catamaran cruises san diego

The Best Boat Tours in San Diego, California.

Come check out our boat tours San Diego locals and tourists love! As one of the top attractions in San Diego, you can book a charter on San Diego’s premier catamarans. Fun Cat Sailing San Diego provides a fun and relaxing day for visitors and locals to explore the beautiful ocean during their San Diego vacation.

Our catamaran boat rides in San Diego provide sailing trips that are fun for the whole family, not to mention a unique view of San Diego’s rocky coastline from the comfort and luxury of a big catamaran. During our San Diego boat cruise, you can help sail, or simply sit back, relax and enjoy the ride!

Ask about our casual and friendly afternoon and Sunset Sails departing every day at 2:00 and 5:00.

Call or Text for friendly fast service!

We offer the best catamaran San Diego visitors will find. There are many fun things to do in San Diego for adults, but with over 35 years of San Diego sailing experience , we know how to make your special day on the ocean a super fun memory.

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Sunset Sails in San Diego

Our stable sailing catamaran offers the best sunset sailing adventure in San Diego.

https://fotograf-interierov-kiev.mystrikingly.com/

Bachelorette Parties in San Diego

Tigress our Catamaran is the perfect boat to come aboard and enjoy one of your most special days.

Sailing Adventures in San Diego

The “Tigress” and “Wind Drum” are custom built, big ocean going catamarans specially designed for exciting day sail charters and whale watching. We brought “Tigress” 5000 miles through the Panama Canal just for you to enjoy.  We also offer the sporty “Wind Drum”  catamaran which is the fastest sailing adventure in the US. 

Check out our “Our Boats” page for more info.

• Swift and stable design ensures a comfortable and exhilarating ride without the "rolling" & "heeling" (leaning) that often causes seasickness on other boats.
• Kick your shoes off and feel the warm deck under your feet. Enjoy our special bow trampolines designed for sunbathing, and lounging around watching the sea life, and water rush by.
• Shady, warm, cushioned seating area for relaxing out of the wind and sun aboard "Tigress." "Wind Drum" offers more speed, and a bit more sun and wind.
• On "Tigress" our deep and roomy seating area is fully protected with a windshield, and is especially comfortable for elderly people, and both catamarans are safe for children.
• Since our catamarans are very fast boats, we are able to see more sights during your sail, and also sailing faster is more FUN.

Come Sail With Us

Submit your information and we will call you back.

• Of all the sailing tours San Diego has, Fun Cat Sailing Catamaran Adventures are the most fun!

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• Sunroad Marina 955 Harbor Island Dr. Gate A-D
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San Diego Catamaran Cruise & Charter – A Stunning Sunset Sail!

February 16, 2021 By: Michael Kompanik This article may contain affiliate links. We may earn a small commission if you buy through our links.

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Triton Charters – The Newest San Diego Catamaran Cruise

Welcome aboard the new kid in town. Big, bold, and beautiful, she is the Triton – one of San Diego’s latest additions to our magnificent waterfront. If you are looking for a fun San Diego Catamaran Cruise or Charter option, the Triton is a perfect choice.

About the Triton Catamaran

The Triton is the newest and largest catamaran yacht in San Diego waters. This impressive 75-foot vessel can host up to 105 guests for fun and adventure on the San Diego Bay. There’s no better way to enjoy the beauty of the city than from the sea, take in a spectacular San Diego sunset , or admire the stunning nighttime of our skyline reflecting in the bay. 

Formerly berthed at a large Texas lake, this massive catamaran was carefully transported overland. This epic 38-day trek took her through farm lands and along country roads to its new home on Shelter Island. She was launched into San Diego Bay on August 1st 2020, fulfilling the lifelong goal of one of her owners and lifetime San Diego resident, Zach Funston. He’d always dreamed of owning a charter sailboat and plying the San Diego waters for business and fun. 

Welcome on board!

The Triton is truly an impressive vessel. Sporting a striking blue and white color scheme with classy lines, she’s more reminiscent of Mediterranean sailboats cruising the cerulean waters of the Greek Islands.  Nautical luxury and comfort blend in perfect harmony with impeccable attention to detail.  

The cabin over the twin hulls features a state-of-the-art 13-seat lighted bar, spacious dance floor, and an advanced sound system. Private tables with bench seats aft of the cabin provide ample seating for eating and drinking in comfort while enjoying unobstructed views. All in all, the stately catamaran can provide seating for up to 70 people from bow to stern. 

The Triton was built for group enjoyment, whether on a sunset sail, a swim and snorkel adventure, or a special event party.  With fun in mind, the Triton’s drop-down stairs and built-in running water slide are ideal for getting more intrepid adventurers down into the water with ease.

For those who love the wind in their face, additional nautical bean bag cushion seats forward of the cabin provide fabulous seating for relaxing in the sun or under the stars.  A sturdy trampoline netting links the twin bows providing more cushioned seating for those who prefer being closer to the water.

And of course, with safety a primary concern, Triton Charter includes a Coast Guard Certified Captain and crew members to assist guests on their journey.

Ticketed San Diego Catamaran Cruise

Triton’s Ticketed Charters run 2 ½ hour narrated tours with departures from Shelter Island at 1:00 pm and 4:30 pm daily from Wednesday through Sunday.  With this option, guests have ample time to enjoy all the spectacular sights of America’s finest city.

Tickets may be purchased on their website, and run $55 per adult, and $15 for children ages 12 and under.

FAQs About TRITON Catamaran Cruises

The 2.5-hour narrated journey sails throughout San Diego Bay, gliding past all the sights, monuments, and scenery of the San Diego waterfront and surrounding hills with views of the cityscape, Coronado Bay Bridge, Coronado, North Island, Point Loma , and more.

$55 for adults $15 for children 12 and under Buy Tickets here>>

Triton offers two daily charters Wednesday through Sunday, departing at 1:00 pm and 4:30pm. Each charter is 2.5 hours in duration.  

