San Diego Harbor Speed Boat Adventure
5
San Diego Harbor Speed Boat Adventure
By San Diego Speed Boat Adventures
Recommended by 97% of travelers
This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher
Experience Southern California boating life on a pristine speedboat tour you get to drive yourself through the San Diego Harbor. Every detail is arranged: Get a lesson in safety and operating the boat before taking the helm and following a guide in a separate vessel. Communicate via a two-way radio while soaking up fantastic views from the water of sights like the Coronado Bridge, US Navy ships, and Seaport Village.
from per adult
$94.82
from per adult
$94.82
Lowest price guaranteeReserve now & pay laterFree cancellation
Ages 3-99, max of 10 per group
Duration: 2h
Start time: Check availability
Mobile ticket
English
Highlights
- Drive a speedboat through the famous San Diego Harbor
- Follow a guide in a separate boat and communicate via radio
- Photo stops allow time to appreciate the harbor sights
- Get stellar views of US Navy ships, Coronado Bridge, and city skyline
- Guided and narrated tour
- US Coast Guard-approved life jacket
- Safety orientation
- Your own F13 mini speed boat
- All taxes, fees and handling charges
- Entry/Admission - San Diego Speed Boat Adventures
What's not included- Hotel pickup and drop off
- Gratuities
- Meet your guide at the Cabrillo Isle Marina at the time you picked at checkout, and begin with an orientation that covers operating the F13 speed boat and a lesson in safety, hand signals, and boating rules. Settle in with your party and choose who will take the wheel, and then set off on a 2-hour tour of San Diego Harbor highlights. There will be a chance to switch drivers at photo stops along the way. Follow your guide in a separate boat, communicating via a two-way radio whenever needed. Feel the sea breeze and saltwater spray as you zip through the harbor for closer views of historic and Naval ships like the Star of India and USS Midway. Get a great perspective on the Coronado Bridge, Seaport Village, and the downtown San Diego skyline, and keep an eye out for sea lions and other marine life that mingle with boat traffic. If you prefer, you can depart from Coronado Island.
- Departure details
- 1450 Harbor Island Dr, San Diego, CA 92101, USA Cabrillo Isle Marina - Check in at the office located in suite 205
Return details- Returns to original departure point
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Service animals allowed
If you have questions about accessibility, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 5257BOAT- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Not recommended for people with neck or back problems or a recent surgery to participate. Pregnant women should not participate
- Bring a swimsuit in the summer and a jacket in the winter, sandals or flip-flops, towel, sun block, sunglasses
- The per boat weight limit of 425 lbs (205kgs)
- You must be 18 years or older to drive a boat by yourself
- The boats do not have a storage compartment
- No experience or boating license required
- Not recommended for travelers with back problems
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
- Most travelers can participate
- This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 10 travelers
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
- What you can expect during your visit
- Regular temperature checks for staff
- Guides required to regularly wash hands
- Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
- Face masks required for guides in public areas
- Gear/equipment sanitized between use
- Face masks required for travelers in public areas
- Social distancing enforced throughout experience
- Face masks provided for travelers
Community- Safety precautions are provided by the property and are not checked by Tripadvisor for accuracy.
- Which attractions will I visit with San Diego Harbor Speed Boat Adventure?
- During this experience, places you will visit include:Discover and book San Diego Harbor Speed Boat Adventure on Tripadvisor
- How much is San Diego Harbor Speed Boat Adventure?
- San Diego Harbor Speed Boat Adventure price starts from $94.82. Discover and book San Diego Harbor Speed Boat Adventure on Tripadvisor
- What is the San Diego Harbor Speed Boat Adventure cancellation policy?
- San Diego Harbor Speed Boat Adventure 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 Speed Boat Adventure on Tripadvisor
- Which company provides San Diego Harbor Speed Boat Adventure?
- San Diego Harbor Speed Boat Adventure is hosted by San Diego Speed Boat Adventures. Read reviews, discover additonal experiences or contact San Diego Speed Boat Adventures on Tripadvisor. Discover and book San Diego Harbor Speed Boat Adventure on Tripadvisor
- If you have questions about this tour or need help making your booking, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 5257BOAT
Reserve your spot
from $94.82
Itinerary
- You'll start at1450 Harbor Island Dr1450 Harbor Island Dr, San Diego, CA 92101, USACabrillo Isle Marina - Check in at the office located in suite 205See address & details
- 1San Diego Speed Boat AdventuresStop: 2 hours - Admission includedSee all of San Diego Bay from a whole new perspective while you are the captain of your own speedboat on this San Diego Tour.Read morePass byPoint LomaCoronado IslandUSS Midway MuseumMaritime Museum of San DiegoSan Diego Bay WalkCoronado BridgeCabrillo National MonumentStar of India
- You'll return to the starting point
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About the operator
Don’t take it from us – here’s what people have to say about this operator.
