Amphibious Bus City and Bay Tour San Diego
- DurationAbout 100 minutes
- Daily
- Group
- Fair, honest prices
- Real people, not bots
- Confirm, then pay
- Secure payment
Overview
This amphibious bus tour takes you through downtown San Diego by road and then splashes into San Diego Bay, all in one vehicle and one ticket. Lasting about 100 minutes with a live English-speaking guide, it passes the Embarcadero, the airport approach, the aircraft carrier museum and the historic tall ship, then cruises the bay past Navy ships and Shelter Island. Choose to depart from Seaport Village or from the Embarcadero. It is a fun shared tour for families, couples and first-time visitors.
Highlights
- Drive through downtown and splash into San Diego Bay in the same vehicle
- About 100 minutes with a live English-speaking guide
- Views of USS Midway, the Star of India and Navy ships from the water
- Shelter Island and harbor seals around the bay
- Choose Seaport Village or the Embarcadero as your departure point
- Two departures a day from each meeting point
- A memorable shared tour for children and adults alike
Full Description
Seaport Village and the Embarcadero
Both departure points sit on the downtown waterfront, where San Diego meets its bay. Seaport Village is a small, pedestrian harbor-side area with shops and open views, and the amphibious bus leaves from the trolley stop D area. The Embarcadero option departs just south of the cruise ship terminal, near trolley stop C.
Arrive a few minutes early so you can check in and find the vehicle. If you have time before or after your amphibious bus tour, both areas are pleasant for a short walk along the waterfront paths.
Downtown streets and the old police headquarters
The first part of the tour is on the road, and the guide points out downtown landmarks and the history of the port city. You pass the waterfront promenade and the approach to San Diego International Airport, where airliners fly low over downtown, which surprises many visitors. The guide also mentions local icons such as the former police headquarters, a Spanish Colonial-style building that is now part of Seaport Village.
This land section is short, but it gives a good overview of how the city is laid out between the bay and the downtown grid, which helps you plan the rest of your stay.
The splash into San Diego Bay
The highlight of the amphibious tour is the moment the vehicle drives down a ramp and floats into San Diego Bay. From then on it moves like a boat, and you see the skyline from the water. The cruise passes the USS Midway aircraft carrier, the old sailing ship Star of India and Navy ships, tugboats and fishing boats working in the harbor.
Sit on the side that faces the shore for the best views of the skyline, and bring a jacket, because it is windy on the water. The guide keeps a running commentary on the ships and the shoreline.
Shelter Island and the bay wildlife
The bay route continues towards Shelter Island, where the guide shares stories of the early sailors and the fishing fleet that once used this harbor. Harbor seals often rest on buoys and docks, and you can also see seabirds and sometimes sea lions around the water.
Wildlife sightings depend on the day, but the bay is a good place to see marine animals from a safe distance. If you liked the boat part, a longer harbor cruise or a whale watching trip makes a good follow-up on another day. The commentary keeps children engaged, and the vehicle sits low enough on the water for good photos of the seals.
Itinerary
- Meet at your departure pointCheck in at Seaport Village (trolley stop D area) or at the Embarcadero south of the cruise ship terminal, depending on your option.
- Ride through downtownDrive along the waterfront and downtown streets with commentary from the guide.
- Splash into the bayEnter San Diego Bay and continue as a boat.
- Cruise past ships and landmarksSee USS Midway, the Star of India and Navy vessels from the water.
- Shelter Island and wildlifeLook out for harbor seals and hear the story of the early sailors.
- Return to landDrive back up the ramp and finish where you started, about 100 minutes after departure.
What's included
- Amphibious bus tour on land and water
- Live English-speaking guide
- Route through downtown San Diego with a splash into San Diego Bay
Not included
- Tips
- Food and drinks
Is this right for you?
Great for
- Travellers who want a proven choice — rated 4.7/5 by past travellers
Think twice if
- You want a private tour — this one is shared with other travellers
Not suitable for
- Travelers who prefer private tours or hotel pickup
- People who cannot climb into a bus-style vehicle (departures from the Embarcadero are not wheelchair-accessible)
Meeting point
Meet at your chosen departure point: Seaport Village, at the trolley stop D area, or the Embarcadero, just south of the cruise ship terminal near trolley stop C. Departure times differ for each option and change by season, and a reservation is required. Hotel pickup is not included.
Important information
- Arrive about 15 minutes before departure to check in
- Bring a light jacket, as it can be windy on the water
- Large bags and luggage are not allowed on board
- Departure times change by season, so check the day you book
- Departures from the Embarcadero are not wheelchair-accessible
- Tips, food and drinks are not included
- Children's prices apply to ages 4 to 12; check the booking panel for younger children
- Follow the crew's safety instructions during the water section
Good to know
Frequently Asked Questions
Straight answers to what travellers ask us most, before they book.
How much does the amphibious bus tour cost?
The price depends on the option and the age of the passenger. The booking panel on this page shows the current price for adults and children for each departure point.
Is hotel pickup included?
No. Hotel pickup is not included. The tour departs from Seaport Village or the Embarcadero, depending on the option you choose.
How long is the amphibious tour?
About 100 minutes in total, including the road section and the cruise on the bay.
Is the amphibious bus tour suitable for children?
Yes, children usually love the splash into the water. Child prices apply to ages 4 to 12, and the booking panel shows the details for younger children.
What is the difference between the options?
Both give the same guided land-and-water tour. One departs from Seaport Village (trolley stop D area) and the other from the Embarcadero, just south of the cruise ship terminal. Departure times differ.
Can I book for today or tomorrow?
Yes, subject to availability. A reservation is required because departure times are limited.
What should I wear and bring?
A light jacket, comfortable clothes, sunglasses and a camera. Large bags are not allowed on board.
Do I get wet?
You may feel a little spray on the water section, but you stay seated in the vehicle. A jacket is helpful in the wind.
What will I see on the tour?
Downtown San Diego, the Embarcadero, USS Midway, the Star of India, Navy ships, Shelter Island and often harbor seals. The route can change with conditions.
Is the amphibious tour worth it?
Yes if you want to see the city and the bay in one trip with something different for children. It is a good introduction to San Diego, especially on a first visit.
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