Dinner cruises along San Diego’s harbor combine great food with million-dollar views. The 2.5-hour evening voyages feature three-course meals ranging from $99-155 per person, with both indoor and outdoor seating available. I particularly love the sunset cruises, which time the meal perfectly with the golden California dusk. The holiday-themed voyages – especially during Christmas and Mother’s Day – offer some of the best value, with special menus and decorations that enhance the experience. All vessels are wheelchair accessible and maintain reasonable capacity limits for comfort. Unlike many tourist activities, these harbor cruises deliver exactly what they promise: good food, stellar views, and professional service. For our recommended cruise operators and specific voyages, check our curated list below.
Key Points
- San Diego Harbor Dinner Cruise offers a 2.5-hour cruise along the coastline with gourmet meal options, live entertainment, and scenic views.
- Special occasion cruises like Mother’s Day, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Eve provide unique dining experiences with festive themes and amenities.
- Cruises feature diverse menu options, including plated 3-course meals and seasonal buffets, catering to various dietary preferences.
- Cruises accommodate guests with disabilities and offer a range of seating arrangements, with gratuities included in the pricing.
- Cruises are generally well-reviewed for their memorable experiences, ambiance, and service, making them a top dining option in San Diego.
San Diego Harbor Dinner Cruise
For a scenic evening on the water, the San Diego Harbor Dinner Cruise offers an enchanting dining experience.
The 2.5-hour cruise covers 25 miles of California coastline, showcasing the San Diego skyline. Guests can enjoy a gourmet meal with options like prime rib, steak, and pan-seared salmon, complemented by a complimentary welcome drink.
The cruise also provides live entertainment and an open-air observation deck for taking in the views.
While some guests have reported issues with food quality and drink prices, the overall experience is well-reviewed, with many praising the ambiance and attentive staff.
With a maximum capacity of 80 travelers, this dinner cruise is a unique way to experience San Diego’s waterfront.
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San Diego: Mothers Day Brunch or Dinner Harbor Cruise
Aboard the San Diego Mother’s Day Brunch or Dinner Harbor Cruise, guests can enjoy a relaxing 2-hour voyage along the city’s picturesque waterfront. Priced from $154.85 per person, the non-refundable cruise offers a chef-inspired meal, with a buffet brunch or plated dinner, accompanied by free-flowing champagne, mimosas, and sparkling cider during brunch.
The menus feature a range of options, from breakfast classics to seafood and carved meats. Onboard entertainment and stunning views from the Coronado Bridge to the Cabrillo National Monument add to the experience.
With a semi-formal attire recommended, this cruise is a unique way to celebrate Mother’s Day in San Diego.
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San Diego Dinner Cruise
San Diego’s dinner cruise is a gourmet dining experience on the water. Aboard a luxury yacht, guests can enjoy panoramic views of the city skyline, including the iconic Coronado Bay Bridge and USS Midway.
The 2.5-hour (3-hour on Fri. & Sat.) cruise includes a plated 3-course dinner, DJ entertainment, and private tables. Menu highlights range from Caesar salad to oven-roasted chicken and coriander-crusted salmon.
While the food and views receive positive reviews, the service and meal quality receive mixed feedback.
Wheelchair access is limited, and the dress code is upscale casual to business casual, with no jeans allowed.
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San Diego: Buffet Fall-Themed Dinner Cruise With Drinks
As an alternative to the traditional San Diego dinner cruise, visitors can enjoy a festive fall-themed buffet on the water.
This 3-hour cruise around San Diego Bay offers a unique opportunity to celebrate the holiday season with family and friends. The buffet features seasonal favorites like roasted fall vegetables, braised pork, and apple crumble.
Unlimited coffee, tea, and water are included, and additional drinks can be purchased. While the menu may change, guests can expect a relaxing trip with stunning views of the San Diego skyline and live DJ entertainment.
With a starting price of $109.07 per person, this cruise is likely to sell out, so advanced booking is recommended.
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San Diego Christmas Day Dinner Buffet Cruise
This exciting Christmas Day dinner cruise in San Diego offers travelers a unique way to celebrate the holiday season.
The 2.5-hour cruise features a winter holiday dinner buffet, live DJ entertainment, and festive decor. Travelers can enjoy unlimited coffee, hot tea, iced tea, and water, while cocktails, wine, and beer are available for purchase.
The cruise accommodates up to 200 passengers and is wheelchair accessible. With a 5.0 rating based on a positive review, this cruise promises a smooth, enjoyable experience for all.
Guests can look forward to a delightful holiday celebration on the water.
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San Diego: New Years Eve Early Buffet Dinner Cruise
Kicking off San Diego’s New Year’s Eve celebrations, the early buffet dinner cruise on the bay offers travelers a festive way to usher in the new year.
At $154.85 per person, the 2.5-hour cruise features a live tour guide, wheelchair accessibility, and a non-refundable policy. Theres some good a spread of salads, roasted veggies, seafood, meats, and desserts while taking in the scenic views of San Diego.
Though drinks cost extra, soda, coffee, and water are included. With an impressive 5/5 rating, the cruise seems to deliver an enjoyable experience, especially for elderly passengers.
Just be sure to bring a valid photo ID and dress in upscale casual attire.
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San Diego New Years Eve Plated Dinner Cruise
The San Diego New Year’s Eve Plated Dinner Cruise offers a captivating 4-hour experience on the bay. Guests can enjoy stunning skyline views, a seated 4-course dinner, and a midnight countdown filled with music, dancing, and a fireworks show.