The Triton has a full bar stocked with refreshments including cocktails, beer, wine, champagne, soda, juice, sparkling water, and more.  Customers ARE NOT PERMITTED to bring their own beverages. While snacks are available for purchase, guests may bring their own finger foods that are easy to serve and dispose of.

Draft Beer is $8, Cocktails- $10, and Premium cocktails- $12.

San Diego Catamaran Private Charters

Triton Charters also offers a variety of fabulous group event sailing excursions. This is a unique idea for weddings, bachelorette/bachelor parties, birthday parties, family/friend outings, and corporate events.  

Prices range from $825 to $2,250 per hour depending on group size with excursions ranging from two to eight hours.

The Triton’s well-engineered layout makes their vessel ideal for hosting a variety of group sizes. It is great for events with its spacious open seating, expansive floor plan, 13-seat bar, modern décor, lively dance floor, and even a built-in water slide. The crew showed great attention to detail and made this outing an unforgettable event.

Personal Experience Aboard a Sunset Sail Private Charter with Triton

Our 20-some guest private charter departed from Shelter Island about a half-hour before sunset, gliding gracefully past the hundreds of boats and yachts moored nearby. While this was a hosted experience by Triton, all opinions are my own.

Catering and Refreshments

The bar opened immediately for refreshments and was soon doing a brisk business. Remaining entirely within the calm waters of San Diego Bay, the Triton cut the water effortlessly – her twin hulls making for one comfortably smooth sail. We were treated to a spectacular San Diego sunset as the darkening skies were painted in rich hues of orange, gold, and red. 

The blend of both lively and relaxing music, cocktails, and fresh sea-scented air added to the ambiance.  As darkness settled, the glittering lights of San Diego’s stunning skyline lit up the night in spectacular fashion.  The colorful tented lights from the USS Midway and the illuminated outline of the Star of India were especially impressive.  Our sunset sail truly provided a treasure trove of photo opportunities, both onboard and beyond the rails. 

Aldo’s Tacos provided a bountiful buffet on the fantail complete with carne asada, chicken, shrimp, steak, and carnitas tacos with all the fixings and side dishes.

A Fun Sunset Sail!

The cool, clear evening accompanied by a magnificent sunset and star-studded sky was magical. This is one incredible way to enjoy some time at sea, taking in the sights of our picturesque city by the bay — on San Diego’s newest luxury maritime jewel. A big thank you again to Triton Charters for inviting me on this fun San Diego Catamaran Cruise.

San Diego Catamaran Cruise & Charter – A Stunning Sunset Sail! was written by Michael Kompanik for SanDiegoExplorer.com .

San Diego Catamaran Cruise & Charter – Pin for later:

Last Updated on February 16, 2021 by sandiegoexplorer

About Michael Kompanik

Michael Kompanik is a freelance writer and retired Navy Captain who first came on the San Diego scene in 1999 and made it his permanent home in 2008. Michael is part of a travel writing team with his wife, Noreen. While they love travelling the world, San Diego remains first and foremost in their hearts. Though a man of many passions. what Michael enjoys most is discovering and sharing more of his favorite city.

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SAN DIEGO HARBOR CRUISE TICKETS

Take our 2.5 hour San Diego Bay Cruise! Splash by all the major monuments in San Diego Bay on our gorgeous catamaran yacht!

Ticketed Charters

Our 2.5 hour ticketed cruise will take you through San Diego Bay to splash by all the major monuments including the USS Midway and under the Coronado Bridge! This charter is perfect for birthdays, date night, family fun, corporate outings and much more! Our captain and crew will guide your adventure throughout San Diego Bay for fresh air, great music, delicious drinks, and gorgeous views.

Pricing is $55 for an adult and $15 for kids 12 and under. Every person regardless of age is required to have a ticket and sign a waiver prior to boarding.

• Coast Guard certified captain and crew along with a bartender to assist you on your charter
• Cruise by some of the most iconic San Diego monuments including the USS Midway, Star of India, and the Coronado Bridge
• Triton offers draft beer, wine, mixed drinks, specialty cocktails and non alcoholic drinks on board for purchase
• Spacious open seating floor plan including bean bags on the bow for lounging.
• 2 upscale modern bathrooms
• Dance floor with a variety of music playing
• Easy stair access from the dock onto the boat
• Live music on select charters
• Feel free to bring some snacks on board to enjoy
• Family friendly! We welcome all ages on board

Epic Sights

Feel the gentle breeze against your skin as you glide past the awe-inspiring USS Midway, the majestic Coronado Bridge, and the world-renowned Star of India. Marvel at the stunning skyline that graces the horizon, a harmonious blend of modern architecture and coastal charm.

The Largest Catamaran in San Diego

Enjoy the company of friends, family, or colleagues while taking in the iconic landmarks that grace the bay. Our expansive capacity ensures a delightful and memorable experience for everyone on board.

Delicious Custom Cocktails

Our bartenders will whip you up a custom cocktail that will surely tickle your tastebuds. Some of our drinks include the: Triton’s Anchor, Port’s Mistress, Shipwreck’d, and El Salazar.

Featured on

San Diego Harbor Cruise Details 

Where does it start and end.

Departure is at 2700 Shelter Island Drive (see map at the bottom of this page) and will end at the same location.

What are the starting and ending times?

We offer up to 3 charters per day, typically Wednesday-Sunday (make sure the date is available!). During summer months, our ticketed charter times are, 11am, 2:30pm, and 6pm. During the late fall and early winter, our ticket times change to 10am, 1pm, and 4:30pm. To check these availabilities, check our calender

Can we bring our own food and drinks?

Triton has a full bar stocked with alcohol, beer, wine, soda, juice, sparkling water, prosecco, and more! Customers may NOT bring their own beverages. Triton does not offer food, so please feel free to bring your own food!

