Riding Aquata: Luxury and Speed Across San Diego Bay
$299/hr • Up to 11 People • The All-Weather Performer
The bow cuts through a sliver of morning light as Shelter Island slips astern. Seabreeze tangles with tuned speakers and the boat’s polished hull hums—a taut promise of speed that sits easily on a bed of comfort. On Aquata, you can be somewhere between a racer and a yacht: the rush of a 55 mph run, the hush of a shaded cabin, and a private bathroom that feels absurdly civilized for something three miles offshore. That duality is the appeal—an adrenaline undercurrent threaded through a plush, panoramic experience.
Trail Wisdom
Book the Captain Upfront
Budget the $50/hr Coast Guard certified captain fee paid at the dock—having a professional simplifies navigation and safety.
Pack a Cab-Friendly Cooler
Bring easy-to-eat finger foods and a small cooler; Aquata provides a mini-fridge but extra ice keeps things cold on longer charters.
Time Your Cruise
Mornings are calmer for snorkeling; late afternoons deliver the best light for photos and warmer water for a swim.
Protect Your Gear
Store electronics and cameras in the cabin during high-speed runs to avoid salt damage.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •Anchor off the tiny coves of Mission Bay for quieter swims
- •Cruise past the Star of India at golden hour for low-profile historical photos
Wildlife
California sea lion, Brown pelican
Conservation Note
The bay hosts eelgrass beds important to juvenile fish; avoid dragging anchors through shallow meadows and pack out all trash to protect marine habitats.
San Diego Bay has long been a strategic naval harbor; the USS Midway, berthed downtown, illustrates the bay’s 20th-century naval history.
Seasonal Guide
spring
Best for: Whale watching, Mild temperatures
Challenges: Variable winds, Occasional overcast 'June gloom' start
Spring brings migrating whales offshore and comfortable air temperatures, though mornings can be breezy and the marine layer may linger.
summer
Best for: Sunbathing, Warm water swims, Long sunset cruises
Challenges: Higher boat traffic, Peak demand for charters
Summer is ideal for warm-water swims and long evenings on deck; book well in advance to secure prime times.
fall
Best for: Calmer seas, Clear skies
Challenges: Shortening daylight, Slightly cooler evenings
Late summer and early fall deliver some of the clearest, calmest conditions—great for photography and extended cruises.
winter
Best for: Storm-watching, Lower pricing
Challenges: Cooler air and water, Possible choppier conditions
Winters are cooler and can be choppier, but the bay is quieter and you can often find weekday availability.
Photographer's Notes
What to Bring
Sunscreen (broad-spectrum SPF 30+)Essential
Salt spray and reflective water increase UV exposure—apply liberally and reapply on longer trips.
Waterproof phone caseEssential
Protects electronics during swim stops and fast runs.
Non-marking deck shoes
Improves grip on wet surfaces and keeps the boat’s finish scratch-free.
Light fleece or windbreakerEssential
Even warm days cool quickly on the water—layer up for evening cruises.
Common Questions
How many people fit on Aquata?
Aquata accommodates up to 11 people comfortably—confirm guest count when booking to ensure seating and safety.
Is the captain fee included?
No—the Coast Guard certified captain is $50/hr and is paid directly at the dock prior to departure.
Can we bring our own food and drinks?
Yes—you’re welcome to bring food and beverages; Aquata includes a small cooler and mini-fridge and will provide some bottled water.
Are water toys provided?
Aquata includes snorkel equipment and inflatable paddleboards; contact the event coordinator about additional water-toy add-ons.
Where do we board?
The meeting point is 2700 Shelter Island Drive, San Diego 92106—easy dock access from the parking area.
Is there a restroom onboard?
Yes—Aquata has a private bathroom with a shower in the cabin for guest use.
What to Pack
Sunscreen, Waterproof phone case, Light jacket, Snacks—protect from sun, salt, and sudden temperature drops
Did You Know
The USS Midway, now a museum on San Diego Bay, was commissioned in 1945 and served the U.S. Navy for nearly five decades before decommissioning in 1992.
Quick Travel Tips
Book weekday mornings for calmer water; confirm captain fee and timing with your coordinator; bring cash for dock fees or gratuities; arrive 15 minutes early to load gear.
Local Flavor
After your cruise, head to Bali Hai on Shelter Island for waterfront Polynesian-inspired cocktails or walk to nearby Little Italy for wood-fired pizza and local breweries; if you dock at Coronado, try Peohe’s for seafood and harbor views.
Logistics Snapshot
Closest airport: San Diego International (SAN) / Meeting point: 2700 Shelter Island Drive / Driving from downtown: ~10–15 minutes / Cell service: Good near shore, may drop if you head offshore / Permits: None required for private charters; captain handles navigation and local regulations
Sustainability Note
This is a busy, ecologically sensitive bay—please pack out waste, avoid anchoring in eelgrass, and rinse gear after use to prevent spreading marine invasive species.
Continue Reading
First Waves on the Grand Strand: Surf Lessons in Myrtle Beach
Learn to stand up on your first wave on the Grand Strand. Myrtle Beach’s gentle breaks and experienced instructors make it an ideal place for beginners to get comfortable on a board—and then explore the surf culture that grew around it.
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
Chasing Cascades: A Half-Day Hike From Asheville to Waterfalls and Wildwoods
In four hours you can move from Asheville's streets into cathedral-like forest and the roar of mountain waterfalls. This guided half-day hike pairs scenic cascades with a certified naturalist to turn scenery into story.
Asheville, North Carolina