Stephbies11
00The most fun we've had on a tour (and we love tours)
When we booked this we thought it would be a good way to use up a few hours before heading to the airport. We had …
833gregb
00Such a great experience!
What a fun time! The high speed boats on the water were so much fun. Our guide, Kioni was top notch. He was smar…
tay_k2105
00Best thing to do in San Diego
Full blast fun on the San Diego Bay. It was amazing to see city from the bay, learn all of the fun facts from our a…
ToddDuv
00What a fun speedy ride!!!
This was awesome. Better than jet ski. We were full throttle Turin if and drifting. The tour was the beginning an…
yngonzal
00Amazing!!!!!
Our guide manny was extremely knowledgeable of the boats and the tour areas, we had a blast! Thank you!
Mistjeff
00Horrible service
I had to stand up and lay over the bow to get the boat to plane and couldn't keep up with the group. When I contact…
Renea2599
00Highly Recommended
We had a blast on the speed boats! Keoni was very accomodating and a great guide. My kids didn’t like going fast (8…
Marwankhaleel
00Amazing experience (definitely recommend)
Beyond amazing experience (if you like a little thriller this is for you, if you also like to learn about San Diego…
DaveP173
00Way more fun than I expected!
Small, fast, maneuverable but stable boats give a unique perspective from the water. Knowledgeable guides add a hi…
Jeffrey R
00Fun
It was truly a speed boat adventure. We went full speed every time we moved from site to site. We started for the…
Tinman732
00Rough Seas or Smooth sailing?
This was an exceptional experience and a highlight of my trip to San Diego. Everyone I have shared the experience a…
Bjimenez17
00We had an AMAZING time
We had a great time during our tour. Paul walked us through the steps of how to use the speedboat and what to watch…
Christinevill27
00Amazing Experience
My 13 year old son and I had an amazing experience! We both loved it. We got the chance to see dolphins as well! To…
Kimmmmmmmmm2022
00Great Activity!!
Recently came back from our speedboat adventure in San Diego. We got lucky with the weather and host! Paul was our …
BrandiM0426
00A MUST DO
Speed boat adventures was the highlight of our San Diego trip! 10/10 recommend. I wish I could remember our tour gu…
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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
5.0
410 reviews
Excellent
361
Very good
37
Average
5
Poor
2
Terrible
5
Kentwoolgar
Brighton, UK105 contributions
Meeting place instructions are clear and easy to find. Subsidised parking with validation ticket.
Our guide, Paul, was warm and welcoming, engaging with all parties in our group.
Life jackets were issued and Paul took us through operation of the boat and protocols to follow when leaving the harbour. All instructions were clear and easy to understand, even for complete novices.
After a slow controlled drive out of the harbour, it was pedal to metal and great fun. Paul stopped us at various spots around the harbour, seals sunbathing, aircraft carrier etc. He has a walkie talkie linked up to the speakers on the boat.
Without doubt, the best thing we did in San Diego. It would have easily been 5+ stars but my boat cut out 3 times after launching off the wake from other craft in the bay. A polish couple on our trip had some boat problems too, (kelp in the prop) which cut down our speed time by about 15 minutes.
If you get the chance, jump on it. It’s a great couple of hours.
Our guide, Paul, was warm and welcoming, engaging with all parties in our group.
Life jackets were issued and Paul took us through operation of the boat and protocols to follow when leaving the harbour. All instructions were clear and easy to understand, even for complete novices.
After a slow controlled drive out of the harbour, it was pedal to metal and great fun. Paul stopped us at various spots around the harbour, seals sunbathing, aircraft carrier etc. He has a walkie talkie linked up to the speakers on the boat.
Without doubt, the best thing we did in San Diego. It would have easily been 5+ stars but my boat cut out 3 times after launching off the wake from other craft in the bay. A polish couple on our trip had some boat problems too, (kelp in the prop) which cut down our speed time by about 15 minutes.
If you get the chance, jump on it. It’s a great couple of hours.
Written November 3, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dave
2 contributions
Sep 2022
This is an excellent experience and well worth the money. Our guide (Aaron) properly explained how to operate the boats and how we would proceed etc. The trip itself was exhilarating with excellent views of Sea Lions, bridges, the USS Midway and the harbour in general. When you feel confident, you can take the boat up to its maximum speed (35-40mph) although there is no pressure to do so. I thoroughly recommend this experience and thank Aaron for making the adventure so enjoyable.
Written September 21, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kim P
Lenexa, KS1 contribution
We rented two boats, my husband and I in one and our 18 yo son in another. Instructions were brief and there seemed to be a short in our radio, it cut in and out. Our son only had a 30 hp boat and he wanted to go faster, you can only go as fast as the fastest boat as you have to stay in a line. It was fun but would not do it again.