How much are the drinks?

Draft Beer is $8.50, mixed drinks are $10.50, and custom cocktails are $13

Where does the harbor cruise go?

Over the course of our 2.5 hour ticketed charter we will explore most of San Diego Bay! Throughout the cruise you will pass by the Star of India, USS Midway, Coronado Bridge, Glorietta Bay, and much more! 

Is there seating and table space?

We have plenty of seating and lots of table space! Feel free to bring jackets, sunscreen, and even your own food! 

Take a self-guided digital tour of Triton! Our 75ft catamaran is equipped with modern decor, plentiful seating, a custom 13-seat bar, and includes your very own captain, crew, and bartender! We took care of everything, so you don’t have to. Welcome aboard Triton Charters!

ALANA  YACHT RENTAL SAN DIEGO

Mission bay’s newest and largest power catamaran offering daily bay cruises, and private yacht rentals.

Only pay a 20% Deposit to book

Ticketed Bay Cruises and Private Rentals

Includes Captain, Crew and Bartender

Mission Bay's Newest Yacht

We are the only ticketed and private catamaran yacht rental in Mission Bay! Our catamaran includes a captain, crew, and bartender!

Perfect for any Occasion

Book your birthday, bachelorette party, booze cruise, corporate event, wedding, or purchase a ticket to cruise through Mission Bay!

Buy Tickets or Book Private

Alana offers Mission Bay cruises as well as private yacht rentals. With the ability to hold up to 40 passengers, Alana is perfect for a bay cruise or a private event!

Alana Interior

Alana Exterior

Ticketed Bay Cruise Quick Facts

• $45 Per Ticket
• 2 hour Bay Cruise
• Includes captain, crew and bartender
• Capacity up to 40 guests
• Located at the Hyatt Regency Mission Bay
• Full Bar with drinks for purchase
• Welcome to bring snacks on board

Private Yacht Rental Quick Facts

• 1-25 guests is $450/hr and 26-40 guests is $550/hr
• Book from 2-8 hours
• Invite up to 40 guests
• Plan your custom route through Mission Bay with our captain
• Work with one of our event coordinators to plan all the details of your event

About the Alana Yacht Rental

• Full bar serving your favorite drinks for purchase.
• Certified captain and crew with a bartender included to serve drinks
• Forward and aft deck with ample seating surrounding the boat
• 2 below-deck modern bathrooms
• State-of-the-art entertainment and safety equipment
• Retractable staircases providing easy access in and out of the water

Check out our Reviews

“The Alana was perfect for my birthday party. Plenty of space, good drinks, good music, good times!”

“We stayed in San Diego for 5 days and went on the Alana ticketed Mission Bay Cruise twice!”

“Can I live on the Alana? Asking for a friend…. 5 stars! Absolutely amazing experience!”

Alana is located at 1551 Quivira Rd. San Diego, CA 92109 . Our boat is situated on the backside of the Hyatt Regency Mission Bay in front of the marketplace on the docks. We offer ticketed bay cruises and also private yacht rentals for any occasion!

Ticketed Bay Cruises

Our ticketed Mission Bay cruises take place Wednesday-Sunday at 11 am, 2:30 pm, and 6 pm. Each bay cruise is 2 hours in duration and will take you through Mission Bay to see all the major monuments such as Quivira Basin, Mariners Basin, SeaWorld, Fiesta Island, Sail Bay, and cross under both the Ingraham Bridge and Mission Bay Bridge! On this 2-hour excursion, you will enjoy music from our professional sound system, custom cocktails, local tap beer, wine, and prosecco poured by our welcoming bartenders. All drinks are available for purchase. 

Private Yacht Rental

Alana’s private yacht rental is perfect for groups of up to 40 guests. Great for epic birthday bashes, corporate events, bachelorette/bachelor parties, and special occasions! Every private yacht rental includes a captain, crew, and bartender. Alana is equipped with a liquor-licensed fully stocked bar serving a variety of drinks for purchase. Enjoy 2 decks for optimum comfort, 2 below-deck modern bathrooms, seating surrounding the boat, state-of-the-art entertainment, and safety equipment. Once booked with us an event coordinator will reach to help plan all the details of your charter!

FAQ’s

Where is Alana located?

Alana’s address is 1551 Quivira Rd. San Diego. CA 92109 . The boat is located on the backside of the Hyatt Regency Mission Bay Hotel in front of the marketplace on the docks. 

How many guests can Alana hold?

Alana is Coast Guard approved to hold a maximum of 40 guests.

What types of events do you allow?

When booking Alana, we want to make you feel as if this is your yacht, your captain, and your crew. When purchasing a private yacht rental, you can celebrate any occasion! 

When are your ticketed Mission Bay Cruises? 

Our ticketed Mission Bay cruises take place Wednesday-Sunday at 11am, 2:30 pm, and 6 pm. To book tickets, please visit our Mission Bay Cruises page.

How do you check the availability?

We recommend using our online calendar located HERE to check Alana’s availability. You may also call us from 9am-6pm to ask any questions or book over the phone.

What’s included on the Ticketed Bay Cruises and Private Yacht Rentals?

Alana will take you on a cruise through Mission Bay cruising into Sail Bay, by Seaworld, Mariners Basin and more! On Alana, you will have a captain, crew, and bartender assisting you along your journey. Expect great music, amazing cocktails and epic views of the bay! 

Can we bring food?

Yes! Guests aboard Alana may bring their own snacks! If you are looking to have more than just a personal snack, we offer catering options on our private charters!

Can we bring our own alcohol?

Alana is a liquor-licensed vessel, which means there are no outside beverages permitted onboard.

Do we need to fill out a waiver?

Yes, all guests that board Alana must have a signed waiver. Once your group books, the person who booked the charter will get a custom link to fill out the waiver. Please use that specific link, as it ties your waiver to your group. If you are at our location and are unable to scan the QR code, you can use THIS LINK to complete your waiver. To access our QR Code for a scannable link, you may find the here. 

