50 Passengers – $1,150/hr

51-60 Passengers – $1,400/ hr

61-70 Passengers  – $1,1550/hr

71-80 Passengers – $1,1900/hr

81-90 Passengers – $2,150/hr

91-100 Passengers – $2,400/hr

Each charter must pay a 10% deposit upon booking. 

What's the max capacity and seating?

The maximum occupancy of triton yacht rental San Diego is 100 passengers. With comfortable seating for everyone. Seating includes our 13-seat bar, leather bean bags, and bench seating. During COVID-19 our capacity may change.

What does the yacht rental include?

We’ve thought of everything, so you don’t have to. Included in your charter is our USCG certified captain and crew, 13-seat bar, bartender, space for 100 guests, 2 bathrooms, built-in waterslide, professional sound system, covered dance floor, 55″ flatscreen tv, lifejackets, all on the largest and newest catamaran charter in San Diego. Alcoholic beverages are also for sale at our 13-seat custom bar.

Where does the yacht charter go?

Each charter is unique. Guests will enjoy the ability to “point and go” allowing you to go wherever you’d like. Typically charters will do a tour around San Diego Bay where you will pass many of San Diego’s monuments and sights. You also have the ability to go for an ocean sail and enjoy the amazing views of Coronado and Point Loma.

What about food and drinks?

Each Private Charter includes a bartender that will serve alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. We have a fully stocked bar with the same amenities as a normal venue including draft beer, craft cocktails, mixed drinks, wine, juices, sparkling water, and non-alcoholic beverages. Guests are prohibited from bringing any alcoholic beverages onboard. 

You are more than welcome to bring your own food on-board. If you decide to bring your own food, we suggest finger foods that are easily served and disposed of. If you plan on catering your event, you must have the venue list Triton Charters on the ‘additionally insured business’ on their insurance. For more information, please call us at 844-5-TRITON.

Ticketed Charters

How much are the tickets?

Tickets are $55 for adults and $15 for children. Tickets do not include drinks, or food.

Where does the cruise take us?

San diego harbor cruises , take in the beauty of san diego bay on the brand new triton catamaran.

A visit to America’s finest city isn’t complete until you spend some time enjoying the San Diego Harbor. There is no better way to do that than aboard a luxury catamaran harbor cruise. Bring your family, your friends, your co-workers or come solo and experience the gorgeous San Diego Harbor views.

You’ll get beautiful shots of the downtown San Diego skyline and travel under the Coronado Bay Bridge in luxurious comfort. You’ll likely meet some of San Diego’s most beloved friends, the seals and sea lions who like to sunbathe on the docks. If you’re lucky, you might even catch sight of a dolphin or two swimming alongside Triton. 

To keep you refreshed and nourished on our two-hour sightseeing sail, we offer an onboard bar serving soda, beer, wine and cocktails. 

There is no better way to experience the scenic beauty of San Diego than from the water. Relax, sunbathe, sightsee, learn, mingle and unwind with us on Triton. We can’t wait to see you!

As a Guest Aboard the Triton Harbor Cruise, You’ll Be Treated to:

• A 2.5-hour San Diego Bay Cruise
• Luxury catamaran sailing without the expense of a private charter
• Open-air, spacious seating on a 75-ft luxury catamaran 
• Onboard cocktails 
• A full bar with seating
• USCG certified captain and crew

Notable Landmarks and Sites We’ll See 

As you soak in the sun, we’ll sail past some of San Diego’s most spectacular coastal sites introducing (or reacquainting) you with the:

• USS Midway Aircraft Carrier – The USS Midway was commissioned one week after the end of World War II, was the largest ship in the world until 1955, and was the longest-serving aircraft carrier in the 20th century. The Midway was so large it could carry 120 planes on its armored flight deck and was the first aircraft carrier unable to cruise the Panama Canal due to its sheer size. While you are visiting San Diego, be sure to check out the USS Midway Museum  to learn more about this iconic ship. 
• Star of India –   Star of India is the world’s oldest active sailing ship. She is an iron ship with a long and storied past that includes collisions, mutiny and cyclones. She worked as a cargo ship and then spent half a century bringing emigrants to New Zealand. You can tour the Star of India at the  Maritime Museum of San Diego. 
• North Island Military Base –   Dubbed the official birthplace of aviation, the North Island Military Base is an active military base home to two aircraft carriers and 23 fixed and rotary wing squadrons.
• Cabrillo National Museum – T he Cabrillo National Monument and museum mark the location where the first European set foot on the western US. There is a lot to take in at Cabrillo park including the Old Point Loma Lighthouse and the rocky intertidal zone. 
• Hotel del Coronado –   The Hotel Del  is a historic beachfront luxury hotel situated in the city of Coronado, just over the bridge from downtown San Diego. It opened in 1888 as the largest resort hotel in the world and today is the second-largest wooden structure in the US. If you are visiting San Diego, it is definitely worth spending a couple of hours at The Del — grab lunch or stroll the pristine beach. 