Written August 8, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
jules93099
Madison, WI28 contributions
Jul 2020
They made it right. That's the important part. We had a terrible experience (it was like Murphy's law, what could go wrong did) to the point where we ended our tour early and drove ourselves back to the dock. We were met by an employee, who immediate apologized and offered us an opportunity to re-book or a full refund (we took the refund).
All that aside, my advice for those considering booking. If you own or are familiar with boats, this is not the activity for you. We had seven boats in our group and found it extremely frustrating to have to "follow the leader" all the time. Picture playing mini golf and you're a group of two behind a group of eight. Your group is only as strong as your least experienced driver (which could be completely inexperienced). Also, we found it a bit disconcerting that we could not communicate with our guide via the radio. We could hear him, but the only way to notify him of an issue was by waving our hands. My other piece of advice is to make sure to arrive early to find parking, especially on the weekend when the main lot is closed.
All that aside, my advice for those considering booking. If you own or are familiar with boats, this is not the activity for you. We had seven boats in our group and found it extremely frustrating to have to "follow the leader" all the time. Picture playing mini golf and you're a group of two behind a group of eight. Your group is only as strong as your least experienced driver (which could be completely inexperienced). Also, we found it a bit disconcerting that we could not communicate with our guide via the radio. We could hear him, but the only way to notify him of an issue was by waving our hands. My other piece of advice is to make sure to arrive early to find parking, especially on the weekend when the main lot is closed.
Written July 17, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Liz C
2 contributions
Apr 2023
I went with my mom while on our small vacation trip to San Diego from Tx! I have some prior experience maneuvering a boat but even without driving this was pretty simple. Our guide Kione (or close to that) was great; mindful, observant of the weather, and kept us close or away as needed. We took lots of pics and videos to show our family back home! 10/10 recommend
Written April 20, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Beth G
4 contributions
Aug 2020
My family of 4 (2 people in each boat) took a 2 hour speed boat tour in San Diego and it was the highlight of our trip. Our tour guide, Scott was very friendly, had a good sense of humor and gave a great description of the area. I have never driven a boat and it was very easy to drive these boats. Going so close to the sea lions was the highlight for my kids, as we got great pictures too. Would definitely do it again when we are back in the area. Just an FYI - the 2 hours include the time of getting life jackets and boat instruction, so you are only out on the water maybe 90 minutes. We went on a Tuesday, so parking was very easy, right by the boats and they validate your parking so it only cost $5.
Written August 14, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Erica L
2 contributions
The speed boat adventure was truly amazing and thrilling! I went by myself on the boat tour and Paul was such a great instructor. After my first tour, I was literally blown away by the experience that I just felt I had to do it all over again. So I signed up and I joined their next tour adventure right after. It was an easy decision because Paul had such a positive attitude and a sense of humor that I was able to learn from him fast. I spent 4 hours riding the waves of San Diego. Highly recommended for those who can follow directions, have the need for speed, and can keep up with others. It’s not that nerve recking but definitely for those that are quick learners and adrenaline junkies!
Written September 3, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Stephanie K.
Campbell, CA15 contributions
Took my kids on this speed boat tour and while the boating was fun, I was slightly disappointed. There wasn’t much to tour itself, we had a very rushed and not enthusiastic guide show us the sea lions and the Midway, and I think that’s about it. Also it’s only an hour of driving, the other 45 minutes is spent getting out of the harbor on the boat and waiting for your group, and then doing it in reverse in the end, and they finished 10 minutes early, even with that. We were told to stay in a line, but some people in our group got impatient and starting cutting, which was annoying and got me concerned when their boats go too close, but our guides didn’t do anything at all. All in all, my kids had fun, which was the main thing, but very expensive for what it was, in my book.
Written August 12, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Cory B
Litchfield Park, AZ62 contributions
What an incredible morning we had for my wife’s birthday, with our tour guide Captain Scott. Two hour tour (about 90 mins on the water) and you are in total control. Think of it like horseback riding on speedboats.
On the tour you get to open it up full throttle and chop through the waves, passing Navy Vessels and the San Diego skyline. Highlights, besides the speed, was passing the USS Lincoln aircraft carrier, seeing live sea lions play in your boat wake, driving right next to and under the USS Midway, and our guide Scott.
We were lucky enough to have the tour all to ourselves at 11:00am on a Monday and Scott was awesome and personal. He made us feel comfortable and capable and driving the speedboats is easy no matter your experience level. Amazing day on the water and money completely well spent!
Tips: 1. You do NOT get wet so don’t worry about that, dress for weather. 2. Bring cash for a tip (Scott deserves it in these times) 3. Sunscreen on hot days there is no shade unless you count the Midway!