What is your cancellation policy?

Private Yacht Rental Cancellation Policy:

Ticketed Cruise Cancellation Policy:

You must contact us more than 24 hours before your charter time to cancel your ticket and recieve a full refund. If you cancel within 24 hours you will be charged a 20% cancellation fee but have the option to reschedule to a new day at no additional cost. Alana may cancel ticketed charters anytime for any reason for which our customers will receive a full refund.

THE ULTIMATE MISSION BAY BOAT RENTAL GUIDE!

Learn everything you need to know about renting a boat in Mission Bay. Including where to go, where to park, what type of boat to rent, speed zones, swim zones, and even a map! 

Get $100 off per hour Or $15 Off Tickets!

Splash through Mission Bay on brand new Alana Yacht! Choose a Private Yacht Rental or Ticketed Mission Bay Cruise.

Congratulations! We have emailed and texted you your yacht deal!

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GIVE ME MY YACHT DEAL!

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Triton Catamaran Charters

San diego's newest and largest catamaran charter.

The Triton was commissioned and splashed into San Diego Bay on August 1st, 2020, making it the newest catamaran charter in San Diego. Not only is The Triton the newest catamaran yacht in San Diego, but it is also the largest – sprawling 75’ feet in length with the ability to have up to 100 passengers. The Triton focuses on perfection in every aspect of our yacht, including our luxurious and modern decor, state-of-the-art 13 seat bar, and dynamic layout. We offer a built-in running water slide, a massive dance floor, and an advanced sound system with fun in mind. We’ve accounted for every detail, so you don’t have to. Welcome aboard Triton Charters.

Splash through San Diego Bay and set your eyes on the greatest monuments that San Diego has to offer. See San Diego from a new persepctive as we sail by Bali Hai, Portside Pier, The Star of India, Seaport Village, USS Midway, Coronado Bridge, Rady Shell, and more! 

We've got a 13 seat bar on board with a bartender serving up delicious drinks! Choose from beer on tap, wine, caned cocktails, spirits, mixed drinks, and our specialty cocktails. There's also juice, soda, and water available for non-alcoholic options.

Sit back, relax, and enjoy everything that Triton has to offer! Bring your coworkers, significant other, friend group, family, and anyone else you can think of! Guaranteed good times, unforgettable experience, and smiles all around. Sea you soon ;)

Neighborhood: Point Loma Peninsula

2700 Shelter Island Drive San Diego, CA 92106

Contact Info

(844) 587-4866 [email protected]

Office Hours: Mon-Sun 9am-6pm Boat Rental Hours: Mon-Sun 8am-10pm Ticketed Cruise Times: Times vary based on season and availability.

Deals just for you

Show your badge and save at triton charter's bar.

Sail with us on a ticketed charter and get 10% off your bar tab when you show your badge! 

Largest Catamaran @ 75’ feet in length

• Coast Guard approved to have up to 100 passengers
• 13 seat bar offering beer, wine, spirits, cocktails, and more
• Splash through San Diego Bay with our built in waterslide
• Advanced surround sound speakers with bluetooth, TV, and a dancefloor
• Captain, crew, and bartender with every charter

Triton is perfection in every way

• Private rentals available daily with customizations
• 2.5 hour ticketed harbor cruises weekly for public sightseeing
• Tie the knot on Triton Charters with our wedding packages or à la carte
• Host your corporate events, meetings, launch party, team-building with us
• Choose from our list of preferred vendors for the ultimate customizable event
• Enjoy our bean bag seating while taking in our beautiful waterfront
• Enjoy dining, dancing, mingling and celebrating while sailing and sightseeing

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LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR AOLANI STORY

It was in 2001 on the sunny shores of Waikiki Beach, Honolulu that Bruno Schwarz decided to center his family business on a sailboat charter. San Diego’s enticing and gorgeous weather made the perfect location and the oceanfront city eventually became Aolani’s birthplace and home. With the help of his daughter Lindsay, Bruno recruited expert catamaran designer Kurt Hughes to craft the Aolani, a gorgeous 58-foot Sunchaser American catamaran. Since their humble beginnings hosting football fans watching Super Bowl XXXVII on their maiden voyage, Bruno and his family have gone on to sail with 75% of all Fortune 500 companies, a remarkable and unparalleled achievement in the boat charter industry.

The Aolani is San Diego’s most versatile vessel, and the only San Diego boat charter that can comfortably fit 48 passengers on the outer deck or in its spacious salon interior. Although it has the benefit of twin 230 horsepower Yanmar turbo diesel engines, the Aolani is primarily a sailboat and the only vessel in San Diego that is Coast Guard certified to sail out onto the open sea without limitation. Wherever you choose to cruise, we get you there quickly with our powerful engine so afterward, you can enjoy the peace and quiet of a majestic, wind-powered sail. Our crew is like family to us, and we think that after you experience one of our amazing day cruises, you will feel like you are part of the family too.

Now that you know a bit more about Aolani, let us help you plan a spectacular event on our beautiful catamaran! Give us a call today! Please refer to our FAQs if you have any questions about the Aolani!

Catamaran Specifications

Designed by renowned catamaran designer Kurt Hughes in Seattle, WA, Aolani Catamaran is a 58’ Sunchaser American Catamaran. We completed building her in 2003. She is 58’ long with a 32’ beam. Sails are approx.. 1500 sq. ft. without spinnaker. US Coast Guard licensed for 48 people, plus crew.  We are certified to sail in the open ocean, most charter boats have to stay within the San Diego Bay.

