Experience San Diego SEAL Tours
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Offering a unique blend of land and sea exploration, San Diego SEAL Tours stand out from other sightseeing adventures in San Diego’s bustling cityscape. Imagine starting your journey on the picturesque streets of San Diego, cruising past historic landmarks and bustling cityscapes. Then, with a seamless transition, your amphibious vehicle splashes into the waters of the San Diego Bay, offering a whole new perspective of the city.
This tour is ideal for families and spans approximately 100 minutes - 40 minutes dedicated to traversing the city’s bustling streets and 60 minutes to a delightful bay cruise. Departing from either Seaport Village or the Embarcadero, the tour is designed to be entertaining for kids and adults alike, making it a perfect outing for families. Get ready to enjoy San Diego like never before!
Tour Highlights
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Showcasing San Diego’s vibrant culture and rich history, the SEAL Tour offers breathtaking views and iconic landmarks. As you wind through the picturesque streets, you’ll be treated to charming sights like the North Island Naval Air Station and the Scripps Institution of Oceanography. This journey offers a delightful blend of scenic city views and historic highlights, making it a must-do for any visitor.
Key attractions include Shelter Island and Seaport Village, both of which provide vibrant and picturesque experiences. Whether you’re a history buff or just love discovering hidden gems, the tour offers a comprehensive look at what makes San Diego so special. Don’t forget to bring your camera for those unforgettable moments!
Marine Life Encounters
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Encountering the city’s diverse marine life stands as one of the most thrilling aspects of the San Diego SEAL Tour. As you cruise through the San Diego Bay, keep an eye out for the resident seals, sea lions, and California brown pelicans that call this area home. These playful creatures are a delight to watch and offer fantastic photo opportunities.
Seals and sea lions can be seen year-round, but if you’re keen on witnessing seal pups, plan your visit between mid-December and mid-May during their birthing season. From late April to early June, you might also catch a glimpse of young sea lions. These encounters with San Diego’s marine residents add a magical touch to the tour, making it an unforgettable experience.
Choose Your Perfect Adventure
A variety of packages and options are available on San Diego SEAL Tours to cater to the needs of all adventurers. Whether you’re looking for a standard tour or a combo package that includes additional attractions, there’s something for everyone. This flexibility allows you to customize your experience and make the most of your time in San Diego.
From leisurely cruises to thrilling land adventures, SEAL Tours provide a unique sightseeing adventure that lets you explore at your own pace. Dive into the different options available and choose the one that best fits your interests and schedule.
SEAL Tour Options
Priced at $60.80, the adult ticket for the standard SEAL tour encompasses a 100-minute narrated journey. It includes both thrilling land and sea exploration and complimentary self-guided walking tours.
It’s a great way to see San Diego’s highlights while enjoying the flexibility to explore further on your own, especially if you’re arriving via San Diego International Airport.
Use Combo Packages for Trolley Pass and SEAL Tour
Combo packages such as the Old Town Trolley Pass & SEAL Tour are an excellent choice for those wishing to prolong their adventure. This combo costs $102.00 and provides a 12% discount, allowing you to experience more of San Diego at a reduced rate. The Old Town Trolley Tours feature a hop-on, hop-off system, giving you the freedom to explore the city at your own pace.
These combo packages are perfect for visitors who want to delve deeper into the city’s attractions while enjoying significant savings. The Old Town Trolley Pass & SEAL Tour combo, in particular, offers a comprehensive look at both the land and sea sides of San Diego.
Special Tours
If you’re seeking a different experience, unique tours like Ghosts & Gravestones and the San Diego City Lights Night Tour are perfect complements to the SEAL tours. The Ghosts & Gravestones tour delves into San Diego’s haunted history, offering a spooky yet fascinating look at the city’s past.
On the other hand, the San Diego City Lights Night Tour offers a magical view of America’s finest city at night, including a stop at Coronado’s Ferry Landing for stunning skyline photo opportunities. These special tours add diversity to your adventure, ensuring there’s something for everyone.
Safety and Comfort on Board
San Diego SEAL Tours prioritize safety and comfort above all. The tours are conducted on Hydra-Terra amphibious vehicles, which are U.S. Coast Guard approved and certified. These vehicles are designed to be virtually unsinkable, ensuring a smooth and safe ride for all passengers.
Safety Features
The Hydra-Terra vehicles used in SEAL tours are equipped with state-of-the-art safety features, including marine VHF radios and other Coast Guard required equipment. Their design ensures they maintain positive buoyancy even in the unlikely event of a breach, making them one of the safest fleets in the industry.
