San Diego Shore Excursion: San Diego Seal Tour

If you’re looking for a way to see San Diego from a fresh perspective, the San Diego Seal Tour could be just what you need. This 1.5-hour adventure combines the best of land and water, taking you through Seaport Village and into San Diego Bay aboard a quirky amphibious vehicle. Based on the glowing reviews and high ratings, it’s clear that many travelers find this tour to be a memorable, fun, and informative experience—especially thanks to friendly guides and the chance to spot local wildlife.

We love how this tour offers a relaxed way to get a taste of the city’s sights while feeling like part of an engaging story. Plus, the combination of land and water drives means you get a mini sightseeing tour that’s both dynamic and easygoing. The fact that it’s priced at just over $50 per person makes it seem like solid value for money, especially considering how many travelers rave about the guides and the views. However, one thing to keep in mind is that the route might change due to weather or traffic, so it’s good to stay flexible.

This experience appeals most to those wanting a quick, family-friendly outing that’s light on walking but big on fun. It’s also ideal if you’re eager to see seals, sea lions, and other marine wildlife without spending hours on a boat or in a crowded attraction. If you’re into stories about the area’s military history or just want a relaxed ride with lots of chances for photos, this tour helps you tick those boxes.

Key Points

• Unique amphibious vehicle offers a fun way to explore both land and water in San Diego.
• Knowledgeable guides provide entertaining stories and insightful facts about the area.
• Wildlife sightings include seals, sea lions, and sometimes dolphins, making it engaging for animal lovers.
• Great value considering the tour length and included commentary, with many travelers mentioning the friendly crew.
• Scenic views of SeaWorld, Vacation Isle, and the bay add plenty of photo opportunities.
• Accessible for most travelers, with options for those with mobility issues and a short walk from the cruise port.

An In-Depth Look at the San Diego Seal Tour

The Start: From Seaport Village to the Bay

Your journey begins at Seaport Village, a lively spot on Harbor Drive just about five minutes from the cruise terminal. It’s a perfect starting point, especially if you’re arriving straight from a cruise or hotel. The tour kicks off with a friendly meet-and-greet with your guide, who quickly sets a lively tone. They’re knowledgeable about San Diego’s history and pretty good at keeping the mood light and fun.

The first part of the ride takes you along Harbor Drive, with views of the city skyline, military bases, and the nearby airport. As you chug along on land, you’ll hear stories about early sailors, the importance of military installations, and local landmarks. Many reviews highlight how engaging and well-informed guides like Dan or Kim make the experience stand out—adding humor, local tidbits, and stories that stick with you.

The Transition: Splashing into San Diego Bay

Once your amphibious vehicle reaches the bay, it’s time for the splashdown—literally. The vehicle enters the water, and suddenly, you’re on a boat, gliding across the bay’s calm waters. Expect to see plenty of wildlife, including seals, sea lions, and sometimes dolphins. The crew has a good eye for spotting and explaining the animals, and many reviews mention how fun it is to see these creatures up close.

A favorite part for many is the view of SeaWorld San Diego and Vacation Isle, which look stunning from the water. Wildlife photographers will enjoy catching shots of seals at Quivira Basin, while others simply enjoy the peacefulness of the bay. You might find yourself snapping plenty of photos, especially since the crew often makes sure everyone has a chance to get good shots.

The Scenic Return: Back to Land

After your water tour, your vehicle heads back onto land along Harbor Drive, passing landmarks like the Maritime Museum and the airport once more. The entire ride lasts about 90 minutes, with roughly 30 on land and 60 on water, perfectly timed to keep your attention but not wear you out.

What Travelers Say

Multiple reviews emphasize how professional, kind, and entertaining guides are. For example, one reviewer notes, “Guides were very professional, knowledgeable and kind. Everything was well organized and began on time.” Others mention how much they appreciated the humorous narration—“Kim and Cameron were great,” one said, “and I learned more on this one with Kim’s narration than others I’ve been on.”

