Our most recommended things to do in Shelter Island, Point Loma

San Diego: Harbor Sightseeing Cruise

1. San Diego: Harbor Sightseeing Cruise

See the sights of San Diego Bay on a fully-narrated cruise. Pass by Seaport Village, Shelter Island, Coronado Island, Point Loma, and Cabrillo National Monument, among other notable points of interest, while taking in beautiful skyline views. San Diego’s North Harbor cruise takes you past historic ships in the Maritime Museum, Harbor Island, North Island Naval Air Station, and Shelter Island. The South Harbor route includes sightings of the Coronado Bridge, the U.S.S. Midway Aircraft Carrier, the U.S. Navy Surface Fleet, and the Naval Amphibious Base Coronado. As you sail, keep a lookout for wildlife such as blue herons, sea lions, and pelicans Listen as your professional crew provides commentary about the rich local and military history, points of interest, and facts about San Diego Bay. This sightseeing cruise also showcases local environmental conservation efforts through video clips and onboard displays.

San Diego: SEAL City Tour by Amphibious Bus

2. San Diego: SEAL City Tour by Amphibious Bus

Splash into San Diego Bay with an insightful tour across land and water on this unique sightseeing adventure. Take a seat aboard a hybrid bus and boat and take in many of the most interesting sights in the city. Wind through picturesque San Diego streets before splashing into the water for a cruise of San Diego Bay. Learn about San Diego's main landmarks from your guide. Pass the Embarcadero and San Diego International Airport. Hear about the importance of the military in San Diego and other local icons as you travel along the scenic coast. See the Aircraft Carrier USS Midway, the old schooner "Star of India" and the old Police Headquarters Once you splash into the Big Bay, glide by Navy ships, tugboats, and fishing vessels throughout the harbor. Pass by Shelter Island and listen to stories of early sailors. Take in the wildlife - most notably the seals which hang out in the harbor.

San Diego Bay: Eco-Pedal Boat Rental

3. San Diego Bay: Eco-Pedal Boat Rental

Maximum capacity is up to 3 adults and 1 small kid (4-5 years old). After purchasing your pedal boat rental, you’ll receive a confirmation email with details on your reservation, instructions on where to park, and recommendations on what to bring for your experience. We recommend arriving 15 minutes before your reservation to ensure you can find parking and locate our dock. Once you arrive at Eco Boat Rentals, our crew will check you in, provide you with life jackets, go through basic operation orientation and safety instructions, and then you’ll be ready to take off on your own. Explore America’s Cup Harbor, Harbor Island, and Liberty station from the water and get closer to see the sea lion and local birds. Enjoy the breathtaking view of Downtown San Diego. Bring a cooler and enjoy soft drinks and lunch with magnificent Point Loma views.

San Diego: Nighttime Glow Pedal Boat Ride w/ Downtown Views

4. San Diego: Nighttime Glow Pedal Boat Ride w/ Downtown Views

Go for a ride in San Diego Bay in an illuminated pedal boat. Take in views of the city skyline, listen to music, and relax on the water. Meet the crew down at the docks, check in, and go through a basic safety orientation before going out on the water. Be guided through San Diego Bay by the crew (in a separate boat) and enjoy the sights. Start at Cup Harbor and pedal your way out to San Diego Bay. Admire stunning nighttime views of downtown San Diego, listen to some music, and cruise around the bay.

San Diego: Driving Day Tour with GoCar Luxury

5. San Diego: Driving Day Tour with GoCar Luxury

See every inch of wonderful San Diego in a unique and fun way by going on the all day Everything Tour with GoCar. Let the car be your guide with onspot GPS and story telling features. See the historic Old Town, Point Loma Ecological Preserve, Ocean Beach, and so much more. Witness history at the Gaslamp Quarter, window shop at the iconic Horton Plaza, and stroll through the aromatic rose garden of Balboa Park. Find the natural beauty of the Point Loma Ecological Preserve. Wade in tide pools and see sea anemones, crabs, lobster, fish, and the occasional lucky octopus. Walk along Ocean Beach and through San Diego's famous Maritime Museum. Take in the vibe of Old Town and see how San Diego has changed over the centuries.

San Diego: Luxury GPS Self-Guided Tour by Vandherall

6. San Diego: Luxury GPS Self-Guided Tour by Vandherall

Make your way through San Diego as you travel in a brand new Vandherall luxury car. Get a flair for western and Mexican culture as you travel through Little Italy. Discover how deeply embedded the US Navy is into San Diego as you see the Naval Attack Submarine base, visit Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery, Point Loma Lighthouse, and more on this GPS-guided trip. Starting in Old Town, you'll make your way into Point Loma towards Liberty Station which used to be the Naval Training Center of San Diego, now repurposed into a mixed-use development. Next, go to Shelter Island to receive a great view of the Attack Submarine base. Make your way to Cabrillo National Monument and the Point Loma ecological preserve to see the old lighthouse that stood watch on the rocky shores and lit up the dangerous waterways for many sailors and fishermen. Stop to look at the tide pools, where all sorts of aquatic creatures make their home. As you finish your tour you'll pass the romantic Sunset Cliffs and into the eccentric Ocean Beach community, where there are plenty of privately owned shops.

San Diego: Point Loma Electric GoCar Rental Tour

7. San Diego: Point Loma Electric GoCar Rental Tour

Explore the world-famous Point Loma, San Diego in the world’s first storytelling car. Your GoCar will direct you to Little Italy in San Diego’s Old Town where you will see the unexpected melting pot of Mexican and Western culture. You will be riding in a GoCar, the world’s first storytelling car that will give you valuable narration throughout the tour automatically based on your GPS location. Pass by Liberty Station, home of the Navel Training Center that closed in 1997.

Other Sightseeing Options in Shelter Island, Point Loma

Want to discover all there is to do in Shelter Island, Point Loma? Click here for a full list.

What people are saying about Shelter Island, Point Loma

Overall rating

4.7 / 5

based on 270 reviews

I took my husband for his birthday. Wondering how this huge truck/boat/? Lol would go from land to sea. While we didn’t have long to wait before we found out. Oh my god it was amazing! We seen so many seals!! Our Captain was Cowboy he was very knowledgeable as was Mermaid. She was excellent as well as knowledgeable of the city. We did learn a lot of the city of San Diego we didn’t know. Plus she really knows how to get a party going. Thank you SEAL we will be back with our grandkids.

Rozii and Bailey were the best captain and co-captain. Enjoyed this trip so much! We love corny so Bailey was perfect for us. Loved getting on the water and seeing all the sea lions…so MUCH FUN!!!

Very informative but fun. Great selection Food and drinks onboard. Staff was amazing. Server was fast and very friendly. Our team of 26 (of various ages) really enjoyed it. We would do it again.

Fun! The tour guide was extremely knowledgeable and the captain was awesome!!

The ship crew was polite friendly and professional