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  • San Diego Beach Review

Popular Water Activities in San Diego


san diego boat rental

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San Diego boasts tons of opportunities to enjoy the ocean, bay, and coastline through various activities. Let's explore some of San Diego's most popular water activities and see the fun ways you can enjoy the coast.


Water Sports

  • Surfing: With miles of coastline and consistent waves, San Diego offers fantastic surfing opportunities for all skill levels. Popular surf spots include Pacific Beach, Mission Beach, and La Jolla Shores. See for private or group surf lessons.

  • Stand-up Paddleboarding (SUP): Stand-up paddleboarding is a fun and relaxing way to explore San Diego's waterways. You can paddle along the calm waters of Mission Bay, San Diego Bay, explore La Jolla's sea caves, or even try SUP yoga classes offered at various locations. See for this SUP Tour of San Diego Bay.

  • Kayaking: Kayaking allows you to get up close to San Diego's marine life and explore its coastal scenery. You can kayak through the La Jolla Ecological Reserve, where you might spot seals, sea lions, and even dolphins. See for some of the kayak tours in La Jolla and San Diego Bay.

  • Snorkeling and Scuba Diving: San Diego's clear waters and diverse marine life make it a great destination for snorkeling and scuba diving. La Jolla Cove and La Jolla Shores are popular spots for snorkeling, while Wreck Alley and the kelp forests off Point Loma offer excellent diving opportunities. See this guided snorkel tour in Mission Bay, or take snorkel and diving tours in La Jolla.

  • Jet Skiing and Parasailing For those seeking adrenaline-pumping thrills, jet skiing and parasailing are popular options in San Diego. You can rent jet skis to zip around Mission Bay or take a parasailing excursion to enjoy aerial views of the coastline.

 

Whale Watching: San Diego is a prime location for whale watching, particularly during the winter and spring months when gray whales migrate along the coast. Many companies offer whale watching tours departing from San Diego Harbor or Mission Bay. See for both private and group whale watching tours.


Boating: With its favorable winds and picturesque coastline, San Diego is a sailor's paradise. You can charter a speedboat, catamaran, or sailboat for a sunset cruise or a relaxing day on the bay. See below for some of the group and private tours available with captains provided.

Group Tours


Private Tours


Fishing: Whether you're an experienced angler or a novice, San Diego offers great fishing opportunities. You can fish from the shoreline, charter a deep-sea fishing boat, or try your luck on a fishing pier like the one in Pacific Beach.



Whether you want to catch some waves or enjoy the coast relaxing on a catamaran, San Diego is a haven for water activities that offer plenty of options for everyone.


Let us know what your favorite water activities in San Diego are!

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