On the tour you get to open it up full throttle and chop through the waves, passing Navy Vessels and the San Diego skyline. Highlights, besides the speed, was passing the USS Lincoln aircraft carrier, seeing live sea lions play in your boat wake, driving right next to and under the USS Midway, and our guide Scott.
We were lucky enough to have the tour all to ourselves at 11:00am on a Monday and Scott was awesome and personal. He made us feel comfortable and capable and driving the speedboats is easy no matter your experience level. Amazing day on the water and money completely well spent!
Tips: 1. You do NOT get wet so don’t worry about that, dress for weather. 2. Bring cash for a tip (Scott deserves it in these times) 3. Sunscreen on hot days there is no shade unless you count the Midway!
Written July 6, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mark H
Portland, OR72 contributions
Aug 2022
I took my two grandchildren, ages 14 and 11, and we all had a great time. We enjoyed the speed, being out on the water, and the great sights on the tour. We had our own speedboat, traveled in a line with the other boats, and received occasional instructions by walkie-talkie. Among other things, we enjoyed driving close to a group of seals, seeing aircraft carriers close up and from below, and seeing the waterfront in general.
There were a couple of minor glitches, though, the first related to the website. That is, the website didn't effectively communicate that the three of us needed one boat for all of us. It all worked out, of course, but there was a bit of confusion between us and the company. In addition, although I had completed the online liability waiver, I received emails indicating I hadn't. In any case, when we got there in person I was told that they did have the online waiver.
Finally, because we couldn't get prior confirmation of the waiver, we arrived 30 minutes earlier than the scheduled beginning of the tour (i.e., 8:30 instead of the recommended 8:45 for those who had completed the waiver). But the leader arrived about 9:05. So we needlessly spent about 35 minutes waiting. But perhaps this is something the company does based on frequent experiences with late arriving customers.
But these were just minor glitches and I enthusiastically recommend the Speedboat Adventure. It was a great use of our City Go pass and a wonderful experience. And Cosmo was a terrific tour guide.
There were a couple of minor glitches, though, the first related to the website. That is, the website didn't effectively communicate that the three of us needed one boat for all of us. It all worked out, of course, but there was a bit of confusion between us and the company. In addition, although I had completed the online liability waiver, I received emails indicating I hadn't. In any case, when we got there in person I was told that they did have the online waiver.
Finally, because we couldn't get prior confirmation of the waiver, we arrived 30 minutes earlier than the scheduled beginning of the tour (i.e., 8:30 instead of the recommended 8:45 for those who had completed the waiver). But the leader arrived about 9:05. So we needlessly spent about 35 minutes waiting. But perhaps this is something the company does based on frequent experiences with late arriving customers.
But these were just minor glitches and I enthusiastically recommend the Speedboat Adventure. It was a great use of our City Go pass and a wonderful experience. And Cosmo was a terrific tour guide.
Written August 24, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
AntonMason
Morgan Hill, CA
Ho fast do we get to go in the boat? I know it is sightseeing, but are there moments we can go fast?
Chris L
Minneapolis, MN
How ruff are the waters during this adventure?
URSULA HAND
54 contributions
Doable. We had the most powerful boat and fit 3. So, we'd wait for the others wake to die down and bit before going full speed ahead. Now, we went over the summer. But, we were perfectly fine. The boats are quite capable.
beth k
2 contributions
We are two adults and 3 kids (ages 11, 9 & 7). Can we fit in one boat?
URSULA HAND
54 contributions
No, probably not. I took my son who was 13 and my daugther who was 16, and myself. But, I booked the largest boat they had and we were tight. But, if kids and parents are small people and the boat company lets you....maybe? But, I'd say probably not. You could rent the two small boats and your wife drive one and you the other. Slit the kids based on ability and size from there maybe?
Safari24676320146
Butler County, PA1 contribution
How do we arrange to depart from Coronado Island?
Cheryl E
5 contributions
I have no idea. I would recommend contacting the company directly. They are super helpful.
Brizeyda M
1 contribution
How can I contact someone to request a quote/ schedule for a group of 22 most likely 11 boats?
Sam B
San Diego, CA8 contributions
I would like to know if shorts and teeshirts/ casual wear is okay to were rather than swimwear for older adults.
Thanks
URSULA HAND
54 contributions
yup!
Jeannie N
Las Vegas, NV5 contributions
Hello, wanted to know if our 90 lb dog would be able to ride with us?
Any chance we could have you or an employee drive the boat rather then myself?
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San Diego Harbor Speed Boat Adventure provided by San Diego Speed Boat Adventures
Product Overview: San Diego Harbor Speed Boat Adventure
| Prices From | $95 |
|---|---|
| Number of Reviews | 409 |
| Number of Photos | 270 |
| Duration | 120 minutes |