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San Diego Museum Council

Maritime Museum of San Diego

A VISIT TO THE MARITIME MUSEUM IS A SEA AND SHIP LOVERS TREAT!

General Admission – Step Back In Time With 500 Years of Seafaring History! 

Visit the Maritime Museum of San Diego to tour our fleet of vessels listed on the National Register preserved and operated right here by the staff and volunteers. This is a must see popular waterfront attraction for locals and visitors alike!

Summertime Savings announced!

Start with a walk through the fleet and exhibits then set out on San Diego Bay for only $10.00 with purchase of general admission. This narrated 45-minute cruise takes place aboard the preserved and well-maintained 1914 Pilot boat. Book in advance at sdmaritime.org or check with Ticket Booth staff for availability. We offer four runs at 11:00 a.m., 12:45 p.m., 1:45 p.m. and 2:45 p.m. daily. On weekends, also a 3:45 Pilot boat tour to enjoy.

Are you a Naval History Buff and want to head out on the water? For a limited time for only $15.00 with purchase of general admission you can experience the 75-minute narrated Naval History Bay tour aboard the restored Vietnam-era PCF 816 Swift boat. Be a part of history, ride the only active passenger carrying Swift Boat in the country. Feel the power of the twin 12 cylinder 2-stroke Detroit Diesels as you take a behind the scenes tour of San Diego’s military history. Tours available Saturdays and Sundays at 12:45 p.m. and 2:15 p.m. Reserve online in advance or walk up to book at the Ticket Booth open 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. daily on the embarcadero in front of the Museum fleet.

Ready for more time on the water and true tall ship sailing adventures! Reserve your ticket for a 4-hour weekend sailing adventure aboard the topsail schooner Californian or Spanish galleon San Salvador . Tickets include general admission to tour the entire fleet of historic ships from sail to steam to submarine! All the fascinating exhibits below deck and your entry into the USS Dolphin sub included!

The Maritime Museum of San Diego’s visitor tour includes a walking self-guided exploration of our historic fleet, including below deck exhibits and galleries. This one-of-a-kind collection includes the  world’s oldest sailing ship, Star of India , the Navy frigate replica H.M.S. Surprise , featured in the award-winning film Master and Commander,  California’s official tall ship schooner Californian,  Spanish galleon replica San Salvador, Victorian – era steam ferry boat Berkeley, 1904 steam yacht Medea, and USS Dolphin submarine.

See the Museum like never before! Sign up for a Docent-led Guided Tour today to participate in a small group as one of our knowledgeable historians provides in depth study of the fleet’s history and exhibits. Tours are scheduled most Wednesdays at $35.00 per person. Advance registration is required.

Looking for an activity in the great outdoors and on-the-water that is educational and entertaining?

The Museum Gift Shop is open most days 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

The Museum Ticket booth hours are daily from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. No guest admittance permitted after 4:00 p.m. daily. Credit/Debit cards may be used to purchase tickets at the Museum Ticket Booth machines located on the embarcadero. Cash will not be accepted at this time. Offer may not be combined with any other offer.

Love the museum and want to visit often? Become a member and enjoy unlimited annual visits, gift shop savings, member discounts, and much more! Visit https://sdmaritime.org/support-the-museum/membership/

Current & Upcoming Exhibitions

Move from ship to ship to discover these fascinating exhibits nested aboard the Museum’s historic fleet. All exhibits are included with general admission. Make sure to take enough time to visit them all!

NEW! Rising Tide: The Human Crisis of Rising Sea Levels  – located on the steam ferry Berkeley and Star of India

T he Model Gallery: Celebrating the Art Model Making  – located on the aft deck of the steam ferry Berkeley

San Diego’s Naval History – located on the steam ferry Berkeley

Harvesting the Ocean – located on the steam ferry Berkeley

Age of Steam – located on the steam ferry Berkeley

Age of Sail – located on the Star of India

Charting the Sea – located on the steam ferry Berkeley

Man-of-War – located on H.M.S. Surprise 

Upcoming Events

Jul 4   |   7:00 pm - 9:30 pm

July 4 BBQ Dinner and Firework Viewing

Hosted by: Maritime Museum of San Diego

Jul 13   |   10:30 am - 12:00 pm

Boarded! A New Pirate Adventure presented by San Diego Pirate Adventures

Jul 13   |   12:45 pm - 2:15 pm

BOARDED! A New Pirate Adventure presented by San Diego Pirate Adventures

Jul 26   |   2:00 pm - 9:00 am

Star of India Family Overnight Experience

Jul 27   |   9:00 am - 1:00 pm

5th Annual Oceanography Merit Badge Days

Aug 9   |   2:00 pm - 9:00 am

Aug 10   |   9:00 am - 1:00 pm

Sep 15   |   2:30 pm - 4:30 pm

Haydn Voyages: Music at the Maritime “Light and Shadow”

Sep 21   |   10:30 am - 12:00 pm

Sep 21   |   10:30 am - 12:45 pm

Oct 19   |   10:30 am - 12:00 pm

Oct 19   |   12:45 pm - 2:15 pm

Nov 24   |   2:30 pm - 4:30 pm

Haydn Voyages: Music at the Maritime “Revolution”

Nov 30   |   12:45 pm - 2:15 pm

Nov 30   |   10:30 am - 12:15 pm

Dec 28   |   12:45 pm - 2:15 pm

Dec 28   |   10:30 am - 12:00 pm

Visit Maritime Museum of San Diego

1492 North Harbor Drive San Diego, CA 92101-3309

(619) 234-9153

Open daily 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (Last guest entry at 4pm and must exit by 5pm daily.) SUMMER EXPERIENCES FOR LESS! Take a 45-minute historic bay cruise FOR ONLY $10.00 when you purchase general admission. On weekends take a 75-minute PCF 816 Swift boat Naval History Bay tour for ONLY $15.00 with general admission. Check with Ticket Booth staff for availability on our narrated boat tours. On weekends, for only $24.00 when you purchase general admission. Check with Ticket Booth staff OR plan early and reserve your ticket online at sdmaritime.org for 12:15 and 2:15 Swift boat tours. For tall ship sailing schedules and reservations visit sdmaritime.org.

https://sdmaritime.org/

1492 North Harbor Drive, San Diego, CA

San Diego Museum Council PO Box 371322 San Diego CA, 92137 (619) 957-4660 Email Us

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Maritime Museum of San Diego

Boat museum, bay tours & tall ship sailing.

Maritime Museum of San Diego serves as the community memory of our seafaring experience by collecting, preserving, and presenting our rich maritime heritage and historic connections with the Pacific world.   Daily self-guided tour admission includes ALL of the fleet and exhibits!  Star of India , 16th-century galleon replica, San Salvador , H.M.S. Surprise , the navy frigate replca, Victorian - era steam ferry Berkeley , USS Dolphin submarine and more!

Summer offers!  $10 45-minute sightseeing Pilot boat trip when you book general admission.   On weekends, book the $15 Swift boat Veteran narrated 75-minute Naval History Bay tour with general admission.

Californian  and San Salvador  Tall Ship Sails available most weekends (each include general admission.)

We are open daily 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.  (Last visitor admission is at 4:00 p.m.)

Plan ahead for our Wednesday two-hour Docent Historian Led group tour activity most Wednesdays for general public. Advance reservations required at sdmaritime.org.

Want the freedom to explore at your own pace? General admission self-guided tour tickets let you stay as long as you like. 

Visiting on the weekend!? Plan in advance to book your reservation at sdmaritime.org for a Tall Ship Adventure Sailing package on the state's official tall ship, the topsail schooner, Californian, or the 16th-century Spanish galleon replica San Salvador package ! (Includes general admission to tour all ships and exhibits before or after sailing.)

Tickets may be purchased online at sdmaritime.org or at the Museum ticket booth open daily 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Note: Visitors who arrive BEFORE 4:00 p.m. may tour the museum until 5:00 p.m.

The Museum Ticket Booth is located at 1492 N. Harbor Drive, Star of India Wharf, on the embarcadero between Grape and Ash Street, next to Portside Pier.

Top tip: Take the time for a bit of sightseeing on the Bay.

FOR ONLY $10.00 Add a 45-minute narrated Historic Bay Cruise to your general admission ticket purchase. 

Historic Bay Cruise check-ins offered daily Monday through Sunday. Weekdays tours are 11:00 a.m., 12:45 p.m., 1:45 p.m. and 2:45 p.m. Weekends, 11:00 a.m., 12:45 p.m., 1:45 p.m., 2:45 p.m. and 3:45 p.m.  Please check availability.

FOR ONLY $15.00 Add a 75-minute narrated Naval History Bay Tour aboard the historic restored US Naval PCF 816 Swift Boat to your general admission ticket purchase. 

These Naval History Bay boat tours are available weekends only at 12:15 and 2:15 p.m.

Come aboard and hear the stories from our Swift Boat Veteran sailors!

Neighborhood: Downtown

1492 N Harbor Drive San Diego, CA 92101

Contact Info

(619) 234-9153 [email protected]

Open daily 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Last guest entry and ticket sold at 4:00 p.m.

Deals just for you

$10 historic bay cruise with general admission*.

Purchase general admission to the Maritime Museum of San Diego and add a 45-minute narrated Historic Bay Cruise for only $10 more! MOST DAYS. SCHEDULE MAY VARY Daily tours at 11:00 a.m., 12:45 p.m.,...

