San Diego: SEAL City Tour by Amphibious Bus

Exploring San Diego becomes a truly unique experience with the SEAL City Tour by Historic Tours of America. For $53 per person, this 100-minute adventure combines land and sea travel, offering a dynamic way to see many of the city’s most notable sights. The tour departs from various points (depending on your booking option) and takes you through scenic streets, then splashes into San Diego Bay for a water-based cruise.

This tour stands out because of its amphibious vehicle, which drives on land and floats on water, creating a fun and engaging atmosphere. It’s especially praised for its knowledgeable guides, who share engaging stories about the city’s landmarks, military history, and local wildlife, including the famous seals. The wildlife viewing, along with sights like the USS Midway and the Star of India, makes this experience appealing for a broad range of visitors.

While the tour offers plenty of highlights, it’s important to note that departures from Embarcadero are not wheelchair accessible, and travelers should bring a jacket as it can get chilly on the water. Also, no large bags or luggage are allowed onboard, so pack light. Despite these considerations, the tour’s enthusiastic guides and scenic stops make it a highly rated activity for those seeking a lively, informative, and fun way to discover San Diego.

Key Points

• Affordable and engaging: Priced at $53, the 100-minute tour offers a balanced mix of land and water exploration.
• Land and sea experience: The amphibious vehicle drives through city streets and then floats on San Diego Bay.
• Wildlife sightings: Expect to see seals at Shelter Island and learn about marine life.
• Iconic landmarks: Pass USS Midway, the Star of India, and the Embarcadero.
• Knowledgeable guides: Guides are praised for their entertaining and informative commentary.
• Family friendly: Suitable for all ages, with engaging stories and scenic views.

You can check availability for your dates here:

San Diego’s Amphibious Vehicle: How It Works

The tour starts aboard a hybrid bus that travels through San Diego’s streets, providing a comfortable and clear view of the city’s neighborhoods and landmarks. The guides share stories about San Diego’s history, military influences, and local icons. You’ll pass notable spots like the San Diego International Airport and the Police Headquarters.

The highlight occurs when the vehicle splashes into the water, transforming into a floating vessel. This transition is both fun and exciting, with Captain Sully or similar guides leading the way. The floating part of the tour lets you glide past navy ships, tugboats, and fishing vessels in the harbor, with seals often seen lounging on Shelter Island or swimming nearby.

The amphibious vehicle continues to provide views of the scenic coast, allowing visitors to enjoy the marine environment alongside the city’s skyline. This dual experience keeps the tour lively, with plenty of opportunities for photo ops and wildlife observations.

Scenic Land Route Through Downtown and Embarcadero

Before entering the water, the land portion of the tour takes you through San Diego’s downtown streets and along the Embarcadero area. Here, the guide shares insights about the city’s development, highlighting historic buildings and modern attractions.

You will get a chance to see the San Diego International Airport from a distance, and learn about the military presence that has shaped the city’s identity. The Police Headquarters, a historic building, is also part of the route. This land journey provides a comfortable overview of San Diego’s urban core and its coastal charm.

Wildlife Encounters and Seal Viewing at Shelter Island

Once on the water, the tour brings you to Shelter Island, a popular spot for wildlife sightings. The harbor is home to seals, which often hang out on floating platforms or swim nearby. The guides are well-versed in marine life behavior and point out seals, sea lions, and various birds.

The wildlife is consistently a highlight, with many reviews praising the close-up views of seals and sea lions. The guides also share stories about the early sailors and the history of Shelter Island, adding depth to the viewing experience. It’s a peaceful yet lively segment of the tour that captures the marine environment and coastal scenery.

The Iconic Landmarks: USS Midway and Star of India

Passing the USS Midway aircraft carrier is a significant highlight of the water tour. This historic military ship is an enduring symbol of San Diego’s naval importance. The guide provides interesting details about its history and role in the U.S. Navy.

Also visible from the water is the Star of India, a historic tall ship that has been part of San Diego’s maritime landscape for over a century. Seeing these iconic vessels from the water offers a different perspective, emphasizing the city’s connection to maritime and naval history.

More Great Tours Nearby

Wildlife and Harbor Activities on the Water

Along With seals, the harbor is bustling with navy ships, fishing boats, and tugboats. The captain skillfully navigates around these vessels, providing commentary on their functions and histories. The presence of dolphins or even a porpoise pod has been noted during some tours, adding to the excitement.

The harbor also features stories about early sailors and the shipping activity that has shaped San Diego’s economy. The wildlife and harbor activity keep the water portion lively and engaging, with plenty of opportunities for photography and wildlife spotting.

Practical Tips for the Amphibious Tour

Meeting points for the tour vary depending on the booking option but are generally accessible from downtown or the Embarcadero. It’s recommended to arrive at least 30 minutes early to ensure timely boarding, as tickets are sold on a first-come, first-served basis if not purchased in advance.

Weather considerations include bringing a jacket because temperatures can drop slightly on the water. The tour is not wheelchair accessible from the Embarcadero, but the vehicle itself is designed for comfort with ample seating. Large luggage or big bags are not permitted onboard.

Guides: Knowledgeable and Entertaining

The guides on this tour receive high praise for their enthusiasm, knowledge, and storytelling skills. They strike a balance between fun and informative, making the experience enjoyable for families, history buffs, and wildlife enthusiasts alike.

Several guides, such as Kim, Charlie, and Captain Q, are highlighted for their cheerful demeanor, informative commentary, and ability to engage with all ages. Their stories about San Diego’s landmarks, military history, and local wildlife add depth to the sightseeing.

Duration and Booking Flexibility

The 100-minute tour is available primarily in the morning and afternoon, with seasonal variations in departure times. Thanks to the free cancellation policy, bookings can be canceled up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The reserve now, pay later option offers flexibility for travelers uncertain about their plans.

This tour provides a relaxed pace, allowing plenty of time to enjoy both the land and water segments without feeling rushed. It’s a good choice for visitors who want an interactive, scenic overview of San Diego that combines history, wildlife, and fun.

San Diego: SEAL City Tour by Amphibious Bus (Final Thoughts)

The SEAL City Tour offers a fun, informative, and scenic way to explore San Diego from both land and sea. Its amphibious vehicle provides a unique experience that is especially appealing for families, history enthusiasts, and wildlife lovers. The tour’s highly praised guides and iconic sights make it a memorable activity.

While not wheelchair accessible from the Embarcadero, the comfortable vehicles and engaging commentary compensate for this limitation. The opportunity to see seals in their natural habitat and pass naval ships enriches the experience. This tour offers a great value for anyone wanting to combine scenic views, local history, and wildlife spotting in a single, lively outing.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the San Diego SEAL City Tour?
The tour lasts 100 minutes, combining both land and water segments.

What is included in the tour fee?
The tour, guide, and transportation in the amphibious vehicle are included in the $53 price.

Are the departures from the same location every time?
The meeting point varies based on the booking option, but departures are generally scheduled in the morning and afternoon.

Is it suitable for children?
Yes, the tour is family-friendly and features engaging stories suitable for all ages, though large bags are not permitted onboard.

What should I bring?
It’s recommended to bring a jacket due to potential chill on the water.

Is the tour accessible for wheelchairs?
Departures from Embarcadero are not wheelchair accessible; check specific options if accessibility is a concern.

Can I cancel my booking?
Yes, cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The reserve now, pay later option adds flexibility.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby