When visiting California, you simply have to plan a trip to San Diego to enjoy the city’s many delights. While most know all too well that a stay in San Diego is all about days spent frolicking on the beautiful beaches, you should take it a step further.
Enjoy one of the most luxurious city experiences on a San Diego harbor dinner cruise. This is more than just about saying you’ve had dinner on a boat in San Diego. It’s also a chance to soak up some memorable quality time with the people you care about in a gorgeous setting. You could tour North America and still find yourself coming back here for the atmosphere alone.
In this post, you’ll get all the information you need to explore the best harbor dinner cruises in San Diego. Prepare for extraordinary excursions while riding the Pacific Ocean waves. You’ll love every minute!
Highlights:
- Outstanding views of San Diego Bay
- One-of-a-kind hospitality and excellent service
- An authentic taste of classic San Diego cuisine
Know before you book:
- Strict boarding times. Keep track of schedules, and don’t be late
- Food is not complimentary on all cruises. So budget accordingly
- No wheelchair access on some cruises
Famously known as California’s beach city, San Diego is a vibrant space full of diverse adventures. With ideal weather almost all year round, you can pick just about any holiday period for an action-packed California escape.
Spend time relaxing at the beach or taking in the sights along San Diego Bay. Or claim an authentic San Diego cultural experience by visiting some of the many awesome museums, galleries, and art centers in Balboa Park. Got little ones? San Diego Zoo has you covered.
From the city’s top attractions to the electrifying nightlife and friendly locals, every part of a holiday stay in San Diego is soul-enriching. Try San Diego’s famous Cali Baja cuisine and sample the city’s wines and craft beers — which are locally bottled. The best place for this is the many lively rooftop bars and eateries in downtown San Diego.
In San Diego, the beach and the water are where it’s at. From gondola rides to speed boat tours, it isn’t a real San Diego holiday without some water activities. However, none of this is comparable to an unforgettable San Diego harbor dinner cruise.
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San Diego Harbor Dinner Cruise Prices 2024
The cost of the tickets/tours varies, starting at 32 USD. They can go up to 156 USD depending on the season, whether you have special package offers, and if discounts apply to your deal.
Compare prices across the ticket providers below:
Times for San Diego Harbor Dinner Cruises
As many options are available, each cruise company has different operating times. It’s best to check with your specific tour operator before your trip, as the seasons may also affect times.
Generally, the nightly cruises are reserved for dinner excursions, while earlier slots are populated chiefly by brunch cruises.
The most popular cruise durations are one-hour, two-hour, and four-hour tours.
Best Time to Go on a San Diego Harbor Cruise
Thoroughly enjoying your cruise experience depends heavily on the weather. That’s why the best time to go on a San Diego harbor cruise is during the warmer seasons, from June to October.
Temperatures range between 65° and 80° F (18° and 26°C) during this time. The drier seasons run from April to November. But remember, San Diego has brilliant weather nearly all year round, so even if you visit in December, you can still expect fantastic weather.
What Meals You Can Expect on Your San Diego Dining Cruise
Although meal offerings differ across the cruises, menu options will often feature certain meals that you can enjoy as part of your brunch or dinner experience. Most cruises require you to confirm your choices from a set menu. It is essential to declare any food allergies well in advance, preferably while booking.
Remember that some menus are subject to change, so it is always best to check with your cruise operator before your cruise. Below is a short list of some expected meals:
Brunches:
- Seasonal fruits
- Scrambled eggs
- Breakfast pastries and meats
- French toast
- Chicken tenders
- French fries
Dinners:
- Selection of salads (e.g., Caesar, Pasta)
- Selection of fresh seafood (it is a harbor cruise afterall)
- Selection of vegetables
- Selection of meats (e.g., Steaks, Turkey, Chicken)
- Desserts (e.g., Cheesecakes, Brownies, Pastries)
The Best Dinner Cruise San Diego Options
Not only do you want to have a great time and a memorable experience, but you also want good value for your money. So check out some top cruise options below for a useful snapshot of what to expect from each one.
