Jet Boat Thrill Ride San Diego Bay

4.7 (446 reviews) from travellers who booked this experience

Duration30 minutes
Daily
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5.0 on Google

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Overview

This 30-minute jet boat ride is a fast, splashy way to see San Diego Bay. An instructor on board guides the open-air boat past the downtown skyline, Navy ships and the Coronado Bridge, with high-speed spins and sharp turns along the way. Ponchos are provided because you may get wet. Riders must be at least 122 cm tall, and minors must be accompanied by an adult. It suits thrill-seekers, teenagers and groups of friends, and there are several departures each afternoon. Hotel pickup is not included.

Highlights

30-minute open-air jet boat ride on San Diego Bay
Fast spins, sharp turns and speeds of up to about 50 miles per hour
Views of the skyline, USS Midway and the Coronado Bridge
Instructor on board, in English
Ponchos provided if you get wet
Five departures through the afternoon
Minimum height of 122 cm; minors must be accompanied by an adult

Full Description

The jet boat ride on San Diego Bay

A San Diego jet boat ride is all about speed and movement. The open-air boat accelerates across the bay, and the driver carves wide arcs and spins the boat through 360 degrees while music plays and spray flies. Speeds reach around fifty miles per hour, so hold on and enjoy the ride.

The 30-minute trip is short and packed with action, and it is a popular choice for teenagers and adventurous adults. Every trip is a little different, because the route and the moves depend on the conditions on the bay. Instructors give clear instructions on how to hold on, so first-timers are comfortable within minutes.

The downtown skyline and the waterfront

Between the thrills, the boat passes along the San Diego skyline and the busy waterfront, giving a view of the city that you cannot get from land. The Embarcadero, the high-rise towers and the harbor front are all visible from the water.

Hold your phone in a secure case or leave it in the boat's storage, because spray can reach every seat. Your instructor tells you what you are passing and when the next spin is coming. The skyline looks especially good in the afternoon light, and the boat slows down between runs so you can take a quick photo before the next burst of speed.

USS Midway, Navy ships and North Island

The route takes you close to the USS Midway aircraft carrier, which is now a museum on Navy Pier, and you can see how large the ship is from water level. You also pass Navy vessels and the shoreline of North Island, where the naval air station has operated for over a century.

If the ride makes you curious about the carrier, a USS Midway Museum visit is an easy add-on the same day. The Star of India and the other Maritime Museum ships are also close to the route.

The Coronado Bridge and how to prepare

The Coronado Bridge, a long, curved span that opened in 1969, is one of the best-known sights on the bay, and the boat goes beneath it. Seen from the water, the size of the bridge and the ships passing under it is impressive.

To prepare, bring photo ID, wear clothes that can get wet and closed shoes with grip, and secure loose items. Ponchos are provided. The best time to go is on a warm, calm afternoon. If you are prone to motion sickness, consider whether the ride is right for you. Arrive a few minutes early so that check-in is relaxed.

Itinerary

Check in at the dockArrive at the departure dock on San Diego Bay shown on your voucher shortly before your time.
Safety briefing and ponchosReceive your poncho and listen to the instructor's safety instructions.
Cruise past the skylineLeave the dock and see the downtown skyline from the water.
Spins, turns and speedHold on for high-speed runs and 360-degree spins near USS Midway and the Coronado Bridge.
Return to the dockCome back to the dock after about 30 minutes.

What's included

30-minute open-air jet boat ride
Instructor on board (English)
Ponchos provided

Not included

Hotel pickup and drop-off
Tips

Is this right for you?

Great for

Families with children
Anyone who wants to see it from the water
A short visit — about 1 hour
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
You get seasick easily

Not suitable for

Children under 3 years and anyone below the minimum height of 122 cm
Pregnant women
People with back, neck or heart problems, high blood pressure, vertigo or recent surgery
People prone to seasickness or motion sickness
Anyone who cannot get in and out of the boat by themselves or with help from their group

Meeting point

Meet at the departure dock on San Diego Bay; the exact location is shown on your voucher. There are five departures in the afternoon, from 12:30 to 16:30. Please arrive shortly before your time and bring photo ID. Hotel pickup is not included.

Important information

Riders must be at least 122 cm tall
Minors must be accompanied by an adult
Bring photo ID
You may get wet; ponchos are provided
Secure your phone, hat, sunglasses and other belongings; we are not responsible for lost items
Do not ride if you are pregnant or have a medical condition that speed and strong forces could aggravate
Tips and hotel pickup are not included
If you are prone to seasickness, take advice beforehand

Good to know

Frequently Asked Questions

Straight answers to what travellers ask us most, before they book.

How much does the jet boat ride cost?

The price depends on the date and the rider. The booking panel on this page shows the current price for the option.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. The ride departs from a dock on San Diego Bay, and the exact location is on your voucher.

How long is the jet boat ride?

The ride lasts 30 minutes. Please arrive shortly before your time to check in.

Is the jet boat suitable for children?

Riders must be at least 122 cm tall, and all minors must be accompanied by an adult. Children under 3 years are not suitable.

Will I get wet?

You may. The boat spins and turns at speed, and spray can reach the seats, so ponchos are provided. Wear clothes that can get wet.

What is included?

The 30-minute open-air jet boat ride, an English-speaking instructor on board and ponchos. Hotel pickup and tips are not included.

Can I book for today or tomorrow?

Yes, subject to availability. Check the departure times in the booking panel, which run from 12:30 to 16:30.

What should I wear and bring?

Clothes that can get wet, closed shoes with grip, photo ID and a secure way to carry your phone. Ponchos are provided.

Is the jet boat ride worth it?

Yes, if you enjoy speed and want a short, exciting way to see the skyline, USS Midway and the Coronado Bridge. If you prefer a gentle sightseeing trip, a harbor cruise is a better fit.

Who should not ride?

Pregnant women, people with back, neck or heart problems, high blood pressure, vertigo, motion sickness or recent surgery should not ride.