Plan Your Perfect Summer Boat Day!
If you’re planning a summer vacation in San Diego, chances are you’re looking for activities the whole family will enjoy. While the beaches, San Diego Zoo, a Padres Game, and theme parks are always popular, one of the most memorable ways to experience America’s Finest City is from the San Diego Bay & Pacific Ocean.
A sailing adventure on San Diego Bay offers incredible skyline views, wildlife spotting, and a relaxing experience that’s perfect for kids, parents, and even grandparents. Whether you’re looking for a quick morning activity or an all-day adventure, here’s how to choose the best sailing experience for your family this summer.
Family Morning Sailboat Ride on the San Diego Bay
The Morning Sail is our shortest, 2-hour sail and sets sail from 10 AM to 12 PM daily during the summer months.
What You’ll See on Your Morning Family Sailing Adventure:
Due to the length of this charter, you will be sailing primarily within the San Diego Bay and get the chance to spot wildlife, possibly even Naval warships, and sail along Coronado Island and Cabrillo National Monument in Point Loma.
Is This the Right Sailing Experience for Your Family?
This is a great option if your family is early risers or if you have a packed itinerary and want to fit a fun activity in during the morning hours. Purchase tickets for your family on a ticketed sail or book a private charter. (Captain included.)
All Ticketed Charters are capped at 6 guests total. Private charters (up to 10 guests).
Learn More about a Morning Sail in San Diego
Best Midday Sailing Activity for Families in San Diego
A local favorite, the 3-hour Midday Sail sets sail from 1-4 PM this time of year and offers the most ideal sailing conditions.
What You’ll See on a Family Afternoon Sailing Trip:
On a 3-hour Midday Sail, you’ll typically adventure out to the Pacific Ocean to enjoy an afternoon on the open water. This gives you the best chance to spot wildlife (sea lions, dolphins, pelicans, etc.), and you might even catch a Naval ship coming or going from the San Diego Bay.
Is This the Right Sailing Experience for You?
This afternoon sail is a good option for you if sailing is the primary family activity you’re planning for the day. You’ll find that three hours on the water flies by with so much to explore and see from the deck!
Book tickets (up to 6) or book a private boat.
Check Availability for this Afternoon Sailing Adventure
The #1 Sunset Boat Ride in San Diego for Families
The sunset sail, as you may have guessed, is our top seller. I mean, who doesn’t like winding down from a full day of activities with their family on a relaxing sunset sail? The ultimate happy-hour destination.
What You’ll See on an Evening Sunset Sail:
You’ll enjoy the best of both worlds as you sail toward the mouth of the San Diego Bay, where it meets the Pacific Ocean in Point Loma. Then sail back toward Downtown San Diego to take in the city’s stunning skyline as the sun begins to set. Similar to the morning and midday sails, spotting sea lions and dolphins is a regular occurrence during the sunset sail.
Is this the Sailing Experience You’re looking for?
This is the ultimate relaxation experience. So, if you’re looking to spend three relaxing hours on the waters of San Diego with your family this summer, then this is the charter for you. Enjoy complimentary cold drinks on board for happy hour and toast to an epic day in San Diego. Book a ticketed or private sunset sail.
Explore this San Diego Sunset Sailing Experience
The Ultimate Family-Friendly Boat Day in San Diego (6-Hour Sail)
Three hours, just not long enough? Book a 6-hour All Day Sail! This allows you to spend a few hours sailing (or the entire time), and then drop anchor and jump in for a swim.
What You’ll See During an All Day Sail:
Well, that’s up to you! It’s your boat for the entire day (6 hours), so you can choose to spend the entire day sailing on the San Diego Bay and along the San Diego coastline. This gives you the best chance to see all the sights San Diego has to offer from the Pacific Ocean.
Sights might include: Coronado Island and the Coronado Bridge, Downtown San Diego, the USS Midway Aircraft Carrier, and the Star of India (the world’s oldest active sailboat). You’ll also get the chance to sail along the coastline here in Point Loma and spot the Cabrillo National Monument on the hillside as you head out to sea.
Is this Boat Day the Right Choice for Your Family?
This is for you if you plan to spend the entire day on the water and want the option to anchor for a few hours and jump in for a swim! There are two anchorages in the San Diego Bay, where our captains can sail you to, so you can spend a relaxing afternoon jumping off the boat in between sailing. Or, as mentioned above, if three hours is just too short and you want to spend the entire day sailing, this is definitely the right choice for you. Pack a lunch and make this the best day you’ll experience in San Diego.
Private charters only.
Book Your Private Family Sailing Adventure Here
Our Most Common FAQ’s:
- Can kids go sailing in San Diego?
Yes! Sail San Diego welcomes guests of all ages. Doesn’t matter if you have an infant or an 8-year-old, all ages are welcome. We provide life jackets for all children 12 and under per Coast Guard regulations.
- Will we see dolphins and other marine life?
While wildlife sightings are never guaranteed, dolphins, sea lions, pelicans, and other marine wildlife are common throughout the year.
- Should I choose a private charter or a ticketed sail for my family sailing adventure?
Private charters are ideal for families wanting a personalized experience. Especially when you have 4-5 people in your party, it’s actually more cost-effective to book a private sail.
- What should we bring?
Sunscreen, hats, sunglasses, light layers, and don’t forget your camera!
- Is there a bathroom on the boat?
Yes, all of our sailboats have a bathroom below deck for your comfort and convenience.
- What’s included?
Cold drinks and light snacks are complimentary! Drinks include: beer, hard seltzers, soft drinks, juice boxes, and still and sparkling water. You are more than welcome to BYOB as well, and bring your own food.
Is Sailing Safe for Kids?
Children 12 and under are provided properly fitted life jackets, and every vessel carries all required Coast Guard safety equipment. Our experienced crew is happy to answer questions, help younger sailors feel comfortable, and make sure everyone has an enjoyable day on the water.
When you sail with Sail San Diego, you’ll be sailing with one of our U.S. Coast Guard-licensed captains who all have years of sailing experience. They’ll end up feeling much more like a family friend than just another boat operator!
Sail San Diego welcomes guests of all ages, making it one of the most family-friendly activities in San Diego.
Whether you’re visiting San Diego for a weekend getaway this summer or a weeklong family vacation, a sailing adventure is one of the most relaxing and memorable ways to experience America’s Finest City. From spotting dolphins and sea lions to watching the sunset over the Pacific Ocean, every sail offers a new perspective of San Diego.
Make It a Full Day in Point Loma
There’s no shortage of things to do on Shelter Island, where Sail San Diego is located. So, here are a few ideas of how to make it a full day experience for you and your family.
Grab a morning coffee at Portside Coffee & Gelato
The local spot here on the island where everyone goes to grab their cup of joe in the morning. It’s perfect if you’re sailing early and need a quick pick-me-up before setting sail. Just a two-minute walk from the docks at Sail San Diego.
Come back hungry? Grab seafood at Mitch’s Seafood
This is where all the captains and crew go for the best seafood in town. Craving a fish taco? Ceviche? Fish and chips? This is the place. Just one warning: the seagulls are just as hungry as you are, so keep an eye on your plate if you’re eating on the outdoor patio.
Take a walk to the end of Shelter Island
Cap things off with an afternoon or evening stroll down the walking path that runs the length of Shelter Island. You’ll catch views of San Diego Bay along the way, and can stop for a cold beer at Fathom’s Bistro, Bait & Tackle right on the fishing pier.
Sun, salty air, and epic sailing, that’s a San Diego summer day done right. Pack the sunscreen, round up the family, and Book Your Sail with Sail San Diego Today.