Who is This Harbor Cruise Right For?

• Families   – Bring the kids, bring the grandparents!  Triton Catamaran offers an unforgettable experience for the whole family. 
• San Diego Visitors   –  There is no better way to acquaint yourself with San Diego than from the sea. This is one experience you definitely don’t want to miss while you’re in town. 
• San Diego Locals   – Lived here all your life but still a little shaky on your San Diego history? Join us for a relaxing afternoon on the bay; we’ll catch you up. 
• Groups   – We love hosting groups and can cater to parties as large as 80 on our ticketed cruises. 

What is the ticket schedule?

To see our live calendar, please visit our ticketed charter page. Our ticketed charter times change based upon the season. From March 17th – November 3rd, our ticketed cruise depart Wednesday-Sunday at 11am, 2:30pm, and 6pm. November 4th – March 9th our schedule is Wednesday-Sunday at 10am, 1pm, nd 4:30pm. Each charter is 2.5 hours and will take you on an epic adventure through San Diego Bay, down to Glorietta Bay and back! Triton may change/update/add or remove dates upon our descretion. 

How long is the cruise?

Each ticketed charter is 2.5 hours in duration.

Triton is equipped with a full bar including: mixed drinks, draft beer, specialty cocktails, soft drinks, juices and sparkling water. Passengers are strictly prohibited from bringing their own beverages. 

Prices are $8.50 for draft beer, $10.50 for mixed drinks, and $13.00 for specialty cocktails. You may bring your own food that is individually packed, ie: No cakes, or foods that require serving utensils.

What types of payment do you accept?

We take all majorly accepted credit/debit cards. We do not accept cash or checks. 

What is the deposit for Private Charters?

All private charters are required to pay a 10% deposit to secure their booking. If the charter is within one week of the reservation, the charter must be fully paid.

Private Charters – Triton Management LLC requires all cancellations to be made 14 days prior to the scheduled departure time to receive a full refund. Cancellation within 14 days of the charter will forfeit their deposit. Any cancellations made within 72 hours before the charter will forfeit the full amount of the contracted services and are non-refundable.

Ticketed Charters – You must contact us more than 24 hours before your charter to reschedule or to cancel your ticket. If you cancel within 24 hours of your charter or are late/no-show,  you may reschedule without a fee. If you wish to get a refund and cancelled/no-showed within 24 hours of your charter, you will be charged a 20% cancellation fee. Triton Charters may cancel ticketed charters anytime for any reason in which our customers will receive a full refund.

Please note that failure to show for the reserved trip without prior cancellation will result in no refund

Yacht Rental San Diego Articles

How much does it cost to rent a boat in San Diego? What is the difference between a catamaran, a motor yacht, and a sailboat? How much does a yacht rental cost? Answers to these and more questions on our articles page!

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Boat Tours and Transportation

See the city in a new way or just get across the bay.

See the city of San Diego in a new way while cruising through its waters on a sightseeing tour, dining cruise, or just getting around town on a ferry boat.

Sit Back, Relax and Enjoy the Amazing Scenery

See the city of San Diego in a new way while cruising through its waters on a sightseeing tour, dining cruise, or just getting around town on a ferry boat. Below are boat transportation, tour and charter companies that allow you to have an upfront seat of San Diego's amazing aquatic scenery.

Water Transportation

Coronado Ferry "B" Street Pier, San Diego Broadway & Harbor Dr. and San Diego Convention Center 619.234.4111 No charge for bikes.

San Diego Bay and Whale Watching Tours

Adventure Rib Rides 1380 Harbor Island Drive, San Diego 619.808.2822 Whale watching and harbor tours aboard a Navy SEAL RIB boat.

America's Cup Sailing San Diego 1551 Shelter Island Drive, San Diego 92106 619.255.4705 America's Cup sailing experience on Stars & Stripes USA-11.

Bahia Belle 998 W. Mission Bay Dr., San Diego 858.488.0551 Cruise on Mission Bay between the Bahia Hotel and the Catamaran Hotel. Live bands and cocktails on night cruises.

Flagship Cruises & Events 990 N. Harbor Dr., San Diego 619.234.4111 or 800.442.7847 Whale watching, dinner and Sunday brunch cruises offered.

The Gondola Company 503 Grande Caribe Causeway Suite C, Coronado 619.429.6317 Cruises around San Diego Bay on a Venetian-style gondola.

H&M Landing 2803 Emerson Street, San Diego 619.222.1144 Deep sea fishing and whale watching excursions.

Hornblower Cruises & Events 970 N. Harbor Dr., San Diego 619.686.8715 or 800.668.4322 Open every day year-round. Whale watching, dinner and Sunday brunch cruises offered.