• Engines are twin 230 horsepower Yanmar turbo diesels, 10KW generator, full electronics, netting forward, 4 vacuflush heads.
• Large galley which serves to inside and out, refrigerator and ice-maker, a large interior salon with 360 degree views.
• 4 standard staterooms: (2 queen and 2 double), and 2 staterooms for captain and crew.
• Hull is made out of state of the art composite/epoxy, honeycomb and fiberglass, built in a female mold with triaxial woving, light weight vessel for maximum sailing performance.

Originally designed for a capacity of 69 guests, the US Coast Guard certifies these catamarans for 48 guests so there is plenty of space for all guests. You may have all your guests within the cabin interior if it is raining, cold, foggy or windy, or everybody is able to be on the outside. We believe we are the only 48 person sailboat in San Diego where everybody can be on the inside or on the outside at the same time. Aolani is primarily a sailing yacht, however, if you should prefer a motor yacht we will not hoist the sails and then she is a motor yacht. Wouldn’t you rather have the wind in the sails rather than loud, smelly engine interrupt your hours at sea?

San Diego Catamaran Sailing is the number one attraction in Maui, Hawaii and Key West, Florida. Experience the thrill of fast sailing with this lightweight and attractive vessel. When you leave this boat we want you to have experienced a great sailing adventure.

OUR PARTNERS

Sailing in Style: Luxury Yachting for More Fun at Sea

On our 58-foot catamaran, you and your guests can explore the entire San Diego area like you’ve never seen it before. At sea, we can comfortably fit up to 48 passengers. If you need to host a larger party or you’re looking to sync up with local wedding venues, we can dock alongside a nearby hotel or add a second rafted wedding yacht to double the maximum capacity.

When it comes to San Diego Bay tours for corporate events and teambuilding, our hospitality suite is perfect for throwing all kinds of parties. You and your guests can spread out and lounge around in style while our crew attends to your every need. Spend more time taking in the views during unique team building activities while we take care of everything else.

San Diego Yacht Rental Options

Corporate events Luxury weddings and bachelorette parties Day cruises Whale and dolphin watching Hospitality suite Military event Film/media production Holiday cruises Burial at sea

If you don’t see your event listed above, contact us to see if Aolani’s San Diego sailing charters are the right choice for your next get together.

Professional Catamaran Rentals for a Seamless Experience

With 16 years in the catamaran rental business, the professionals at Aolani know how to throw a party a sea. We have the experience to make sure you and your guests have everything you need as you leave the shore behind. Intimate and spacious, power catamarans give you the best of both worlds. Our Captain and Crew are included on all private yacht charter outings, so you can sail worry-free. You and your guests can also enjoy some of San Diego’s best catering options with a dinner cruise on board. Let us do all the work so you and your party can sail across the turquoise waters of San Diego in style.

Take your event to the next level with a San Diego day cruise. Aolani is here to create an experience you and your guests will never forget. Contact us to learn more about our catamaran sailing charters and start planning your adventure today.

CHOOSE YOUR SAN DIEGO YACHT CHARTER ADVENTURE

& Bachelorette Parties

& DOLPHIN WATCHING

HOSPITALITY

Adventure Without Limits

One of the many things that set us apart from other sailing options in San Diego is that we are Coast Guard certified to sail in the open ocean, not just in the San Diego Bay. This leaves your options wide open for your custom yacht charter. San Diego has many amazing shoreline attractions for day trips, sunset sailing & sunset cruises, as well as unforgettable overnight trips to Catalina Island, where you can anchor for one or more nights and explore that unique, sparsely populated and idyllic island. For the wildlife lover, the months of November through April tend to be perfect for getting up close and personal with Gray, Finback, and even Blue Whales during their southern migration down to Mexico. Other amazing ocean creatures such as pods of dolphins, sharks, sea lions, and seals can be observed year-round as well. Our expertly-trained captain and crew make for a safe and non-disruptive experience for the wildlife, and a smooth and comfortable experience for our guests. On-board, we have modern audio-visual capabilities for corporate presentations or private celebrations with 2 interior flat screen TV’s and surround sound. Options abound for dining onboard the Aolani, from our fine selection of snacks and sandwiches, to gourmet catering from some of San Diego’s favorite restaurants. A full bar of premium liquors and wines is also available!

Book your Aolani Charter today!

Please leave your phone number so we can get in touch with you

What kind of charter are you interested in? Corporate Events Day Cruises Birthday Party Wedding Bachelor/Bachelorette Party Graduation Party Burial at Sea Whale Watching Military Event Holiday Cruises Film/Media Production

How did you hear about us? Repeat Client Online Search Omni Magazine (Digital/Print) Family/Friend referral Online Banner Ad Saw you at a charity event Referral from another business Print ad Other

AOLANI PRIVATE YACHT RENTAL & BOAT CHARTER | (619) 807-8000 | 1380 HARBOR ISLAND DR, SAN DIEGO, CA 92101

We’re open! Call or fill out the form on any page to book.  Read about updated safety measures here .

10 Incredible San Diego Sailing Tours to Get Your Sailing On

S ometimes we just want to ditch the on-land attractions and head out to the ocean for a sailing adventure. Whether you’ve never been on a boat before or you’re a seasoned sailor yourself but couldn’t get your boat down to San Diego and still need your fix of the sea breeze. Thankfully, plenty of companies offer San Diego sailing tours.

Greg and I got into sailing a few years ago. We currently don’t have our sailing certification but love spending time on the water. So until we can safely maneuver our own sailboat, we either head out with one of our friends (Big shout out to Joe! Thank you!!!) or go on a sailing tour.

Here is a list of our most loved San Diego sailing tours to get you in the mood to hit the San Diego Bay and the Pacific Ocean.

The Best San Diego Sailing Tours

🥇best rated san diego sailing tour.

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Small Group San Diego Sunset Sailing Excursion

This three-hour San Diego sunset sail tour brings lovers of the sea out on a Catalina-style sailboat to watch the last of the sun rays fall behind the ocean. The idea of this excursion is to create an intimate feeling, only allowing six guests on board.

