San Diego and Newport Beach Hornblower Cruises

Get ready to enjoy the sights and sounds of the magnificent San Diego Bay and Newport Beach as you choose from one of Hornblower’s Harbor Cruises, Dining Cruises or even a San Diego Whale Watching adventure!

The Big Bay, as locals call San Diego Bay, boasts some of America’s most historic warships such as the U.S.S. Ronald Reagan and the U.S.S. Midway as well as playing host to the scenic sights of the Coronado Bay Bridge and Seaport Village to name just a few!

Whether you’re a tourist looking for the best way to see all of the San Diego attractions or a local that knows the best way to entertain out of town guests, Hornblower has something for you. Hornblower’s many dining cruise options include a spectacular champagne brunch cruise on the bay or a dinner cruise into the sunset or even a yacht charter for your company party. Hornblower has something for everyone.

| San Diego Harbor Cruises | San Diego Champagne Brunch Cruises | San Diego Dinner Cruises | Whale Watching Cruises |

| Group Rates Harbor Cruises |

| Newport Beach Sunday Brunch | Newport Beach Dinner Cruises |

| Hornblower Cruises Frequently Asked Questions and Parking Information |

One and Two Hour Harbor Cruises

Hornblower Cruises & Events welcomes you aboard our comfortable yachts touring beautiful San Diego Bay. Relax in comfort on the observation deck while our professional crew narrates the rich history, local points of interest and facts about San Diego landmarks and military.

 

One Hour Harbor Cruise

Duration:
Approximately 1 Hour

January - December: Daily starting at 10:00am. Detailed Schedule Listed below.

Product Code: HBC-1218   

Adult	$20.00
Child 4 -12	$10.00

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Average rating:

(based on 2 reviews)

Group rate available for 10 or more guests

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Two Hour Harbor Cruise

Duration:
Approximately 2 Hours

January - December: Daily at 10:00am. 11:15am. 12:30pm. 1:45pm. 3:00pm

Product Code: HBC-1219   

Adult	$23.00
Child 4-12	$12.50

Best Seller  

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Average rating:

(based on 16 reviews)

Sale/Special Details:

ON SALE: $2.00 Off Adult Tickets!

Click "More Info" button for additional details.

Group rate available for 10 or more guests

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San Diego Champagne Brunch Cruise

Take in the sights, listen to relaxing music, linger in the sun and visit the captain. Our lavish buffet features a savory selection of all your favorites and includes complimentary champagne.

 

Champagne Brunch Cruise

Duration:
Approximately 2 Hours

January - December: Sundays generally at 11:00am

Product Code: HBC-1221   

Adult	$61.27
Child 4-12	$40.09

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Average rating:

(based on 5 reviews)

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San Diego Dinner Dance Cruises

Watch the sun go down, sip champagne and enjoy a three-course dinner prepared fresh on board by our chefs. Then dance the night away or watch the San Diego sights drift by from the outdoor decks.

 

 

Dinner and Dance Cruise - Sunday - Friday

Duration:
Approximately 3 Hours

January - December: Nightly departing generally at 7:00pm

Product Code: HBC-1222   

Adult	$78.69
Child 4-12	$54.71

Best Seller  

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Average rating:

(based on 5 reviews)

Sale/Special Details:

ON SALE: $4.00 Off Adult Tickets. 3 Hour Cruise and Dining Experience!

Click "More Info" button for additional details.

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Dinner and Dance Cruise - Saturday

Duration:
Approximately 3 Hours

January - December: Nightly departing generally at 7:00pm

Product Code: HBC-1223   

Adult	$90.69
Child 4-12	$59.91

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Average rating:

(based on 3 reviews)

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San Diego Whale Watching

Whale Watching is an educational adventure and visual experience for people who love sea birds, dolphins, sea lions, and whales. Whale migration season is December through March when Gray whales travel over 6000 miles from the Arctic down to Baja California's warm lagoons, where calves are born and can frequently be seen swimming at their mother's side. Highlights of the cruise feature pods of hundreds of dolphins plus an informative harbor tour of the Big Bay. Enjoy a memorable 3 1/2 hour Whale Watching cruise on Hornblower on the most comfortable boats in Southern California, proudly in educational partnership with the San Diego Natural History Museum. Whale Watching Cruises FAQ

 

Whale Watching Cruise - Hornblower

Duration:
Approximately 3.5 Hours

December 12th - April 4th: Daily at 9:30am and 1:30pm

Product Code: HBC-1220   

Adult	$30.00
Child 4-12	$19.20

Best Seller  

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Average rating:

(based on 35 reviews)

Sale/Special Details:

Save $2.00 Per Adult Ticket. Book Early!

Click "More Info" button for additional details.

