The fabulous city of San Diego has an excellent location in sunny Southern California, close to the USA’s border with Mexico and a spectacular Pacific Ocean coastline. The city is home to several superb museums, art galleries, fancy restaurants, nightclubs and bars. It is also known for its culturally diverse population and vibrant atmosphere. Amazing attractions like Sea World, San Diego Zoo, Gaslamp Quarter, Belmont Park, Mission Bay, etc., are all in San Diego. Miles of sandy beaches, beautiful harbours, and protected marinas are available to people who enjoy water sports and activities. With so many attractions, visitors are spoilt for choice regarding accommodation options in San Diego. But why not try a unique accommodation like a houseboat rental during your San Diego vacation? To learn about the best houseboats in this vibrant city, check out our list of recommendations. Scroll down and read through the best boat rentals in San Diego, California.
We handpicked these listings carefully, considering (wherever possible) Superhost status, recent guest reviews, location, accommodation type, prices, availability of dates, decor, and amenities. The image galleries get refreshed with the latest updates regularly. They were last updated on April 08, 2024.
1. Luna De Mar - A Sea Ray Sundancer 340
Enjoy a luxurious stay aboard this houseboat and relax with gorgeous marina views and ocean breeze. It is an adult-only Airbnb offering cruise services. The boat is equipped with a spacious living quarter with air-conditioning and a comfortable sofa for lounging. The kitchen is a fully furnished galley inviting you to indulge your inner chef in cooking delicious meals on the water. You can eat inside or take your snacks to the front deck.
The deck features lounging equipment, ideal for sunbathing and getting tanned. The host also offers paddleboards and kayaks for your water adventures. Go swimming, surfing, or snorkelling in San Diego Bay or ask your captain for a whale-watching tour in the ocean. You can also paddle to Seaport Village from this boat rental and seize the chance to explore the vibrant shopping district of San Diego.
San Diego, California, United States
2. Charming houseboat near Portside pier (from USD 275)
This charming boat is moored near downtown and offers an incredible place to stay in San Diego. You’ll have to take a dinghy boat from the dinghy docks to reach this yacht rental. Once you row over to this place, enjoy a cosy stay within its snug bedrooms in the V-berth as the waves rock you to sleep. In the morning, wake up and step out onto the deck to soak in the beautiful sunrise with a harbour view. The setting makes it perfect for romantic getaways.
The boat is equipped with two paddleboards, which you can use to take a leisurely ride around the marina. You have the option to paddle over to Portside Pier, where you can enjoy exploring the various bars, restaurants, cafes, and shops of San Diego.
San Diego, California, United StatesSuperhost
Accommodates: 4
Top guest reviews
Read more reviewsLocation:
great location perfect view of the sd skyline and short walk to little italythe location of the boat is amazing and the sleep was some of the best
3. Cozy boat on the water with sunset views (from USD 130)
Experience the charms of San Diego from this unique vacation rental, a sailboat docked in a protected part of the harbour. The sailboat is like a condo on the water, with several amenities that will delight you. There is a comfortable bed in the front of the boat, another bed in the rear, a kitchenette and a cozy dining area. Stunning sunset views or morning coffee can be enjoyed on the back deck of the boat. Guests get full access to the various marina facilities like a pool, a hot tub, waterside fire pits, etc. Many fantastic restaurants and bars are a short walk away. Kayaks, jet ski, and paddleboard rentals are also closeby.
