San Diego · SAN DIEGO SUNSET CRUISES

Sunset Cruises in San Diego: The 15 Best Sailings

15 tours  ·  from $40 a head

The skyline lights up behind you as the boat comes back through the channel, which is the whole point. These 15 are compared on price, on how long they stay out, and on whether dinner is a plate or a paper napkin.

Sunset Sail Along the San Diego Skyline - Captains make a major difference
Cruises & Boat Tours, Evening Experiences, San Diego Sailing Trips, San Diego Sunset Cruises, Tour Reviews

Sunset Sail Along the San Diego Skyline

1.Sunset Sail Along the San Diego Skyline

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 603 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $109Our pick

Sail San Diego Bay at sunset in a six-person yacht, with skyline views, bean bag seating, marine life, and a relaxed two-hour route.

“A beautiful cruise on a comfortable boat. Friendly and knowledgeable captain. An enjoyable way to end a day visiting San Diego.”

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Small-Group San Diego Sunset Sailing Excursion - Point Loma and its two lighthouses
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Small-Group San Diego Sunset Sailing Excursion

2.Small-Group San Diego Sunset Sailing Excursion

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 592 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $127

Sail San Diego Bay at sunset on a six-person Catalina-style boat with skyline views, complimentary drinks, snacks, blankets, and a relaxed captain.

“Sailing with our family and Captain Dave was so relaxing. Our highlight was seeing a family of dolphins with two youngsters. The weather was beautiful.”

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Dolphin and Whale Watching Sunset Cruise - The certified guide and onboard commentary
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Dolphin and Whale Watching Sunset Cruise

3.Dolphin and Whale Watching Sunset Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 249 reviews · from $71

Watch dolphins, whales, and a San Diego sunset from Mission Bay on this 2 to 3 hour cruise with an expert crew and open-water views.

“The crew members were very nice and knowledgeable, but we did not see any whales. We did see a pod of dolphins. We went so far out- about 10 miles in the ocean, and it was very choppy. Bring warm clothing! Be mindful Read more”

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San Diego Sunset Cruise from Mission Bay - Crossing Mission Bay as the Evening Slows Down
Cruises & Boat Tours, Evening Experiences, San Diego Sunset Cruises, Tour Reviews

San Diego Sunset Cruise from Mission Bay

4.San Diego Sunset Cruise from Mission Bay

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 237 reviews · 1 hour 15 minutes (approx.) · from $40Best value

Review of San Diego’s $40 Mission Bay sunset cruise, with SeaWorld views, onboard bar, practical tips, and honest advice about crowds and narration.

“It is a large boat with about 50 passengers. There is a bar and snacks for purchase. Sunset did not disappoint!”

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2.5-Hour Small-Group Catamaran Sunset Sail with Drinks - Meeting the captain at Harbor Island
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2.5-Hour Small-Group Catamaran Sunset Sail with Drinks

5.2.5-Hour Small-Group Catamaran Sunset Sail with Drinks

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 223 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $119

Sail San Diego Bay at sunset on a six-person catamaran with beer, wine, sea lions, skyline views, and minimal motor use.

“We had an amazing sunset cruise with Captain Kaya! She was fun, easygoing, and incredibly engaging throughout the trip. Her laid-back personality made us feel totally comfortable, and she struck the perfect balance between being informative and entertaining. We learned so much during the cruise, and the views were absolutely stunning. It was one of the highlights of our trip, and we would absolutely do it again. Highly recommend Captain Kaya if you’re looking for a memorable and relaxed experience on the water!”

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San Diego: Bay Sights and Sips Sunset Cruise - Boarding at 970 North Harbor Drive
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San Diego: Bay Sights and Sips Sunset Cruise

6.Bay Sights and Sips Sunset Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 84 reviews · from $52

San Diego sunset cruise with bay views, happy hour drinks, appetizers, dessert, and onboard entertainment for $52.