75-minute Naval History Bay Tour Only $15***

Join us at the Maritime Museum of San Diego for a high-speed 75-minute narrated Naval History Tour! The US Naval Vietnam-era PCF 816 Swift Boat Listed In National Register Of Historic Places is...

$10 off Tall Ship Sail Experiences

Join the Maritime Museum of San Diego Sail Crew for a 4-hour sail aboard the state tall ship Californian or the Spanish galleon San Salvador and save $10.00 with this promo code TALLSHIPSAILFUN24! ...

Show Your Badge & Save at the Maritime Museum!

Come and explore our connection with the sea at the Maritime Museum of San Diego! Spanning 500 years of seafaring history, your visit to the Museum will give you a chance to step aboard an historic...

Events to check out

$10.00 historic bay cruise w/general admission.

This boat tour provides visitors with an educational tour of San Diego Bay. The 45-minute Bay sightseeing tour takes guests out on the water in a large loop first heading toward North Island and the...

Californian Tall Ship Adventure.

The Maritime Museum of San Diego invites you to join us for Tall Ship adventure sailing! This is a four-hour adventure history sail aboard the schooner Californian. The Californian is a...

San Salvador Sailing Adventure Package

The Maritime Museum of San Diego is the only attraction to offer this popular day sail adventure experience aboard San Salvador, a replica of Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo’s ship that arrived at the...

Guided Docent-Led Tours

Guided Docent Led Tours at the Maritime Museum of San Diego is your opportunity to learn of the ships in-depth stories from our trained knowledgeable historians, and enjoy the waterfront sights...

$15 Swift Boat Naval History Bay Tour w/ Admission

Are you in town for the weekend? Or are you a local San Diegan and want to get out on the Bay to learn about Naval History? Be a part of history and ride the only active passenger carrying Swift...

July 4 BBQ Dinner and Fireworks Viewing

Enjoy a BBQ Dinner and spectacular fireworks viewing from the McKinney Deck of the 1898 Berkeley, a national and state historic landmark, or the waterfront barge to the rear of the Berkeley. ...

BOARDED! A New Pirate Adventure

These popular 90-minute Pirate-themed performances are staged aboard the Maritime Museum of San Diego’s 16th century Spanish galleon San Salvador. Guests will be fully engaged in pirate...

Star of India Family Overnight Experience

The Maritime Museum of San Diego is proud to offer this unique opportunity to spend a night aboard the 1863 bark Star of India. Although we will not technically leave the dock, we will be embarking on...

Oceanography Merit Badge Days

This special program is offered Saturdays, June 15, July 27, and August 10, 2024. We invite Scouts BSA youth to enroll and earn their Oceanography Merit Badge through attendance at one of three...

Spend the night on the world’s oldest active sailing ship! Come aboard an icon in San Diego docked along downtown San Diego's beautiful waterfront. The Maritime Museum of San Diego is proud to...

This special program is offered by the Maritime Museum Education Department Saturdays, June 15, July 27, and August 10, 2024. We invite Scouts BSA youth to enroll and earn their Oceanography Merit...

Haydn Voyages: Music at the Maritime

Hausmann Concerts at Maritime Museum of San Diego Offer a Unique Mix of Music on the Water. The Hausmann Quartet and Maritime Museum of San Diego partner to present the ninth season of Haydn...

Top of List: Things to Do In San Diego

• Tours available daily. Self-guided
• Come aboard and step back in time; 500 years of seafaring history
• Waterfront Museum Offering Boat Tours, Tall Ship Sailing and Private Charters
• Guided Tours led by Docent historians also available on select days
• Educational, Entertaining and Immersive

Explore the fleet & below deck exhibits

• Daily Historic Bay Cruise affordable treat w/ general admission ticket purchase
• Weekend Tall Ship Sailing Experiences with onboard historians
• Home to world's oldest active sailing ship Star of India
• Walking distance from Little Italy and downtown restaurants.
• Weekend Narrated Naval History Bay Tours affordable treat with general admission

More Information

• Destination Weddings
• Historic Landmark
• Narrated Bay Tours aboard vessels on the National Registry of Historic Places
• A rare collection of historic vessels, from sail to steam to submarine.
• Kid Friendly
• General Admission - Adult
• General Admission - Child
• General Admission - Senior
• Restaurants
• Private Room Capacity: 50
• Boat Excursions
• Other Languages Available
• Self-guided

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The Maritime Museum of San Diego: A Wave of History

If you’re an aquatic enthusiast, then visiting the Maritime Museum of San Diego is a must for you. With an extensive number of sea vessels along with expansive exhibits showcasing the various elements of aquatic history, you can’t help but be amazed at this museum. You will observe first-hand how mankind’s deep connection to the ocean has directly affected civilizations and determines the future.

Save on Maritime Museum of San Diego with a San Diego Explorer Pass

The HMS Surprise is a meticulous replication of a 24-gun British Frigate; the ship was used in the movie Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World. The last of the four ships, The San Salvador, is currently being built at Spanish Landing on San Diego Bay; visitors can watch the building process there. A painstaking replica of the San Salvador is being created and added to the fleet of the Maritime Museum’s ships because of her significance to California history. The first to port in San Diego in 1542, she is considered the Mayflower of the West Coast.

Two steamboats, the 1898 steam ferryboat, Berkeley and the 1904 steam yacht Medea are also important to the Maritime Museum that visitors can explore. In fact, the Berkeley holds the Museum, its offices, store, events venue, and its research library. Two submarines, the B-39 Submarine, a Soviet-era diesel-electric sub that played an important part in the Cuban Missile Crisis, and the USS Dolphin, the world’s deepest diving submarine are significant contributions to the museum. Still active, the USS Dolphin is used primarily for testing and deep water research today. The 1914 San Diego Harbor Pilot boat and America, a replica of the first racing yacht to win the famous America’s Cup round out the Maritime Museum’s fleet of vessels.

The Maritime Museum of San Diego, housed in the 1898 steam ferryboat, Berkeley, houses five permanent exhibits: the Age of Sail, the Age of Steam, Charting the Sea, Harvesting the Ocean, and San Diego’s Navy. The Age of Sail features the Star of India in the context of sailing technology. Actual steam engines, artifacts, and photos of the steamship era are on display in the Age of Steam exhibit. Charting the Sea explores the history and technology of navigation. The Harvesting the Ocean exhibit traces the rise and decline of San Diego commercial fishing. The San Diego’s Navy exhibit chronicles San Diego’s growth into the largest naval base in the Pacific. There are also interesting visiting exhibits like “Tattoos & Scrimshaw: The Sailor Art,” that explores the connection between tattoos and maritime service. Check the museum website to see what new exhibits are on display.

Of the ten vessels that are part of the Maritime Museum, visitors can book excursions on three of them. During summer weekends the schooner Californian takes visitors on half-day sailing adventures. The Californian sets off on eight-day sails to the Channel Islands and Catalina a couple times a year for kayaking adventures around the islands. Check their sailing schedule for the next sail; tickets may be purchased at the Museum. The 1914 Pilot offers forty-five minute tours of San Diego Bay as a $5 add-on to your Maritime Museum ticket; five tours go out most days starting at 10:15 AM. The sailing yacht America takes visitors out on whale watching tours from mid-December to mid-April; check the Maritime Museum website for prices and details.

The mission of the Maritime Museum is simple, they strive to be the memory-keepers of San Diego’s seafaring heritage through the collection, preservation, and presentation of maritime history. Visiting the Maritime Museum of San Diego will give you an experience you cannot replicate anywhere else; revel in the sailing adventures, board and tour the vessels, and examine the bigger picture in the museum.

General Info

1492 N Harbor Dr, San Diego, CA 92101 Phone: (619) 234-9153 Website: sdmaritime.org

1492 North Harbor Drive, San Diego, CA 92101

Soviet B-39 Submarine

Hello everyone! This is a friendly reminder that any of these fun places we may visit, we are a guest at. Please treat both businesses and trails with the utmost respect. We here at Hidden San Diego follow the 'Leave no Trace' mantra, meaning whatever you bring with you comes back with you. If you see trash on a trail, please do your part to help remove it. Remember, we are not picking up trash from another person but instead cleaning up for Mother Nature. Happy adventures!

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After 15 years as a San Diego tourist draw, rusty Soviet sub is headed to the scrap yard

A retired Soviet attack submarine known as B-39 shown here in 2016. (San Diego Maritime Museum/Facebook)

SAN DIEGO (Tribune News Service) — For 15 years, visitors to the Maritime Museum on San Diego’s downtown waterfront could climb aboard a retired Soviet attack submarine known as B-39 and learn about the hidden world of undersea warfare.

Now the sub is destined for a place where it will disappear for all time — the scrap yard.

The outer skin of the 1970s-era Foxtrot-class vessel has been deteriorating for some time, its once sleek black profile disfigured by holes, rust and orange protective netting. Salt water and the occasional severe storm have not been kind.

Museum officials said the sub is not as bad as it looks — that the pressure hull remains stable, making B-39 as seaworthy as it was when it debuted at the Embarcadero in 2005.

“But that doesn’t make its condition cosmetically acceptable in so prominent a location,” said Raymond Ashley, president and CEO of the museum.

It detracts, he added, from the beauty of the other ships in the museum’s collection. They include the iron-hulled sailing ship Star of India, the steam ferry Berkeley, the replica frigate HMS Surprise, and another submarine, the USS Dolphin.

So B-39, closed to the public since the coronavirus pandemic started more than a year ago, is headed to Ensenada, where it will be scrapped and recycled, Ashley said. The museum is awaiting approval from the U.S. Coast Guard for a towing permit.