There will be beer, soft drinks, and snacks provided by the captain during the ride. Additionally, warm jackets will be on standby in case the wind off the sea becomes too much.

Pass by San Diego’s private marina Point Loma, the USS Midway Museum, and under Coronado Bridge to the island.

The sailing boat has a modern sound system, so if anyone would like to play their favorite songs for some added ambiance, they’re free to do so.

Before you head off, meet at the Sail San Diego Office on Shelter Island. You need to receive a physical paper ticket to board the ship. It will be given to you upon check in.

Sunset Sailing Experience On San Diego Bay

Sunset is, without a doubt, the best time to take a boat out to sea. Watching the dramatic orange colors explode throughout the sky from a top deck is a blissful experience.

Hop on board a classic sailing yacht and make your way down San Diego Bay, catching glimpses of military ships and some of the city’s key sights from a unique perspective.

Take advantage of the many photo opportunities while watching the California sun slowly fades away. As well as an unforgettable sailing experience, you get some white wine, chocolates, soda, and water with your booking.

This fantastic two-hour tour is popular among those looking to celebrate something, e.g., engagement or proposal. This sunset sail in San Diego is one you won’t be soon to forget.

A maximum of six people can reserve a space on the ship which departs from Harbor Island. It’s recommended that you arrive 20 minutes beforehand, so you have time to find the gate. The company is not able to wait for anyone.

Book here San Diego Whale Watching Cruise

Would you like to see some whales? Head out to sea with an expert guide who will provide interesting knowledge about grey whales, dolphins, and other animals that roam around San Diego.

They’ll bring you to several areas where they have spotted whales in the past. This exciting 4.5-hour whale-watching tour takes you aboard a ship modeling a sailing schooner that won a prize at the world’s first America’s Cup sailing competition in 1851. 

This outstanding whale-watching tour includes drinks and snacks, sightings of whales guaranteed, and a no-sickness promise.

Check-in is at the Next Level Sailing office. It opens an hour before departure and closes 30 minutes before. If you’re looking for a small private tour, this isn’t the one for you. The ship can hold up to 77 passengers.

Book here Small Group Afternoon Sailing Excursion

Board a Catalina-style sailboat for six people and embark on a semi-private sailing tour of San Diego.

Get your binoculars ready because you’ll see an array of sights like the San Diego Convention Center, Seaport Village , the USS Midway , and much more.

The boat’s crew members will take good care of you for the duration of the tour, offering complimentary beer, wine, soft drinks, and snacks. If the sun gets too much for you, sunscreen will be on board too. 

Check in for this activity is at the Sail San Diego office. The captain will meet you there and bring you to the ship, where the fun will begin!

San Diego Bay Relaxing Sailing Tour

Step aboard a luxuriously designed Beneteau sailing yacht and cruise around San Diego Bay VIP style. Pop your head inside the spacious cabin kitted out with cushioned seats, soft blankets, pillows, and bean bags to relax on the bow of the boat.

The 2.5 tour starts by taking passengers to catch some gorgeous harbor views of the military ships parked up, including the USS Midway and the Star of India. After, they’ll be taken under the Coronado Bridge to see San Diego Seaport area.

The boat will then venture over the bay to the Naval Air Station and a couple of other notable attractions before making the return to land.

The tour will leave from the Claire Sailing office, only a few minutes from downtown. Beverages are provided by the company, e.g., beer and soda, and passengers can have a shot of driving the boat once given the go-ahead from the captain.

Private Sailing Charter on San Diego Bay

Enjoy a 2.5-hour private sailing charter tour along San Diego Bay.

This is different from other excursions where the company chooses the itinerary. Instead, you decide what you want to see. Whether you want to go whale watching, swimming, or lay an anchor somewhere, the sky is the limit. Additionally, if you’d like the captain to plan your time out carefully, that can be arranged too. See sights like Tijuana , Hotel del Coronado, or Point Loma Lighthouse.

Make sure you arrive outside Clayton’s Galley 10 minutes before departure time. That’s where the captain will meet you beforehand.

Look out for dolphins, sea lions, and whales when you’re out at sea. If it’s the season, you can see them.

Again, this charter sailboat tour of San Diego is private. It will only be your group on the boat with the captain and their team. Snacks and water are included with the tour.

Book here Luxury Catamaran Sailing Charter of San Diego

Take on the San Diego waves on your private catamaran sailing charter that can hold up to 12 passengers.

Set off from the Hyatt Regency Mission Bay for an eight-hour cruise to see exciting attractions like Sunset Cliffs Natural Park , Ocean Beach Pier, La Jolla, and Pacific Beach. Soak up stunning seascapes while trying to spot aquatic animals. The captain can help you out with that one.

The crew on board will be looking after you for the day and will provide five-star, personalized service. This is the perfect tour if you have a big family and want to celebrate fashionably.

Private Luxurious Sailing Cruise in San Diego Bay

This is arguably the fanciest sailing tour you can book in California. It’s a private excursion that tailors to passengers’ needs.

Fancy a sail and swim in Glorietta Bay? Or a romantic cruise along Coronado? Pick where you’d like to see. It’s your three hours. Let the crew do the hard work while you relax, sipping on an ice-cold drink.

The tour is limited to you and 5 other guests. You’ll depart from Harbor Island at 5 pm and have three hours out at sea.

When you see inside this yacht, you won’t want to get off. Its elegant design creates a warm, homey feeling. You’ll forget you’re out on the sea.

The captain and his team are attentive and will look after your group in whatever way they can. To top it all off, alcoholic beverages are included, so grab a beer and watch the sun go down with those you love.

There’s no doubt, this is definitely one of the best sailboat tours in San Diego.

Book here Private Sail Yacht Experience on San Diego Bay

Grab some lovely photographs of San Diego Bay on this two-hour private sailing tour.