San Diego Speed Boat Adventures 1450 Harbor Island Drive, San Diego 619.294.5852 A guided and narrated harbor tour on your own speedboat.

San Diego Whale Watch 1717 Quivira Road, San Diego 619.839.0128 Year-round whale watching excursions casting off near SeaWorld.

SEAL Tours - Sea and Land Adventures 619.298.8687 San Diego's only amphibious tour.

San Diego Charters

A Private Yacht for Charter, The Inspiration 1380 Harbor Island Dr, Marina Office, San Diego 92101 800.817.9175 63 foot private yacht available for charter.

Aolani Catamaran Sailing 1380 Harbor Island Drive, San Diego 619.807.8000 Private charter sailing catamaran.

Classic Bay Cruise 955 Harbor Island Drive, San Diego 619.344.8660 1, 2 and 3 hour private party bay cruises.

Fisherman's Landing 2838 Garrison Street, San Diego 619.221.8500 Sightseeing, dinner and fishing charters.

Sail Jada Charters 1380 Harbor Island Drive, San Diego 858.222.9479 65 foot Philip Rhodes Yawl available for charter.

Sail San Diego 2051 Shelter Island Drive, San Diego 619.297.7426 Year-round sailing excursions.

San Diego Bay Cruises  619.928.2441 Private yacht charter network.

San Diego Boat Tours 2240 Shelter Island Drive, San Diego 619.987.0663 Private charter yachts ranging in size from 21 to 143 feet.

San Diego Sailing Tours 1450 Harbor Island Dr, San Diego 619.786.0173 Charter boat tours of San Diego Bay, whale watching and sunsets.

Tours and Catalina Transportation Outside of San Diego

Catalina Express Berth 95, San Pedro (About 120 miles north of Downtown San Diego) 877.358.6363 Daily trips to Catalina Island.

Davey's Locker Whale Watching & Sportsfishing 400 Main Street, Newport Beach (About 90 miles north of Downtown San Diego) 949.673.1435 Year-round whale watching and sportfishing.

Newport Landing Whale Watching 309 Palm Street, Newport Beach (About 90 miles north of Downtown San Diego) 949.675.0551 Year-round whale watching excursions.

Find a place to stay

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Shopping Areas Not To Miss

If shopping is on the docket for your visit to San Diego, this dynamic region has many neighborhood retail districts you won't want to miss.

Neighborhood boutiques are great places to find local artisans' clothing designs and accessories, as well as artwork, jewelry and household furnishings. They're also ideal spots to grab a bite to eat or enjoy a gourmet coffee, craft beer or craft cocktail while mixing and mingling with the locals.

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Book Your Tour of San Diego Bay

San diego sailing tours, private tours.

Looking for something different? Book an unforgettable experience on a private yacht. Enjoy a guided tour, or take the helm yourself. Private sailing tours are the perfect spot to pop the question, mark an anniversary, or just have the perfect date with the sun, wind, and sea as your companions.

Bachelorette parties

Planning a memorable bachelorette party everyone can enjoy? Charter a private yacht for an all-inclusive bachelorette party to remember. Enjoy a one-of-a-kind photo backdrop alongiside your closest friends, with drinks and snacks included.

Group Charters

Sail with a large group on a 60′ luxury catamaran!  You and up to 47 other guests can enjoy unmatched luxury on the seas. Additional options for catering, live music, and photography packages make this the perfect venue for your dream wedding. Set sail with friends and family for an unforgettable event.

whale watching

Enjoy an experience like none other! Our whale watching tours offer breathtaking views unavailable from the shoreline. Enjoy comfortable deck space and ample room for capturing the right photo.  Whale-watching season in San Diego typically ranges between December and April. 

Book A TOUR

Excursions for everyone, hop aboard a sailing tour of san diego bay, book a private event aboard a vintage yacht, or reserve a group charter..

A different kind of adventure

Step aboard one of our classic sailing yachts and feel the outside world melt away. Close your eyes. Feel the sun on your face. Breathe in the fresh sea air. Listen to the wind fill the sails and feel the waves slap against the hull.

A sailing tour offers a unique and special experience you won’t find anywhere on land. See San Diego from a new perspective.

Roads Less Traveled

Are you dreaming of rv living or the sailing life we've been doing it since 2007 and we have lots of nomadic lifestyle tips and stories for you.

Shelter Island – The Heart of San Diego…on the Waterfront!

October 2023 – We recently made a quick weeklong RV trip to San Diego and had an absolute ball. As soon as we got there and set up camp at Sweetwater Summit Regional Park Campground, we made a beeline for Shelter Island, our all-time favorite place in this beautiful city.

It was a foggy morning, but seeing the sailboats bobbing at anchor and hearing the seagulls mournful cries warmed our hearts!

We had been fortunate to live on Shelter Island in our sailboat, Groovy , for two weeks before our sailing cruise of Mexico and for six months afterwards. For us, it is the heart of San Diego, offering truly elegant waterfront living right on the banks of San Diego Harbor.