Although it was never the most celebrated of the museum’s holdings, the 300-foot-long sub proved popular with tourists — so popular that what had been planned initially as a two-year stay in San Diego got extended indefinitely.

Visitors immersed themselves in “To the Brink of War,” a dramatic exhibit based on events during the October 1962 Cuban Missile Crisis, when other Foxtrot submarines armed with nuclear-tipped torpedoes got into a nervy cat-and-mouse game with U.S. Navy ships lobbing practice depth charges.

B-39 also had its moment in the Hollywood sun. In 2013, it was used to film large chunks of “Phantom,” a box-office dud starring Ed Harris and David Duchovny.

This was believed to be the first movie about a submarine actually filmed on one. Some of the cast and crew could attest to the realism — they suffered from claustrophobia during the three weeks they spent working in the cramped quarters.

“Phantom” was based loosely on another bit of history, this one involving the Soviet submarine K-129. It sank in deep waters off Hawaii in March of 1968, setting of a search that the Soviets eventually abandoned but the U.S. pursued with the clandestine help of reclusive billionaire Howard Hughes and a ship called Glomar Explorer. In 1974, it retrieved part of the sub.

To Maritime Museum visitors, the B-39 got some of its goose-bump appeal from the likelihood that the sub, when it was active, spent a fair amount of time stealthily stalking U.S. Navy ships homeported in San Diego.

Launched in 1967, the diesel-electric powered sub spent about 20 years in the Silent Service while assigned to the Soviet Pacific fleet and based in Vladivostok. It carried 78 crew members, 24 torpedoes, and could dive to 985 feet. The museum’s website describes it as “low-tech but lethal.”

After the Soviet Union collapsed in 1991, various pieces of military hardware wound up in private hands. B-39 was sold in the mid-1990s to a Canadian consortium, which brought it to Vancouver with plans to put it on display. It went from there to Seattle and then to San Diego, towed here on a 7-knot journey that took eight days.

Museum officials never expected it to be a permanent part of the collection. In 2010, plans were announced to add it to San Diego’s Wreck Alley, a group of vessels sunk off Mission Beach to form artificial reefs and attract recreational divers. But the popularity of B-39 among museum-goers scuttled the scuttling.

Now it awaits a tow date to Ensenada.

“We have determined not to shift scarce resources away from the historic vessels in the (museum’s) fleet that we intend to keep in perpetuity, in order to extend the life of the Foxtrot,” the museum says on its website.

Coast Guard officials did not respond to requests from the Union-Tribune for information about the removal permit.

Other Soviet submarines were given post-military reprieves as tourist attractions and have met a similar fate. The B-143, which spent 20 years at a maritime museum and theme park in Brussels, was scrapped in 2019.

In Long Beach, city officials are trying to dispose of the B-427, which was a dockside attraction next to the Queen Mary for almost two decades, drawing about 8,000 visitors a month. It closed to the public in 2015 after a hull ruptured and a ballast tank was flooded, causing the sub to list to the port side. Before long, raccoons moved in.

City officials say the vessel is now an environmental hazard, taking on water and threatening to roll over and damage the Queen Mary.

They’d like the owner to remove the submarine, according to recent media accounts, but years of lawsuits and bankruptcy proceedings have left them with a dilemma: It’s unclear who the owner is.

©2021 The San Diego Union-Tribune.

Visit  sandiegouniontribune.com .

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC .

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After years as a San Diego tourist draw, rusty Soviet sub is headed to the scrap yard

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For 15 years, visitors to the Maritime Museum on San Diego’s downtown waterfront could climb aboard a retired Soviet attack submarine known as B-39 and learn about the hidden world of undersea warfare.

Now the sub is destined for a place where it will disappear for all time — the scrap yard.

The outer skin of the 1970s-era Foxtrot-class vessel has been deteriorating for some time, its once sleek black profile disfigured by holes, rust and orange protective netting. Saltwater and the occasional severe storm have not been kind.

Museum officials said the sub is not as bad as it looks — the pressure hull remains stable, making B-39 as seaworthy as it was when it debuted at the Embarcadero in 2005.

“But that doesn’t make its condition cosmetically acceptable in so prominent a location,” said Raymond Ashley, president and chief executive of the museum.

It detracts, he added, from the beauty of the other ships in the museum’s collection . They include the iron-hulled sailing ship Star of India, the steam ferry Berkeley, the replica frigate HMS Surprise and another submarine, the USS Dolphin.

So B-39, closed to the public since the pandemic started more than a year ago, is headed to Ensenada, where it will be scrapped and recycled, Ashley said. The museum is awaiting approval from the U.S. Coast Guard for a towing permit.

Although it was never the most celebrated of the museum’s holdings, the 300-foot-long sub proved popular with tourists — so popular that what had been planned initially as a two-year stay in San Diego got extended indefinitely.

Visitors immersed themselves in “To the Brink of War,” a dramatic exhibit based on events during the October 1962 Cuban missile crisis, when other Foxtrot submarines armed with nuclear-tipped torpedoes got into a nervy cat-and-mouse game with U.S. Navy ships lobbing practice depth charges.

B-39 also had its moment in the Hollywood sun. In 2013, it was used to film large chunks of “Phantom,” a box-office dud starring Ed Harris and David Duchovny.

This was believed to be the first movie about a submarine actually filmed on one. Some of the cast and crew could attest to the realism — they suffered from claustrophobia during the three weeks they spent working in the cramped quarters.

“Phantom” was based loosely on another bit of history, this one involving the Soviet submarine K-129. It sank in deep waters off Hawaii in March 1968, setting off a search that the Soviets eventually abandoned but the U.S. pursued with the clandestine help of reclusive billionaire Howard Hughes and a ship called Glomar Explorer. In 1974, it retrieved part of the sub.

To Maritime Museum visitors, the B-39 got some of its goose-bump appeal from the likelihood that the sub, when it was active, spent a fair amount of time stealthily stalking U.S. Navy ships based in San Diego.

Launched in 1967, the diesel-electric powered sub spent about 20 years in the Silent Service while assigned to the Soviet Pacific fleet and based in Vladivostok, Russia. It carried 78 crew members and 24 torpedoes, and it could dive to 985 feet. The museum’s website describes it as “low-tech but lethal.”

After the Soviet Union collapsed in 1991, various pieces of military hardware wound up in private hands. B-39 was sold in the mid-1990s to a Canadian consortium, which brought it to Vancouver with plans to put it on display. It went from there to Seattle and then to San Diego, towed there on a 7-knot journey that took eight days.

Museum officials never expected it to be a permanent part of the collection. In 2010, plans were announced to add it to San Diego’s Wreck Alley , a group of vessels sunk off Mission Beach to form artificial reefs and attract recreational divers. But the popularity of B-39 among museum-goers scuttled the scuttling.

Now it awaits a tow date to Ensenada.

“We have determined not to shift scarce resources away from the historic vessels in the [museum’s] fleet that we intend to keep in perpetuity, in order to extend the life of the Foxtrot,” the museum says on its website.

Coast Guard officials did not respond to requests for information about the removal permit.

Other Soviet submarines were given post-military reprieves as tourist attractions and have met a similar fate. The B-143 , which spent 20 years at a maritime museum and theme park in Brussels, was scrapped in 2019.

In Long Beach, city officials are trying to dispose of the B-427 , which was a dockside attraction next to the Queen Mary for almost two decades, drawing about 8,000 visitors a month. It closed to the public in 2015 after a hull ruptured and a ballast tank was flooded, causing the sub to list to the port side. Before long, raccoons moved in.

City officials say the vessel is now an environmental hazard, taking on water and threatening to roll over and damage the Queen Mary.

They’d like the owner to remove the submarine, according to recent media accounts, but years of lawsuits and bankruptcy proceedings have left them with a problem: It’s unclear who the owner is.

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John Wilkens joined The San Diego Union-Tribune as a staff writer in February 1988. He writes news features and human interest stories. He’s won numerous local, state and regional awards. A graduate of UC Santa Barbara, he worked for the Santa Barbara News-Press for almost nine years before coming to San Diego.

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Going Under: Here Are 10 Of The Best Submarine Museums In The US

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10 Charming Small Towns Near Tucson, Arizona

Underrated, but scenic: this small town in tennessee is a great alternative to nashville, scenic, but underrated: this small town is the perfect alternative to honolulu.

• The United States has a wide array of naval museums, including submarines. Some notable US submarine museums include the Maritime Museum of San Diego and the Wisconsin Maritime Museum.
• Submarines like the USS Cobia and USS Albacore have rich histories, having served in World War II and the Cold War. They are now preserved as National Historic Landmarks.
• Unique submarines like the H. L. Hunley, built during the Civil War, and the U-505, a captured German U-boat, are also on display in museums such as the Losch Conservation Center and the Museum of Science and Industry.

The United States has by far and away the most impressive series of naval museums in the world. The United States has 5 aircraft carrier museums , many battleship museums (including the dreadnought USS Texas) , and many more retired naval vessels preserved as museums.

But not all of the museum ships are surface vessels. The USA is also home to many submarine museums. Here are some of the best submarine museums around the United States to visit.

10 USS Dolphin

The USS Dolphin is one of the more modern submarines to be preserved in the United States. It was a diesel-electric deep-diving research and development submarine that was in service between 1968 and 2007.

She served for the longest period of any submarine in the Navy. Today, she can be seen at the Maritime Museum of San Diego, one of the best submarine museums in America to visit.