San Diego Sunset Dinner Cruise
There’s nothing quite like spending quality time with a close group of friends or your loved ones. Perhaps the kids need a little excitement with a fun activity on the water. So how about you enjoy that time in San Diego cruising on a Duffy boat during sunset?
Explore Mission Bay in style and comfort on a spacious 21-foot Duffy Sun Cruiser boat that can seat 10 passengers. You can create a unique experience with your family and friends by bringing your own food, drinks, and music on board.
What we liked: The chance to be your own captain. Duffy boats are easy to operate and don’t require a boating license.
- Private boat rental
- Tables, pillows, built-in ice cooler, and life vests
- Driving instructions, Bluetooth stereo, and map with suggested boating routes
- Food and drinks (bring your own)
- 500 USD security deposit (required upon signing the rental contract)
- Hotel pick-up and drop-off
San Diego Hornblower Dinner Cruise
Celebrate Easter weekend in San Diego with an Easter Buffet Brunch or Dinner Harbor Cruise by Hornblower. Dining aboard a Hornblower yacht is all about leisure. It’s a taste of the “good life” while taking in the stunning views of “America’s Finest City.” This is by far one of the best brunch and dinner cruises in San Diego.
Expect a top-notch meal, refreshing drinks, and live entertainment. This is just the right cruise for intimate celebrations, anniversaries, and birthdays. You bring the perfect company, and Hornblower handles the rest.
What we liked: The free-flowing sparkling ciders, mimosas, and Champagne.
- Buffet brunch or dinner (depending on the option selected)
- Unlimited coffee, tea, and iced tea
- Live entertainment
- Hotel pick-up and drop-off
- Other alcoholic beverages (available for purchase)
- Wheelchair access to the outer decks as these require stairs
San Diego Half-Day Marine Wildlife Tour With Lunch
Ever wanted an extensive marine experience, learning all about the living species within the Pacific? Here’s your chance to do just that while traveling in style on a fun tour boat. Set sail from San Diego Harbor into the Pacific Ocean as your whale-watching experience begins with a bang.
This tour has an excellent guide who gives you a colorful low-down on all the wonderful animals that call the Pacific blues their home. It is best suited for a small group as it accommodates a maximum of six passengers.
You’ll definitely see whales, cormorants, pelicans, and sea lions. But make it a proper educational excursion and see how many other sea creatures you can spot during the tour.
What we liked: Unlimited soft drinks will keep you refreshed during the tour. You can also enjoy a glass of white wine or craft beer.
- Gourmet box lunch
- Free access for kids in October (one child per adult)
- Pick-up and drop-off at Cabrillo Isle Marina
- Parking fees
- Gratuities
- Wheelchair access
Warning: You’re only allowed soft-soled shoes on board.
Check Price & BookSan Diego Harbor Dinner Cruise
On this premier cruise, it’s all about luxury surroundings and fine dining while relaxing on a stylish yacht. You’ll enjoy a scrumptious gourmet meal and superb panoramic skyline views.
The twinkling stars and city lights around San Diego Bay add a little extra magic to the experience. With live entertainment on board, the groove of the evening never ends. This is the perfect opportunity to celebrate a special occasion such as a birthday or anniversary.
What we liked: You can upgrade the cruise to an unlimited open bar option.
- Gourmet dinner
- Live entertainment
- Complimentary welcome drink
- Hotel pick-up and drop-off
- Souvenir photos (available for purchase at 15 USD)
- Unlimited bar (requires upgrade option)
Specification: San Diego Harbor Dinner Cruise | Best Dining Cruises & Prices
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Tyisha_F –
Our waitress had such a great attitude and helped us feel so welcome. It was a great birthday experience!
Heather_G –
Our server Ceasar was awesome! We'll be back again I hope he's there, phenomenal job for us! The food was delicious and the music was great.
Ricardo_L –
Great experience. Good food, friendly staff. Excellent all around. Great views of the city. We celebrated our anniversary and it was memorable
Ken_W –
Boat sat in the bay and didn’t move for awhile. Food very average.you need to delete the word Premier beat part of the evening was Leaving