A tour boat makes its way through the fog past Shelter Island in San Diego Harbor.

Shelter Island is a manmade barrier island that was created by dredging some marshy flats and piling up the mud to make a long skinny “island” that parallels the shoreline of San Diego Harbor. It isn’t a true island, however, as a road lined with businesses attaches it to the mainland.

Behind the island — in the dredged area on either side of this access road — there are rows upon rows of boats moored at a series of lovely marinas.

There are more boats in San Diego’s many marinas than we’ve ever seen anywhere else!

So, being on Shelter Island puts you right in the middle of all the waterfront action of a big city harbor. The “front” side of the island faces San Diego Harbor, with the city skyline in the distance, while the sheltered “back” side of the island is filled with marinas and resorts and is very peaceful and tranquil.

As we drove down Shelter Island Drive onto the island, we had to stop at Marvelous Muffins. When we lived on Shelter Island in our sailboat, Groovy, for 6 months at the end of our Mexico cruise, Marvelous Muffins was a frequent morning stop for us, no matter what we had planned for our day!

Marvelous Muffins was a favorite morning haunt for us!

Nothing about it had changed. Sophie, the charming muffin maker and shopkeeper, was still there to greet us, and her muffins were as delicious as we remembered them being. Naturally, we bought a few extras to take back to our trailer!

Sophie has been making muffins here for over 20 years!

The air was still heavy with fog when we got to the waterfront. San Diego Harbor is a very busy harbor with boats heading to and fro all the time, no matter what the weather! As we watched the goings-on, the Flagship tour boat headed past us on an excursion, the deck filled with eager tourists.

Overhead, Navy helicopters buzzed around constantly. Across the harbor, the Navy runway was very busy with jets that were so loud we couldn’t head each other talk when they took off!

The whir of Navy helicopter blades fills the air all the time!

Far out at sea, a really unique looking tri-hulled Navy ship approached. What an unusual beast!

A unique Navy ship approaches through the fog.

Gradually, the fog lifted and streaks of blue filled the sky. We could see the San Diego skyline in the distance beyond a string of sailboats that were anchored along the edge of the harbor.

Ahhh…San Diego!

The side of Shelter Island that faces the harbor is a wonderful long grassy park. A walking path runs between the grass and the shore. It ducks under flower covered trellises and passes by children’s play areas, picnic tables and statuary along the way.

Shelter Island has several trellises along the walking path that are covered with vibrant bougainvillea flowers.

We love it here!

Down at our feet, we noticed that when the sidewalk pavement was poured, someone drew a stick figure of a sailboat. How fun!

Someone captured the spirit of this special place before the pavement dried.

Fabulous enormous trees provide shade throughout this grassy park, inviting all visitors to sit for a spell and enjoy the view.

The vast grassy lawns on Shelter Island are very inviting.

Buddy thought this place was heavenly and promptly took a snooze!

“This is my kind of place!”

There are park benches along this walking path too. It is a very romantic waterfront!

If you don’t want to sit in the grass, try a park bench!

The romantic air isn’t just for people either. A pair of seagulls was enjoying a quiet moment of togetherness too.

One of the more famous statues on Shelter Island is the tuna fishermen. These three guys are straining for all they’re worth, pulling up an enormous tuna together. Their fishing rods are anchored in belts around their waists, and the fish is fighting mightily.

Tuna fishermen strain to land their catch.

A few steps away we saw several fishermen casting their lines. They were after smaller prey and they said they were having pretty good luck!

Waiting for the big one!

A seagull kept a close eye on them to see if they might start cleaning their catch and throwing out scraps!

“You got anything for me?”

There’s a small beach on the harbor side of Shelter Island, and now that the sun was out, a few sun bathers settled into the sand to catch some rays.

“Lazing on a sunny afternoon!”

A man came running past with his dog bounding ahead. Leashes are required, of course, but this lucky pooch was given a few minutes of freedom on the beach. He took full advantage, and plunged into the water for a swim. He emerged looking a little bedraggled but very happy!

“Come on in, the water’s fine!”

Shelter Island is home to some truly exquisite resorts that are lined up along the back side of the island. Their fronts faced the grassy lawn park and the harbor. One of these resorts is Island Palms. It looked truly regal under the towering palm trees.

Elegant Island Palms Resort.

With fancy resorts comes stunning landscaping, and there were glorious exotic flowers of all kinds in bloom everywhere.

The climate in San Diego is very temperate, never exceedingly hot or cold. While we were there in late October the daily highs were 75 degrees F and the nightly lows were 65 degrees.

Unlike the vast southwestern desert that stretches for hundreds of miles right up to the coastal mountains that separate San Diego from its arid inland neighbors, this city sees very minimal temperature swings from day to night.

A tropical Bird of Paradise flower.

Flowers were in bloom everywhere.