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Newport Beach Sunday Brunch

 

Newport Beach Weekend Champagne Brunch Cruise

Duration:
Approximately 2 Hours

January - December: Sundays cruising generally at 12:00pm

Product Code: HBN-1277   

Per Adult	$64.41
Per Child 4-12	$42.43

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Newport Beach Dinner Cruises

 

Newport Beach Weekend Dinner Cruise

Duration:
Approximately 3 Hours

January - December: Friday and Saturday at 7:30pm

Product Code: HBN-1279   

Friday - Adult	$88.24
Friday - Child 4-12	$58.26
Saturday - Adult	$91.74
Saturday - Child 4-12	$60.56

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GROUP RATES: One and Two Hour Harbor Cruises

Group Rates for 10 or more guests. Hornblower Cruises & Events welcomes you aboard our comfortable yachts touring beautiful San Diego Bay. Relax in comfort on the observation deck while our professional crew narrates the rich history, local points of interest and facts about San Diego landmarks and military.

 

One Hour Harbor Cruise: Group Rate

Duration:
Approximately 1 Hour

January - December: Daily starting at 10:00am. Detailed Schedule Listed below.

Product Code: HBC-1685   

Adult	$18.00
Child 4-12	$9.00

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Average rating:

(based on 1 reviews)

 

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Two Hour Harbor Cruise: Group Rate

Duration:
Approximately 2 Hours

January - December: Daily at 10:00am. 11:15am. 12:30pm. 1:45pm. 3:00pm

Product Code: HBC-1686   

Adult	$23.00
Child 4-12	$11.50

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Whale Watching FAQs

Do you really see whales?
Of course, the answer is yes. However, we also have seen Finback, Blue, Humpback, Minke, Killer, and False Killer whales. Additionally, we do see a lot of Dolphins including: Risso's, Common, and White Sided. Our Captains will also highlight other wildlife such as seals, various fish, and a variety of birds.

Which cruise is better, the morning or the afternoon?
Your chances of seeing whales are the same on the morning or afternoon cruise. However, the afternoon cruise almost always has more passengers aboard. If you want to cruise with less people, choose the morning trip.

What day of the week is better?
Weekends are always busier than weekdays. There are also less whale watching boats out in the ocean on weekdays.

How far will we cruise into the ocean?
In the beginning of the season, the southbound whales swim closer to the coast, so the maximum distance we cruise is about 3 to 5 miles. Toward the end of the season, when the northbound whales swim further out, we can cruise up to 9 to 12 miles off the coast.

Should I make reservations?
Reservations are definitely recommended for the weekend cruises.

How should I dress?
We suggest dressing in layers as the temperature and winds are often unpredictable.

Where should I park?
We recommend the "5 Star" Public Parking lot. This is located on the corner of Broadway and Harbor Drive. Enter on Broadway. The cost is $7.00 for all day or $5.00 if you enter the lot after 12:00 pm. DO NOT park at the meters!

What time should I be there?
Allow enough time for traffic and to find parking. The morning cruise boards at 9:00 am and the afternoon cruise boards at 1:15 PM. Seating is on a first come, first served basis. If you prefer a specific seating area, be early so you can be the first in line.

Can I bring food or drink on board?
No. However, for your convenience, we have a fully stocked snack bar and full beverage bar available on board. Food items include: sandwiches, salads, fruit bowls, crackers & cheese, pizza, hot dogs, corn dogs, churros, pastries, chips, and candy. We also feature a full bar with hot and cold beverages.

How much experience does Hornblower have in whale watching?
This is our 14th consecutive year doing whale watch cruises. Our Whale Watching Experts have tons of experience. Captain Rich Goben has 24 years of whale watching experience, Captain Eric Gustafson has 22 years, and Captain Chad Cummings has 7 years! Even our first officers and on board bartenders and stewards have been doing this for years!

What makes your boat better than the competition?

1. Adventure is 3 stories high with the top deck sitting 25 feet off of the water. This makes it easier to see the whales.
2. Adventure has 3,000 square feet of outdoor space and climate controlled inside seating for your comfort.
3. Adventure is a fast boat equipped with bilge keel stabilizers making your trip more comfortable.
4. Enjoy narration by our highly experience captains.
5. Watch an informative video on the Gray whales that is played several times during the cruise.
6. We also have added a NEW interactive whale exhibit featuring whale artifacts, posters, pictures and information on the gray whales and other marine life.

What happens if I don't see whales on my cruise?
You will be issued a "whale check" that is good for another whale watching cruise. Or, if your prefer, you may use the whale check for a 1 or 2 hour narrated Bay Cruise.

Will I get seasick?
If you tend to have a problem with motion sickness, you may experience seasickness. However, many of our guests experience no discomfort at all. You can pick up over-the-counter medicine at any drug store or you can purchase a Bio Band at the ticket booth or on board. (We sell adult size bio bands for $11.00 and child size bands for $10.00).

Is there anything else I need to know?
The U.S. Coast Guard requires all passengers over 18 years of age to have valid photo identification. Please make sure to have your photo id available at boarding.

Binoculars are available for rent on board for $5.00 (a $50.00 cash or credit card deposit is required).

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