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Historic Bay Cruise Aboard 1914 Pilot boat with General Admission

12 Reviews 4.67 out of 5 stars Based on 12 reviews collected by City Balloon Tours and TripAdvisor |
Recommended by 92% of reviewers
92% of reviewers gave this experience a rating of 4 or higher.
| San Diego, USA
Book online or call us

from $38 per person

Lowest Price Guarantee
Pilot boat narrated bay tour with Coronado Bridge in the background
The country's oldest active Pilot boat, restored by Maritime Museum of San Diego.
Add your 45-minute narrated bay tour to your general admission ticket.
Sightseeing on the Bay as you pass the Midway Museum.
Your family is in for a treat at only $15 with purchase of general admission.
Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 10 (0.5) days in advance.
45 minutes (approx.)
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English
Instant confirmation

Overview

Launched in 1914 to her removal from regular service in 1996, the Pilot enjoyed an active career as San Diego’s chief pilot craft – assisting almost every one of the thousands of major commercial ships to enter or leave the bay during that time. Visitors will share this narrated historic bay tour aboard one of the few vessels in the country honored with the distinction of being on the National Register of Historic Places by the United States Department of the Interior.

What's Included

  • 45-minute pilot cruise
  • General Admission Ticket for Self-guided tour of Museum

    Meeting Location

    Meeting point

    1492 North Harbor Drive
    San Diego, CA 92101, USA

    Show on Google Maps

    Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.

    End point

    This activity ends back at the meeting point.

    What To Expect

    Book Online

    Our secure website provides real-time availability, instant confirmation, and free, no-hassle cancellations up to 24 hours before your tour begins.
    Read more

    Safe & secure Easy breezy Hassle‑free

    San Diego Bay

    The 45-minute Bay tour takes guests out on the water in a large loop first heading toward North Island and the Aircraft Carriers, then stopping at buoy 22. Tour continues down along Coronado. Guests head just under Coronado Bridge and make a port (left) turn around one of the bridge pillars. The vessel heads back towards the Maritime Museum along the downtown side of the waterfront. Guests will see a mixed history of the area and certain attractions within sight. Also, combining lessons in our local ecology and economy. Attractions generally talked about include: Lindbergh field, the Coast Guard station, North Island, Carrier(s), City of Coronado, Coronado Bridge, Naval Amphibious Base Coronado, Tijuana/border, 24th Street Marine Terminal, Naval Station San Diego, the three big shipyards, 10th Ave. Marine Terminal, Convention Center, library, Petco Park, various buildings of interest in downtown, Seaport Village, Tuna Harbor, USO Park, the Midway, cruise ship terminals,
    Read more

    45 minutes Admission Ticket Free

    Additional Info

    • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
    • Public transportation options are available nearby
    • Not recommended for public with limited mobility.
    • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
    • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
    • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 25 travelers

    Frequently Asked Questions (9)

    Q: Will I get seasick on Historic Bay Cruise Aboard 1914 Pilot boat with General Admission?

    A: If you have any doubts about becoming seasick on the water, we recommend taking a Dramamine® Motion Sickness Relief tablet the night before your trip. Some people recommend taking it the night before your cruise and then again that morning so you will not feel so drowsy. Read more Feb 2023

    Cancellation Policy

    You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

    Still have questions?

    We're here to help.
    Activity code: C-26765P3

    Traveler Photos

    Reviews

    4.67
    12 reviews

    Average 4.67 out of 5 stars based on 12 traveler reviews collected by City Balloon Tours and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor

    5 stars
    9
    4 stars
    2
    3 stars
    1
    2 stars
    0
    1 star
    0
    Don't miss out!
    On average, this is booked 10 (0.5) days in advance.
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    Frequently Asked Questions (9)

    Activity name

    The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from City Balloon Tours customers.

    Filter by:

    Q: Will I get seasick on Historic Bay Cruise Aboard 1914 Pilot boat with General Admission?
    A:

    If you have any doubts about becoming seasick on the water, we recommend taking a Dramamine® Motion Sickness Relief tablet the night before your trip. Some people recommend taking it the night before your cruise and then again that morning so you will not feel so drowsy.

    Feb 2023
    Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Historic Bay Cruise Aboard 1914 Pilot boat with General Admission?
    A:
    You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.
    • For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
    • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
    • Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
    • Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (PST).
    • This tour requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.
    Apr 2025
    Q: What's included in the price?
    A:
    The following is included:
    • 45-minute pilot cruise.
    • General Admission Ticket for Self-guided tour of Museum.
    Apr 2025
    Q: What is the weather cancellation policy?
    A:

    This tour requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

    Apr 2025
    Q: What is the minimum age for this tour?
    A:

    There is no minimum age for this tour, so bring your wee one along for an adventure. This tour requires at least one adult to accompany children..

    Apr 2025
    Q: My date is not available in the calendar, I am just checking to see if it is available?
    A:

    If a date or time is not listed on the calendar, it’s sold out or unavailable for another reason. Support cannot assist further if a date or time is not on the calendar.

    If you find a date and time that works for you, book it NOW because things always sell out at this time of year.

    Apr 2025
    Q: Is this an accessible tour?
    A:

    Accessibility information for the Historic Bay Cruise Aboard 1914 Pilot boat with General Admission is as follows:

    • Public transportation options are available nearby
    • Not recommended for public with limited mobility.
    • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
    Apr 2025
    Q: Where is the meeting point for this activity?
    A:

    Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for Historic Bay Cruise Aboard 1914 Pilot boat with General Admission will be included in your confirmation email from City Balloon Tours. Please be sure to double and triple check your email address is correct at checkout so this important email makes its way to you!

     

     

    Mar 2024
    Q: How long does a refund take to reach my card, and can I get it faster?
    A:

    Once your refund is processed, it usually shows on your card statement within 5–10 business days. The exact timing depends on your bank or card issuer.

    Want it sooner? When you cancel, choose Receive a refund to my wallet instead. The credit is in your Wallet straight away and is applied automatically at checkout on your next booking when you’re signed in with the same email. You can see your balance any time in My Wallet.

    If you paid part of your booking with Wallet credit, that part always goes back to your Wallet. Trip protection isn’t refundable.

    Oct 2026

    What's Included

    Activity name

    • 45-minute pilot cruise
    • General Admission Ticket for Self-guided tour of Museum

    Additional Info

    Activity name

    • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
    • Public transportation options are available nearby
    • Not recommended for public with limited mobility.
    • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
    • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
    • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 25 travelers

    Report Product Issue

    Activity name