San Diego Harbor Tour Archives - Mai Tai Yacht Charters

Navigating Paradise: A Guide to Boating in San Diego Bay

Posted on September 22, 2023 by admin

San Diego, often referred to as “America’s Finest City,” boasts a wealth of attractions, from its stunning beaches to its vibrant nightlife. However, one of the most underrated and spectacular experiences you can have in this coastal metropolis is boating in San Diego Bay. With its perfect weather, breathtaking views, and a range of activities to choose from, exploring the bay by boat offers a unique and unforgettable adventure. In this blog post, we’ll take you on a journey through the wonders of boating in San Diego Bay.

The Bay’s Natural Beauty

San Diego Bay is a picturesque natural harbor stretching over 12 miles along the city’s coastline. Surrounded by the stunning landscapes of the city, the bay is a sanctuary for both wildlife and water enthusiasts. The bay is home to various marine life, including seals, sea lions, dolphins, and an array of seabirds. As you glide through the pristine waters, you’ll have the chance to witness these creatures in their natural habitat, making every boating trip a memorable wildlife encounter.

Spectacular Views

One of the most captivating aspects of boating in San Diego Bay is the breathtaking views it offers. Whether you’re cruising past the iconic Coronado Bridge, admiring the skyline, or enjoying a fiery sunset over Point Loma, you’ll find yourself surrounded by captivating beauty at every turn. The bay’s calm waters and consistent sunshine make it a perfect canvas for an unforgettable day on the water.

Boating Activities

San Diego Bay offers a variety of boating activities suitable for all ages and interests:

Sailing: San Diego is renowned for its sailing culture, and you can join in the fun by renting a sailboat or chartering a sailing excursion. Novices and seasoned sailors alike will appreciate the bay’s favorable winds and stunning scenery.
Kayaking and Paddleboarding: For a more active experience, consider kayaking or paddleboarding in the bay. You can explore sheltered coves, hidden beaches, and even get up close with marine life.
Fishing: San Diego Bay is a popular spot for anglers, with a rich diversity of fish species. You can try your hand at catching bass, halibut, or even the elusive yellowtail.
Cruises and Tours: If you prefer a more relaxed experience, various companies offer harbor tours and dinner cruises. These outings provide informative narration about San Diego’s history and offer a delightful dining experience on the water.
Jet Skiing and Water Sports: Thrill-seekers can rent jet skis or participate in water sports like wakeboarding and water skiing. These activities add an adrenaline rush to your boating adventure.

Dining on the Water

San Diego Bay is home to several waterfront restaurants and bars where you can enjoy delicious cuisine with unbeatable views. Whether you’re craving fresh seafood, Mexican delicacies, or international fare, you’ll find an array of options to satisfy your palate. Some restaurants even offer dockside dining, allowing you to savor your meal while watching boats glide by.

Safety and Regulations

Before embarking on your boating adventure in San Diego Bay, it’s essential to be aware of safety guidelines and regulations. Make sure your vessel is properly equipped, and you’re familiar with local rules, including speed limits, navigation aids, and anchoring restrictions. Always prioritize safety for a smooth and enjoyable experience.

Conclusion

Boating in San Diego Bay is an extraordinary way to explore this stunning city and its natural wonders. Whether you’re seeking relaxation, adventure, or a mix of both, the bay has something to offer everyone. So, the next time you find yourself in San Diego, don’t miss the chance to discover the magic of this coastal paradise from the vantage point of a boat. Your memories of boating in San Diego Bay will undoubtedly leave you with a lasting love for this remarkable destination.

Harbor Island bidders include $2B aquarium plan

Posted on January 3, 2016 by admin

The 57 acres of land and water encompassing part of Harbor Island and the site of the rental car lots along Harbor Drive would be redeveloped under six bids submitted to the port district. San Diego Unified Port District

Six bidders submitted plans Tuesday to redevelop 57 acres of land and water on Harbor Island, across from Lindbergh Field.

One team proposes a $2 billion aquarium and vertical farm complex. Another wants to build a local history dinner theater.

The San Diego Unified Port District staff plans to select which teams to interview the week of Jan. 11 and to recommend one or more finalists in March. The agency could instead issue a second round of development requests to potential bidders.

The port expects its chosen project to generate more than the $2.3 million the agency collects annually from rental car companies, which are relocating next month to a new facility off Pacific Highway at the eastern end of Lindbergh Field.