Have a 37-foot (11.2 meters) yacht all to yourselves while you kick back with a bottle of champagne, and the captain brings you to see dolphins and other sea creatures along the coast.

The tour is suitable for a maximum of six people and comes with some luxuries such as champagne, white wine, chocolates, and soda. You’re free to bring your own food and drink as well.

Book here Sterling Sails 2-Hour Private Sailing Experience

Did anyone ever tell you that San Diego looks better from the water? See it for yourself on this two hour private sailing experience with your own private yacht and a captain who’s well versed in handling navigation.

Sail all along San Diego Bay, scouting out sea lion hideouts and old military ships like the USS Midway.

The ship can hold six people, making this tour ideal for small families or groups on vacation looking for an ocean escape. Captain Liz will meet your group at the benches beside Marina Cortez 15 minutes before the ship’s sailing time.

San Diego is an amazing place for a sailing tour, with stable winds and a balmy climate; it’s no wonder boating enthusiasts love it here. 

When choosing a sailing tour, you’ll have to ask yourself some questions:

What’s your budget? 

Which attractions would you like to see? 

How much time do you have?

Once you’ve determined this, you’ll be on the boat, ready for your San Diego sailing tour!

Looking for more ideas? Check out these San Diego Whale Watching Tours .

Last Updated on August 2, 2023 by Maria Haase

The post 10 Incredible San Diego Sailing Tours to Get Your Sailing On appeared first on San Diego Explorer .

Exploring Monterey on a dime

A frugal traveler puts the California county, known for its exclusive towns and fancy golf courses, to the test, combining stunning nature with low-key hotels, small businesses and a few splurges

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My first view of Monterey Bay on California’s Central Coast was thrilling — a raft of 40-something sea otters — and free. The next time I would get close to them, at the Monterey Bay Aquarium , it cost nearly $60. That split between free access to outdoor wonders and investment-grade attractions epitomized my experience in the area.

Like so much of coastal California, the Monterey Peninsula, home to famous Pebble Beach golf courses and exclusive towns like Carmel-by-the-Sea (known simply as Carmel), connotes wealth. It is encompassed by Monterey County, a roughly 3,300-square-mile area, which includes Big Sur, where accommodations at luxury resorts like the Post Ranch Inn start at around $1,500 a night.

With a budget of less than half of that for three days, I put Monterey — the town and the county — to the frugal test. In January, a quiet and thrifty time of year, I trusted parks and preserves, unsung hotels and small businesses to keep things economical, even if sampling the variety of Monterey — ranging from historic cities to redwood forests, tide pools and vineyards — required renting a car ($175).

Seeking Steinbeck

My introduction to Monterey, John Steinbeck’s 1945 classic novel “Cannery Row,” describes its waterfront lined in sardine canneries as “a poem, a stink, a grating noise, a quality of light, a tone, a habit, a nostalgia, a dream.” It’s hard to find that gritty romance along today’s Cannery Row , which boomed in the 1930s and ’40s, before overfishing killed supply.

Now chains such as Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. and Sunglass Hut replace “weedy lots and junk heaps,” though a central plaza with bronze sculptures of Steinbeck and some of his characters pays tribute to the past.

Still, the spirit of the book’s protagonist, Doc — a marine biologist based on the real-life scientist Ed Ricketts — lives on at the Monterey Bay Aquarium, which is housed in the former Hovden Cannery. At $59.95 for admission, the aquarium is a worthy splurge, offering opportunities to encounter creatures large, small, wondrous and rare.

“We bring the ocean to people to inspire them with things they might not get to see otherwise,” said Madi Frazier, an aquarium naturalist, as she guided me to a kelp forest modeled on the one found just beyond the bayfront building’s glass walls.

A wing devoted to deepwater ecology held bright red bloody-belly comb jellyfish, stringy bioluminescent siphonophores and 4-foot Japanese spider crabs that inched along in the gloom. A dune-style aviary offered opportunities to observe a normally skittish red knot at close range. Bat rays glided beneath tentative fingers in shallow touch tanks.

A few blocks away, Katie Blandin named her 5-year-old cocktail bar Pearl Hour after “the hour of the pearl,” described in “Cannery Row” as “the interval between day and night when time stops and examines itself.”

We met during happy hour — 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday — when classic cocktails such as the Corpse Reviver No. 2 go for $10 (normally $13). Blandin plants the bar’s back patio in succulents, flowers and herbs, many of which make their way into her cocktails.

“I think even a cocktail should have a sense of terroir,” she said.

Old Monterey

The oldest part of Monterey — an outpost of Spain and then Mexico dating back to the 17th century — lies just over a mile south of Cannery Row in a pedestrian-friendly downtown where signs flag historic adobe buildings.

Among several modestly priced hotels there, I booked the Hotel Abrego , where my $130-a-night room included a Keurig coffee machine and spacious glassed-in shower. Its $20 nightly resort fee, included in the room total, covered parking, a hot breakfast buffet and a glass of wine.

It was easy walking distance to lively Alvarado Street, lined in restaurants and shops. A 19th-century complex, the Cooper Molera Adobe , includes an orchard, barn and house museum (free) behind its walls, and the Alta Bakery and Cafe , where I sipped coffee ($3) on the tranquil patio.

Down the block, Ad Astra Bread Co. sells aromatic loaves of sourdough ($10 each) from Ron Mendoza, the former pastry chef at the Michelin-starred Aubergine in nearby Carmel.

“For the last five years, some of our leading chefs have abandoned fine dining and opened artisanal food businesses,” said Deborah Luhrman, the editor and publisher of the food magazine Edible Monterey Bay , who recommended both bakeries.

The brewpub Alvarado Street Brewery was buzzing when I stopped in for a quinoa bowl ($16) and a Mai Tai tropical IPA for $8. Nearby, my favorite cheap find, El Charrito Express , served substantial barbacoa wraps stuffed with marinated beef, beans and rice for $6.99.