On the backside of the island there are several marinas, and this is the area we called home for six months. It is incredible that you can live in the heart of San Diego, right on the water, wedged between top flight resort hotels, for the price of a boat and a slip.

When we were there, the country was in the throes of the financial crisis that began in 2008, and although it took several years to make its way into the boating community, when it did, it hit hard.

Before the crisis there was a waiting list for boat slips in the marinas, and the price per month was sky high. However, by the time we lived there, open slips were in abundance and the price was very reasonable. We were blessed with really fortunate timing!

Behind this gate to the boat docks lies a vast field of dreams.

Boats, boats and more boats.

Taking a walk down memory lane, we strolled along the shore and admired the hundreds of boats. We didn’t see any Hunter 44DS sailboats (Groovy’s model), but we did see a Hunter 41DS, the same layout but a little shorter. Then we strolled along the small beach that is opposite the boats. What a place to live!

The back side of the resorts have a view of the boats in the marinas, and there’s a thin strip of very calm beach too.

Kona Kai Resort & Spa is a gorgeous property, and the fire pits just begged for groups of friends to gather around. Meanwhile, the swimming pool looked sooooo inviting!

Grab some friends and enjoy a sundowner and a campfire on the beach!

The Mega Yacht Dock is opposite the Kona Kai beach — Nice!

Where day-to-day stress melts away.

Down on the beach there were some shade ramadas with cushy seating for intimate gatherings. There was no shortage of places to relax around here!

Buddy got a great taste of tropical resort life.

What a place to call home for a while. While we lived at Kona Kai Marina, we were allowed to use the gym facilities at the resort. Needless to say, the minutes passed a lot faster on the elliptical machine when you were staring out the enormous plate glass windows at all the activity in and around the marina and resort!

Shelter Island, San Diego.

If your RV travels take you to San Diego, be sure to swing by Shelter Island. There isn’t an RV park there, but even if you visit for just a few hours, you’ll find that it is a wonderful community unto itself. And for us, it is the true heart of San Diego!

Where to Stay in an RV in San Diego?

On this trip, we stayed at Sweetwater Summit Regional Park , a pleasant park on the southeastern side of the city. The advantage is that it is fairly reasonably priced for San Diego. The disadvantage is that downtown San Diego is a 30 minute drive away via several freeways.

Some of the campground loops were under construction during our stay (October 2023), making it quite noisy during the day. The construction is scheduled to be completed by the end of 2023.

Also, they have a very serious problem with minuscule sugar ants. The ants have been there for years, and they know all the tricks for how to get into your rig. Diatomaceous Earth and Amdro ant granules help, but when you shut down one spot they’ve been getting in, they promptly find another! We had the exact same issue with sugar ants at the KOA in Chula Vista in 2009, so it may be a common problem with many RV parks on the south side of San Diego.

There are lots of other RV park options in San Diego. We enjoyed staying at Campland on the Bay in our popup tent trailer in 2005. It’s family oriented and full of lively activity and kids. Next door, Mission Bay RV Resort is popular with full-timers and snowbirds.

A new RV park that is closer to downtown was very tempting for this trip — Sun Outdoors RV Park . If you look at the rates now, in November 2023, your eyes will pop out of your head. But last summer they were running a special for wintertime advance booking that was right in line with the other RV parks in the area, about 35% more than Sweetwater County Park. Many people seem to have been very happy staying there and we might try it next time if we can snag a good advance booking deal.

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More info about Shelter Island:

• Shelter Island Highlights – Port of San Diego
• Shelter Island Travel Guide – Insider Familiar
• Location of Shelter Island – Google Maps

Other blog posts from California:

• California Coast – Salt Air At Last
• Death Valley, CA – An Exotic Landscape
• Groovy – How We Came to Own a Sailboat
• Mammoth, CA – A big surprise!
• On San Diego’s Shores – Dolphins and more!
• San Diego – Laid Back Mission Bay
• San Diego – Magical Seaport Village
• San Diego – Shelter Island = Boater’s Paradise
• San Diego Anchorages – Boondocking on the Water
• San Diego Anchorages – Glories of Glorietta Bay
• San Diego Treats – Balboa and Sunset Cliffs
• San Diego’s Shelter Island – A Lively Waterfront!
• San Diego’s Shelter Island – Safe Haven!
• San Francisco & LA – The Sailboat Hunt is On!
• Taylor Guitars – Where Passion Fuels Success
• The Baja Ha-Ha 2013 Sails South!
• Untying The Lines – A nautical send-off
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12 thoughts on “ Shelter Island – The Heart of San Diego…on the Waterfront! ”

We used to stay at Sweetwater Summit Regional Park RV Park. Yes it is one of the best deals in San Diego and the sites are huge. Shelter Island is one our favorites places too. Since my wife Lisa’s dad lives in Pt Loma we are over there often and have probably walked the loop over 50 times. Sometimes we just bring our chairs and hang out before and after our walk. It’s a cool place to be, especially in the warmer months.

