Climb aboard the only active passenger Swift Boat in the U.S. for a thrilling tour through San Diego Bay’s military history. Witness iconic sights and feel the power of twin Detroit Diesels—an adventure packed with stories and speed.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
1–1.5 hours
Fitness Level
Minimal physical effort required; suitable for most visitors
Wildlife
History
The Swift Boat was a crucial vessel during Vietnam War patrols and has been active in the U.S. Navy for decades.
Conservation
The Maritime Museum actively promotes maritime preservation and sustainable practices to maintain San Diego Bay’s marine environment.
Maritime Museum of San Diego
Climb aboard the only active passenger Swift Boat in the U.S. for a thrilling tour through San Diego Bay’s military history. Witness iconic sights and feel the power of twin Detroit Diesels—an adventure packed with stories and speed.
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.
Arrive Early
Get to the marina at least 15 minutes before your scheduled trip to ensure a smooth boarding process.
Dress Appropriately
Wear weather-appropriate clothing and consider bringing a jacket for potential wind and spray on the water.
Bring Sunscreen
Protect yourself from sun exposure during the ride, especially on clear days.
Hold on Tight
Prepare for moments of high speed and water splashes—brace yourself for an exhilarating ride.
Sunscreen
Helps protect your skin during the sunny outdoor boat ride.
summer
Hat or Cap
Provides shade and helps keep the sun out of your eyes.
spring, summer, fall
Sunglasses
Keeps glare from water and sky at bay for clear visibility.
year-round
Layered Clothing
Allows you to adjust for changing temperatures and sun exposure.
all