• Class: Dolphin Class
• Museum: Maritime Museum of San Diego

9 USS Cobia

The USS Cobia is one of several preserved Gato-class submarines built by the United States Navy. Today, the USS Cobia has been listed as a National Historic Landmark.

The USS Cobia served in World War II (she was commissioned late in the war in March 1944), and she went on to earn four battle stars.

• Class: Gato-Class
• Museum: Wisconsin Maritime Museum

8 USS Becuna

The USS Becuna submarine served during the late World War II and early Cold War (1944 to 1969). She was named after a pike-like fish found in Europe and operated in the Pacific War, sinking two Japanese tankers.

After the war, she was mostly used as a training ship and is now a National Historic Landmark.

• Class: Baleo-Class
• Museum: Independence Seaport Museum, Philadelphia

Related: These Are 10 Of The Mightiest Battleships Preserved As Museums Around The USA

7 USS Albacore

The USS Albacore was a unique research submarine that pioneered the modern hull of American subs. She was built post-war (commissioned in 1953) and served in the Navy during the Cold War.

Her name was struck from the Naval Vessel Register in 1980 and is today a memorial in New Hampshire.

• Location: Albacore Park, 600 Market Street, Portsmouth, New Hampshire

6 USS Growler

The USS Growler was built to carrier cruise missiles (one of the first submarines built for cruise missiles). She was the second of only two Grayback class submarines.

She was a conventional diesel-electric submarine and offered an early capability to provide a nuclear deterrent during the early Cold War. Today, she is preserved at the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum in New York City .

• Class: Grayback-class
• Museum: Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum

Related: USS Constitution: Visit America's Most Historic Navy Ship

5 H. L. Hunley

The H. L. Hunley is the most unique submarine on this list. It was built by the Confederacy during the Civil War and was the first combat submarine to sink a warship (the USS Housatonic).

She was sunk before being able to get back to port but was raised, brought back into service, and sank again. She was raised again in 2000 and is on display.

• Museum: Warren Lasch Conservation Center, North Charleston, South Carolina

Visitors can also see the remains of the legendary USS Monitor of the Civil War at the Mariner's Museum in Virginia.

4 USS Marlin

The USS Marlin was a training submarine that served the Navy for 20 years between 1953 and 1973.

She also has the distinction of being one of the smallest submarines ever built for the US Navy.

• Class: T-1 Class Training Submarine
• Location: Freedom Park, Omaha, Nebraska

3 USS Requin

The USS Requin is a Tench-class museum submarine on display in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and is among the best preserved submarines in the US. She was built during World War II in Maine and was part of the massive war effort of the USA.

She was too late to participate in the war as the Japanese surrendered just three days before she was scheduled to begin her first war patrol.

• Class: Tench Class
• Museum: Carnegie Science Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Related: HMS Victory: Visit The UK's Most Historic Naval Ship

2 USS Nautilus

The USS Nautilus is a rare example of a nuclear-powered submarine to be preserved as a museum ship. She was one of the world's first nuclear-powered submarines to be built and was the first to complete a submerged transit of the North Pole in 1958.

She was commissioned in 1955, decommissioned in 1980, and made a National Historic Landmark in 1982.

• Class: Tang-Class
• Museum: Submarine Force Library and Museum, Groton, Connecticut

Not all the modern and historic submarines in the United States are of American origin. Go to Chicago, and visitors can see a rare surviving German U-boat of World War II, making her one of the most interesting naval museums in the USA .

U-505 was built for the Kriegsmarine but was captured by the US Navy on 4 June 1944 (around the time of D-Day). She had an unlucky career and, at one point, was called the most heavily damaged U-boat to return to port.

• Class: Type IXC
• Museum: Museum of Science and Industry , Chicago
• Destinations

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San Diego SEAL Tours

SEA & LAND ADVENTURES

We Make Vacations Better ®

Join us on san diego seal tours to view america’s finest city on a boat with wheels..

Ready to see the best of San Diego on sea and land?  Your 100-minute, fully narrated SEAL Tour departs from Seaport Village or the Embarcadero. Wind your way through picturesque San Diego streets before splashing down for a cruise through the waters of the San Diego Bay. Experience the history and ecological wonders of San Diego in the comfort and security of our virtually unsinkable Hydra-Terras. Here you will learn first-hand of our rich military history and cruise through the waters that are the playground of the California Seals and Sea Lions.

San Diego tours depart from two locations, Seaport Village or Embarcadero. Your land and sea adventure is led by one of our experienced sightseeing tour guides. Our captain and crew are locals who love this beautiful city, so they know about the best things to see and do!

View some of San Diego’s most famous points of interest including the Maritime Museum, Star of India, The U.S.S. Midway, Lindbergh Field, Seaport Village, Shelter Island and many other San Diego attractions!

Once on the water, the boat tour glides past resident San Diego seals and sea lions, a few California brown pelicans, and several other wildlife species from the safety and comfort of our amphibious vehicles.

Enjoy a leisurely cruise and witness various San Diego attractions including Point Loma, the North Island Naval Air Station, Point Loma Submarine Base, the Scripps Institution of Oceanography, the Marine Mammal Training Center, Shelter Island and much more!

FREE Self-Guided Walking Tours (adult ticket) Enjoy San Diego your way with our self-guided walking tours. As you finish your SEAL Tour, the adventure continues at your own pace, using your smartphone for turn-by-turn guided audio tours. Explore rich history, discover hidden gems, and immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of America’s Finest City. Even after you disembark, the fun keeps going, ensuring an unforgettable experience that’s uniquely yours.

Select Your Journey

Whether you’re just breezing through or enjoying an extended stay, we’ve got several options to choose from to help you maximize your time in San Diego and still see the best first!

1451 reviews

San Diego Seal Tour 4.6

San Diego SEAL Tour

• 100-minute, fully narrated SEAL Tour
• State-of-the-art U.S. Coast Guard certified Hydra-Terra vehicles
• Wind your way through picturesque San Diego streets
• Cruise through the waters of San Diego Bay
• FREE Self-Guided Walking Tours (adult ticket)

Old Town Trolley Pass & SEAL Tour

• 1 day of free unlimited re-boarding aboard the Old Town Trolley
• Only hop-on and off tour over the bridge to Coronado
• FREE Self-Guided Walking Tours

Whaley House Evening Guided Tour

• Be part of the historic legacy, mystery and legends of the Whaley Family, and hear of their myths and misconceptions
• Approximately 30-minute guided tour through the historic Whaley House and the surrounding grounds
• Regale in the tales of the spirits from the past and perhaps even experience the paranormal

Whaley House Daytime Self-Guided Tour

• Self-paced tour through the interior and surrounding grounds of the House
• Immerse yourself into the history that makes the property a unique legacy site
• Discover the heritage that leads many to believe that the Whaley House is America's Most Haunted
• Get an unparalleled peek into early California history

Ghosts & Gravestones

• Join our spirited & entertaining tour built on stories, history, mystery and legends
• Travel back and hear about the spirits of characters who lived & died in San Diego
• Hear stories of how Pioneer Park changes to the darker side when the sun goes down
• Includes outside of the Whaley House and grounds. Tour does not enter the house.

San Diego City Lights Night Tour

• Open-air sightseeing perfect for taking pictures
• Approximately 1 hour and 40 minute tour
• See San Diego’s famous sights illuminated at night
• Take in romantic views of the city and cruise past notable landmarks

1-Day Old Town Trolley Tour

• 1 day of free unlimited re-boarding
• Hop on & off at 11 Old Town Trolley stops
• San Diego’s largest fleet with the most frequent service

ADVENTURE TOUR

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DID YOU KNOW...

The Star Of India is the World’s Oldest active iron clad sailing ship, sailing since Abraham Lincoln was President.

Seaport Village was built on landfill over Punta de los Muertos, Dead Man’s Point, where the Spanish expedition of 1782 buried those who had died of scurvy.

Artist Pae White designed the Visitor INFO Center with colored glass in hues that mimic the dawn and dusk hours of the San Diego Bay

There are 33 different species of seals? The largest of these is the elephant seal, weighing up to 8,800 pounds.

The foam flotation system in the SEAL has side sections of 100% aluminum, the hull is divided into small compartments and filled with foam material.

The Naval Base located at Ballast Point was originally a Spanish Fort.

The USS Midway was America's longest-serving aircraft carrier of the 20th century, from 1945 to 1992.

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Tour schedule, the seal tour departs daily.

Wind your way through picturesque San Diego streets before splashing down for a cruise through the waters of the San Diego Bay. The sightseeing tour is approximately 100 minutes; 40 minutes on land and 60 minutes on the water. 

Click BUY TICKETS to see our Calendar

Closed Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Schedule subject to change due to weather and low tide conditions or city events.

Download Brochure

Points of Departure

• Seaport Village Map
• Embarcadero Map

SAN DIEGO TRAVEL GUIDE

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San Diego Vacation Itinerary 3 Days

Top tips for your san diego vacation itinerary: 3 days of fun.

Planning a “San Diego vacation itinerary 3 days” and need some guidance? Look no further. Day 1 will have you exploring iconic downtown spots like Balboa Park, the San Diego Zoo, and the vibrant Gaslamp Quarter. Day 2 shifts to the coast with visits to the USS Midway Museum, a stroll along the Embarcadero, and a relaxing trip to Coronado Island. Finally, Day 3 is all about outdoor fun at La Jolla, Mission Beach, and Torrey Pines State Reserve. Ready for an unforgettable San Diego adventure?

