Super Saver: Self-Guided Speed Boat Adventure & iRide GPS Guided ScooterTour

Taking in San Diego’s vibrant neighborhoods, iconic landmarks, and scenic coastline is a must for any visitor. This self-guided adventure combines the thrill of driving your own speedboat with an electric scooter tour guided by GPS storytelling. Instead of being herded onto crowded buses or boats, you get to set your own pace, explore at your convenience, and really feel like you’re uncovering the city on your own terms.

What really stands out here is the independent, flexible nature of the tour. You get to enjoy the ride without rushing, and you can split the experience across different days if you prefer. The fact that it’s private for your group adds an extra layer of comfort and exclusivity.

One thing to consider, though, is that this experience is not suited for everyone—you need to be comfortable operating a small speedboat and riding a scooter, and there are age and weight restrictions. It’s best for those who enjoy a bit of adventure and want to see San Diego from both land and water with a personal touch.

If you’re after a fun, adventurous way to explore San Diego’s top sights at your own pace, this tour is a fantastic choice.

Key Points

• Self-guided flexibility allows you to explore at your own pace, splitting the experience across different days.
• Two adventurous activities—speedboat rides and GPS-guided scooter tours—offer a mix of land and sea exploration.
• Exclusive experience for your group, avoiding crowds and noisy tour groups.
• Stunning views and local sights such as Coronado Island, USS Midway, and Balboa Park.
• Safety and comfort are prioritized with US Coast Guard-approved life jackets, safety orientation, and helmets.
• Pricing reflects value for an active, customizable day exploring San Diego’s highlights.

Overview of the Experience

This tour is designed for those who want to take control of their sightseeing. For $161.46 per person, you receive a roughly four-hour adventure that includes a speedboat ride in the waters off San Diego and a GPS-guided scooter tour of the city’s most iconic neighborhoods and sites. The best part? It’s all self-guided—meaning no noisy tour buses or scheduled times—you set your own rhythm.

The experience is perfect for travelers who love a bit of adventure, enjoy scenic views, and like having the freedom to customize their sightseeing day. Both activities are private for your group, making it suitable for friends, couples, or small families who want an exclusive San Diego experience.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out

We appreciate the balance of thrill and sightseeing this tour offers. Driving your own speedboat provides a real adrenaline rush, especially with the knowledgeable guides like Tanner, who is praised for making the experience fun and informative. The views of San Diego’s coastline, Coronado Island, and the aircraft carrier are truly spectacular, especially when seen from the water.

The scooter component is equally engaging, allowing you to navigate through vibrant neighborhoods like Little Italy, the Gaslamp Quarter, and Hillcrest, with narratives guiding you along the way. Seeing the city’s diverse areas on a scooter adds a layer of intimacy and fun that larger tours often lack.

One Consideration

While this tour is a fantastic way to explore independently, it does require a certain level of comfort with driving small boats and riding electric scooters. Plus, it’s not suitable for pregnant women or those with recent surgeries or certain health issues. The maximum combined weight limit of 450lbs for two riders is also something to keep in mind.

Travelers who prefer guided commentary at every step might find this too independent, but if you enjoy making your own discoveries, this tour offers plenty of flexibility.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This adventure is ideal for adventurous travelers who enjoy a mix of land and sea activities, valuing flexibility and privacy. It’s perfect for those who want to avoid crowds, love scenic views, and enjoy a bit of adrenaline. It also suits travelers who want to capture unique photos—whether of the skyline from the water or the charming streets of Old Town.

A Detailed Breakdown of the Itinerary

Speedboat Ride: The Coastal Adventure

Starting with the speedboat, you’ll be given safety instructions and a US Coast Guard-approved life jacket before taking the wheel of your mini F13 speedboat. This is not just a boat ride; it’s an interactive adventure. You’ll cruise past the USS Midway, where you can imagine the history of this aircraft carrier, and continue to Point Loma, a scenic spot with panoramic views.

The highlight here is the chance to see Coronado Island from the water, with its iconic hotel and sandy beaches. The guide, like Tanner, often makes the experience more engaging by narrating local sights and pointing out wildlife, such as sea lions close to the coast. As one reviewer says, “gas it and have fun!”—and that’s exactly the vibe, with plenty of opportunities for spirited driving.

