San Diego Shore Excursion for Cruise Ship Guests
Welcome to San Diego!
Known as “America’s Finest City,” San Diego offers an unforgettable blend of coastal scenery, history, and marine wildlife. If you’re arriving by cruise ship, there’s no better way to experience the city than aboard a San Diego SEAL Tour, an extraordinary 90-to-100-minute sea and land adventure on an amphibious Hydra-Terra vehicle!
Experience San Diego from two entirely unique perspectives: drive through historic city streets before cruising straight into the sparkling waters of San Diego Bay. Along the way, enjoy engaging narration filled with local history, maritime lore, and up-close views of California sea lions, harbor seals, and historic naval vessels.
Located right along the waterfront just a short stroll from the cruise terminals, a SEAL Tour is the ultimate hassle-free shore excursion for cruise guests of all ages.
Tour Option 1:
Purchase directly from San Diego SEAL Tours
Purchase tickets online or at our ticket depots. With our Embarcadero ticket booth and SEAL Tour departure location situated between both cruise terminals, you can enjoy the short walk from your ship to the tour. Make sure to select the “Embarcadero” location when purchasing your tickets online. We provide approximately 100 minutes of beautiful views of San Diego’s City and Harbor, bustling with wildlife.
Guests are responsible for returning to the ship on time before the ship departs. Adults must have both the ship’s card (which usually doubles as your room key) and a valid photo identification (passport, driver’s license, etc).
Tour Option 2:
Purchase from your shore excursion desk
Purchase tickets through your cruise ship, either online prior to departure or through the shore excursions desk onboard the ship. Guests are met by our SEAL representative on the pier and escorted to their private vehicle to begin their tour. We provide a chartered 100-minute tour of San Diego Bay and City. Your SEAL tour will return you to your starting point at the cruise ship terminal.
Gliding past resident San Diego sea lions, a few California brown pelicans, and several other wildlife species that make the bay their home, the SEAL Tour becomes a San Diego harbor tour— without you ever having left your seat!
Please note: SEAL Tours are not handicap accessible from the Embarcadero departure point closest to the Cruise Terminal. SEAL Tours with accessibility may be booked at the Seaport Village location, approximately 10 minutes by taxi/ride share from the cruise terminals.
FAQs
How long is the San Diego SEAL Tour?
The San Diego tour is 100 minutes total with approximately 40 minutes on land and 60 minutes on the water.
Is the San Diego SEAL Tour kid-friendly?
Yes, kids will have an exciting time on the San Diego SEAL Tour! The combination of exploring both land and water keeps them engaged, and they’ll love spotting marine wildlife and unique sights along the way. It’s an interactive adventure that offers plenty of fun and memorable moments for the whole family.
How often will guests see seals on the tour?
Guests might spot seals during the tour, but it’s more likely you’ll see playful sea lions near the bait barges in the bay. Along the way, you’ll encounter diverse marine wildlife, making this an engaging experience. The “SEAL” name stands for “SEa And Land,” providing a memorable adventure across both water and land.
Are SEAL Tours narrated, and in what languages?
Yes, SEAL Tours offered by San Diego SEAL are narrated. During the tour, knowledgeable guides provide insightful commentary, sharing details about San Diego’s history, landmarks, and marine environment. The narration is conducted in English, ensuring that visitors receive in-depth information and enjoy an engaging experience while exploring both the city and the harbor areas. This makes the tour an informative and entertaining option for exploring the region.