Surrounded by the Pacific Ocean and San Diego Bay, Coronado is Southern California's premier playground for mirror-smooth kayak tours, stand-up paddleboarding, and romantic sunset Venetian gondola cruises.
1715 Strand Way, Coronado, CA 921188:00 AM to 6:00 PM Daily
The premier calm-water paddling launch on Coronado. Sheltered from Pacific ocean swells by the Silver Strand isthmus, Glorietta Bay is as calm and flat as a swimming pool. Paddle past the iconic 1887 Boathouse, along the waterfront edge of Coronado Golf Course, with the towering arches of the Coronado Bay Bridge overhead.
Available Fleet:
Sit-on-top Single Ocean KayaksTandem 2-Person KayaksEpoxy & Soft-top Stand-Up PaddleboardsKids Life Jackets & Paddles
Rates & Pricing:
Single Kayaks $20/hr • Tandems $30/hr • SUPs $25/hr
Life jackets and paddles included with all rentals
Local Insider Tip: Paddle between 8:30 AM and 11:00 AM for glass-like water with zero chop. Watch for gentle bat rays and cormorants sunning on channel markers.
503 Grand Caribe Causeway, Coronado, CA 9211811:00 AM to 10:00 PM Daily (Sunset & Night Cruises)
Experience authentic Italian romance right here in California. A striped-shirt gondolier steers a traditional Venetian gondola through the tranquil canals and inlets of the Coronado Cays. Bring your favorite bottle of wine or bubbly; complimentary wine glasses and ice buckets are provided on board.
Available Fleet:
Authentic Handcrafted Italian GondolasBlankets & Ice Buckets ProvidedUp to 6 Passengers per Boat
Rates & Pricing:
Private 50-minute cruises from $125 for 2 guests
Life jackets and paddles included with all rentals
Local Insider Tip: Book the twilight cruise departing 30 minutes before sunset. Grab a pre-cruise craft beer or Greek gyro right next door at Calypso Cafe (505 Grand Caribe Causeway) to enjoy the peaceful marina before boarding.
1201 1st St, Coronado, CA 921189:00 AM to Sunset Daily
Launch directly from the sandy shoreline next to Coronado Ferry Landing pier. Paddle parallel to the Coronado coastline with direct, front-row panoramas of the downtown San Diego skyscraper skyline and historic naval vessels crossing the bay.
Available Fleet:
Single & Double Ocean KayaksYamaha WaveRunnersStand-Up Paddleboards
Rates & Pricing:
Kayaks from $22/hr • WaveRunners from $110/hr
Life jackets and paddles included with all rentals
Local Insider Tip: After paddling, walk 50 feet over to Peohe's or Coronado Coffee Company for bayside refreshments on the wooden pier.
1715 Strand Way, Coronado, CA 921188:00 AM to Sunset Daily
If you have sailing experience or want to skipper your own motorboat, Seaforth rents powerboats and day-sailers to tour San Diego Bay, cruise past the naval amphibious base, and drop anchor in the harbor.
Available Fleet:
14ft to 27ft Capri & Catalina SailboatsBoston Whaler PowerboatsPontoon Party Boats
Rates & Pricing:
Sailboats from $60/hr • Powerboats from $120/hr
Life jackets and paddles included with all rentals
Local Insider Tip: Reserve a 21-foot center console for four hours to cruise around Shelter Island and Harbor Island with your own picnic cooler.
From mirror-smooth calm water lagoons to panoramic downtown skyline paddles
Adventure #1 Beginner Friendly
Glorietta Bay Calm-Water Wildlife Paddle
2 Miles Round Trip•1.5 to 2 Hours
The ideal kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding adventure for beginners, families, and leisurely paddlers. Because Glorietta Bay is completely protected from Pacific surf by the Silver Strand peninsula, the water remains calm and mirror-flat.
Route Highlights:
Glide past the iconic 1887 red Victorian Boathouse
Paddle alongside the emerald fairways of Coronado Golf Course
Stunning views looking up at the Coronado Bay Bridge
Occasional sightings of leopard sharks (harmless) and snowy egrets
Launch from the sandy beach adjacent to the Ferry Landing and paddle northwest along the shoreline. You will be treated to sweeping, unobstructed panoramas of the San Diego skyscraper skyline, USS Midway aircraft carrier, and historic tall ships docked across the channel.
Route Highlights:
Unbeatable photo angles of the downtown San Diego skyline
Watch sailboats and morning ferries glide across the harbor
Stop on the small sandy pocket beach near Centennial Park
A tranquil, hidden paddle route located in the southern residential enclave of Coronado Cays. Wind your way through peaceful marine canals, admire Mediterranean luxury waterfront homes with private yacht slips, and explore the tranquil salt marsh lagoon.
Route Highlights:
Zero boat wake in the sheltered inner canal fingers
Abundant coastal marine birdlife in the adjacent south bay refuge
Quiet, secluded atmosphere away from central island crowds
Do I need prior kayaking or paddleboarding experience?
No! Glorietta Bay is one of the safest paddling locations in Southern California. The water is sheltered from open ocean swells, tides are gentle, and rental staff provide a complete dry-land safety orientation and paddle fitting before you launch.
Are life vests and safety gear included with rentals?
Yes. All rentals include US Coast Guard-approved life vests, whistles, and lightweight marine paddles at zero extra charge. Children under 13 must wear life jackets at all times on California waterways.
What is the best time of day to kayak in Coronado?
Morning hours between 8:30 AM and 11:00 AM offer the best conditions. Coastal winds are typically light, water is glassy, and boat traffic is minimal.
What should I wear for a kayaking or paddleboard session?
Wear quick-dry clothing such as board shorts, rash guards, or athletic swimwear. Water shoes or flip-flops are helpful for launching. Bring sunscreen, sunglasses with a retaining strap, and a waterproof phone pouch.
Explore More Active Island Experiences
Rent a beach cruiser to explore the Silver Strand, check live tide conditions, or book an 18-hole tee time on Glorietta Bay.
