SAN DIEGO CATAMARAN FIELD GUIDE
Holiday Lights Afloat: The Parade of Lights from San Diego’s Largest Catamaran
A 2.5‑hour evening sail with hot cocktails aboard Alana Charters to view decorated boats in San Diego Bay — this guide explains what to expect and how to prepare.
Holiday Lights Afloat: The Parade of Lights from San Diego’s Largest Catamaran.
Step aboard Alana Charters’ catamaran for an evening sail through San Diego Bay’s long‑running holiday boat parade. For roughly 2.5 hours you cruise among dozens of festively lit vessels, with hot cocktails and a bar aboard as the fleet drifts and dazzles against the waterfront skyline.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
San Diego’s largest catamaran
The experience is staged aboard Alana Charters’ large catamaran, providing stable deck space for viewing the parade and socializing while underway.
A bay lit by decorated boats
Boaters across the harbor decorate their vessels for the holiday parade, creating an illuminated procession to admire from the water.
Warm drinks and BYO snacks
Onboard bar service offers cocktails, beer, wine, spirits and hot drinks, while guests are welcome to bring their own snacks; bringing a blanket and warm jacket is recommended.
What the day feels like
What it feels like
The sail unfolds as a relaxed evening cruise: boarding at the Shelter Island dock, a 2.5‑hour passage through the parade route with close views of decorated boats, and a return to the dock as the event ends. Expect a convivial atmosphere with hot cocktails available from the bar and space to move about the deck for different viewing angles.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this trip suits — and what to check before you book.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
The sail runs about 2.5 hours, typically from 5:00 PM to 7:30 PM for the parade evening.
Bring a blanket if you want to get cozy, a warm jacket, and snacks if desired. Bar service on board sells cocktails, beer, wine, spirits and hot drinks.
Alana Charters meets guests at 2700 Shelter Island Drive on the commercial dock next to Sail San Diego; arrive with time to board before departure.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
When is the Parade of Lights sail scheduled?
An operator FAQ lists Sunday, December 21, 2025 from 5:00 PM–7:30 PM for the parade evening.
How long is the sail?
The sail is 2.5 hours in duration, from 5:00 PM–7:30 PM.
Where do we meet for boarding?
Meet at Alana Charters, 2700 Shelter Island Drive, San Diego, CA 92106, on the commercial dock next to Sail San Diego.
Can I bring my own food and drinks?
You are welcome to bring your own snacks. The onboard bar offers cocktails, beer, wine, spirits and hot drinks for purchase.
What should I bring to stay comfortable?
Bring a blanket if you want to get cozy and a warm jacket for the evening; snacks are permitted if you’d like them.