The agency asked bidders to consider building one or more hotels, a new port headquarters building, office space for military or maritime businesses, new parkland and retail and restaurant space.

Whatever is ultimately chosen will require extensive environmental review and approval by the port board and the California Coastal Commission. It’s not expected that any new major development would open before 2020.

The bidders were identified as:

▪ Janez Properties, a San Diego-based real estate consultant.

▪ OliverMcMillan, a San Diego-based residential and commercial developer whose website lists dozens of projects in various stages of development.

▪ Pacific Coast Historical Dinner Show, an Imperial Beach startup.

▪ Sunroad Enterprises, a San Diego-based developer of car dealerships, marinas and various commercial ventures.

▪ Topgolf International, a Dallas-based operator of 31 golf entertainment complexes.

▪ Tripp Development, a Cambria-based residential and small commercial development company.

Rick Tripp, principal in his Central Coast company, shared his bid package, which calls for an ambitious complex he valued at $2 billion and could take seven years to build. “We’re looking at something dramatically different with some of the 50-some acres of the redevelopment site,” Tripp said.

He proposes a 700,000-square-foot “San Diego National Aquarium,” which would make it the largest in North America and designed on the same order as the iconic Sydney Opera House in Australia.

On either side would be a total of 2 million square feet of “vertical urban agriculture” operations in a pyramid and arch as much as 300 feet high. Crops of all kinds would be shipped from the site, justifying its bayfront location, Tripp said.

Other features include three hotels with 1,400 rooms; a people mover to the airport and a San Diego Trolley stop; a 500-foot-high “sky spire” observation ride; a 70-foot-wide promenade along the waterfront; and shops and restaurants to serve a projected 3 million annual visitors.

Tripp said if he makes the interview stage, he will tell the port that he has international investors “pretty well squared away” and will nail down development partners if selected.

Zach Shor, real estate vice president for Topgolf International, said his company wants to build a facility on 8 to 15 acres where 1,000 guests would hit golf balls to targets and find out instantly how far they traveled.

The 65,000-square-foot building complex would cost about $30 million and include food and beverage services. The company just opened its 24th facility at Virginia Beach and hopes to open 11 more in 2016. “We thought this is is amazing opportunity to get close to the urban core of San Diego, capture all of South County, and build a flagship, top golf venue for the whole San Diego market,” Shor said.

The third bidder who shared his concepts, Roger Benham, said he has formed a team of about 10 members to build an aircraft-hangar style theater facility on about 10 acres of the Harbor Island site to serve about 1,200 guests. “We feel there is a great need for this type of entertainment,” Benham said.

The port previously planned to lease 9 acres for a 500-room hotel on the peninsula’s elbow but combined that bid with the rental car property.

Sunroad, which operates a marina on Harbor Island, was turned down on a third port lease opportunity for a 175-room hotel elsewhere on Harbor Island when the Coastal Commission tied the venture to a request that the port set aside land nearby for low-cost, overnight visitor accommodations, like a campground or youth hostel.

roger.showley@sduniontribune.com; (619) 293-1286; Twitter: @rogershowley

Seaport Village in for Future Shock?

Posted on December 9, 2015 by admin

A 14 acre waterfront shopping, dining and entertainment complex recreating a harbor side setting of a century ago. Includes 54 one of a kind shops, 13 casual dining eateries, 4 fine dining waterfront restaurants, and located in close proximity to local hotels. Opened in 1980.

A 35-year landmark on San Diego Bay could be in store for some 21st-century changes. Seaport Village has been a prime sightseeing, shopping and dining destination for locals as well as tourists. On Tuesday, Port commissioners voted to seek development proposals, with the idea that renovations might generate more visitors and revenue.

That idea is unsettling to Seaport Village tenants and their customers who spoke with NBC 7. “It’s a very unique place that’s been as it is for a really long time, and I think that’s the biggest draw for people coming back — locals and people visiting,” said Michelle Beauchamp. She runs Swings and Things, a store specializing in craftwork hammocks and notions in the interior of Seaport Village. Beauchamp is one of dozens of shopkeepers and restaurateurs who employ hundreds of workers in the 13-acre complex.

Areas surrounding Seaport such as Tuna Harbor also are in line for potential upgrades. Port officials didn’t think a renovation proposal by the village’s current operator would be prosperous enough. What we heard there Tuesday was a lot of support for the status quo — or an updated vision that brings minimal change at the most.