Families especially seem to enjoy how approachable and fun the guides are for kids. A review from a traveler celebrating a child’s birthday mentions that the experience was “enjoyable,” with lots of sea lions to see and fun stories to hear. The tour’s flexible, short walk from the cruise port makes it convenient for day-trippers or those looking for a quick sightseeing fix.

Price and Value

At about $53 per person, this tour offers a solid value, especially with the positive feedback about the guides, wildlife sightings, and scenic views. Many guests comment that they felt they got their money’s worth, noting the friendly crew and the interesting stories that accompany the ride. It’s a straightforward price for a relaxed, memorable experience that combines sightseeing, wildlife, and a bit of local history.

Accessibility and Practical Tips

The tour is mostly accessible, with a manual lift for wheelchairs and scooters, making it suitable for travelers with mobility issues. It’s also within a short walking distance from the port, which is a big plus if you’re tight on time or just want to keep logistics simple.

What to wear? Bring a jacket—especially if you’re sensitive to cooler breezes on the water. The open-air vehicle on land is pleasant but can get a little chilly, even on warm days. And, if you’re bringing kids or sensitive travelers, note that the ride is smooth thanks to the flat, weighted bottom of the vehicle, which minimizes motion sickness.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This tour is ideal for travelers who want a light-hearted, engaging way to see San Diego without the hassle of more elaborate excursions. It’s perfect for families, couples, or individuals interested in wildlife, local stories, and scenic views. If you enjoy interactive guides and a mix of land and water adventures, this is a good pick.

It’s less suited for travelers seeking in-depth history or a luxurious boat cruise. Since the route can change due to weather, it’s best to stay flexible and not rely on it for a full-day adventure. Also, while the experience is friendly and accessible, it’s not specifically geared toward those with very specific mobility or dietary needs, as food and drinks are not included.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

For just over fifty dollars, you get a friendly, professional guide, wildlife sightings, and stunning views of San Diego’s bay area—all in an hour and a half that’s both relaxed and fun. It’s a simple yet memorable way to explore parts of San Diego you might otherwise overlook, especially if you’re limited on time or prefer a tour where you can sit back and enjoy the scenery.

The high ratings and consistent praise from travelers—many calling it “well organized,” “fun,” and “informative”—show that this experience delivers more than just a ride. It’s a chance to learn a bit about San Diego’s history, see wildlife in their natural environment, and enjoy some good old-fashioned sightseeing.

If you’re traveling with family, love wildlife, or just want a casual, engaging outing in San Diego, this tour will likely hit the spot. Just remember to bring your camera, a jacket, and an open mind for a good time on land and sea.

FAQ

Where does the San Diego Seal Tour start?
It departs from Seaport Village, located on Harbor Drive at the Embarcadero, just about five minutes from the cruise terminal.

How long does the tour last?
The entire experience is about 90 minutes, including roughly 30 minutes on land and 60 minutes on water.

Is this tour suitable for kids?
Yes, many reviews highlight how much children enjoy the fun stories and wildlife sightings. It’s a family-friendly outing with a relaxed vibe.

Will I see seals during the tour?
While sightings aren’t guaranteed, many guests see seals and sea lions at Quivira Basin. The tour is named SEAL because of the wildlife around.

Will I get wet?
No, you won’t get splashed, though a few drops from wakes might occasionally land on you.

Could I get seasick?
Probably not, thanks to the flat, weighted bottom of the vehicle which makes the ride smoother. Still, susceptible individuals might want to take precautions.

Is the tour accessible for those with mobility issues?
Yes, the amphibious vehicle can handle wheelchairs and scooters, with a manual lift available at the start.

What should I wear?
Dress comfortably and bring a jacket, especially for the land portions, as it can feel cooler outside.

Can I bring food or drinks?
Yes, food and drinks are allowed, but alcohol isn’t permitted for safety reasons.

In essence, if you’re after a relaxed, fun, and scenic introduction to San Diego’s bay area, the Seal Tour strikes a great balance. It’s casual, friendly, and packed with enough wildlife and local stories to keep everyone entertained.