San Diego Harbor Speed Boat Adventure
5
San Diego Harbor Speed Boat Adventure
By San Diego Speed Boat Adventures
About
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.
Read more
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
Similar experiences
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
+
–
About the operator
San Diego Speed Boat Adventures
1,356
San Diego, California
#33 of 280 Boat Tours & Water Sports in San Diego
- Jimcnabb00Excellent TourMy grandson and I took the tour and had a great time. It far exceeded my expectation. We'll be back.
- TYWANNAGAMBRELL00San Diego Speed Boat Adventures Delivers!!!My son and I had a phenomenal time on the speed boat tour. A true adrenaline rush! Our instructor, Nate, was awesome! He is patient and ensures each person's safety. The view of the city from the bay is breathtaking. I highly recommend this tour. Will definitely repeat when visiting San Diego in the future.
- Lisa C00All good but the audioFab tour guide. Really fun adventure. Downer was the radio speaker cut in and our so didn’t hear everything. Highly recommend! Friendly and great service!
- mikepresten00Best time in San DiegoI had a great time, and my tour guide was awesome he made it fun. Lots of stuff to I will be back soon
- kw46202300Not bad had funNate our guide didn’t pay attention to driver who refused to go fast so everyone behind them were stuck going slow in a speedboat
- aracelicastro86600The Experience of a Lifetime!!!This was my first time on a boat with my daughter. Nate was so much fun! He directed his very well. Give us such a good experience. We were able to go to hotspots that we’ve always wanted to learn about. I highly recommend 1000%. I will definitely be doing it again and I will definitely be recommending you guys And I have already started promoting your company with some of my family and friends.
- Alex P00Best way to see san diego!Nate was the best Tour guide and the experience was amazing.! By far the most fun way to do a tour.!
- slim54300So much fun!Our family agrees - this was the highlight of our San Diego vacation. Nate was a great guide. Tons of fun with some information about the area and up close views of the aircraft carrier and other boats docked.
- KLCover00Good times!Great overall experience, the guide was funny, patient and on point with instrucions. Had time to see the sea lions and speed through the San Diego Bay!
- Lamarandshannon00I LOVED the tour guide, but other drivers too slow.We loved our tour guide Keoni and driving the speed boat! It was so much fun. It was frustrating that the other drivers slowed us down so much and couldn’t follow simple directions to keep up. We missed some of the tour because of it. Listen, people!! Sea lions were amazing! The boats were amazing. So fun!!
- eschot00Fast funNashville Nate was all great. Easy going and made sure everyone was safe and had an amazing time. We buzzed by more than a few cool boats and ships.
- Stephbies1100The 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 no idea how much we were actually going to love it. From the first moment we started driving, my friend and I couldn't stop smiling. When our tour guide told us to go full throttle for the first time, I'm pretty sure we both let out an audible whoop at the speed of our little boat. Before getting to the tour we had a few questions and when we called, Tiff was so helpful and patient with us. Our tour guide, Keoni was funny and knowledgeable and kept a close eye on all the boating novices. We felt safe and in control the entire time, thanks to him. From the staff to the actual experience, I cannot say enough great things about this tour. I've told pretty much everyone I know that it is a must-do while they're in San Diego. Thanks for providing us with such a great experience. We will definitely be coming back again.
- 833gregb00Such 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 smart, fun and interesting, while always making us feel safe. My wife and adult daughter were in one boat, and I was in another with our nine year old. We had a blast. We went in the morning, and be prepared to be cold. Bring a jacket or at least a sweatshirt. We had a small hiccup with someone in our tour not cooperating with our guide, but Kioni, Angie in the office and everyone else at Sand Diego Speedboat Adventures did great in making things right. Can't wait to come back and ride again!
- tay_k210500Best thing to do in San DiegoFull blast fun on the San Diego Bay. It was amazing to see city from the bay, learn all of the fun facts from our amazing guide boat, and of course driving our own speed boat was the biggest highlight!
- ToddDuv00What a fun speedy ride!!!This was awesome. Better than jet ski. We were full throttle Turin if and drifting. The tour was the beginning and that was interesting too. Our tour guide Johnny was great!!
Contribute
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
5.0
418 reviews
Excellent
367
Very good
39
Average
5
Poor
2
Terrible
5
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.
Linda L
San Diego, CA3 contributions
Sep 2020 • Couples
Scott was a great guide! We booked the 2 passenger boat and my boyfriend drove the speedboat while I sat back and took pictures. It was such a blast and I highly recommend it to anyone who’s thinking about taking this adventure. Scott helped us when we stalled once and also safely led us through the massive amount of boats in the harbor that day.
Written September 8, 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.