Chancing it in Carmel

From the outset, it felt like a losing bet to take my penny-pinching budget to chic Carmel-by-the-Sea, the 1-square-mile seaside town where actor Clint Eastwood was once mayor.

Even getting there comes at a price: 17-Mile Drive , the coastal scenic route, costs $12 to drive. Fortunately, it’s free to cyclists, which helped take the edge off the cost of the bike I rented to explore some of Monterey’s celebrated cycling routes .

From the bike shop Mad Dogs & Englishmen in Monterey, I rented an electric bike ($40 for four hours) to assist in the long ride — about 28 miles round-trip — and its hills. The deal included free valet parking for my car at the adjacent Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa.

On a cool January morning, frothy aquamarine waves broke on the granite rocks that barricaded the coast, tempting me to stop every half-mile or so to admire their churn. A thick fog blew in as I reached the area’s renowned shorefront links, dramatizing their sand bunkers and wind-shorn cypress trees. I passed a landscape painter and jaw-dropping Pebble Beach mansions before coasting into Carmel.

Amid luxury retailers like Tiffany and Bottega Veneta I found the new Korean restaurant Jeju Kitchen in the outdoor Carmel Plaza . My salmon rice bowl was not cheap at $26, but it was delicious, substantial and only a few dollars more than food truck options at the Carmel Farmers Market across the street.

Monarchs, redwoods and waterfalls

It was far easier to stretch my budget seeking nature in Monterey, home to 99 miles of coastline.

I started at the 2.4-acre Pacific Grove Monarch Sanctuary , where mature Monterey pine trees attract overwintering butterflies that are known to cluster in groups of up to 1,000 from November through February (free).

Using binoculars, I spied bright orange monarchs catching early-morning rays from the tips of pine boughs like mini-solar panels. A pair of deer grazed in the shade below while a set of acorn woodpeckers chattered in the treetops. The abundant bird life drew the attention of two red-shouldered hawks, which glided in silently.

Continuing south along the coast, I spent a sunny afternoon at Point Lobos State Natural Reserve (admission $10). The craggy headland has been the setting for classic Hollywood films, including Alfred Hitchcock’s “Rebecca,” and attracted photographers Edward Weston and Ansel Adams .

The reserve, which has a special conservation status within the state park system, was created by a land donation to protect its cypress grove, according to Kathleen Lee, the executive director of the nonprofit Point Lobos Foundation , which supports the park with fundraising and docent training. In a phone interview, she directed me to the forest, noting that it is “one of only two native Monterey cypress groves remaining in California.”

Atop vertiginous cliffs, a trail wound bravely through the wind-sculpted trees. Below them, harbor seals appeared in the backwash of coves. A short drive south, I scrambled over wet rocks at Weston Beach — named for the photographer — to find tide pools filled with sea stars, anemones and hermit crabs.

Waning light chased me from the park as I set out south, eager to make the drive down famously curvy Highway 1 in Big Sur before dark. The rugged coast of towering redwoods and mountains that plunge into the ocean was named El Sur Grande , or the Big South, by Spanish colonizers as an unmapped wilderness.

Twenty-two miles south of Point Lobos, Ripplewood Resort got its start when the highway was being built in the 1920s. I booked a rustic but comfortable cabin there for $135 a night and woke to find it ideally located just a few miles north of Big Sur Bakery , a beacon of artisanal baking that seemed impossible in such a remote location (a cheddar-and-chive scone cost $5.50).

Ripplewood also lies close to a series of coastal parks, including Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park , where the 4-mile Buzzard’s Roost Trail ascended amid redwoods to ridge-top ocean views (admission, $10, good at all state parks for the day). Nine more wiggly miles south, McWay Falls cascades onto a pristine beach at Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park . Between them, I stopped at frequent turnouts to scan for migrating gray whales exhaling telltale spouts.

A safari and a tasting

The survival of southern sea otters in California is a comeback story. Hunted nearly to extinction for their thick pelts, sea otters managed to hang on in the most remote coves and crags of Big Sur, where a few individuals were discovered in 1938. Now numbering about 3,000, the endangered marine mammals are some of the most charismatic residents in the Central Coast’s kelp beds.

They also thrive in Elkhorn Slough , a coastal wetland preserve in Moss Landing, about 27 miles north of Monterey. There, I boarded an electric catamaran from Monterey Bay Eco Tours to troll the calm waters on a 90-minute cruise ($45).

Within minutes, we spotted harbor seals hauled out on muddy banks shared by marbled godwits, black-necked stilts and whimbrel, some of the park’s more than 300 species of birds. Mother otters fed their babies sea cucumbers, gave them swimming lessons and carried sleeping pups as they floated on their backs.

“Elkhorn Slough is a low-stress environment for them,” said Cindy Rice, a naturalist guide leading the tour.

The drive to my last stop — Monterey’s vineyards — took me through the agricultural flats surrounding Salinas, which grows 70 percent of the nation’s salad greens, some 20 miles to the Salinas Valley , which nurtures pinot noir and chardonnay grapes in the foothills of the Santa Lucia range.

Attracted by vintage tractors, I turned into the family-owned Rustiqué Wines and found its convivial tasting room lodged in a former dairy barn filled not with hushed aficionados swirling and evaluating wine, but with a sociable crowd enjoying glasses of estate pinot noir and oaked chardonnay in the spirit of happy hours everywhere.

Winemaker Chad Silacci and two other family members worked the bar and the crowd. The winery, established in 2006, has built a following through concerts, events and warm hospitality (tastings cost $20, waived with a two-bottle purchase).

“We want it to be comfortable,” Silacci said, indicating the tasting room’s sofas and chairs arrayed around a wood-burning stove. “It’s kind of like walking into our family’s living room.”

I finished an earthy pinot, thinking the investment, like so many in Monterey, paid unanticipated returns.

Glusac writes for The New York Times.

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