Four Hours on San Diego Bay: Sail, Swim, and Close Encounters with Sea Lions

SAN DIEGO SAILING FIELD GUIDE

Four Hours on San Diego Bay: Sail, Swim, and Close Encounters with Sea Lions

A 4-hour sailing outing across San Diego Bay that visits Seaport Village and the Coronado Bridge, offers a swim in Glorietta Bay, and a chance to observe sea lions.

Four Hours on San Diego Bay: Sail, Swim, and Close Encounters with Sea Lions.

Duration
4 Hours
Location
San Diego
Operator
Sea Monkey Adventures
Category
Sailing
Robert Eric Crews
Founder & Editor, The Adventure Collective
Published Verified

Set out from Harbor Island for a measured four-hour cruise across San Diego Bay, tracing the city’s waterfront from Seaport Village past the Rady Shell and under the Coronado Bridge before dropping anchor in Glorietta Bay for a swim and wildlife watching.

Highlights

Outing Highlights

THE ROUTE

City Sights from the Water

The sail follows the downtown coastline—Seaport Village, the Rady Shell and Coronado—letting you pass beneath the Coronado Bridge and take in urban waterfront vistas from the bay.

THE SWIM

Glorietta Bay Anchorage

The outing culminates with a stop in Glorietta Bay at a designated anchorage where guests can get in the water for a swim.

THE WILDLIFE

Close Encounters with Sea Lions

Along the route there’s opportunity to observe playful sea lions from the boat—one of the bay’s most memorable wildlife moments.

What the day feels like

What the Four Hours Feel Like

Expect a relaxed but active outing: the captain will cruise the main bay sights and, weather permitting, set the sails so you can feel the boat lean as it moves with the wind. The itinerary is flexible—these four hours are up to the group—ending with a swim stop at the designated anchorage in Glorietta Bay and chances to watch sea lions.

Suitability

Who it's for

Who this outing suits — and the one clear equipment/age rule to keep in mind.

1
Families with childrenSuitable for families, though all children aged 12 and under are required to wear life jackets while aboard.
2
Groups wanting a flexible half-day outingGood fit for small groups seeking a four-hour, choose-your-own-pace sail and swim experience within the bay.
3
First-time sailorsAppropriate for newcomers to sailing, with the option to open sails if weather permits and crew guidance during the trip.
4
Wildlife watchersA strong match for travelers hoping to spot sea lions during a short bay cruise.

Practical planner

Details to review before reserving

Timing & Meeting

Duration is four hours. Meet at 955 Harbor Island Dr., San Diego 92101; arrive about 20 minutes early and your captain will meet you at the lockers next to Gate 2 approximately 15 minutes before departure.

What to Bring

Bring warm clothes (it can get chilly on the water), a hat, sunscreen and removable shoes. Guests may bring their own food and soft drinks.

Safety & Equipment

Life jackets are available on board; all guests aged 12 and under must wear a life jacket while onboard.

Booking Notice

Review cancellation policies before reserving.

Frequently asked questions

Planning Your Outing

What do we need to bring?

Bring warm clothes, a hat, sunscreen and removable shoes. You are welcome to bring your own food and soft drinks.

Can we bring our own food and drinks?

Yes — you are welcome to bring your own foods and soft drinks for the trip.

Do children need to wear life jackets?

Yes — everyone 12 years and younger must wear life jackets while onboard.

Are life jackets provided for adults?

There are life jackets available for everyone on board.

When should we arrive at the marina?

Please arrive 20 minutes before departure; the captain will meet you at the lockers next to Gate 2 about 15 minutes before departure. Trips may be cut short if the group departs late.

Will the sails be opened?

The crew will open sails if weather permits; when sails are set the boat may lean a bit.