Historic Bay Cruises

Unique 45 minute Historic Bay Cruise aboard the 1914 Pilot.

PILOT – Enjoy a narrated bay cruise aboard the oldest active pilot boat in the country! Launched in 1914 to her removal from regular service in 1996, Pilot enjoyed an active career as San Diego’s chief pilot craft – assisting almost every one of the thousands of major commercial ships to enter or leave the bay during that time.

Restored by the Maritime Museum of San Diego and relaunched in 2002, Pilot now hosts school groups on “Economy and Ecology” voyages, where students help with navigation and perform water quality experiments while exploring the Bay, in addition to her public day cruises.


Book now! Historic Bay Cruise

Historic Bay Cruise ticket range: $42 – $18, includes general admission.

Historic Bay Cruise boarding times are: 11:00am, 12:45pm, 1:45pm, 2:45pm, (3:45pm Saturday & Sunday only walkup tickets only)

Online sales end 8 am day of
Walk-up tickets are available at the ticket booth till sold out.

“Both Keke and our captain were amazing. Very informative and funny. Took out my boys 6 and 10 as well as my mother in law. My mother in law has lived in San Diego for over 50 years and learned many things even she was surprised about. Highly recommend adding the boat tour to your museum trip.”

Melissa G. posted on Yelp

Please note there are no restrooms aboard Pilot.

Pilot Boat Maritime Museum of San Diego

Pilot Boat Maritime Museum of San Diego

Pilot Boat Maritime Museum of San Diego

Pilot Boat Maritime Museum of San Diego