Skip to primary navigation Skip to content Skip to footer
Back to Blog

Sailing San Diego: Tour America’s Finest City from a Private Charter

a boat is docked next to a body of water

San Diego is a vibrant city with a temperate climate year-round. Along with the great weather, it is known for a wide variety of sights, cultures, activities, and food scenes. Whether you are a resident or visiting town, taking a San Diego tour is always fun and educational.

What Is San Diego Known For?

San Diego has excellent food, although Mexican cuisine is mainly a standout, thanks to its proximity to its southern neighbor. While there, you should try a couple of standout dishes. Pair them with craft beers, as the city is home to over 150 breweries. San Diego has a vibrant nightlife, and the Gaslamp Quarter is a downtown district known for its many entertainment venues and restaurants.

As it is a coastal city, one of the main things San Diego is known for is the water. There is much to see and do, whether you are enjoying a sunset across the bay while enjoying a cocktail at a beachside bar, surfing, boating, or running along the coast. One of the best ways to experience everything is to take one of the many San Diego sailing tours. Private charters with Next Level Sailing allow you to customize your tour while hanging out with friends or family.

Popular Landmarks

The city has many popular places to visit and things to see. Check out the San Diego Zoo, which is located in the famous Balboa Park. Old Town is a great place to see preserved adobe buildings and experience Mexican culture.

Many standout landmarks can be seen from the water, another reason to book a private charter. Some of the famous landmarks you can see from the boat include:

  • San Diego skyline
  • USS Midway
  • Point Loma lighthouse
  • Coronado Bridge
  • Hotel Del Coronado
  • Coronado Air Naval Station

Seeing these while sipping a beverage and feeling the wind and sea spray on your face makes everything even more special. 

a seal on a rocky beach

Marine Life

You must take advantage of marine life when you tour San Diego. San Diego Bay’s warm ocean waters and natural harbor make the area attractive for all types of sea creatures. Observe sea lions hanging out and watch pelicans swoop into the water to grab lunch. Sea turtles and dolphins are also seen frequently.

However, if you are in San Diego, you cannot resist taking a whale-watching tour. It is possible to see whales at any time of the year. However, if there are certain types you want to see, keep this general schedule in mind:

  • Late winter/early spring: Gray whales
  • Summer: Fin and blue whales
  • Spring and Fall: Humpback whales

Along with seeing various types of whales, you will also learn a lot about them from your captain.

How To Prepare

To make the most of your charter tour, come prepared. Even when temperatures are in the 80s, it tends to be cooler on the water, so wear layers or bring a blanket. Other items that you may want to bring along include:

  • Sunglasses
  • Hat
  • Binoculars
  • Camera
  • Sunscreen

Food and drinks are served during your tour, but exactly what depends on your specific private charter. You can always bring your own if you wish; remember that glass and red wine are not allowed on deck.

a small boat in a large body of water

Capture the Moment

You will want to take in every moment when partaking in sailing tours. Enjoy the company you are with, but keep your eyes mainly on the water and pay attention to the captain. Pictures and videos also help to create memories that you can look back at later.