You are so fortunate to have a great excuse to visit often, Hans! We love seeing the families out having picnics in the grass at Shelter Island as well as the many couples and groups of friends who set out their camp chairs and enjoy the harbor views. I hope you and Lisa walk that loop another 50 times or more!!

What a wonderful memory! Bet you miss the lifestyle. San Diego is a wonderful place to visit and stay for a while. Thanks.

It was such a great stroll down memory lane!! Everything we loved about that life came flooding back. San Diego is a great city with many nooks and crannies that probably rival Shelter Island, but that was the spot we spent the most time and it feels like home!

What fun to read this “follow-up/revisit” on past adventures. Reminds me of your life “aboard” in Boston Harbor. Especially lovely photo of Emily and Buddy. Love, Mom

I’ve been lucky to live aboard on both coasts! It’s a lot warmer in January in San Diego and Mexico than it is in Boston, though! Mark was very sweet to take that pic of us in the flowers…I’m glad you liked it! xoxo

Our son and daughter in law live in San Diego. We had planned to take a trip out there at some point but now he’s taking a new job in Fullerton, CA (about 45 minutes from LA). If we do take a trip to see them in their new location I hope we take some extra time and go back to San Diego and check this place out. It looks really nice.

I’m sure you’ve heard lots of great things about San Diego from your son and daughter-in-law. Too bad they’re moving before you could get out to visit Shelter Island with them. But when you head to LA to see them after they move, definitely try to find a few extra days to visit San Diego and this little jewel of a spot!

As both campers and boaters, Shelter Island is exactly the kind of place that would appeal to Alan and me. Whenever and wherever we’re traveling, we’re usually drawn to waterfronts, harbors and the shorelines of any kind of bodies of water. Coincidentally, on the day your post was published, we were hanging out with our morning coffee on Four Tree Island in the Piscataqua River in downtown Portsmouth, New Hampshire, across from the Naval Shipyard. It doesn’t take much to amuse us – we can spend hours watching the boat traffic and the workings of any port town we’ve been to. Thanks for the tour of Shelter Island – it’s really lovely!

How cool is that, Mary. I love Portsmouth, NH, and spent time there as a late teen!! What a great place to be hanging out and enjoying your morning coffee. There is definitely something alluring about all waterfronts, and like you, we’re drawn to lakes, streams, rivers and the ocean everywhere we go. There’s always some kind of action to watch, and you’re close to nature to boot! Thanks for reading and appreciating!!

Mike and I visited Shelter Island when we were housesitting in September and recalled our first meetup with you on your boat! We love it there. So nice to see your photos! We also walked through Mission Bay RV Park when we were there. It’s pretty much open to the public now so that’s not so cool. But there’s a pool which IS very cool! We do love to visit San Diego. Just wouldn’t want to live there. Oh, and we love Sweetwater too.

Wow, it’s so great to hear from you, Donna! We remember meeting you at our boat and going out on it together too. We’re so glad you reached out to us! San Diego is really special, but there are plenty of downsides too. The traffic and prices of everything are off-putting, and I’m sorry to hear that Mission Bay RV Park isn’t the same as it used to be. But for a short visit you just can’t beat the beauty and the fun of the San Diego waterfront!!

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We thank you so much for being interested in our site, please feel free to contact us at any time. We do our best to provide you with a quality yachting experience whichever type of chartering you select. Our crew is great and you will depart your charter happy you had such a great experience .  (619-333-9131)

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This is our #1 concern . The yacht is very safe and the captain has years of experience and is USCG licensed. We have emergency procedures in place and life jackets for everyone on board. We have a hostess ( similar to a flight attendant) on each charter for extra safety and your comfort. As we the vessel is maintained to a high standard and in top working order .

It is a USCG regulation that children 12 and under MUST wear a life jacket at all times if outside on the boat.

Sea Sickness

This is very rare especially in the calm waters of bay, but can be an issue especially if your charter contains open ocean travel. If you are prone to sea sickness, please take precautions to prevent it – being sea sick is no fun.

We love them, but do not allow pets on-board with the exception of service animals. They could easily damage the vessel or fall overboard .

Can I Steer?

If the vessel traffic is not heavy and you are very nice to the captain and crew, this could be a possibility. It is at the captains discretion.

Fishing Charters

We do not offer fishing charters per say . It is just not our business, however there are many charters business in town that specialize in this. If however, you wish to do a little fishing while on your charter this is fine. You will need to brings your our equipment and arrange for the appropriate licenses.

Do I need a Captain

We need to have a licensed captain responsible for the vessel. If however someone in your party holds a USCG license and has experience with this type and size of vessel, it may be possible to just charter the boat. If this is the case ask us.

