On the Water adventure 2506

 

In addition to kayaking, surfing, jet ski rentals and SUPs (stand-up paddle boards), there is a plethora of ways to experience San Diego from the water. Rent a Duffy boat, pontoon or pedal boat, take a harbor cruise or an educational tour on a historic sailing ship. Here are some of the best ways to experience San Diego water adventures with kids.

 

Bahia Belle Cruises
www.bahiahotel.com/bahia-belle 
Relax on a sunset cruise or have a blast on a seasonal themed cruise (such as the summertime Sunday Fun & Games Cruise or the holiday Jingle Belle Family Cruise) aboard a three-story sternwheeler on Mission Bay.

 

Carlsbad Lagoon
4215 Harrison St., Carlsbad
www.carlsbadlagoon.com
Rent kayaks, waverunners and swan pedalboats while spending the day at Carlsbad Lagoon.

 

City Cruises by Hornblower
Downtown San Diego
www.cityexperiences.com/san-diego
Harbor sightseeing tours, brunch cruises, whale & dolphin watching adventures and more.

 

Coronado Ferry
Broadway Pier, 990 N. Harbor Dr., Downtown SD
www.flagshipsd.com/cruises/coronado-ferry
Cruise across the bay between Coronado Ferry Landing and Broadway Pier in downtown San Diego.

 

Eco Boat Rentals
www.ecoboatrentals.com 
Rent a pink Duffy boat, a dog-friendly pedal boat or choose a nighttime glow boat experience on San Diego Bay.

 

Flagship Cruises
www.flagshipsd.com 
Take a San Diego Harbor sightseeing tour or experience a high-speed thrill ride on a Patriot Jet Boat.

 

HydroBikes SD
Mission Bay or San Diego Bay
www.cycleonthewater.com 
Ride a single or pontoon bicycle on Mission Bay! Ages 5–8 can ride with adults. Ask about Twofer Tuesdays. Closed on Mondays.

 

Lake San Marcos
www.thelakehouseresort.com/san-diego-sailing-club 
Rent pontoon, Duffy or pedal boats, kayaks and stand up paddle boards at this hidden gem in San Marcos.

 

Maritime Museum of San Diego
1492 N. Harbor Dr., Downtown SD
ww.sdmaritime.org/visit/on-the-water-adventures 
Explore San Diego Bay on a historic tall ship, a high-speed Navy Swift Boat or the majestic San Salvador.

 

San Diego SEAL Tours
Seaport Village, 789 West Harbor Dr., Downtown SD
www.sealtours.com/san-diego
Take a narrated tour of San Diego’s downtown area and the San Diego Bay in one amphibious land-and-sea vehicle!

 

Santee Lakes
www.santeelakes.com/boating 
Take a spin around Santee Lake 5 in a ducky, swan, dragon or standard pedal boat.

 

Sea Monkey Sailing Adventures
www.seamonkeyadventures.com 
Private daytime or sunset sailing tours (up to 12 people) designed specifically for families.

 

What’s your favorite way to experience San Diego in or on the water? Email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and let us know.

 

Photo courtesy of @SanDiegoFamilyAdventures

 

Lisa Gipson is the managing editor of San Diego Family Media. 

_________________________________

San Diego’s Best Kid-Friendly Coffee Shops

San Diego’s Best Kid-Friendly Coffee Shops

Parents looking for a much-needed change of scenery that includes adult conversation, a caffeine fix and space for kids to gather or play love our list of San Diego coffee shops that welcome childre . . .

Read more

Family Fun on Rainy San Diego Days

Family Fun on Rainy San Diego Days

  It doesn’t rain much in San Diego, but when it does, families are often scrambling for things to do to keep the kids occupied. Here’s a list of rainy day activities, including indoor fun a . . .

Read more

San Diego Urban Hiking with Kids

San Diego Urban Hiking with Kids

Does your family love to take walks? If you’re ready to deviate from traditional hiking trails, try mixing things up with kid-friendly urban hikes around San Diego County. These easy, mostly flat, . . .

Read more

Awesome San Diego Libraries for Families with Kids

Awesome San Diego Libraries for Families with Kids

Going to the library as a child was always a treat. Now that I’m a parent, it’s exciting to discover what San Diego libraries offer kids. Many have unique areas that offer free, fun activities for . . .

Read more

San Diego’s Best Deals, Discounts and Freebies to Local Attractions

San Diego’s Best Deals, Discounts and Freebies to Local Attractions

Entertaining the kids all summer (or throughout the year) gets expensive—as does hosting out-of-town guests. Every dollar counts! Here are the best San Diego deals, discounts and freebies to local . . .

Read more

Parents Night Out! Fun dates for parents who need a break from kids

Parents Night Out! Fun dates for parents who need a break from kids

All right, Parents, this article is just for you! We spend a lot of time talking about family togetherness and providing ideas for fun outings with kids. But let’s face it, in order to maintain a . . .

Read more

Tips for Visiting Tide Pools in San Diego

Tips for Visiting Tide Pools in San Diego

The best time to visit tide pools is during winter months when low tide occurs during daylight hours. But there’s more to know about tide pooling than when to go. These do’s and don’ts from Sa . . .

Read more

Favorite Tide Pools in San Diego

Favorite Tide Pools in San Diego

The San Diego coastline offers plenty of tide pool fun for families, but the key is to know when to go. The best time to go tidepooling is in late fall and winter months (Nov.–Feb.) when the tide . . .

Read more

Where to Visit Farm Animals with Kids in San Diego

Where to Visit Farm Animals with Kids in San Diego

Get up close and personal with farm animals at these local spots that offer interactive experiences for families. Get your cuddle fix (or a cute selfie) while enjoying one-on-one time with adorable ho . . .

Read more

Fun San Diego Learning Adventures

Fun San Diego Learning Adventures

Educational activities that keep kids engaged  How can parents engage a child’s mind and interests while still having fun? Embark on “field trips” that spark meaningful conversations abo . . .

Read more

Fun San Diego Train Rides, Museums and Experiences

Fun San Diego Train Rides, Museums and Experiences

All Aboard! Looking for a fun family weekend excursion? Climb aboard one of these San Diego train rides. Kids (and parents) will enjoy the chugging of the engines and wind in their hair. Here are se . . .

Read more

Nature Walk Scavenger Hunt

Nature Walk Scavenger Hunt

It’s no secret that kids need re-connect with the outside world and reap the benefits of breathing fresh air. Use San Diego Family’s free, printable Nature Walk Scavenger Hunt to entice kids away . . .

Read more

San Diego Hidden Gems for Families

San Diego Hidden Gems for Families

How well do you know San Diego County? Plan a few outings with the kids to explore San Diego hidden gems. What are hidden gems? Little-known spots and experiences that are often overlooked or m . . .

Read more

24 Simple Ways to Connect with Nature in San Diego

24 Simple Ways to Connect with Nature in San Diego

There is tons of research about the importance of connecting with nature. With San Diego’s near-perfect weather and beautiful, natural landscapes it’s easy to increase time outdoors. Find n . . .

Read more

San Diego Parks with Natural Playgrounds

San Diego Parks with Natural Playgrounds

Parks with natural playgrounds are gaining popularity with local families. So, what are natural playgrounds exactly? They are play areas with “structures” and textures from the earth, natural elem . . .

Read more

Be Family Informed – Sign up for our Newsletters below!

Subscribe