Land Exploration: GPS-Guided Scooter Tour

Once ashore, you’ll switch to your electric scooter, guided by GPS storytelling. You’ll cruise through Little Italy, soaking in the lively atmosphere, then pass the Maritime Museum, which is visible from land and sea. Continuing through neighborhoods like Old Town, you’ll get a glimpse of San Diego’s history, architecture, and local charm.

The scooters are a fantastic way to cover a lot of ground quickly, with the added bonus of narration that provides context and interesting facts. You’ll ride across the historic Coronado Bridge, with views of the city skyline, and even take a ferry ride with the scooters, adding an extra layer of adventure.

Sights and Stops

• USS Midway: A historic naval aircraft carrier, visible from the water and land.
• Little Italy: Famous for its vibrant food scene and colorful streets.
• Maritime Museum: A unique combination of water and land museum experiences.
• Point Loma: Scenic views and naval history.
• Coronado Island: Pristine beaches and charming streets.
• Seaport Village: Waterfront shopping and dining.
• Old Town: The birthplace of California, rich in history and character.
• Balboa Park: A lush urban oasis with gardens and architecture.
• San Diego Zoo: Just in front of the park, a world-renowned attraction.
• Gaslamp Quarter: Historic downtown with nightlife and dining.
• Horton Plaza: A bustling shopping center.
• Hillcrest: Trendy neighborhood with eclectic shops and cafes.
• Coronado Bridge: An impressive suspension bridge offering outstanding views.

What Travelers Say

Reviewers like Teresa mention, “our tour guide Tanner was awesome! It was a great experience. Seeing the sea lions so close and the aircraft carrier… amazing.” This highlights how knowledgeable guides enhance the experience, even in a self-guided setup. She emphasizes the fun, fast-paced nature of the speedboats, encouraging riders to gas it and enjoy the thrill.

Another reviewer pointed out the stunning views from both the water and land, which truly capture San Diego’s diverse scenery. They appreciated the tour’s flexibility, allowing them to split activities across different days, making it convenient for planning.

Duration: Approximately four hours, but flexible since activities are self-guided. You could stretch it out over a full day or split into two.

Price: At $161.46 per person, this offers good value for an active, customizable experience. It includes everything from safety gear to the scooters and boats, plus narration.

What to Bring: Swimsuit and towel for summer, a jacket for winter, sunblock, sunglasses, and sandals or flip-flops. Bags can get wet in the speedboats, so consider bringing a waterproof bag.

Age and Weight Limits: Drivers must be 18+ for the boat, and scooter drivers need to be at least 15 with a photo ID. The combined weight limit is 450lbs.

Booking & Cancellation: Confirmations are swift, and cancellations are free if made 24 hours in advance—perfect for flexible planning.

This self-guided combo adventure is perfect for independent travelers who crave a personalized exploration of San Diego’s top sights. It suits those looking for a mix of adventure and sightseeing, with the freedom to go at their own pace. The stunning coastal views and the chance to drive your own boat make it particularly appealing for adrenaline junkies and outdoor lovers alike.

If you value authentic, off-the-beaten-path experiences and don’t mind a bit of driving or riding, this tour offers a memorable, flexible way to discover San Diego. It’s especially suitable for small groups or couples wanting an exclusive, private adventure that blends land and sea exploration with plenty of opportunities for fun and photo moments.

Is this tour suitable for children?
This experience is for those aged 15 and older to drive the scooters and 18+ to operate the speedboat. Children can ride in the boats if they meet age and weight requirements but cannot drive.

Do I need experience to drive the boat or ride the scooter?
No prior experience or boating license is required. The safety orientation prepares you for a smooth and enjoyable ride.

What should I wear?
Bring a swimsuit and towel for summer, and a jacket in cooler months. Wearing sandals or flip-flops is recommended, but keep in mind bags might get wet.

Can I split the activities over multiple days?
Yes, since it’s a self-guided experience, you can do the water and land parts separately on different days.

Are there any safety precautions?
Yes, safety gear is provided, including life jackets and helmets. A safety orientation is also included before starting.

What if I want to cancel?
You can cancel up to 24 hours before the experience for a full refund, making it easy to plan with confidence.

Is the tour private?
Yes, only your group participates, ensuring a personalized experience.

What’s the total duration?
Approximately four hours, but flexible based on your pace and split across different days if desired.

This San Diego adventure offers a blend of thrill, sightseeing, and flexibility that few tours can match. Whether you’re zooming around on a speedboat or exploring neighborhoods on a scooter, it’s a memorable way to see the city from a fresh perspective.