Shanaz T
3 contributions
This was a waste of money and not much fun. We arrived at early as the email instructed but they don’t start checking you in until the time it starts. Poor communication. We wasted so much time because the poor instructor had to keep turning around to help other people who couldn’t operate their boats. The tour only included a view of the sea lions. After that we turned around and went back. We didn’t get much time to really experience speed with the boat. We had to stay single file and spent most of the time in one spot while the instructed helped other people. This activity definitely needs another instructor and better instructions on how to operate the boat.
Also, the email I received said they validated parking Mon-Thurs...they do not! I paid $12 parking after asking the instructor about validation. I even called the corporate number and he stated I should go back and wait for the instructor to reimburse me. Ummm, no! I have other things scheduled.
Also, the email I received said they validated parking Mon-Thurs...they do not! I paid $12 parking after asking the instructor about validation. I even called the corporate number and he stated I should go back and wait for the instructor to reimburse me. Ummm, no! I have other things scheduled.
Written September 10, 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.
Carla
1 contribution
You’re in a line of boats that are under your own control. Lots of opportunity to go fast. Had a great time. Would give it 5 stars but we were told to get there early and we set off about 20 min late. So waited for the first tour to come back. Upgraded to faster boat. Was worth it.
Written September 19, 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.
Cori
1 contribution
Aug 2020 • Couples
Such an awesome experience! I highly recommend this adventure when you’re out in San Diego BUT if you do have back issues I wouldn’t recommend. There are some big waves you can’t avoid and it hurts when your boat hits them. John our guide was great, he made the instructions very clear and easy and overall made the experience very enjoyable!
Written September 2, 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.
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.
Javier
2 contributions
Jul 2020 • Family
Beware!! Scam alert!! Please be advised that the 2 hour boat ride they advertise is actually about an hour if you’re lucky. I asked our guide why we finished in an hour and he said “ well we say two hours for you to prepare for that”. Huh?? I asked the lady at the front desk which by the way when I first came in to the office, I told her I was here for my reservation she then says, “ and do you have a question?!” Yes I do, I don’t know what to do or where to go. Thanks for your attitude. She is miserable behind her desk and you won’t get much help from her. So disappointed with this tour. It is not 2 hours, and customer service is bad bad bad.
Written July 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.
mcgruphl
Wantagh, NY4 contributions
Oct 2020 • Couples
Captain Scott was incredible! Really fun, funny, and knowledgeable. He was knowledgeable about the area but the water as well. Being a boater, I was a little worried about inexperienced people being on the water but Captain Scott did a great job educating everyone on the basics of water safety and was clearly watching out on the water for other people and picking the safest areas and times to go FAST and actually have a blast!! He was the perfect “Papa Duck”.
As for the tour itself, we went to several different places, got to see the USS Midway up close and personal, got to see dozens of sea lions, and our course got to drive our own personal little speed boat!!! I don’t remember if there’s options but I wouldn’t do anything less than a 2 hour tour (if it’s an option). You don’t get too wet but you are on the water, so bathing suit and appropriate over clothes and sun screen would be perfect. I wouldn’t bring anything big, there’s not a lot of room for big bags and definitely not small items that aren’t on your body (if you want to keep them in the boat). I brought my keys, a water bottle, and my phone/wallet (which second person in the boat held onto). Totally worth the money, can’t wait to go again soon!!! Thank you Scott!!!!!
As for the tour itself, we went to several different places, got to see the USS Midway up close and personal, got to see dozens of sea lions, and our course got to drive our own personal little speed boat!!! I don’t remember if there’s options but I wouldn’t do anything less than a 2 hour tour (if it’s an option). You don’t get too wet but you are on the water, so bathing suit and appropriate over clothes and sun screen would be perfect. I wouldn’t bring anything big, there’s not a lot of room for big bags and definitely not small items that aren’t on your body (if you want to keep them in the boat). I brought my keys, a water bottle, and my phone/wallet (which second person in the boat held onto). Totally worth the money, can’t wait to go again soon!!! Thank you Scott!!!!!
Written October 5, 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.
Jean P
0 contributions
Mar 2020
This was a great experience starting with Tanya in the front office who helped us get the boat we needed to Scott who was our guide. The direction on how to manage the boat was clear and easy to follow. Scott was a great guide and kept us updated on the speaker about everything we were seeing as we were on our tour. Getting up near the hull of the Midway aircraft carrier and seeing it from the water view was amazing! We had multiple opportunities to experience the 'speed' of the speedboat and already plan to this adventure again next time we're there. Kudos to Scott and Tanya! Signed Maverick and friend :)
Written March 9, 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.
No boating experience. Is this doable?
Abe J
United States1 contribution
We had no boating experience and had a great time. Captain K was a great guide and made sure we understood the safety details.
You will enjoy yourself!
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
6 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?
Buy it with
Top rated
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 | 417 |
| Number of Photos | 276 |
| Duration | 120 minutes |

























































