Sailing and Boating
The city’s history is full of seafarers, from the ships of the 1542 Cabrillo expedition to the America’s Cup that once had a home here. Winds in San Diego are fairly consistent, especially in winter. You can rent a slip at one of several marinas if you’re bringing your own boat. If not, you can rent vessels of various sizes and shapes—from small paddleboats and kayaks to Hobie Cats—from various vendors. In addition, most bayside resorts rent equipment for on-the-water adventures. Kayaks are one of the most popular boat rentals, especially in La Jolla, where people kayak around the Underwater Park and Ecological Reserve at the cove. Most of what’s available from these outlets is not intended for the open ocean—a dangerous place for the inexperienced.
For information, including tips on overnight anchoring, contact the Port of San Diego Mooring Office (619/686–6227 www.portofsandiego.org).
For additional information contact the San Diego Harbor Police (619/686–6272).
Boat Rentals
Action Sport Rentals. From its facility at Bahia Resort Hotel and six other sister locations, Action Sport Rentals has paddleboats, kayaks, powerboats, and sailboats from 14 to 22 feet. Thanks to their location on the calm waters of Mission Bay, both are great places for beginners to try paddleboarding. 998 W. Mission Bay Dr., Mission Bay, San Diego, California, 92109. 619/241–4794; www.actionsportrentals.com. From $25.
Seaforth Boat Rentals. You can book charter tours and rent kayaks, Jet Skis, fishing skiffs, powerboats and sailboats at Seaforth's five locations around town. The outfitter also can hook you up with a skipper for a deep-sea fishing trip. Seaforth also rents paddleboards at their Mission Bay and Coronado locations. 1715 Strand Way, Coronado, California, 92118. 888/834–2628; www.seaforthboatrental.com. From $25.
Boat Charters
California Cruisin'. Contact California Cruisin' for sailboat or powerboat charter excursions and dinner cruises. The company also provides dockside accommodations aboard a private luxury yacht or houseboat on San Diego Bay. 1450 Harbor Island Dr., Harbor Island, San Diego, California, 92101. 619/296–8000. From $350.
Flagship Cruises & Events. Get on board here for harbor tours, two-hour dinner and brunch cruises, and a ferry to Coronado. Twice-daily whale-watching tours run from December through April, with narration provided by experts from Birch Aquarium at Scripps. 990 N. Harbor Dr., Embarcadero, San Diego, California, 92101. 619/234–4111; 800/442–7847; www.flagshipsd.com. From $27.
The Gondola Company. You don't have to travel to Venice to be serenaded by a gondolier. This company features authentic Venetian gondola rides that depart daily from the picturesque Coronado Cays. 503 Grand Caribe Causeway,, Suite C, Coronado, California, 92118. 619/429–6317; www.gondolacompany.com. From $95 for 2 people.
Harbor Sailboats. You can rent sailboats from 22- to 45-feet long here for open-ocean adventures. The company also offers skippered charter boats for whale-watching, sunset sails, and bay tours. 2040 Harbor Island Dr., Harbor Island, San Diego, California, 92101. 619/291–9568; www.harborsailboats.com. From $75.
Hornblower Cruises and Events. This outfit operates harbor cruises, sunset cocktail and dining cruises, whale-watching excursions with live narration provided by experts from the San Diego Natural History Museum, and yacht charters. 970 N. Harbor Dr., Embarcadero, San Diego, California, 92101. 619/686–8700; 619/686–8715; www.hornblower.com. From $27.