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10 Incredible San Diego Sailing Tours to Get Your Sailing On

S ometimes we just want to ditch the on-land attractions and head out to the ocean for a sailing adventure. Whether you’ve never been on a boat before or you’re a seasoned sailor yourself but couldn’t get your boat down to San Diego and still need your fix of the sea breeze. Thankfully, plenty of companies offer San Diego sailing tours.

Greg and I got into sailing a few years ago. We currently don’t have our sailing certification but love spending time on the water. So until we can safely maneuver our own sailboat, we either head out with one of our friends (Big shout out to Joe! Thank you!!!) or go on a sailing tour.

Here is a list of our most loved San Diego sailing tours to get you in the mood to hit the San Diego Bay and the Pacific Ocean.

The Best San Diego Sailing Tours

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Small Group San Diego Sunset Sailing Excursion

This three-hour San Diego sunset sail tour brings lovers of the sea out on a Catalina-style sailboat to watch the last of the sun rays fall behind the ocean. The idea of this excursion is to create an intimate feeling, only allowing six guests on board.

There will be beer, soft drinks, and snacks provided by the captain during the ride. Additionally, warm jackets will be on standby in case the wind off the sea becomes too much.

Pass by San Diego’s private marina Point Loma, the USS Midway Museum, and under Coronado Bridge to the island.

The sailing boat has a modern sound system, so if anyone would like to play their favorite songs for some added ambiance, they’re free to do so.

Before you head off, meet at the Sail San Diego Office on Shelter Island. You need to receive a physical paper ticket to board the ship. It will be given to you upon check in.

Sunset Sailing Experience On San Diego Bay

Sunset is, without a doubt, the best time to take a boat out to sea. Watching the dramatic orange colors explode throughout the sky from a top deck is a blissful experience.

Hop on board a classic sailing yacht and make your way down San Diego Bay, catching glimpses of military ships and some of the city’s key sights from a unique perspective.

Take advantage of the many photo opportunities while watching the California sun slowly fades away. As well as an unforgettable sailing experience, you get some white wine, chocolates, soda, and water with your booking.

This fantastic two-hour tour is popular among those looking to celebrate something, e.g., engagement or proposal. This sunset sail in San Diego is one you won’t be soon to forget.

A maximum of six people can reserve a space on the ship which departs from Harbor Island. It’s recommended that you arrive 20 minutes beforehand, so you have time to find the gate. The company is not able to wait for anyone.

Book here San Diego Whale Watching Cruise

Would you like to see some whales? Head out to sea with an expert guide who will provide interesting knowledge about grey whales, dolphins, and other animals that roam around San Diego.

They’ll bring you to several areas where they have spotted whales in the past. This exciting 4.5-hour whale-watching tour takes you aboard a ship modeling a sailing schooner that won a prize at the world’s first America’s Cup sailing competition in 1851. 

This outstanding whale-watching tour includes drinks and snacks, sightings of whales guaranteed, and a no-sickness promise.

Check-in is at the Next Level Sailing office. It opens an hour before departure and closes 30 minutes before. If you’re looking for a small private tour, this isn’t the one for you. The ship can hold up to 77 passengers.

Book here Small Group Afternoon Sailing Excursion

Board a Catalina-style sailboat for six people and embark on a semi-private sailing tour of San Diego.

Get your binoculars ready because you’ll see an array of sights like the San Diego Convention Center, Seaport Village , the USS Midway , and much more.

The boat’s crew members will take good care of you for the duration of the tour, offering complimentary beer, wine, soft drinks, and snacks. If the sun gets too much for you, sunscreen will be on board too. 

Check in for this activity is at the Sail San Diego office. The captain will meet you there and bring you to the ship, where the fun will begin!

San Diego Bay Relaxing Sailing Tour

Step aboard a luxuriously designed Beneteau sailing yacht and cruise around San Diego Bay VIP style. Pop your head inside the spacious cabin kitted out with cushioned seats, soft blankets, pillows, and bean bags to relax on the bow of the boat.

The 2.5 tour starts by taking passengers to catch some gorgeous harbor views of the military ships parked up, including the USS Midway and the Star of India. After, they’ll be taken under the Coronado Bridge to see San Diego Seaport area.

The boat will then venture over the bay to the Naval Air Station and a couple of other notable attractions before making the return to land.

The tour will leave from the Claire Sailing office, only a few minutes from downtown. Beverages are provided by the company, e.g., beer and soda, and passengers can have a shot of driving the boat once given the go-ahead from the captain.

Private Sailing Charter on San Diego Bay

Enjoy a 2.5-hour private sailing charter tour along San Diego Bay.

This is different from other excursions where the company chooses the itinerary. Instead, you decide what you want to see. Whether you want to go whale watching, swimming, or lay an anchor somewhere, the sky is the limit. Additionally, if you’d like the captain to plan your time out carefully, that can be arranged too. See sights like Tijuana , Hotel del Coronado, or Point Loma Lighthouse.