San Diego, California, United StatesAccommodates: 3
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the amenities at the marina were nice though shampoo and conditioner were not provided for the showerthe marina island grill for breakfast and lunch was fresh tasty cook to order foodthe marina is very nice and the bathrooms are in good repairthe amenities of the marina pool hot tub community bathrooms and showers were clean and functionalCleanliness:
marina was clean and tidythe facilities in the clubhouse are sparkling clean from the bathrooms to the pool and jacuzziboat was clean and well stockedthis place is small but cozy and cleanthe bathrooms were clean and they were never busyHost:
very nice experience quick response from the hostdan was a great host in that his directions were spot onpeople were generally friendly all rounddan is an outstanding hostdan was a very helpful and gracious hostRead more reviewsLocation:
location was wonderfulgreat location and atmospheregreat location and wonderful stayclose to the airport and nice nearby restaurantsthe location was fantastic close to the airport downtown san diego and the bay
4. Tastefully furnished yacht minutes from downtown (from USD 249)
Located in the beautiful Sun Road Marina, this boat rental near downtown San Diego is a luxurious 45-foot (13.7-meter) yacht that has elegant furnishings and fittings. The yacht has a tastefully furnished main salon, a beautiful galley with custom teakwood flooring, very spacious master bedroom with ensuite, a full shower, a wheelhouse lounging area and an aft deck bar area for entertaining. The yacht also provides full access to marina amenities like gas grills, a swimming pool, a hot tub, and more. San Diego Zoo is at a 10-minute drive from the yacht and the Gaslamp District, Sea World, Midway Museum, and downtown are closeby.
San Diego, California, United StatesAccommodates: 5
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
wonderful stay with beautiful views very clean and comfortableCleanliness:
clean and spacious we loved itthe boat was very clean and made for a great experiencethe boat was truly sparkling clean and well maintainedHost:
this boat could easily host 2 couplesthey were both super friendly and very helpfullisa is a fantastic host the boat was a joy to stay oni would recommend them as hosts to anyone staying in san diegolisa was over and beyond helpful i recommend this to anyone who wants a really special experienceRead more reviewsLocation:
great restaurants nearby quiet relaxing marina locationi would highly recommend booking ben and lisa's place while in townthere is a nice little coffee shop in the marina and two really nice restaurants within walking distance
5. Spacious houseboat with downtown San Diego skyline views
Sitting on the water in San Diego Harbor is this tastefully furnished houseboat that is perfect for a romantic stay for two. The boat is spacious and it has several charming features like a comfortable bed, a full bathroom, a TV with streaming access, a living area, a kitchenette, a covered top deck and a lounging deck. The boat is ideally located for easy access to miles of scenic biking paths near the water. Restaurants are mere steps away from the boat and a quick five-minute drive will take you to the vibrant Gaslamp Quarter area.
San Diego, California, United StatesAccommodates: 2
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
hot showers a pool a jacuzzi and the best view of san diego imaginablethe deli had a great breakfast toojoel & mindy's space is wonderfully appointed and incredibly comfortableCleanliness:
clean and cozythe facility is very clean and convenienttheir place is nice and super cleansuper clean and host is very nice and responsivesuper clean and quietnice host thanks a lotHost:
amazing hosts so helpful and informativehosts are awesome and others in the marina were very friendlyjoel and mindy are wonderful hosteveryone at the marina was super friendlysuper hosts for a reasonRead more reviewsLocation:
perfect locationfantastic value great location for downtownit's close to everything the beaches amazing food downtown and the airport and train stationperfect getaway and stunning locationgreat experience very cool environment and awesome location
6. Spacious yacht at walking distance to restaurants
Nestled in Sun Road Resort marina is this 41-foot (12.5-meter) beauty of a sailboat that you can rent for your family or friends. The covered deck area of the boat has gorgeous downtown skyline views and harbor views. Guests can enjoy cooking, sleeping and relaxing in the two bedrooms, a full kitchen with a fridge, a microwave, a stovetop and sink, and dining areas of the boat. Access to the marina pool, spa, and fitness center is also available to guests. Restaurants on the water are at a short walking distance from the boat.
San Diego, California, United StatesAccommodates: 4
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
there’s different levels and rooms so very comfortable for 2-4 peoplewe enjoyed the tv and robin's enormous catalog of digital movies on his hard driveCleanliness:
everything is impeccably clean and comfortablehis place was very clean and cozyhis boat was very clean and comfortableclose to restaurants and oceanside activities very clean and luxuriousHost:
wonderful host and beautiful boatrobin was an amazing hostbeautiful boat great host can’t complainthe hosts are great and will make sure you have everything you needrobin is a great host and very responsiveRead more reviewsLocation:
the location is great tooan amazing location and unique stay in san diegowalking distance to some great restaurants and a short uber to downtowngood location to local bars and restaurantsit’s perfectly calm
7. Comfort and luxury aboard a yacht
Experience luxury while staying aboard this amazing 50-foot (15-meter) motor yacht that is very spacious and elegantly furnished. The yacht has a big salon with panoramic windows, two beautiful bedrooms supplied with plush bedding, a full bathroom and closet in each bedroom, and a full kitchen. Guests have the option to relax and enjoy amazing views either from the bow or the beautiful deck of the yacht. Kayaks and paddleboards are also available. A quick five-minute drive will take you to downtown San Diego, Seaport Village, Petco Park and a variety of nightclubs, bars and restaurants.