The cruise includes a platinum open bar, live DJ entertainment, and gratuities. Attendees should dress in upscale to business casual attire, as the event has a strict no-jeans policy.
With a maximum capacity of 200 travelers, the cruise is wheelchair accessible, though special seating requests should be noted at booking. While the event received only 1 review with an overall rating of 1.0, it could still be a memorable New Year’s celebration on the San Diego Bay.
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San Diego: New Years Eve Gourmet Brunch or Dinner Cruise
While the San Diego New Year’s Eve Plated Dinner Cruise offers a captivating experience, the San Diego: New Years Eve Gourmet Brunch or Dinner Cruise presents a delightful alternative for travelers seeking a memorable celebration on the bay.
This two-hour cruise boasts an elegant ambiance, with a top-class wine list, live music, and a delectable menu featuring freshly prepared entrees, salads, and desserts.
Guests can savor unlimited coffee, tea, and water, and enjoy a guaranteed table for their party size.
With a wheelchair-accessible interior and a non-refundable cancellation policy, this cruise is an ideal choice for ringing in the new year in San Diego.
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Mothers Day Plated Dinner Cruise San Diego
For those seeking to celebrate Mother’s Day in style, the Mothers Day Plated Dinner Cruise in San Diego offers a captivating experience.
Departing at 6 PM, guests can enjoy a delectable plated dinner with freshly prepared entrees, salads, and desserts, accompanied by unlimited coffee, hot tea, and iced tea.
The cruise also features onboard DJ entertainment and spectacular views of the city skyline and local landmarks.
With a maximum capacity of 200 travelers, the cruise provides an intimate setting for families to commemorate the occasion.
Located at 1800 N Harbor Dr, the cruise returns to the same meeting point upon completion.
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San Diego: Gourmet Dinner Cruise
One of the most captivating dining experiences in San Diego is the Gourmet Dinner Cruise. Priced from $138.69 per person, this 2.5-3 hour cruise offers an elegant evening on the bay.
Guests can savor seasonal dishes like pan-seared chicken, smoked salmon, and gnocchi, complemented by scenic views of landmarks. A full bar serves specialty cocktails, while a DJ provides entertainment and dancing.
Though non-refundable, the cruise is wheelchair-accessible, with a dress code of upscale casual. Reviews praise the fantastic food, service, and organization, with an overall rating of 4.3/5 based on 183 customer experiences.
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San Diego: Christmas Day Buffet Brunch or Dinner Cruise
What better way to celebrate the holiday season in San Diego than with a festive Christmas Day Buffet Brunch or Dinner Cruise?
Priced from $134.52 per person, this 2-3 hour cruise offers a delightful dining experience on the water. Enjoy a chef-prepared buffet, full bar service, and live music as you take in iconic sights like the USS Midway.
The brunch menu features breakfast favorites, while the dinner option includes roasted salmon and turkey.
Though reviews note some inconsistencies, the overall ambiance and service are praised. For an upscale holiday celebration, this cruise provides a unique way to enjoy the season in San Diego.
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San Diego: Thanksgiving Day Buffet Brunch or Dinner Cruise
Celebrating the Thanksgiving holiday in San Diego is made special with a Thanksgiving Day Buffet Brunch or Dinner Cruise.
These festive cruises offer a delightful way to enjoy the day with stunning views of the city’s skyline and harbor. Theres some good a bountiful buffet featuring traditional Thanksgiving fare, including roasted turkey, mashed potatoes, and pumpkin pie.
The cruises typically range from 2 to 3 hours, allowing ample time to savor the meal and take in the picturesque scenery.
With prices starting from $99.64 per person, these Thanksgiving Day cruises provide a memorable and hassle-free dining experience for families and friends.
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San Diego: Easter Buffet Brunch or Dinner Harbor Cruise
San Diego’s Easter Buffet Brunch or Dinner Harbor Cruise provides a delightful way to celebrate the holiday with stunning views of the city’s picturesque bay.
Priced at $154.85 per person, the 2-2.5 hour cruise offers a non-refundable experience with an appearance from the Easter Bunny and live entertainment.
Guests can enjoy a bountiful buffet brunch or plated dinner, complemented by free-flowing champagne, mimosas, and other beverages.
While the menu may vary, it typically features delectable options like smoked salmon, tri-tip steak, and a decadent dessert station.
With climate-controlled interiors and open-air decks, this Easter celebration on the water is sure to impress.
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San Diego: Christmas Eve Buffet Brunch or Dinner Cruise
For those looking to cap off the holiday season in style, San Diego’s Christmas Eve Buffet Brunch or Dinner Cruise offers a delightful way to enjoy the festivities on the water.
Priced from $107.72 per person, the 2-3 hour cruise features a bountiful buffet, unlimited mimosas during brunch, and live music entertainment.
The brunch menu includes breakfast classics and carving stations, while the dinner menu offers a selection of salads, seafood, and carved meats.
Cruisers can also take in scenic views of the bay and be serenaded by holiday carolers during boarding.
With wheelchair accessibility and gratuities included, this Christmas Eve celebration is a convenient and memorable way to toast the season.
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Recap
San Diego’s dining experiences on the harbor offer a unique and memorable way to enjoy the city’s scenic waterfront. From festive holiday cruises to romantic dinner voyages, these cruises provide a delightful blend of cuisine, ambiance, and panoramic views. Whether you’re seeking a special occasion or a casual outing, San Diego’s harbor dining options cater to a range of preferences and occasions.