Key Takeaways

Day 1 of a San Diego vacation focuses on downtown exploration, including visits to Balboa Park, the San Diego Zoo, and the historic Gaslamp Quarter.

Day 2 transitions to coastal and maritime landmarks such as the USS Midway Museum, the Embarcadero, and Coronado Island, blending history with scenic beauty.

Day 3 emphasizes outdoor activities and beach relaxation, with highlights including La Jolla, Mission Beach, and Torrey Pines State Reserve, providing a mix of adventure and tranquility.

1 Day 1: Exploring Downtown San Diego

Embark on your San Diego journey with a day dedicated to the bustling life of downtown. Start your morning by immersing yourself in the cultural splendor of Balboa Park, followed by a rendezvous with the diverse inhabitants of the San Diego Zoo.

As the sunset paints the city skyline, prepare to indulge in the quintessential California vibe of the historic Gaslamp Quarter, where the night comes alive with endless dining and entertainment options. This day is about capturing the essence of San Diego’s vibrant city life, leaving you with lasting memories and stories to share.

Balboa Park

Balboa Park, often called the ‘Smithsonian of the West’, is a cultural haven that boasts the largest urban cultural park in North America. As you wander through the lush landscapes, you’ll encounter iconic landmarks like the Cabrillo Bridge and the majestic California Tower, which stand as testaments to the park’s rich history. Don’t miss the chance to marvel at the century-old Moreton Bay Fig Tree, a living sculpture that holds stories of a bygone era. For those seeking a dash of nostalgia, the original menagerie carousel, a delightful relic from 1910, offers a whimsical ride back in time.

In this verdant oasis, every path leads to discovery, with a myriad of museums and performing arts venues that reflect the city’s cultural diversity. From the San Diego Museum of Art to the Old Globe Theatre, your thirst for arts and culture will find no shortage of satisfaction here. Balboa Park is not just a park; it’s a celebration of San Diego’s artistic soul, where every visit enriches the spirit and ignites the imagination.

San Diego Zoo

A stone’s throw away from the cultural marvels of Balboa Park lies the world-renowned San Diego Zoo, a sanctuary for animal lovers and conservationists alike. Here, you can come face-to-face with cuddly koalas, witness the majestic stride of polar bears, and be charmed by the playful antics of penguins. The zoo’s bio-climatic exhibits are meticulously designed to replicate natural habitats, providing an immersive experience that blurs the lines between humans and the animal kingdom.

For those eager to maximize their visit, the San Diego Zoo offers a Guided Bus Tour and an Express Bus service, ensuring that even those tight on time can embrace the full spectrum of wildlife wonders. Whether you’re a family seeking an educational adventure or a nature enthusiast on a solo journey, the zoo’s vast array of species and engaging encounters promise a day of awe and inspiration.

Gaslamp Quarter

As daylight fades, downtown San Diego’s Gaslamp Quarter and San Diego’s Old Town beckon with their electric atmosphere, where Victorian architecture meets contemporary culture. This 16-block neighborhood is a feast for the senses, offering an eclectic mix of over 100 retail shops, restaurants, and bars, each with its own unique flavor. Dance to the rhythm of live music performances, or unwind with a cocktail on a rooftop bar as the city’s skyline twinkles in the background.

The Gaslamp Quarter isn’t just a hub of entertainment; it’s a living museum where every corner tells a story, inviting you to become part of its ongoing narrative.

Day 2: Coastal Adventures and Maritime History

Transitioning from the urban heartbeat to the serene embrace of the coast, your second day in San Diego unveils the maritime soul of this Pacific haven. Here’s what you can do:

Step aboard the historic USS Midway Museum to glimpse life at sea.

Meander along the picturesque Embarcadero.

Cross the bay to Coronado Island, where the sand glistens and history whispers through the halls of the Hotel Del Coronado.

Today’s journey is a blend of adventure and tranquility, an exploration of coastal landmarks that anchor San Diego’s maritime legacy.

USS Midway Museum

The USS Midway Museum is a floating citadel of naval history, where the stories of sailors and aviators come to life. As you step onto the aircraft carrier, you’re invited to explore the flight deck, hangar, and below-deck areas, each corner unfolding tales of heroism and innovation. Engage with the self-guided audio tour, climb into the cockpits of restored aircraft, and test your skills on flight simulators - an experience that’s both educational and exhilarating. The museum’s exhibits provide a profound insight into the evolution of aviation, capturing the spirit of those who served at sea.

This maritime treasure is not just for history buffs, but for anyone seeking to understand the sacrifices and triumphs of naval service. The USS Midway stands as a proud emblem of San Diego’s military heritage, offering a glimpse into the past with a message that resonates across generations. It’s an essential stop on your San Diego itinerary, a place where history is not just observed but felt.

Embarcadero

Stroll along the Embarcadero, where the rhythm of the Pacific Ocean sets the pace for a leisurely exploration of San Diego’s waterfront. Here, attractions like Embarcadero Park and Seaport Village invite you to enjoy the maritime ambiance, with war memorials and marinas adding to the scenic backdrop. Seaport Village, in particular, is a haven for those who love to shop and dine by the sea, offering one-of-a-kind stores and a diverse array of culinary delights.

The Embarcadero is where the city meets the sea, a place of tranquility that also hums with the energy of a bustling port. It’s a canvas showcasing San Diego’s love affair with the ocean, where each wave tells a story of exploration and discovery. Whether you’re here to relax or to seek out new experiences, the Embarcadero provides a picturesque setting that captures the essence of coastal living.

Coronado Island

Coronado Island, accessible via ferry or the iconic San Diego-Coronado Bridge, is a gem that offers more than just panoramic views of the bay. Renowned for its pristine beaches, the island is a sanctuary where time slows down, inviting you to savor moments of sheer relaxation on the sand or to embark on a leisurely bike ride along tree-lined paths. With its charming old-world mansions and vibrant Orange Avenue, Coronado Island is a blend of luxury and small-town charm.

At the heart of the island stands the historic Hotel Del Coronado, an architectural masterpiece that has been hosting guests since 1888. Here, you can indulge in luxurious rooms, oceanfront dining, and a slice of history that has been meticulously preserved. The “Hotel Del,” as locals affectionately call it, is a cornerstone of Coronado’s allure, offering a beachfront experience that is both timeless and enchanting.

Day 3: Beach Day and Outdoor Activities

After immersing yourself in the cultural and coastal wonders of San Diego, your third day is an ode to the laid-back California lifestyle. With its mild winters and balmy summers, San Diego’s beaches beckon nearly all year round, and today, you’ll bask in the sun at La Jolla, play on the shores of Mission Beach, and connect with nature at Torrey Pines State Reserve.

This day is about unwinding and embracing the great outdoors, where the sea’s rhythm and the earth’s tranquility are your guides.

La Jolla, with its rugged coastline and breathtaking vistas, is a natural masterpiece that captures the quintessential California vibe. Here, adventurers can kayak through sea caves, paddle board along the cliffs, or simply soak in the views of dramatic headlands that frame the expansive beaches. The wildlife is as astounding as the scenery, with resident seals, sea lions, and a diverse array of seabirds creating a vibrant atmosphere for nature enthusiasts.

Snorkeling in La Jolla Cove offers an underwater spectacle of colorful marine life, from the bright orange Garibaldi to curious sea cucumbers and anemones. Divers are equally enchanted by the cove’s rock formations and lush plant life, making La Jolla a haven for those seeking to connect with the ocean’s wonders. Whether you’re above the waves or beneath them, La Jolla’s natural beauty is an invitation to explore and marvel at the marvels of Southern California’s coast, including cassara carlsbad’s natural beauty.

Mission Beach

Mission Beach is where the quintessential beach culture of Southern California comes to life, offering a laid-back neighborhood that welcomes surfers, sun worshippers, and beach sport enthusiasts alike. With easy access and ample facilities, it’s a place where families gather, volleyball games erupt, and the sounds of laughter mingle with the ocean’s roar.

Here, you can stroll along the boardwalk, enjoy the thrill of a beachside rollercoaster, or simply find a quiet spot on the sand to watch the world go by. Mission Beach is about embracing the simple joys of seaside living, a perfect setting to create memories that last a lifetime.

Torrey Pines State Reserve

Torrey Pines State Reserve is a sanctuary where the land meets the sea, offering scenic trails that wind through rare pine trees and lead to unspoiled beaches. With its 1,500 acres of preserved land, the reserve is a testament to San Diego’s commitment to protecting its natural beauty.

Hikers are rewarded with stunning coastal views along the Razor Point Trail, a path that invites contemplation and wonder at the rugged coastline’s grandeur. It’s a place of peace and adventure, where the whispers of nature speak to the soul, making Torrey Pines an essential destination for anyone seeking to reconnect with the wild.

Where to Stay in San Diego

As the sun sets on a day filled with exploration, finding the perfect place to rest becomes paramount. Whether you seek the pulsating heart of downtown, a budget-friendly community experience, or the tranquility of a beachfront retreat, San Diego offers a diverse array of accommodations to suit every traveler’s needs.

From the trendy Hotel Republic to the sociable California Dreams Hostel and the luxurious Tower 23 Hotel, your choices are as varied as San Diego’s landscapes, ensuring that every night is as memorable as the day.

