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How to rent a boat in San Diego
1
Find the perfect boatEnter your desired location and date to explore our fleet of boat, San Diego, CA, United States.
2
Select a captainChoose to drive yourself or select a USCG licensed captain.
3
Book with easeConnect with your boat owner and complete your booking online.
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Set sailEnjoy your day on the water with friends and family!
Rent a Boat in San DiegoBoaters and tourists alike visit San Diego for its beautiful scenery stretching 70 miles down the gorgeous California coastline. Most visitors to the area will want to check out popular attractions like Mission Beach and Sunset Cliffs Natural Park, but don’t be afraid to step out of the hustle-and-bustle to explore more scenic areas—many of which are only accessible and enjoyed by boat.What to Know Popular boat types in San Diego include:Safety Requirements:For more information, visit the California Department of Parks & Recreation.Where to dock your boat or meet your rental:Weather ConditionsThe weather in San Diego varies greatly by season. Summer’s here are short and hot with clear skies. While winter is long and cool with partially cloudy skies. Locals and tourists alike soak in San Diego’s great outdoors between Mid-June to October. Avg. Temperature High: Peaks around 77°F in AugustAvg. Temperature Low: Daily high is 66°F; drops as low as 49°F in December.Avg. Water Temperatures in San Diego during the Summer: Learn more in Boating in San Diego: Everything You Need to Know.
Day boats, like bowriders, pontoons, and deck boats are perfect for lounging in local bays, while larger boats, such as center consoles or cruisers, will provide a more comfortable ride out in the Pacific Ocean or for deep sea fishing.
Motor yachts are the best option for bachelor or bachelorette parties, birthday parties, and sightseeing along the California coastline.
Boating License/Education Rules: California Vessel Operator Card (CVOC) required to operate a vessel. Users must be 16 or older to operate a motorboat of 15 hp or greater, if unsupervised. Those 12-15 years of age may operate under supervision of a person 18 or older who is on board.
Life Jacket Requirements: 12 and under must wear a PFD.
Harbor Island West Marina
Seaforth Marina
Safe Harbor Sunroad
Safe Harbor Cabrillo Isle
Shelter Island Marina
Kona Kai Marina
69°F in May
72°F in June
76°F in July
77°F in August
Things to do in San Diego by Boat
Explore Mission Beach & Cruise by the USS MidwayDating back to 1925, the Mission Beach area lures boaters from all over the world to tour its coastline and walk on its famous boardwalk. While in the area, take your boat rental south past Point Loma near Coronado, and be sure to cruise by the USS Midway Museum that’s docked right near the cruise ship terminal and Seaport Village.Pro Tips: Have a boat dog on board? Just south of Mission Beach and north of Point Loma is Dog Beach. Allow your pup to play off-leash and swim in the waves before hopping back onboard.
Location: Google Maps Link
Boat ramps: Santa Clara Boat Launch, Ski Beach Boat Launch, Dana Boat Landing Marina
Lat/Long: 32.7707° N, 117.2514° W
Sailing Along the Coast to Point LomaSailing in San Diego might just be the best way to understand what makes this particular west coast destination so unique; its history! You can sail from any of its three main harbors: Oceanside, Mission Bay, and The Big Bay, before cruising past some of the most popular scenic locations like the Point Loma Peninsula, Coronado, the Downtown Waterfront and Chula Vista. Pro Tips: If you’re new to sailing, you’ll want to book a boat with a local licensed captain who can not only show you the ropes on how to sail, but also share some facts about San Diego’s rich maritime history.
Fishing in San Diego BaySan Diego is best known for its deep sea fishing scene, particularly when it comes to bluefin tuna. These waters have fish biting year-round in San Diego Bay, plus locations like the Pacific Ocean, along the surf, and in inland lakes and reservoirs. The top target species include California halibut, rockfish, white seabass, yellowtail amberjack, and tuna. Focus on spots like Shelter Island and Coronado Cays for the best catches. Pro Tips: Local fishing hot spots include Shelter Island and Coronado Cays, but for the best experience, consider heading out with a fishing charter to have a professional captain guide your adventure.
Location: Google Maps Link
Boat ramps: Pepper Park Boat Ramps, Chula Vista Boat Launching Boat
Lat/Long: 32.6717° N, 117.1441° W
Where to Go Boating in San Diego
Mission BayMission Bay is great for anyone looking to try multiple on-the-water activities and watersports. The western region of this bay is an exclusive watersport zone for your crew to try jet skiing, kite surfing, wakeboarding, water skiing, and more. Boat near Fiesta Island for gentle waters, perfect for yoga paddle boarding and slow, casual cruising. Be aware of Wake Zone signs when boating here. Pro Tips: If you’re looking for a beach day while in the Mission Bay area, you’re in luck! The Bay offers a few lively beaches, each unique and attractive in its own right. For the ultimate San Diego beach experience, we recommend heading to Mission and Pacific Beach for swanky surf shops, beach bars, and nightclubs.For the anglers of the group, target fish species in Mission Bay include: Jacksmelt, surfperch, spotted sand bass, bat ray, turbot, and yellowfin croaker.Where to dock There are a number of places to dock your boat or meet your rental at Mission Bay Boat ramps There are several places to launch your boat along the shores of Mission Bay.
