Celebrate your birthday with a private sail on San Diego Bay
2 Hours
1–6 people
Beer, snacks, non-alcoholic
Set sail for your next trip around the sun on a private birthday charter in San Diego. Choose a morning, midday, or sunset sail with complimentary drinks and snacks.
Bareboat charters do not include a captain; captain fees are paid directly after the trip and tips are customary. No smoking, hard alcohol, or red wine.
100% refundable if you cancel more than 72 hours before departure. If Sail San Diego cancels for any reason, you can receive a full refund.
If you book a bareboat charter, plan for a captain fee due directly after the trip. The notes also mention that tips are customary (often 15%–20% of the total spend), paid directly to the captain.
Have each guest sign the digital sailing waiver before you arrive (or sign at check-in if needed). Check in at the office 20–30 minutes before departure to get your physical boarding pass.
Plan to board about 10 minutes before the scheduled departure time, when the marina gates open.
2720 Shelter Island Drive, San Diego CA 92106
Sail San Diego delivers consistently exceptional experiences on the water, earning praise from virtually everyone who steps aboard. The company runs intimate sails with a maximum of six guests, creating a personalized atmosphere that feels more like sailing with a knowledgeable friend than a commercial tour. Multiple experienced captains rotate through the fleet—including Greg, Dave, Stu, Rich, and Frank—and guests rave about their sailing expertise, local knowledge, and genuine personalities. The booking process is refreshingly smooth from start to finish. Staff make thoughtful touches like calling ahead with details, coordinating food pickups from nearby restaurants, and greeting guests warmly at the dock. On the water, captains skillfully handle everything from gusty conditions to relaxed sunset cruises while pointing out landmarks and answering questions. Many reviewers highlight spotting dolphins and enjoying spectacular skyline views. The boats themselves are clean and well-equipped, with some captains providing music, snacks, and drinks. Whether you choose a midday harbor sail or sunset cruise, expect a relaxing yet engaging experience that consistently ranks as a trip highlight.
What a fun day being a tourist in our home town. We had done the sunset cruise in the past. Which is awesome by the way, especially when there are concerts going on at the Rady Shell. Having received a gift certificate as a birthday gift I went online to book another sunset cruise. Then I saw on their website it was whale watching season. What a fun morning. Captain Greg was amazing and really gave us a great experience. We saw whales and dolphins. It was a perfect day to go out on the water. I would definitely do it again to entertain friends visiting from out of town. Highly recommend!
MBS
March 31, 2026
What a fun day being a tourist in our home town. We had done the sunset cruise in the past. Which is awesome by the way, especially when there are concerts going on at the Rady Shell. Having received a gift certificate as a birthday gift I went online to book another sunset cruise. Then I saw on their website it was whale watching season. What a fun morning. Captain Greg was amazing and really gave us a great experience. We saw whales and dolphins. It was a perfect day to go out on the water. I would definitely do it again to entertain friends visiting from out of town. Highly recommend!
MBS
March 31, 2026