Hotel Republic

In the heart of downtown San Diego, Hotel Republic offers:

A vibrant social scene

Proximity to Little Italy’s buzzing cafés and restaurants

Opportunities to mingle with well-connected locals and fellow travelers

Proximity to top attractions like the San Diego Zoo and Balboa Park

This trendy Marbrisa Carlsbad Resort ensures that your San Diego adventure is as seamless as it is exciting, as the Carlsbad resort rests in a prime location, offering resort unparalleled access.

Hotel Republic is more than just a place to stay; it’s a destination in its own right. With its rooftop bar, locally inspired cuisine, and chic ambiance, the hotel embodies the spirit of San Diego. Whether you’re unwinding in the comfort of your room or socializing in the communal areas, Hotel Republic provides an authentic and unforgettable California experience.

California Dreams Hostel

For the budget-conscious traveler seeking a community vibe, California Dreams Hostel is the ideal choice. Nestled close to the beach, this California resort-like hostel offers:

Cool California Mediterranean décor

A communal kitchen

Daily social events

Complimentary breakfast

Opportunities to share stories and tips with like-minded adventurers

Here, you can start your day with a complimentary breakfast before heading out to explore, and upon your return, share stories and tips with like-minded adventurers.

California Dreams Hostel is more than a place to sleep; it’s a place to connect, learn, and grow as a traveler.

Tower 23 Hotel

For those who desire luxury with a view, Tower 23 Hotel offers beachfront accommodations that blend sophistication with serenity. Guests can indulge in airy rooms that open up to stunning ocean panoramas, allowing the soothing sounds of the waves to be the soundtrack to their stay. Just a short distance away, the Grand Pacific Palisades Resort offers a similarly luxurious experience for those seeking variety in their vacation.

Whether you’re sipping cocktails at the rooftop bar or enjoying the privacy of your room, Tower 23 Hotel is a haven for those who appreciate the finer things in life. Here, every detail is curated to enhance your San Diego experience, making it an unforgettable escape from the ordinary.

Dining and Drinking in San Diego

As the evening approaches, San Diego’s culinary scene beckons with its diverse gastronomic offerings, from the charming streets of Little Italy to the vibrant atmosphere of Seaport Village and the historic Gaslamp Quarter. Indulge in a journey of flavors where every meal is an adventure, and every sip captures the essence of Southern California living.

With local restaurants, urban wineries, and rooftop bars at your disposal, dining in San Diego becomes an integral part of the experience, one that tantalizes the taste buds and nourishes the soul.

Little Italy

Little Italy is a slice of culinary heaven, where authentic Italian cuisine meets the casual elegance of Southern California. Stroll down its welcoming streets and you’ll find yourself surrounded by the aromas of fresh pasta and wood-fired pizzas emanating from top restaurants like Buon Appetito, Barbusa, and Bencotto. But Little Italy offers more than just food; it’s a cultural experience complete with urban wineries, sophisticated shops, and the beautiful Amici Park, making it a vibrant neighborhood attraction.

In the heart of this bustling district lies the Little Italy Food Hall, a modern dining concept featuring six locally-driven food stations and a full bar that invites you to sample the best of the area’s culinary delights. Indulge in the acclaimed gourmet fried chicken at Crack Shack or savor the recommended calamari at Buon Appetito.

Little Italy is not just a place to eat; it’s a place to celebrate the joy of food in a setting that’s as lively and colorful as the dishes it serves.

Seaport Village

Seaport Village, nestled along the waterfront, offers an idyllic dining experience where the breeze from the bay complements every meal. With a collection of casual eateries and fine dining establishments, you can enjoy everything from a quick bite to a leisurely dinner with views of the marina.

After your meal, wander through the unique shops or simply relax by the water’s edge, letting the rhythm of the waves provide a soothing backdrop to your culinary adventure. Seaport Village is a charming destination where food, shopping, and scenery converge to create unforgettable moments.

As night falls, the Gaslamp Quarter transforms into a dazzling spectacle of lights and sounds, inviting you to experience San Diego’s vibrant nightlife. From the panoramic views at Altitude Sky Lounge to the sophisticated atmosphere of The Nolen, each rooftop bar offers a unique vantage point from which to admire the cityscape.

Some popular rooftop bars in the Gaslamp Quarter include:

Altitude Sky Lounge

Rustic Root

The Pool House at Pendry San Diego

These bars embody the Southern California lifestyle with their open-air spaces, perfect for enjoying craft cocktails under the stars at the Grand Pacific Palisades.

Whether you’re in the mood for a lively social scene at FLOAT at Hard Rock Hotel San Diego or prefer the refined ambiance of The Nolen, the Gaslamp Quarter has something for everyone. With its historic charm and modern flair, this neighborhood is a testament to San Diego’s ability to blend the old with the new, creating an entertainment district that buzzes with energy and excitement. Here, each night is an invitation to indulge, explore, and make memories that will last a lifetime.

Getting Around San Diego

Navigating San Diego is a breeze with its variety of transportation options, from the comprehensive bus and trolley system to the convenience of car rentals and ride-sharing services. Whether you’re journeying from the airport to the city center or exploring the far reaches of the coastline, San Diego’s transportation network ensures that your adventures are seamless and stress-free.

With the freedom to choose how you traverse the sprawling city of San Diego, you’ll find that each mode of transport offers its own unique perspective on the Californian lifestyle.

Public Transport

The San Diego Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) is the lifeline of the city, with buses, trolleys, and rapid services connecting you to every corner of the region. For a more personalized experience, Old Town Trolley Tours provide a hop-on-hop-off service, allowing you to explore San Diego at your own pace, with the added charm of historical narration. The UC San Diego Blue Line and Green Line are two major trolley routes that serve key destinations, making them a convenient choice for visitors. With a day pass for just $6.00, you can enjoy unlimited travel and the flexibility to craft your own itinerary.

While MTS offers reduced fares for seniors, the disabled, and youth, it’s important to note that round-the-clock service is not available, so planning ahead is key. If you’re looking to venture to the picturesque La Jolla, the number 30 bus provides a scenic route, or you can opt for the ease of a ride-share service.

Public transport in San Diego is more than just a means to an end; it’s part of the adventure, offering a window into the daily rhythms of this coastal city.

Car Rentals

Renting a car in San Diego opens up a world of possibilities, giving you the autonomy to chart your own course and discover hidden gems at your leisure. With car rental agencies like Enterprise, Hertz, and Avis conveniently located throughout the city, including at the airport, you’re never far from the keys to freedom. A vehicle allows you to access less connected areas such as La Jolla and Torrey Pines State Reserve, ensuring that no beach, trail, or viewpoint is beyond your reach.

Embrace the unmatched convenience and flexibility that a rental car offers, and make San Diego’s diverse landscapes your playground.

Ride-Sharing Services

In today’s connected world, ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft have become a staple of urban transportation, and San Diego is no exception. With just a few taps on your smartphone, you can summon a ride to whisk you away to your next destination, whether it’s a quick trip across town or a leisurely drive down the coast. These services are not only convenient but also provide a level of personalization and flexibility that traditional taxis can’t match.

For the traveler who values efficiency and ease, ride-sharing is the modern solution to urban mobility.

If You Have More Time

If the allure of San Diego has captured your heart and you find yourself with a few extra days to spare, consider extending your itinerary to include some of the region’s other coastal gems. From the enchanting sea caves of La Jolla Cove to the tranquil beauty of Catalina Island and the iconic surf culture of Huntington Beach, there’s no shortage of additional adventures waiting to be had. These destinations offer a deeper dive into the Southern California lifestyle, each with its own unique charm and array of activities to enrich your vacation experience.

La Jolla Cove

La Jolla Cove is a sanctuary of marine life, where the crystal-clear waters invite you to explore the world beneath the waves. With opportunities for kayaking, paddle boarding, and snorkeling, the cove is a playground for aquatic adventurers. As you glide through the water, you’ll encounter sea lions playfully swimming alongside you and vibrant schools of Garibaldi fish darting through the kelp forests. The sea caves and cliffs offer a dramatic backdrop for your explorations, ensuring that every moment is filled with wonder and discovery.

For those who prefer to delve deeper, La Jolla Cove’s underwater rock formations provide a haven for divers, with marine plant life that paints the ocean floor in a tapestry of colors. Whether you’re floating on the surface or venturing into the depths, La Jolla Cove is a testament to the natural beauty that thrives along the Southern California coast, offering an experience that is both serene and exhilarating.

Catalina Island

Catalina Island, with its rugged wildlife and resort vibe, is a world away from the mainland, offering a blend of relaxation and adventure against the backdrop of the majestic Pacific Ocean. Reachable by ferry or a swift helicopter ride, Catalina is a haven of outdoor activities, from wildlife expeditions to ziplining, ensuring that every moment is filled with excitement.

Families can enjoy an aerial adventure course or submarine tours, while food enthusiasts will delight in the seafood and waterfront views at Avalon’s Bluewater Avalon restaurant. The island’s rich history is showcased in the Art Deco architecture of the Catalina Casino, while the Wrigley Memorial and Botanical Garden offer a peaceful retreat with materials sourced from Catalina itself. For the active traveler, over 165 miles of hiking trails, including the Trans-Catalina Trail, await exploration, and the quaint village of Two Harbors provides a picturesque setting for diving, kayaking, and camping.

Catalina Island is more than a side trip; it’s a destination that encapsulates the essence of island living, where every view is a postcard and every experience is a treasure.