San Diego, California, United StatesAccommodates: 4
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
marina amenities are great and the bath-house is a nice alternative to showering on the boatvery comfortable soft beds plenty of squishy pillowsCleanliness:
area very clean and well maintainedthe marina is very clean quiet and safethe yacht was clean and the marina a really peaceful place to staythe boat was very clean and relaxing and made our trip to san diego even more interestingHost:
the owner was extremely responsiveathan was a wonderful host and extremely responsivefabulous location and great cruise athan is an awesome host and captain with quick responses to questionsthe yacht is among many others; the community in the marina is kind and welcominggreat stay athan was very responsiveRead more reviewsLocation:
location is greatwonderful location and beautiful boatvery easy to access and awesome locationlocation was great we had a blastthe location is great and made for a great night
8. Fully equipped compact houseboat in Mission Bay
Situated in Mission Bay, this compact houseboat makes for an offbeat home base for your San Diego adventures. The houseboat has two sleeping areas, a kitchenette, a salon-cum-dining area, and a bathroom. The boat owner also provides additional experiences at an extra charge like a boat cruise, paddleboard rentals, bicycle rentals, and fishing trips. Downtown San Diego and Pacific Beach are just 15 minutes away. Several Mission Bay attractions like Sea World, Belmont Park, restaurants and bars are also easily accessible from the boat.
San Diego, California, United StatesTop guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the space is tight as expected but the forward and aft berths are very comfortable for sleepingHost:
nathan was a great host and we’d look forward to staying here againnate is an amazing host that met us to show us the ropes when we first got thereRead more reviewsLocation:
it’s close to everything & easy accessif you’re looking to get away and relax this is the placethe boat is such a unique way to enjoy mission bay super close to ocean beachthis place is the perfect medium between camping and staying at a hotelamazing place if for you and another person
9. Beautiful sailboat with harbour views
Spend a night or two on this beautiful 39-foot (11.8-meter) sailboat that has ample room to sleep three guests. The boat has two bedrooms, one with a comfy queen bed and another with a cozy v-shaped bed. A full kitchen, small bathroom with electric toilet, salon and plenty of deck space to enjoy drinks and views are also available on the boat. Access to the marina firepit, pool and secured gated parking is provided to guests. Downtown San Diego and Point Loma are a quick drive or Uber ride away. Marina area restaurants are at a three-minute walk from the boat.
San Diego, California, United StatesTop guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
great views across the street access to nice pools and hot tubsit is a small space but is super cozy and quietthere is a small brunch place next to the pool which had excellent breakfast and lunch optionsthe bed was so amazingly comfortablepool hot tub bbq lounge gym lounge chairs and umbrellas for shade clean bathrooms with shower facilitiesCleanliness:
it was clean and comfortablevery clean boat in a quiet marinathe marina pool and spa are very nice and the area is clean and upscaleclean and easy a great and unique optionthe marina is clean and easy to access and useHost:
very attentive courteous hostthe hosts were very responsiveawesome experience and great hoststhey were easy to communicate with and very thoughtful hoststhe boat was awesome the hosts were very upfront and honest with setting expectationsRead more reviewsLocation:
the location is greatthe location is great only minutes away from esuper cute place to stay which is within walking distance of the airport and the baythe location is perfect to get to downtown san diego or the airportliberty station little italy and downtown island prime is only walking distance
10. Fishing boat turned houseboat
Enjoy a comfortable stay in this well-laid-out fishing boat that has now been beautifully transformed into a houseboat! Great views of downtown San Diego and Coronado Island can be enjoyed from the boat. Inside, there are a full and a single bed, a fully equipped kitchen with a stove, a full-size refrigerator, a microwave and sink, two bathrooms and a living room. Full access to marina facilities like a pool, gym, hot tub, showers, is provided to guests, and two standup paddleboards are also available for the guests’ use. Two superb restaurants are at a short walking distance from the boat. Access to beach towns and the downtown area is also easy.
