SEAL San Diego Tour - Audio-Guided Bus Tour & Bay Cruise

Soak up the history and cultural sights of San Diego on this dual land and sea tour of the city and its Bay. Travel in a state-of-the-art U.S. Coast Guard-certified Hydra-Terra vehicle. With guided narration, fully experience the city’s sights without even leaving your seat.

San Diego Land Tour

As you pass the Embarcadero and San Diego International Airport – dedicated to famous aviator Charles Lindbergh – get a sense of the strong maritime history and atmosphere of the city. The Embarcadero is a bustling waterfront hub with a lot of shops and restaurants. Nearby are notable landmarks such as the USS Midway Museum – a former naval aircraft carrier – and two Embarcadero Marina parks with worthy sea views.

San Diego Bay Cruise

The second part of this illuminative tour has you cruising through San Diego Bay. You’re sure to see the signature San Diego sea lions up close with other natural wildlife species. Point Loma comes into view with its attractive seaside mansions and rugged hillside. Coming back to maritime history, Point Loma also has a premier Naval Base. Other naval sights include the North Island Naval Air Station – one of the largest repair facilities for fighter jets – the Scripps Institution of Oceanography, the Marine Mammal Training Center, and Shelter Island – originally built to protect boats from heavy weather, storms, and high waves.

SEAL San Diego Tour - Audio-Guided Bus Tour & Bay Cruise

Discover the signature landmarks of San Diego on this audio-guided sightseeing tour that includes a bus ride and bay cruise, covering 10 main attractions over 4 hours with narration in English, Spanish, and Mandarin. The tour starts at the iconic USS Midway Museum, continues to the bustling Embarcadero waterfront, and explores Shelter Island, North Island Naval Air Station, Point Loma Submarine Base, and more. With stops every 20-30 minutes, you’ll get a comprehensive view of San Diego’s maritime history and natural beauty. The tour is wheelchair accessible and includes round-trip transportation from the meeting point to all key locations.

Explore USS Midway Museum

Your tour stops at the USS Midway Museum, where visitors can explore the largest aircraft carrier in the world when it was built in 1945. The museum spans over 2 acres and features more than 60 restored aircraft on display across its massive flight deck. Originally launched in San Francisco Bay on September 10, 1945, the USS Midway served as a floating city for sailors during the Cold War era until its decommissioning in 1992. Guests can spend up to two hours walking through this historic naval vessel and learning about the lives of service members who called it home. Unlike other military museums, the USS Midway Museum offers an immersive experience with interactive exhibits that detail daily life aboard a carrier, making it unique among similar attractions.

Marvel at the Embarcadero Waterfront

Your tour continues to the vibrant Embarcadero waterfront, where visitors can marvel at the bustling port and enjoy panoramic views of San Diego Bay. Spanning over 2 miles along the coast, this area features numerous restaurants, shops, and attractions like Seaport Village. The Embarcadero was developed in the early 1980s as part of a major urban renewal project that transformed downtown San Diego’s waterfront into a vibrant public space. Here, guests can watch ferries and cruise ships depart while enjoying live music performances at various venues along the promenade. With easy access to popular sites like the Maritime Museum and the Star of India, this section offers an engaging mix of history and modern amenities.

Witness Shelter Island

Your tour then moves on to Shelter Island, a man-made peninsula known for its picturesque setting and recreational activities. Covering 150 acres, this island was created in the early 1940s as part of efforts to improve San Diego’s harbor infrastructure. Today, it hosts several marinas, restaurants, and parks where visitors can relax by the water or enjoy a leisurely stroll along its scenic shoreline. Shelter Island serves as an important recreational hub for locals and tourists alike, offering stunning views of downtown San Diego and Coronado Bridge. Unlike other waterfront areas in San Diego, Shelter Island provides a tranquil escape with fewer crowds but still maintains easy access to major attractions.

Experience North Island Naval Air Station

Your tour includes a stop at the historic North Island Naval Air Station, where visitors can witness active naval operations and learn about military aviation history. Established in 1917 as one of the first naval air stations in the United States, this site has played a crucial role in training pilots throughout World War II and beyond. Covering over 200 acres, North Island hosts various squadrons and commands that continue to support current defense initiatives. Guests can observe aircraft taking off and landing from observation decks while exploring exhibits showcasing past achievements. This unique location offers insights into the ongoing importance of naval air power in modern military operations.

Admire Point Loma Submarine Base

Your tour concludes with a visit to the Point Loma Submarine Base, where guests can admire the impressive facilities dedicated to submarine warfare. Established in 1907 as part of coastal defense efforts during the early 20th century, this base has been continuously operational since then. Covering approximately 350 acres, it houses several piers and dry docks used for maintenance and repair work on submarines. Visitors can view active vessels from designated observation areas while learning about submarine technology through informative displays. Unlike other naval bases focused primarily on surface ships or aviation, Point Loma Submarine Base specializes in underwater warfare operations.

Tour Highlights

• Board an open-air sightseeing land and sea tour
• Explore streets of San Diego including Embarcadero waterfront
• Cruise the Bay to see brown sea lions and pelicans
• Audio-guided narration available in English, Spanish, Mandarin
• Experience USS Midway Museum with restored aircraft on display
• Witness active naval operations at North Island Naval Air Station
• Admire Shelter Island’s marinas and recreational facilities
• Explore Point Loma Submarine Base for submarine warfare insights

Perfect for history buffs, families, and military enthusiasts, this audio-guided tour provides an in-depth look into San Diego's rich maritime heritage through a combination of land-based sightseeing and bay cruises. The 4-hour format allows you to board the USS Midway Museum, explore the Embarcadero waterfront, and witness active naval operations at North Island Naval Air Station, giving you unparalleled access to some of San Diego’s most iconic landmarks while enjoying comprehensive guided commentary.