“Booked this cruise as part of a birthday surprise for my husband. We unfortunately disappointed in the service on the boat. Drinks were available at bar. However, the hors d’oeuvres were not appropriately offered to guests. You are given a VERY brief welcome with champagne or cider while on boarding and pretty rushed to find a good seat. There are 3 levels for seating. This is where the issue lies. Although we found a great spot right along the top deck towards the front of the boat. We and all those around us did not get but one round of the the hors d’oeuvres. The top deck received almost all…”

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San Diego: Dolphin and Whale-Watching Sunset Cruise - The search for whales, dolphins, and sea lions
Cruises & Boat Tours, Evening Experiences, San Diego Sunset Cruises, San Diego Whale & Dolphin Watching, Tour Reviews

San Diego: Dolphin and Whale-Watching Sunset Cruise

2.5 Hour Private Sunset Sailing Tour in San Diego up to 12 guests - Along Seaport Village with the waterfront in view
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2.5 Hour Private Sunset Sailing Tour in San Diego up to 12 guests

8.2.5 Hour Private Sunset Sailing Tour in San Diego up to 12 guests

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 73 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $260

Watch San Diego turn gold on a private 2.5-hour sail with harbor landmarks, snacks, blankets, and a close look at the Coronado Bridge.

“Great experience to see the harbor and the San Diego Skyline! Beautiful views and lots of fun! We had a group of 13 girls on the sail for a bachelorette party and we were well taken care of!”

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2-Hour Sunset Sail from San Diego - Point Loma and the Pacific sunset
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2-Hour Sunset Sail from San Diego

9.2-Hour Sunset Sail from San Diego

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 72 reviews · 2 hours (approx.)

Watch the Pacific sunset from a classic yacht on a small San Diego sail with wine, snacks, marine life, and harbor views.

“I'll give you 3 1/2 stars. Captain Charlie was very good. Sailing duration was 1hr 35 minutes not 2 hours as advertised. I am not sure I would take this sailing again. Price versus value received requires a max rating of 3 1/2 stars. Good time, not a GREAT Time.”

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San Diego Sights & Sips: Deluxe Cocktail Sunset Cruise - Coronado Bridge from the water
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San Diego Sights & Sips: Deluxe Cocktail Sunset Cruise

2-Hour Sunset Sailing on San Diego Bay - Leaving Shelter Island at the right time of day
2-Hour Experiences, Cruises & Boat Tours, Evening Experiences, San Diego Sailing Trips, San Diego Sunset Cruises, Tour Reviews

2-Hour Sunset Sailing on San Diego Bay

11.2-Hour Sunset Sailing on San Diego Bay

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 13 reviews · from $120

Sail San Diego Bay at sunset aboard a small 35-foot boat, with skyline views, wildlife, hands-on sailing, and a relaxed Shelter Island return.

“Everything for our trip went just as planned. Aiden was a spectacular host, and I would recommend this trip to anybody and everybody. Parking can be difficult during high season. I recommend using the valet service at The Monsaraz for $15.”

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Private Sunset Sail for 3-6 People - Key points to know before booking
Cruises & Boat Tours, Evening Experiences, Private, San Diego Sailing Trips, San Diego Sunset Cruises, Tour Reviews

Private Sunset Sail for 3-6 People

12.Private Sunset Sail for 3-6 People

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 12 reviews · 2 hours (approx.)

Review of San Diego’s private sunset sail for 3 to 6 people, with yacht views, cheese and salami, practical tips, and honest drawbacks.

“This Sunset Sail said to meet one hour before sunset. We looked up the sunset. It was at 7:49pm that night. So, we figured be there at 6:45. We got a call at 6:20ish telling us we were supposed to be there at 6, and that the sail was 6-9. No information ever given to us to be there at 6pm. There was only one person manning the boat, who seemed nice enough but the effort wasn't there. Probably he was upset that we weren't there at 6. We motored the entire time. I asked him to put up the sails and he did, and we went no where. He…”

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Private Sunset Sail for Two - Key points at a glance
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Private Sunset Sail for Two

14.Private Sunset Sail for Two

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 6 reviews · 2 hours (approx.)

Sail San Diego Bay at sunset on a private two-hour cruise for two, with city views, snacks, a first drink, and personal captain service.

“We had a private two person tour. Sel/Sal was our captain and made the experience extremely memorable, with his great commentary. When I (Bud) asked him to take photos of my soon-to-be fiance and myself when I proposed, he did a great job and captured the moment perfectly. He also took many photos of us that captured the picturesque landscape and made us look really good. Thank you!”

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Private Sunset Sail for Two - Key points at a glance
Cruises & Boat Tours, Evening Experiences, Private, San Diego Sailing Trips, San Diego Sunset Cruises, Tour Reviews

Private Sunset Sail for Two

15.Private Sunset Sail for Two

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 5 reviews

Enjoy a private San Diego sunset sail for two with champagne, snacks, skyline views, and a classic yacht departing Harbor Island.

“Terry, our Captain was great! Dress warmly in February. Two hours is plenty of time. Great way to propose.”

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