Huntington Beach

Huntington Beach, known as “Surf City USA,” is a coastal haven just a short drive from San Diego, perfect for those looking to immerse themselves in the iconic surf culture of the West Coast. The city’s famous pier extends into the Pacific, offering stunning views and a taste of the laid-back beach lifestyle that defines Huntington Beach. Here, surfers carve the waves while onlookers enjoy the spectacle from the sandy shores or nearby cafés.

Whether you’re an avid surfer or simply a lover of coastal charm, Huntington Beach is an idyllic addition to your Southern California itinerary, embodying the quintessential vibe that makes this region so beloved.

From the cultural heart of Balboa Park to the sun-drenched shores of Mission Beach and beyond, your three-day San Diego itinerary is a tapestry of experiences that weave together the city’s rich history, vibrant lifestyle, and natural beauty. As you reflect on the memories made and the sights seen, it’s clear that San Diego is not just a destination; it’s a journey of discovery that leaves a lasting impression on the soul. Carry with you the spirit of adventure and the warmth of the Californian sun as you venture forth, knowing that the charm of San Diego will always beckon you back for more.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best way to get around san diego.

Renting a car is often considered the best way to get around San Diego due to the flexibility it provides, especially for visiting less accessible areas. Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are also popular options for quick and convenient transportation.

Can I visit the San Diego Zoo and Balboa Park in one day?

Yes, you can visit the San Diego Zoo and Balboa Park in one day as they are adjacent to each other, allowing for both attractions to be explored conveniently within a single day.

Are there any beachfront hotels in San Diego?

Yes, there are several beachfront hotels in San Diego, including Tower 23 Hotel, which offers luxurious accommodations and stunning ocean views with easy beach access.

What dining experiences are unique to San Diego?

Some unique dining experiences in San Diego include visiting the Little Italy Food Hall, savoring seafood at waterfront restaurants in Seaport Village, and enjoying rooftop bars in the Gaslamp Quarter. There are plenty of diverse culinary options to explore in the city.

What outdoor activities can I enjoy in San Diego?

In San Diego, you can enjoy hiking at Torrey Pines State Reserve, kayaking and snorkeling at La Jolla Cove, surfing at Mission Beach, paddle boarding, scuba diving, and beach volleyball along the coast. There are plenty of outdoor activities to explore in the area.

Visit the Maritime Museum in San Diego - Helpful Tips from a Local

How to visit the maritime museum of san diego.

M uch to the delight of visitors and locals alike, the U.S. Navy is not the only nautical show in town. San Diego has a long and storied maritime history of exploration and commerce extending from the age of sail and steam to our modern era. Nothing celebrates this facet of San Diego history better than the  Maritime Museum of San Diego .

As a retired Naval officer, maritime museums always capture my interest. There’s just something about ships and life at sea that stirs my soul. After all, I spent 28 ½ years serving the Navy across the seven seas. 

Though it may be a tourist attraction like the USS Midway Museum , it’s one of the very best San Diego has to offer. This fascinating venue preserves one of the largest and most impressive collections of historic sea vessels in the United States. 

Among the most unique of all San Diego museums, the Maritime Museum, established in 1948, hosts fascinating exhibits and well-maintained vessels that reflect the evolution of maritime technology and immerse visitors in its fascinating nautical history through the years. 

Ships of the Maritime Museum

Located in downtown San Diego along the Embarcadero of San Diego Bay, the impressive museum boasts 10 historic vessels, four of historic distinction on the National Register.    

Here is a list of the Museum’s current historic ships and submarines on display along with tips for exploring these nautical treasures. Of special note, is that one ticket allows guests to explore all ships in the museum’s collection. 

Star of India

This 1863 iron-hulled merchant bark is the world’s oldest active sailing ship and the jewel of the waterfront. Her impressive silhouette is one of the iconic landmarks along the waterfront and among the most photographed sights in San Diego.

Launched as the Euterpe just five days before Abraham Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address, she has sailed around the world 21 times and has never been fitted with auxiliary power.  

In her long and storied history, she’s seen many adventures, running aground in Hawaii, trapped in Alaskan ice, and a survivor of a collision, a mutiny, and a cyclone. Yet she still sails the sea today with a volunteer crew. 

It’s exciting when the crew dons period costumes and interact with visitors sharing their information on basic seamanship, nautical superstitions, and life onboard a sailing vessel. 

While maritime technology has certainly changed over the years, it always amazes me how much of the nautical traditions and terminology remain constant.

Berkeley  

The Berkeley operated for 60 years on San Francisco Bay. This 1898 steam-powered ferryboat is both a California State and a National Historic Landmark. She’s an iconic reminder of the impressive steam-power era. In 1906, the Berkeley was a heroine of the San Francisco earthquake, carrying thousands of survivors to safety.  

Today, she proudly serves as the museum’s offices, a major maritime research library, workshop, model shop, museum store, and special events venue with a capacity for up to 800 guests.

Californian 

Serving as the official tall ship of the state of California, the Californian is a 1984 replica of the 1847 cutter  C.W. Lawrence . This vessel served the Revenue Cutter Service patrolling the coast of California enforcing federal law during the gold rush.  The Californian’s distinctive sail configuration makes her one of the most recognized tall ships in America.

She is used for a variety of dockside and at-sea educational programs along with public adventure sails. Her annual tour along the California coast each summer offers residents and visitors throughout the state an opportunity to tour this impressive ship.

HMS Surprise

Another star of the Museum’s historic fleet is the HMS Surprise. She is a 1970 replica of a 24-gun frigate from Great Britain’s Nelson-era Royal Navy. Of no “surprise” she has played starring roles in Hollywood films  Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World and Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides .  

Originally commissioned as the Rose , she was constructed with a focus on authenticity. This replica frigate has sailed thousands of miles as an attraction and sail training ship prior to her conversion to the Surprise. 

USS Dolphin

A unique U.S. Navy submarine, the Dolphin is actually the deepest diving submarine in the world. She is capable of submerging to world-depth record of 3,000-feet. She has played a major role at the forefront of undersea naval research during her 40-year career.  This remarkable vessel has a storied history of numerous military and scientific accomplishments.

San Salvador

The San Salvador is a replica of Juan Rodríguez Cabrillo’s galleon. She served as the flagship of his expedition that discovered the San Diego Bay in 1542. The original ship, highly touted as the “Mayflower of the Pacific Coast” is the founding ship of both San Diego and of the State of California. 

The San Salvador came to the Museum fleet in 2015. She was expertly constructed with extreme historical accuracy based upon extensive research of early European maritime documents, technology, and archeology. This galleon periodically sails the California coast, visiting communities as a floating educational platform for school children and locals.

Serving in both World Wars, this 1904 steam yacht was constructed largely of oak, teak, and steel. Originally a pleasure craft, she was modified into a gunboat and employed by France. In WWII both British and Norwegian Forces used her.

After the war, the Medea was converted back to a pleasure craft. She may be old but she’s still quite attractive. Today, the Medea goes out for special excursion cruises and also serves as an open dockside museum attraction.

PCF-816  

Formerly named the C24  or  P24 , this 1968 Vietnam War-era Patrol Craft Fast was transferred to  Malta  in 1971 and decommissioned in 2011. These type vessels, more commonly known as Swift Boats played a key role in the U.S. “Brown Water Navy” interdicting Viet Cong operations along the Mekong River and Delta. 

Restored to operational status, this powerful vessel is an option for museum visitors to experience high speed runs in San Diego Bay while Swift Boat veterans and docents relate their various roles and stories as crewmen in Vietnam. 

What a great name for a 1914 harbor pilot boat. During her 82-year career, the Pilot served as San Diego’s chief pilot craft. She assisted thousands of major merchant vessels entering and leaving San Diego Bay. A relic of the past, she provides a rare and priceless link to the economic rise of San Diego through maritime commerce. Now, she is used for the harbor cruise that is included in the admission ticket.

Optional Complimentary Historic Bay Cruise

Bonus: The Museum is now offering 45-minute bay cruises at no additional charge with the purchase of an admission ticket. Three narrated bay tours are available on weekends.

You can make reservations upon arrival to the museum when purchasing general admission passes from the Ticket Booth or online.  

Check-In times and location are: 12:15 p.m., 1:15 p.m., and 2:15 p.m. at the dock behind the Berkeley.  

San Diego Maritime Museum Plan Your Visit

Location and how to get there.

The Maritime Museum at the Star of India Wharf is located on the west side of North Harbor Drive, between the ends of Ash Street and Grape Street, south of San Diego International Airport. 

You can find metered parking along the Embarcadero. Additional parking is available at the nearby Midway Museum lot. Other options include using San Diego public bus or trolley transportation.

Hours of Operation

The good news is that beginning February 13th and 14th, the Maritime Museum will be re-opening on weekends only from 10 am to 5 pm for open-deck touring only of its ships. Check the website for updated information.

Tickets and Prices

Tickets can be purchased at the museum booth or online . The museum is also part of the Go San Diego Card bundle. If you plan to visit multiple San Diego attractions , you can save some money.

Tickets are currently based on new reduced capacity. These provide same-day access to all museum vessels currently available for touring. 

Ticket Prices

Adult 18+ $20.00

Senior 62+, Military w/ID, Students 13-17 years $15.00

Child 12 and under $10.00

Tips for Your Visit

Pick and Choose Your Ships. The extensive nature of this museum may require visitors to be selective if they don’t want to spend all day touring the vessels.

Talk to the Docents. These volunteers are so full of knowledge and interesting stories about the ships at the Maritime Museum. We talked to Bob Bower, one of the docents there. He shared with us some interesting historical facts not only about the museum but also about San Diego.

