San Diego One Hour Harbor Cruise
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San Diego One Hour Harbor Cruise
By San Diego City Cruises
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About
Explore San Diego by boat with a harbor cruise aboard a yacht. Admire views of the city skyline and see landmarks including the Coronado Bridge, a sea lion habitat, and modern U.S. Naval vessels. Learn interesting facts about San Diego from the crew and grab refreshments from the on-board cash-only snack bar. Choose between several convenient departure times.
Ages 4-99, max of 15 per group
Duration: 1h
Start time: Check availability
Mobile ticket
Meets animal welfare guidelines
Live guide: English
More
Highlights
- Go for a scenic harbor cruise in San Diego
- Climb aboard a yacht to see city skyline views
- See modern U.S. Naval vessels during the journey
- Choose a departure time to suit your schedule
- One Hour Cruise Professionally narrated by the Captain
- Full Snack bar with Hot and Cold items available for purchase
- All taxes and fees
- Outdoor seating on our spacious sun deck
What's not included- Beverage Service (cash bar available)
- Cocktails and Soft Drinks
- Start:
- 970 N Harbor Dr, San Diego, CA 92132, USABoarding: Pier 2. Parking: City Cruises does not own or operate any parking lots in the area. For Pier 2, ACE Parking lot on the pier next to the USS Midway Museum.
End:This activity ends back at the meeting point. - Wheelchair accessible
- Stroller accessible
- Service animals allowed
- Near public transportation
- Infants must sit on laps
If you have questions about accessibility, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 2540SAN1HOUR- Coast Guard regulations require photo ID for boarding.
- Access to outer decks is via stairs only, not wheelchair accessible.
- Bring a hat, light sweater or jacket and of course your sun glasses!
- Most travelers can participate
- Seating is only guaranteed together for the number of tickets confirmed on this voucher. Reservations may not be combined.
- 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 experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 15 travelers
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
- 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: 2540SAN1HOUR
Similar experiences
Itinerary
- 970 N Harbor Dr, San Diego, CA 92132, USABoarding: Pier 2. Parking: City Cruises does not own or operate any parking lots in the area. For Pier 2, ACE Parking lot on the pier next to the USS Midway Museum.
- Pass byCoronado BridgeUSS Midway MuseumPetco Park
About the operator
Don’t take it from us – here’s what people have to say about this operator:
- laval9720240 contributionsFamily tripIt was a wonderful experience. The views are breathtaking!!! All the commentary from the captain was amazing and taught me and my family a lot about San Diego!!!Written January 5, 2025
- Thomase770 contributionsGreat tourWe spent an afternoon touring the harbour on the spirit of San Diego. It was an excellent narrated tour, the narrator was very knowledgeable about San Diego and the sites we were seeing. Food and drink available onboard.Written January 4, 2025
- Joan W0 contributionsA great way to spend the afternoon!Boarded a very lovely ship and had quick access to bar and menu items. Great service as well! The two MCs providing an overview of sights were both clearly well versed in the surroundings and quite personable as well. The tour itself included an overview of all the harbour highlights. Truly an excellent way to spend a beautiful sunny afternoon.Written December 19, 2024
- O1414UGtanyam0 contributionsGreat tour!The 90 minute tour was great! Perfect amount of time seeing the bay. Make sure you arrive at least 30 minutes prior to departure to allow time to park and walk from parking lot to board the boat. Construction going on in the area. Highly recommend this tour!Written December 2, 2024
- 36sheilahs0 contributionsAwesome experiencePerfect weather, delicious food, very friendly crew and staff. Real smooth sailing. Will definitely do this again. Thank you.Written December 1, 2024
- 134isaiahj0 contributions60th Birthday partyThe food was good plenty to eat, the chicken was extremely good, it was the first time I ever had French toast pudding and won't be the last, and the service was great, any time our drinks got low it was someone there to pour more champagne for the mimosas and we can't wait to return next yearWritten November 17, 2024
- Nomad334796508430 contributionsTake the chanceEnded my birthday trip with this excursion. The mimosas were tasty, brunch was flavorful and filling and the cruise itself…peaceful. If you are visiting San Diego or indigenous to the area, this is a must do!Written November 17, 2024
- Camper172114954690 contributionsAnnouncersThe anounsor were very knowledgeable. They told you everything you were about to see in a timely manner. Great ride for couples and for families.Written November 15, 2024
- brucem7660 contributionsIt's okay for something to do in SDIt was fine not great, the message was hard to hear the food was expensive but then again it's San Diego. The people on board that we met were very nice.Written November 15, 2024