These vehicles also feature a weighted, flat bottom, which helps minimize seasickness by providing a smoother ride. With these advanced safety measures, you can focus on enjoying the adventure without any worries.
Professional Crew
Dedicated to your safety and comfort, the SEAL tour captains and crew are highly trained professionals. They undergo rigorous training, including safety and emergency protocols, to provide courteous and knowledgeable service throughout the tour,.
With experienced local guides narrating your journey, you’ll gain insights into San Diego’s history and ecological wonders.
What to Expect on Your SEAL Tour
Embarking on a 100-minute SEAL tour, you’re in for a fully narrated journey encompassing both land and sea exploration. The tour departs from Seaport Village, located on Harbor Drive at the Embarcadero. As you wind through the streets of San Diego, you’ll learn about the city’s rich history and landmarks, including the Point Loma Submarine Base, before transitioning to a cruise through the San Diego Bay.
This unique sightseeing adventure offers great photo opportunities and encounters with local fauna, making it an unforgettable experience. From the bustling city streets to the serene waters of the bay, the SEAL tour showcases the best of San Diego.
Boarding Process
While the boarding process for the SEAL tour is straightforward, be sure to arrive early. Here are some important details to keep in mind:
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Visitors are advised to check in 30 minutes before the tour start time.
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During busy seasons, it’s recommended to check in an hour prior to departure for parking.
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The meeting point is next to the Bay Company Retail Store at Seaport Village.
Accessibility is also a priority, with the SEAL tour bus featuring a manual lift for wheelchairs and scooters at the Seaport Village boarding location. This ensures that everyone can enjoy the tour comfortably.
On Land Adventures
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In the land segment of the tour, you’ll journey through San Diego’s streets, taking in key sights such as the Maritime Museum, Star of India, and the U.S.S. Midway. This part of the journey is not just about sightseeing; it’s an educational experience that delves into San Diego’s past and present.
You’ll discover hidden gems and explore the rich military history of the city, making the land adventures a highlight of the SEAL tour. From historic ships to vibrant cityscapes, there’s something to captivate every visitor.
Sea Exploration
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Equally exciting is the sea segment of the tour, featuring a cruise through the San Diego Bay. The leisurely cruise offers:
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stunning views
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encounters with various wildlife species
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seals and sea lions
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birds like the cormorant, Great Blue Heron, and California Brown Pelican
This part of the journey highlights the ecological wonders of San Diego, providing a serene and picturesque experience. The adventure continues as you explore the bay’s natural beauty and vibrant marine life.
Best Times to Take a SEAL Tour
Opt for a SEAL tour in San Diego during the pleasant weather of spring and fall, when the crowds are less dense. Morning tours are often recommended for calmer seas and better chances to see marine wildlife.
For those who love stunning views, late afternoon tours offer the added bonus of a beautiful sunset over the water.
Tips for an Unforgettable Experience
For an unforgettable SEAL tour experience, consider these practical tips. Bring a waterproof bag or pouch to protect your belongings from splashes. Sunglasses and sunscreen are essential to protect against the strong sun, especially on the water.
Here are some tips for your San Diego tour:
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Dress in layers, as the weather can change rapidly
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Wear comfortable shoes since the tour involves walking and standing
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If you’re a photographer, use a camera strap or wrist strap to secure your equipment and capture those perfect shots.
Summary
San Diego SEAL Tours offer a unique and unforgettable way to explore the city’s rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning marine life. With a blend of land and sea adventures, these tours provide a comprehensive look at what makes San Diego so special. From the picturesque streets to the serene waters of the bay, every moment is filled with excitement and discovery.
Whether you choose a standard tour, a combo package, or a special tour, you’re guaranteed a memorable experience. So, pack your camera, bring your sense of adventure, and get ready to enjoy San Diego like never before. Embark on a SEAL tour and create memories that will last a lifetime.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the San Diego SEAL Tour?
The San Diego SEAL Tour lasts approximately 100 minutes, including 40 minutes on land and 60 minutes on water. Enjoy the tour!
What wildlife can I expect to see during the tour?
You can expect to see seals, sea lions, California brown pelicans, and various other bird species during the tour. Enjoy the wildlife!
Are there any combo packages available?
Yes, you can find combo packages such as the Old Town Trolley Pass & SEAL Tour that offer extended experiences at discounted rates.
Can I bring my wheelchair or scooter on the tour?
Yes, you can bring your wheelchair or scooter on the tour at Seaport Village. They have a manual lift for accessibility.
When is the best time to take a SEAL tour?
The best time to take a SEAL tour is during the spring and fall for pleasant weather and fewer crowds, with morning tours offering calmer seas and better wildlife sightings. Enjoy your trip!
