San Diego’s sparkling bay and ocean waters are beautiful to look at, but there’s nothing like getting out there for an up-close view by booking a summer boating adventure. And from tiki-boat tours to hot-tub cruises, San Diego’s got you covered. Here are a few ideas to float by your family or party crew for your next San Diego nautical happening.
Tiki Time Bay Tours
Going total tiki is easy (and a whole lot of fun) with Tiki Time Bay Tours, whose signature thatched-roof party boat plies San Diego Bay with a wide range of cruise options. The boat offers an open bar during every cruise (a bathroom, too), and tours are hosted by professional improvisers for that extra splash of entertainment. (“Our tours are designed with sarcasm, wit and fun — so buckle up!,” as Tiki Time puts it.) While individual tickets are available for a variety of bay tiki tours (both family-friendly and adult), your group can book the whole boat, too.
Paddle Pub Mission Bay
Not only can you party aboard a mini-paddle wheeler during a Paddle Pub cruise, you can even propel the boat yourself via pedal-power! But rest assured, pedaling is fully optional (the vessel does have a motor). The only requirement is to be ready to have a great time out on the sparkling waters of Mission Bay, whether via a private rental or a ticketed cruise. The fun starts at the Hyatt Regency Mission Bay Spa & Marina, where cruises begin. One key thing to know: While the Paddle Pub looks like a floating bar, all alcoholic beverages are BYOB.
Go Pontoon Boating
For a family outing or a casual party on the water, it’s hard to beat a stable, roomy and fun pontoon boat. If you’re looking to rent one, a great place to start is Seaforth Boat Rentals, which offers four locations (Coronado, Downtown, Harbor Island, and Mission Bay) and has pontoon boats for hire in a variety of sizes. There’s even an 11-passenger, double-decker number complete with a water slide, although that one requires a Coast Guard-licensed captain; most others can be rented and driven by anyone 18 or older.
Renting a Jet Ski
If you feel a need for a little more speed in your on-water adventures, San Diego has numerous jet-ski rental outlets. On Mission Bay, try the venerable Mission Bay Sportcenter; on San Diego Bay, Luxury Jet Ski Rentals (based in Coronado and South Bay) and San Diego Jet Ski Rentals (at the Coronado Ferry Landing) are among the options. Remember: If you do rent a ski, watch your speed, monitor other boat traffic and keep safety very much in mind.
Go Hot Tub Boating
What could be better than floating in a hot tub on a balmy San Diego day? How about floating in a hot tub that’s on a boat floating in the bay? Yep, that is an actual thing, and San Diego’s Hot Tub Cruisin can make it happen for you. The company rents two sizes of hot-tub-equipped boats that accommodate 8-12 people and that you can drive yourself on Mission Bay. And for the summer, Hot Tub Cruisin also offers a special captained cruise for up to six people that takes you out to watch the nightly SeaWorld San Diego fireworks show. There’s also a sound system onboard for that extra party vibe.
Taking a Speedboat Tour
If you don’t want to do the driving but DO want to zoom fast through San Diego’s waters, consider booking a speedboat or jet boat tour. One great option for thrill seekers: Flagship Cruises & Events’ Patriot jet boat, which offers high-speed rides (or are they flights?) across the waters of San Diego Bay. You’ll get to see a lot of the beautiful harbor on this 30-minute trip, but don’t blink — the Patriot zips along at up to 50 mph. But do prepare to get a little wet. (Ponchos are provided.)
Explore More Ways to Go Boating in San Diego