“I realize a lot of it is tourism here, but it’s nice for the people who live here too to have a familiar place to go to,” said Julian resident Lennie Dubler. “You don’t come to a place like this all the time.”

“I think that it’s beautiful the way that it is,” said Jayme Newell, a South Riding, VA, resident who told NBC 7 she’s now been to Seaport Village twice while visiting San Diego. “To be more commercialized, I think, that would ruin the effect of it, from what I see; that would be a mistake,” Newell added. “It’s very quiet and quaint.”

Said La Mesa resident Reg Sidaway: “You cannot touch Seaport Village. No way. It’s as good as you’ll get anywhere in the world … what would you change? It’s got the atmosphere. It’s even got the music sometimes.” Coronado resident Tamara Brown shared these thoughts: “We just ate at a sandwich place that was nice and homey and small-time. I like the feel of the little town that they have going on here.”

This, from Anaheim resident Kent Hemseri, a frequent visitor to San Diego and Seaport Village: “If it’s working, then leave it alone. I know the city of Anaheim a long time ago tore down a lot of old historic buildings, and they probably wish nowadays that they hadn’t done it. It’s hard to go back.”

Port officials say they’ll be working through a bid selection process that could lead to decision-making within a few months. Shopkeepers who didn’t want to be quoted think there’s a likelihood of higher rents and some lease expirations when all is said and done.

Cruising San Diego Bay on Mai Tai Yacht Charter

Posted on October 29, 2015 by admin

Yacht Charters are great orientations to cities and can be considered a touristy thing to do. Mai Tai Yacht Charters are a combination of sightseeing, wildlife sighting and a wonderful perspective of America’s Finest City. Come along with us and see some of San Diego’s most famous attractions from the water.

Take advantage of the always beautiful San Diego weather and spend some time cruising the bay. The Big Bay is always full of activity and there is never a shortage of scenery.

A San Diego Bay tour starts in the northern part of the bay first passing by Harbor Island. Next, we head east to one of the unique attractions in the city, the Maritime Museum. It has a collection of historic sailing vessels including historical ships, steam ferries and a B-30 Soviet attack submarine.

Star of India at the San Diego Maritime Museum

The Star of India is a standout as the “world’s oldest seaworthy tall sailing ship”. This ship was built in 1863 and circumnavigated the globe 21 times with some lasting a year. They have a program where elementary school kids pretend to be sailors with actual duties and wake up calls and spend the night here. My daughter did this a few years ago and had such a memorable experience. Her original name was Euterpe who was the Greek muse of poetry and music.

Charters includes seeing the USS Midway Museum up close. This was the longest serving aircraft carrier in US Naval history from 1945 – 1991. It is now a museum including 24 restored aircrafts.

The next part of our charter heads toward the southern part of the bay. Coronado Island is a great day trip option. It’s got the relaxed, beach town atmosphere but also seems detached from the city despite its location across the bay. The waterfront includes multi-million dollar homes with enviable views. The only way to access the island is through ferries or by using the over 2-mile Coronado Bridge.

You may have driven on this $50 million bridge countless times but there is nothing like seeing it from the water. What an amazing structure! The bridge has a vertical clearance of about 200 feet (61 m) allowing enough room for the tall ships to pass underneath it.

San Diego is a huge military town. South of the bridge is sort of like an outdoor museum of the US Navy’s ships, submarines and dry-dock facilities. Some of these ships were massive and some of them have recently returned from months of deployment.

One of the most interesting things on the dock was the USNS Mercy. She was one of the Navy’ s hospital ships and has a total capacity of about 1000 patient beds and can be activated within 5 days.

After cruising under the Coronado Bridge, we anchor for a bit to relax and have a cold beverage. The inflatable party island is an option for this portion of the charter.

The anchoring spot to kick back and relax

On the way back to the harbor, we go past the airport and on to Shelter Island which is a man-made island that houses many marinas and Polynesian themed restaurants and outdoor summer concerts. This was created over 50 years ago using dredged up sand from the bay to make room for the big military ships. You will love seeing the harbor seals sun bathing along with some of the local birds.

We will turn-around back to the downtown area and passed more of the city’s landmarks. It’s always a joy to see all the activity around Seaport Village. This area with 57 unique shops is a wonderful place for a stroll and the grassy area is always a hit with kids.

Cruising the Big Bay offers something for everyone including kids. It helps you appreciate the beauty of the waterfront and all the landmarks along it. If you’re here visiting, I hope this is one of the first things you do.