- 999anniw0 contributionsA Perfect Day on San Diego Bay!Leisurely trip, beautiful bay, perfect sunny weather, informative narration, excellent service, and not crowded. What more could you ask for?!!Written November 8, 2024
- leslielV3013DX0 contributionsGreat chance to sit downVery pleasant guided ride around the harbor. Good way to end a day sightseeing. It was the most reasonable option of all the choices. We booked online about 1 hour ahead on a Sunday late afternoon.Written October 8, 2024
- Kimberly D0 contributionsThe best experience of my lifeFirst time in SD and saw this experience had amazing reviews. It did not disappoint!!! Absolutely amazing staff and crew. The views were amazing, the servers really take care of you :)) would do this every time I come back, definitely an experience I’ll remember forever!Written October 7, 2024
- joshuatA9333MQ0 contributionsGreat Sunday dateExcellent experience. I highly recommend the brunch cruise. The food, the service, and the views made for an amazing date.Written October 2, 2024
- GoGatorsWayne0 contributionsA must-do in San Diego.Outstanding tour of the harbor. The captain and his crew give an excellent narration and an enjoyable boat ride. We recommend this tour to anyone. The only drawback is it felt kind of bad when they asked for tips at the end. Go on this cruise. You will like it.Written October 2, 2024
- Masteryates0 contributionsProbably the best way to spend 90 minutes in San DiegoSometimes cruises like this arent all they are cracked up to be, due to a lack of things to see on the waterfront, poor windy viewing positions and too many people crammed onto the boats. Our cruise on the other hand departed at 3:15 and was the perfect day to end a busy day on our feet. There was plenty to see for the whole 90 minutes and some of the viewing points were much better than anywhere on land. The vesel provided great viewing positions and places to get away from high winds, without being too crowded. We spent a week in San Diego and both agreed with was the best thing we did all week.Written September 30, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinions of Tripadvisor members 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.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.0
29 reviews
Excellent
14
Very good
7
Average
2
Poor
1
Terrible
5
tencatdaddy
Athens, GA436 contributions
Jan 2023
thoroughly enjoyed the cruise and suggest doing it early on your visit to San Diego so you have an idea about the city. Fr/ reading some of the reviews I suppose I was lucky in that the cruise was not even half full and all adults which gave room to meander the ship and wander fr/ side to side in order to witness all of the sites (note: upon entering the area I was told on which side to sit in order to get the best views).
Prices for drinks and food were not unreasonable (at least for CA) and service was very pleasant (I did have to ask for glassware) fr/ making the reservation to info at the ticket booth to boarding the boat to getting orders to exiting (however the plea for gratuities was a bit much),
As mentioned I would suggest doing it early to get an idea about the city and learn some information that helps when you are touring the city.
My only gripe is that it is confusing to find the place. GPS sent me to a point about 1/2 mile away and by walking until I found what I thought must be the place I needed.
Prices for drinks and food were not unreasonable (at least for CA) and service was very pleasant (I did have to ask for glassware) fr/ making the reservation to info at the ticket booth to boarding the boat to getting orders to exiting (however the plea for gratuities was a bit much),
As mentioned I would suggest doing it early to get an idea about the city and learn some information that helps when you are touring the city.
My only gripe is that it is confusing to find the place. GPS sent me to a point about 1/2 mile away and by walking until I found what I thought must be the place I needed.
Written January 21, 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.
Hi tencatdaddy, glad to learn your experience was a positive one. We look forward to seeing you again soon!
Written January 23, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
aberfitchgr534
Bolivar, OH1,988 contributions
Feb 2023
We did this on a Tuesday Afternoon around 3pm. The boat was practically empty and we had a nice table on the top of the deck which I recommend. They also have a nice drink menu to have a cocktail while you ride with a souvenir glass.(I personally would rather pay less and just let them keep the cup ). I didn't realize that when you do the one hour tour you only get to go around half the bay, so our tour was the North end. If you do the two hour tour you get the full Bay North & South, but you do pull back into the dock for 15 minutes to load and unload folks not doing the two hour tour. The tour had good info however our narrator was not overly entertaining or personable. It does get chilly so bring a jacket we went on a full sun day with temps in the 60's and it was brisk and we are from OHIO LOL. If I had to do it again I would do the 2 hour tour to see the whole bay. Very interesting info provided.