Save time for the Ferryboat Berkeley. She’s literally a museum within a museum. She features an impressive multi-deck display of boats, yachts, and nautical equipment along with a host of highly detailed models of numerous warships and commercial vessels throughout the ages. As a Navy veteran, I particularly love the many highly detailed models of numerous warships and commercial vessels throughout the ages.  

Let kids choose. If you have children with you, give them a vote on which ships to visit. My personal bet is on the HMS Surprise. On our last visit there, my two grandchildren, a boy and a girl acted out scenes from Pirates of the Caribbean. They enthusiastically played the roles of Captain Jack Sparrow and Keira Knightley’s swashbuckling heroine, Elizabeth Swann.

Optional Harbor Cruise. Bring sunscreen or sunblock, close-toed shoes or nonslip soles, hat, sunglasses, jacket or sweater, and of course, your camera.

Enjoy your visit to San Diego’s magnificent Maritime Museum. It’s quite impressive to say the least.

Visit the Maritime Museum in San Diego – Helpful Tips from a Local was written by Michael Kompanik for San Diego Explorer.

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Last Updated on July 13, 2023 by Maria Haase

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Titan submersible plunged into exotic, dangerous world on way to Titanic

The tragic situation is a reminder that when humans invade environments for which they are not adapted, there is minimal margin for error

The news reports this week described the submersible Titan as “lost at sea.” That did not capture the difficulty of a search-and-rescue operation in the cold, darker-than-dark depths of the Atlantic Ocean. The tragedy of the Titan, the debris of which was spotted Thursday near the encrusted hulk of the Titanic ocean liner, is a reminder that when humans invade exotic environments for which they are not adapted, there is minimal margin for error.

The submersible, operated by the private company OceanGate as a high-priced adventure travel opportunity , was supposed to visit the Titanic, which rests on the muddy seafloor 12,500 feet below the surface of the Atlantic. But on Sunday, the submersible endured some kind of incident or malfunction and went silent 1 hour and 45 minutes into its 2½-hour dive.

Podcast episode

Missing Titanic submersible: Live updates on Titan search amid fears of oxygen supply

The very deep sea is a forbidding, almost alien environment, inhabited only by odd, eyeless creatures that have adapted to pressures that could instantly crush the most advanced Navy submarine. What’s more, the Titanic’s resting place is 370 miles from the Canadian coast, and farther than that from any port from which rescue vessels can be deployed.

These challenges made the search for the missing vessel and its five occupants akin to an effort to rescue astronauts, retired Adm. Thad Allen, former commandant of the Coast Guard, told The Washington Post.

“This is closer to Apollo 13 than a classic search-and-rescue mission,” Allen said. “Trying to extract a vessel from 12,000 feet is extraordinarily difficult, if not impossible.”

What to know about the missing submersible

The Titanic sits beyond United States territorial waters, but the U.S. Coast Guard, under a treaty governing ocean rescues, led the effort to find the submersible. Coast Guard officials on Wednesday continued to describe their work as a search-and-rescue mission even as they warned that the occupants of the vessel, if still alive, would be expected to run out of oxygen early Thursday.

The Coast Guard announced late Thursday morning that a remotely operated vehicle had found a “debris field” near the Titanic and that it was being evaluated. Thursday afternoon brought the grim news from the Coast Guard that the five-person crew had been killed in a catastrophic implosion of the Titan’s pressure chamber.

The water pressure where the Titanic rests is about 6,000 pounds per square inch. By comparison, atmospheric pressure is 14.7 pounds per square inch. Pressure builds in a linear fashion as a submersible descends. At the time the Titan submersible went silent, it would have been dealing with pressures hundreds of times greater than at the surface.

To offer one visual image: The average depth of the planet’s seafloor hydrothermal vents is 7,000 feet. Researchers studying these ecosystems — where life exists using chemosynthesis rather than photosynthesis — have carried standard foam cups to such depths. The cups retain their form but are compressed to the size of a shot glass.

“I think we all agree that going somewhere that has 400 times the pressure in the atmosphere is a dangerous thing to be doing,” said Jules Jaffe, research oceanographer emeritus at Scripps Institution of Oceanography, part of the University of California at San Diego.

But he supports exploration of this kind and pointed out that another private company, Triton Submarines, has successfully ferried tourists to the bottom of the Marianas Trench, the deepest spot in any ocean, nearly seven miles below the surface.

“Obviously [the Titan submersible] worked for a while, and they had some number of successful dives. But as they continued to use it, there is a chance that the mechanical properties became fatigued,” Jaffe said.

Lisa Levin is a veteran oceanographer and deep-sea biologist at Scripps who has plunged into that strange world many times. She studies the bizarre chemosynthetic organisms feeding off methane leaking from the seafloor along continental margins. She has made 53 dives on the famed Alvin submersible that has been in operation, with many upgrades and inspections, since the 1960s.

She once was at 1,500 meters (almost 5,000 feet) on an undersea mountain off the coast of Mexico when everything went dark, inside and outside. The pilot fiddled with electrical wiring and couldn’t get it lit up again, and so they quickly resurfaced.

She said she does not like talking about things that can go wrong. But in the case of the Titan, she said Wednesday, she feared that something might have happened suddenly and catastrophically, such as an implosion. Had there been a gradual leak, the mission would have been quickly aborted. Getting snagged in a net or otherwise stuck somewhere should not have ended communication with the expedition ship at the surface, she said.

“If anything’s not working properly, they abort the dive. It’s like an airplane — if something’s not quite right, they’ll land at the nearest airport,” Levin said.

“If anyone had seen a leak, they would have dropped weights and come to the surface,” she said. “I’m guessing whatever happened, happened quickly.”

Many submersibles have ventured into the deepest parts of the sea. James Cameron , the director of “Titanic,” is among those who have managed a close-up look at the doomed ocean liner via submersible. Cameron has made that same dive dozens of times, as well as a 2012 dive to the Marianas Trench.

But risk does not evaporate with each successful venture. Engineers know that risk builds like plaque, and complex technology deployed in harsh environments — such as space or the deep sea — can fail in many ways not easily envisioned.

The NASA space shuttle program carried with it known risks of disaster. The Challenger met a catastrophic end just minutes after launch when a component of a solid rocket booster failed, leading to the ignition of the external fuel tank. The Columbia was destroyed by the heat of atmospheric reentry penetrating the leading edge of a wing damaged at launch.

Levin, the Scripps oceanographer, said finding a lost submersible on the seafloor would be a tremendous challenge. The deep sea remains a frontier. It is less well mapped, scientists say, than the surface of the moon.

“It’s like looking for a small plane that goes down in the middle of a giant rainforest. It’s just hard to see,” she said. “We don’t have easy ways to image the bottom and distinguish the wreck of a submarine from anything else on the bottom.”

The Titan submersible was a prototype craft, and the OceanGate journeys are a form of adventure travel that exists beyond the reach of government regulatory agencies, said Allen, formerly of the Coast Guard. This is not a situation where agencies have vessels standing by, ready to conduct rescue operations on choppy seas in hurricane season in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean.

“We’re dealing with the high seas and the depths of the ocean — they’re one of the few ungoverned places on Earth,” said Allen, who knows a thing or two about offshore disasters, having served as the no-nonsense national incident commander for the response to the 2010 BP oil spill.

Typically the depths are reached with robotic ROVs — remotely operated vehicles. But ROVs are not like firetrucks with their noses facing the street down at the fire station. They are specialty hardware and not easily deployed on a moment’s notice to plunge into mid-oceanic waters to search for a missing 22-foot submersible.

The Coast Guard reported Thursday morning that the Horizon Arctic, a Canadian vessel, had successfully deployed an ROV to the seafloor to begin its search for the missing submersible. Soon thereafter, the French vessel L’Atalante also deployed an ROV.

The depths of the Atlantic can’t be reached by human divers without specially designed submersibles. The creatures of the deep are adapted to the pressure, the cold and sometimes other extreme conditions, such as low oxygen levels or high levels of hydrogen sulfide. Levin, the veteran deep ocean explorer, points out that humans never experience those conditions directly.

“As a scientist, diving in a submarine, other than being a little bit cold, we don’t experience the high pressure and the other challenges in the water,” she said. “We build submarines to keep the internal environment comfortable for us.”

And they trust the technology to work — knowing that there may come a moment when it doesn’t.

Missing Titanic submersible

The latest: After an extensive search, the Coast Guard found debris fields that have been indentified as the Titan submersible. OceanGate, the tour company, has said all 5 passengers are believed dead.

The Titan: The voyage to see the Titanic wreckage is eight days long, costs $250,000 and is open to passengers age 17 and older. The Titan is 22 feet long, weighs 23,000 pounds and “has about as much room as a minivan,” according to CBS correspondent David Pogue. Here’s what we know about the missing submersible .

The search: The daunting mission covers the ocean’s surface and the vast depths beneath. The search poses unique challenges that are further complicated by the depths involved. This map shows the scale of the search near the Titanic wreckage .

The passengers: Hamish Harding , an aviation businessman, aircraft pilot and seasoned adventurer, posted on Instagram that he was joining the expedition and said retired French navy commander Paul-Henri Nargeolet was also onboard. British Pakistani businessman Shahzada Dawood, 48, and his son, Suleman, 19, were also on the expedition, their family confirmed. The CEO of OceanGate , the submersible expedition company, was also on the vessel. Here’s what we know about the five missing passengers.

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