San Diego, California, United StatesTop guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
cute little shop to get coffee snacks breakfast & lunchthe jacuzzi and pool was greatCleanliness:
the marina is clean and quietHost:
derrik is a gracious host who is easy to communicate withuse of marina facilities very helpful with showers & poolhe was very helpful and we had a blastRead more reviewsLocation:
i would definitely do it again great location in the heart of san diegothis is a good place to stay if you want peace and quiet while being close to downtownexcellent marina and location to everything boat accommodations and facilitiesgreat location and plenty of room for up to 4
11. Fully equipped sailboat with kayaks
On this beautiful 34-foot (10-meter) well-maintained sailboat, stay in style and comfort during your vacation in sunny San Diego. The sailboat has many salient features including a queen-size bedroom, additional v-shaped double bed, salon for lounging and dining, a full kitchen for all your catering needs, a full bathroom, and a large aft deck with amazing downtown views. Besides this, guests renting this sailboat also have access to the marina pool, hot tub, gym and grilling areas. The owner provides kayaks and you can even rent his Tesla! Several marina restaurants are at a walking distance from the sailboat.
San Diego, California, United StatesTop guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
nice couch /table areamattresses were comfortable; we slept greathe even left the heater on so it’ll be nice and cozy when we arrivedbeautiful sailboat with comfortable interior offers plenty of provisions onboard (sunscreen foods water)Cleanliness:
it was very cleanit was clean and had everything we neededsuper clean and easily accessible to everythingthe marina facilities are updated and cleanwhat a fantastic experience dave's boat is clean and attractive located in a quiet safe marinaHost:
david was an excellent hostdavid was a great hostsdavid was a great hostdavid is a super nice hostdavid is a great host and took care of everythingRead more reviewsLocation:
central location with easy access to airport and great restaurantsperfect location to take in san diegolocation is in the nicest marina in san diego steps away from great dininggreat location for all sightseeing / trips to the beach and seaworldvery safe location also and everything is only accessible thru the keys provided
12. Elegant and luxurious yacht
Come aboard a 40-foot(12-meter) luxury yacht that is both elegant and comfortable for two guests. Enjoy lounging on the sun deck or in the luxurious cabin. Inside, the yacht has a salon, dining area, kitchen, spacious bedroom, and bathroom. The marina facilities like a sizeable pool, gym, fire pits, grills, hot tub, and showers, are also accessible to guests renting the boat. The owner provides a kayak and paddleboards too. Downtown San Diego is just a five-minute drive away. Pacific Beach, Sea World and Point Loma are also a 10-minute distance from the boat.
San Diego, California, United StatesTop guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
comfortable bed and perfect for 2 peoplethe pool area fire pits and hot tub was very nice to relax byCleanliness:
wonderful clean and cozy yachthad to scrape it clean prior to useloved staying on this boat place was super clean and it had everything you neededthe boat is so very clean the bed was especially comfortable and sleep was amazingthe boat is as pictured: clean comfortable and a very fun space to enjoy the sunshineHost:
athan was very responsive and accommodating with our requests for check-in and check-outathan was such a responsive host even before i bookedhighly recommend it and athan is extremely responsive and helpfulathan was very responsive and answered all of my questions almost immediatelyhe is very helpful and we had a great experienceRead more reviewsLocation:
the location of the marina is greatathan’s place is in a great location super safegreat location everything i could ask forbeautiful boat in the sd marina right across the street from the airportbeing so close to airport it was very easy getting uber to take us downtown
Experience San Diego aboard a boat
San Diego attracts thousands of visitors every year, each of who can choose from a variety of accommodation options like hotels, B&Bs, hostels, apartments and even houseboats! On your next trip, rent a boat and experience a fun accommodation option in San Diego, California.
Frequently asked questions about the best boat rentals in San Diego, California
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