Written February 12, 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.
Hi! Thanks for taking time out of your day to review us. Have a wonderful day!
Written February 15, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
DBa12020
6 contributions
Mar 2022 • Family
The cruise was average. Service was good but the boat looked as if it had seen better days. Afternoon winds in San Diego made it a bit chilly so I would recommend an earlier cruise. A lack of signs made it difficult to find the meeting location. Overall it was okay.
Written March 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.
brodge
Kansas City, MO145 contributions
Feb 2020
We had done this cruise before so returned with friends. The boat personnel are very friendly and safety concious. We enjoyed hearing about the many ships along the route. On our first tour, the captain pointed out a ship that was used to transport cars from overseas, mentioning the ship could hold 5,000 cars. On our return visit, the ship was sitting there, but there was no mention of it's purpose. It would also be nice if the captain would comment on some of the iconic buildings downtown. He did point out the Padre's stadium and convention center however. Also, if you also tour the USS Midway Museum, keep your ticket stub and show it to the box office and you'll receive a $5.00 discount for taking a Hornblower cruise.
Written February 22, 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.
Debbie W
Petoskey, MI38 contributions
Mar 2023
Whenever friends come visit us for the first time, we always take them on either the one- or two-hour cruise, and they always enjoy it. The narrative is very informative, with many items of interest. The staff is very pleasant and attentive.
Written March 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.
Hi 849debbiew, we’re thrilled to get this kind of feedback. Thank you for taking the time to review us. Hope you have an amazing day!
Written March 23, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
isabellekane2000
New York City, NY223 contributions
We had an exquisite experience! We took the north bay cruise and we had wonderful views of the city as well as other military ships and the outskirts of the Bay Area. We enjoyed a glass of wine by the window and relaxed a great deal. The cruise started and ended on time and the staff was very professional.
Written January 13, 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.
Thanks for the wonderful feedback - see you back soon!
Written January 27, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Aide V
Dallas, TX2 contributions
Jul 2022 • Family
My family and I, truly enjoyed this boat tour.. we were mesmerized by the beautiful scenery, especially San Diego's Skyline. As well as The Harbor, itself. Everyone we met was so friendly, especially The Captain; so wonderful to speak with him and so informative and knowledgeable about the city. We absolutely loved it and enjoyed it. We would definitely do it, again. AAA+++ Recommend.
Written July 18, 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.
Courtney S
1 contribution
Was not sent any notification that my reservation had been cancelled. I had called and booked tickets weeks in advance, received a confirmation email, and then heard nothing. We arrived at the dock, no boats anywhere around, no staff in the Hornblower ticket booth, had to ask at the visitor center and find out that tours for the day were cancelled and this company has a reputation for doing so…
Written June 11, 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.
mike m
Scottsdale, AZ38 contributions
Jul 2020
Took the family on the one hour San Diego Harbor tour. Was very pleased with the COVID precautions Hornblower is performing. All staff wearing masks. Tables and chairs appropriately “social distanced” from each other. Hand sanitizer throughout the ship. It’s clear they want to provide a good and safe experience and keep the cruises open through this pandemic. Thank you on behalf of the cruise guests!
Written July 3, 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.
Tom S
1 contribution
Apr 2023
Nice, relaxing 1-hour ride around the bay. We saw a whale, which I understand is pretty rare in that area. Better drinks and snacks than I expected, it's comparable to a mid-range bar/restaurant. Plenty of room, nice big windows. We liked it a lot.
Written April 17, 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.
Hello tomsO7747AR -Thanks so much for the kind words! We’re really happy to hear you enjoyed your experience, and hope to see you back soon. Cheers.
Written April 20, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Can we bring our Dog, she is 5lbs, and she will be in an enclosed stroller, similar to a baby's stroller.
Written March 17, 2019
can we select the time we want to cruise? What if the time we want is already booked up?
Written June 8, 2018
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