Make sure you arrive outside Clayton’s Galley 10 minutes before departure time. That’s where the captain will meet you beforehand.

Look out for dolphins, sea lions, and whales when you’re out at sea. If it’s the season, you can see them.

Again, this charter sailboat tour of San Diego is private. It will only be your group on the boat with the captain and their team. Snacks and water are included with the tour.

Book here Luxury Catamaran Sailing Charter of San Diego

Take on the San Diego waves on your private catamaran sailing charter that can hold up to 12 passengers.

Set off from the Hyatt Regency Mission Bay for an eight-hour cruise to see exciting attractions like Sunset Cliffs Natural Park , Ocean Beach Pier, La Jolla, and Pacific Beach. Soak up stunning seascapes while trying to spot aquatic animals. The captain can help you out with that one.

The crew on board will be looking after you for the day and will provide five-star, personalized service. This is the perfect tour if you have a big family and want to celebrate fashionably.

Private Luxurious Sailing Cruise in San Diego Bay

This is arguably the fanciest sailing tour you can book in California. It’s a private excursion that tailors to passengers’ needs.

Fancy a sail and swim in Glorietta Bay? Or a romantic cruise along Coronado? Pick where you’d like to see. It’s your three hours. Let the crew do the hard work while you relax, sipping on an ice-cold drink.

The tour is limited to you and 5 other guests. You’ll depart from Harbor Island at 5 pm and have three hours out at sea.

When you see inside this yacht, you won’t want to get off. Its elegant design creates a warm, homey feeling. You’ll forget you’re out on the sea.

The captain and his team are attentive and will look after your group in whatever way they can. To top it all off, alcoholic beverages are included, so grab a beer and watch the sun go down with those you love.

There’s no doubt, this is definitely one of the best sailboat tours in San Diego.

Book here Private Sail Yacht Experience on San Diego Bay

Grab some lovely photographs of San Diego Bay on this two-hour private sailing tour.

Have a 37-foot (11.2 meters) yacht all to yourselves while you kick back with a bottle of champagne, and the captain brings you to see dolphins and other sea creatures along the coast.

The tour is suitable for a maximum of six people and comes with some luxuries such as champagne, white wine, chocolates, and soda. You’re free to bring your own food and drink as well.

Book here Sterling Sails 2-Hour Private Sailing Experience

Did anyone ever tell you that San Diego looks better from the water? See it for yourself on this two hour private sailing experience with your own private yacht and a captain who’s well versed in handling navigation.

Sail all along San Diego Bay, scouting out sea lion hideouts and old military ships like the USS Midway.

The ship can hold six people, making this tour ideal for small families or groups on vacation looking for an ocean escape. Captain Liz will meet your group at the benches beside Marina Cortez 15 minutes before the ship’s sailing time.

San Diego is an amazing place for a sailing tour, with stable winds and a balmy climate; it’s no wonder boating enthusiasts love it here. 

When choosing a sailing tour, you’ll have to ask yourself some questions:

What’s your budget? 

Which attractions would you like to see? 

How much time do you have?

Once you’ve determined this, you’ll be on the boat, ready for your San Diego sailing tour!

Looking for more ideas? Check out these San Diego Whale Watching Tours .

Last Updated on August 2, 2023 by Maria Haase

The post 10 Incredible San Diego Sailing Tours to Get Your Sailing On appeared first on San Diego Explorer .

Shelter Island Boat Launch

Notice: West Side Floating Dock Closed

For public safety, the west side floating dock at the Shelter Island Boat Launch Ramp is closed due to structural damage caused by excess sand migrating into the launch basin, causing the dock to bottom out at low tide.

The Port of San Diego’s Engineering-Construction Department and consultants are developing a repair project, which will include repairing the damaged floating dock, removing the excess sand, and repairing breakwater gaps to prevent future sand migration. This is a complex project due to a variety of factors including the challenges of in-water work, required permits from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), and the custom-made nature of the floating dock installed during the original 2017 construction, tailored to meet specific requirements. The Port has received the necessary USACE permits and is working to finalize the design, release the construction package for public bidding, and begin repair work. Additional details, including project design, cost, and repair schedule is anticipated to be available in the coming weeks.

We appreciate the public’s patience and understanding. In the meantime, the Port urges boaters to use caution when using the boat launch ramp and be aware that delays and backups may occur as only the east side floating docks are accessible at this time.

Shelter Island - San Diego The  Shelter Island Boat Launching Ramp  is a several acre facility located at the northwestern end of San Diego Bay. This ramp provides the closest access to the Pacific Ocean (approximately 3 miles away). Rest rooms and a large parking lot are immediately available. For visiting fishermen, the bait receivers, at  Everingham Brothers Bait Barge , where anchovies and sardines can be purchased, are located on the right side of the channel as you exit the harbor. The bait barges are open 24-hours per day.

Shelter Island Improvement Project

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