Explore San Diego Harbor With Flagship Cruises

San Diego is a beautiful city with a lot to offer visitors, but for all its many charms it’s difficult to top the wonders of its stunning location right alongside the majestic Pacific Ocean. As a result, you’re going to want to take advantage of this unbeatable setting by going on a guided boat tour of the area. Flagship Cruises & Events runs several types of boat tours that let you experience San Diego’s waterfront as never before. In particular, Flagship’s Harbor Cruises are popular choices for those guests who desire to spend some time sightseeing on San Diego Bay.

Save on your visit to the Flagship Cruises!
Flagship Cruises is included on the Go San Diego Pass. Save an additional 5% on the Go City Pass with Coupon Code: GO5CMANTIS The discount stacks on top the current sale prices! Promo expires on February 29th.

View of the port and skyline of San Diego

Flagship Cruises & Events History 

Flagship Cruises & Events has been organizing guided tours of San Diego since 1915, and they own and operate more ships here than any other local tour business. Their impressive fleet of vessels includes California Spirit, their largest and newest ship, which can carry nearly 600 people at a time; the Spirit of San Diego, whose window-forward design provides guests with the best possible views; and the Patriot Jet Boat, a 70-foot vessel with not one, but two incredible engines on board.

What’s to See on a Flagship Cruise

Flagship Cruises & Events provides guests with numerous tour options. At the top of this list would have to be the San Diego Harbor Cruise, which is available in three different formats. The North Harbor Tour is a one-hour cruise that focuses on the northern portion of San Diego Bay, emphasizing landmarks like Shelter Island, Harbor Island, and North Island Naval Air Station. The South Harbor Tour is a one-hour cruise that focuses on the southern portion of San Diego Bay, taking you past local attractions like the Coronado Bay Bridge and Naval Amphibious Base Coronado.

If you’re feeling adventurous, you can choose to combine the two outings and go on Flagship’s Full Bay Tour. This two-hour excursion lets you enjoy the best of both shorter cruises, while not actually costing all that much more than the price of a one-hour cruise ticket. If you have the space in your schedule, the Full Bay Tour is well worth the time.

Though many visitors focus on the harbor cruises, Flagship Cruises & Events run several other types of tours, too. These include whale watching tours, Patriot Jet Boat thrill rides, the Coronado Ferry, and a whole bunch of different dining cruises. They also do special events and group outings.

If you’re in San Diego between the months of December and February try and book a whale watching cruise with Flagship Cruises and Events. Journey with them into the Pacific waters and experience the thrill of an up close and personal look at gray whales during their migration. Led by Birch Aquarium naturalists, you will see sea creatures like seals, sea lions, gray whales, and more. You can also take in the migrating birds and maybe spot a dolphin or two. This is a unique experience where you get the chance to see these ocean wonders and learn all about their journey, habits, and habitats.

For those of you looking for a tranquil and elegant night out, try a dinner cruise offered by Flagship Cruises and Events. Here you will enjoy a remarkable night of alluring music and mesmerizing views of the San Diego skyline while enjoying the delights of fine dining. This is the perfect setting for a special occasion, a family night out, or a romantic dinner for two. Enjoy a dining experience like no other by cruising around the San Diego Bay.

Additional fun events to watch for are the Sunday Prime Rib Dinner Cruise and the Sunday Brunch Cruise. No matter the time of day this will be a delightful and one-of-a-kind experience. If you’re traveling to San Diego during any holiday from Valentine’s Day to New Year’s Eve, check to see the holiday brunch or dinner featured that day, Flagship Cruises and Events pride themselves on giving a once in a lifetime experience that never disappoints.

Each and every Flagship Cruises vessel features a well-stocked snack bar, ensuring you won’t have to go hungry as you sightsee! These Flagship snack bars sell sandwiches, wraps, hot dogs, muffins, chips, and cookies, as well as coffee, tea, water, soda, and an assortment of alcoholic beverages.

Tips for Taking a Flagship Cruise

  • Each Flagship cruise boards anywhere between 15 and 30 minutes before its scheduled departure time, so you’ll want to arrive earlier in order to procure the best seats possible.
  • Weather conditions on the water can vary drastically from weather conditions on land, especially when it comes to temperature. As a result, it’s always a good idea to wear layers during your San Diego harbor cruise. This way you can add or subtract clothing as needed, if and when the wind picks up or the temperature fluctuates.
  • Flagship Cruises & Events has its own gift shop, The Wheelhouse. It’s located near the Flagship Loading Dock. There they sell snacks, tour supplies (sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses), San Diego-themed souvenirs, gifts, and keepsakes. It’s a nice spot to snag that little memento of your trip.
  • While the waters of San Diego Bay are typically fairly calm, if you’re someone who struggles with motion sickness you’ll want to come to a Flagship cruise as prepared as possible. This means taking medication to prevent seasickness, or wearing a motion-sickness wristband. Either of these resources are available at The Wheelhouse.