Google Maps Link
Full Service Marina
Dana Landing Marina
Mariner’s Cove
Ski Beach Boat Launch
Marina Village Boating Area
Montezuma Cove Ramp
Lake Murray ReservoirThe Lake Murray Reservoir is an inland body of water located approximately 20 minutes from downtown San Diego. Located in Mission Trails Regional Park, this lake is a great spot to rent a fishing boat to catch black crappie, bass, bluegill, and catfish abound. It’s also a great place for families to enjoy a day of boating or kayaking before hosting their own afternoon BBQ.Pro Tips: If you’re coming from downtown San Diego, take I-8 E to Mission Trail Regional Park for the fastest route. Note that Murray Reservoir is closed on the second Tuesday of every month, and is otherwise open daily from sunrise to sunset.Target fish species in Lake Murray include: Blue catfish, bluegill, channel catfish, redear sunfish, and a small population of black crappie.Where to dock There are several places to dock your boat or meet your rental along Round Valley shores. Boat ramps There are several places to launch your boat along the shores of Round Valley Reservoir. Google Maps Link
Lake Murray Boat Launch Ramp
Lake Murray Boat Launch Ramp
Pacific BeachPacific Beach is located just south of La Jolla, where you can catch surfers, sunbathers, and swimmers enjoying the chilly Pacific waters. Beginners and pros interested in surfing should head to Tourmaline Surf Park. If you’re looking for a family-friendly vibe, boat around North Pacific Beach. Anglers should also check out Crystal Pier, which is known to be one of the area's best fishing spots.Pro Tips: For families with small children who are still learning how to swim, life guards are stationed at North Pacific Beach down to Mission Beach. The main lifeguard tower is located at the end of Grand Avenue.Target fish species at Pacific Beach includes: Jacksmelt, walleye surfperch, Pacific mackerel, barred surfperch, yellowfin croaker, Pacific bonito, and more. Where to dock There are a number of places to dock your boat or meet your rental along the inland coast of Pacific Beach:Boat ramps There are several places to launch your boat:Google Maps Link
Pacific Beach Wharf
Montezuma Bay
Montezuma Cove Ramp
Santa Clara Launch Ramp
Dock & Dine at San Diego Waterfront Restaurants
Brigantine Seafood and Oyster BarMiguel's CocinaKetch Grill & TapsCheck Out Additional San Diego Boating Guides
Hours: Mon – Sat 11am - 10pm; Sun 10am - 10pm
Reservations: Online here.
Seating capabilities: Indoor & outdoor
Type of food: Seafood, bar food
Dockage available: Yes
Hours: Mon - Thurs 11am to 9:30pm; Fri & Sat - 11am - 10pm; Sun - 10am - 9:30pm
Reservations: For parties of six or more only.
Seating capabilities: Indoor & outdoor
Type of food: Mexican
Dockage available: Yes
Hours: Mon - Thurs - 11am - 9:30pm; Fri & Sat - 11am - 10pm
Reservations: For parties of six or more only.
Seating capabilities: Indoor & outdoor
Type of food: Seafood, bar food
Dockage available: Yes
Top boat rental reviews in San Diego
166,355Customer Reviews
4.95Average Rating
8 Passenger Private Yacht...Athan's boat was so great, and he made the process extremely easy. We were having the best time and decided to add an extra hour which they were super helpful and...
HannahSep, 2023
20 ft Yamaha Jet...Eli was very accommodating to our last minute booking boat was in very good condition, very clean, and we had a great day out in the water in San Diego. Hope to return...
CarlosOct, 2023
62ft Island Boat..Great crew, great boat, friendly demeanors, and extremely helpful. Overall really wonderful team! If I could give 10 stars I would! I had such a great time with my friends and would love to do this again in the future
JessicaOct, 2023
Luz de Luna...The craft was spacious and beautiful. The captain was helpful, informative, professional and gracious
RobertOct, 2023
Cruise/Party W...The boat was perfect! Amazing stereo, cooler stocked with ice, and enough room for all 12 of us to be comfortable. We had a blast!
SamSep, 2023
Huge Double Decker...Captain Jon was incredible!! It was a perfect day out on the water. Would book again 10/10!
CorinaOct, 2023
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