Step aboard the historic Pilot for a 45-minute narrated cruise across San Diego Bay, revealing the city’s maritime past. Discover stories behind one of the oldest active pilot boats in the U.S. while enjoying scenic views of the waterfront. Perfect for history lovers and families alike, this experience offers a unique window into San Diego's nautical legacy.
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
45 minutes
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels; minimal physical activity required
Wildlife
History
The Pilot boat has been guiding ships into San Diego Bay for over a century, representing the city’s rich maritime tradition.
Conservation
The Maritime Museum emphasizes preservation efforts to maintain the bay’s natural environment and historic vessels.
Maritime Museum of San Diego
Step aboard the historic Pilot for a 45-minute narrated cruise across San Diego Bay, revealing the city’s maritime past. Discover stories behind one of the oldest active pilot boats in the U.S. while enjoying scenic views of the waterfront. Perfect for history lovers and families alike, this experience offers a unique window into San Diego's nautical legacy.
Maritime Museum of San Diego preserves and presents the maritime heritage of San Diego through a collection of historic vessels, hands-on experiences, and public programs. Located on San Diego Bay, the museum maintains and operates a fleet that includes the 1863 bark Star of India, the Pilot (launched 1914, restored 2002), replicas such as the brigantine Californian, and the Spanish galleon replica San Salvador. Visitors can explore dockside exhibits, board multiple historic ships, and choose guided docent tours, narrated bay cruises, multi-hour sailing adventures, interactive pirate theater, and overnight stays aboard the Star of India.
Educational offerings include Oceanography Merit Badge Days for scouts ages 9–18, hands-on sailing experiences, and VIP private tours that provide behind-the-scenes access. Public cruises vary in length from a 45-minute narrated bay cruise aboard the Pilot to four-hour sails on San Salvador, and specialty programs such as the 90-minute BOARDED! pirate adventure and family overnight events. Guided docent-led tours are offered twice a month with limited capacity for intimate exploration. General admission provides all-day access and the opportunity to see historic vessels up close, and the museum operates daily.
The museum’s conservation and restoration efforts follow established preservation standards, and volunteer stewards regularly maintain vessels to ensure historical integrity and visitor safety during tours and events year-round operations.
Historic Flagship
Star of India (1863)
World’s oldest active ship
Tour Lengths
45–240 min
Short cruises to 4-hour sails
Unique Vessels
Replicas & originals
San Salvador, Californian, Pilot
Programs & Groups
Family & Scouts
Overnights & merit badge days
Reserve narrated cruises, hands-on tall ship sails, scout programs, or a VIP behind-the-scenes tour at the Maritime Museum of San Diego.
Dress for the weather
Bring layers and sun protection to stay comfortable during the cruise, especially on windy or sunny days.
Arrive early
Arriving 15 minutes before departure ensures you'll find parking and get settled without stress.
Bring a camera
Capture scenic views of the bay and historic boat details, especially during clear daylight hours.
Bring a water bottle
Stay hydrated during the cruise, especially on warm days or if you’re sensitive to sun exposure.
Sun protection
A hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen help protect against sun exposure during the cruise.
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Binoculars
Enhance your view of distant ships and bay wildlife with a good pair of binoculars.
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Layered clothing
Dress in layers to adapt to changing temperatures, especially on breezy days.
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Water bottle
Stay hydrated during the cruise, particularly in warmer months.
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