Celebrate your anniversary on a private Venetian gondola on Lake San Marcos in North County San Diego. Every ride is 50 minutes and it is just the two of you and your gondolier, from $129, with the Sunset Cruise at $179 ($199 on Saturdays). See every ride time on our gondola cruise pricing page. Bring your own wine or champagne with no corkage fee, and add a message in a bottle, roses or an Italian gondola necklace when you book.








< Scroll for photos >
It can be tough to find the best anniversary date ideas year after year. While a nice dinner then movie is always an excellent choice, unique experiences can go a long way toward showing you put a lot of thought into this special day.
This year, choose a romantic gondola ride for two! Gaze your eyes upwards during our famous Sunset Cruise and take in the colorful evening sky.
Or, enjoy a nighttime gondola ride gliding underneath the stars. Late at night the air is tranquil and the water is still; the boat will literally look like its cutting glass throughout the water.
Whether you come to us every year or you’re looking for new anniversary date ideas near San Diego, CA, we have the perfect solution for you. We offer gondola rides during the day so you can relax before heading for a dinner or in the evening as the perfect way to end your date night. Our evening gondola rides offer one of the most romantic anniversary dates in San Diego.
Take advantage of our SoCal weather and book your gondola ride today. We’re sure your significant other will love it and we always work hard to ensure you both have a night you won’t soon forget!
EXCELLENT
Based on 271 reviews
Posted on Google![]()
Sean SullinsOctober 19, 2025Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
We just came back from a birthday boat ride and it was awesome! Definitely worth the experience. Our gondolier was very kind, respectful and lighthearted. Getting to see actual black swans on the lake was a huge plus. Not to mention getting to go at night meant it was extremely peaceful. It's definitely a gem of San Marcos everyone should do at least once. It'll be our one of our me regular celebratory choices for birthdays and anniversaries.Posted on Google![]()
Mortoza MohammadiOctober 4, 2025Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Thank you Drew for your incredible hospitality. Felt like we were in Italy last night. The Gondola itself is a beautiful vessel and this was such a great date night idea! We went right after sunset and the lamps were lit up while we were on our way around the lake! Very romantic! Would do it again!Posted on Google![]()
JKL O'NSeptember 28, 2025Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
We scheduled a Black Swan Gondola sunset cruise to celebrate our anniversary, and are so glad that we did! 💖 From the initial contact with this company, throughout the entire experience, our gondolier, Drew, was professional, friendly and knowledgeable. He added special touches to make our cruise even more enjoyable and meaningful. We were treated to the perfect evening! We’ve been on other gondola rides, but this one is by far THE BEST in Southern California. Thank you for a fabulous evening, Drew!!Posted on Google![]()
Darlene BergamascoSeptember 22, 2025Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
A gift to my best friends for their 46 year anniversary. Drew was extremely helpful with my booking. He demonstrates great customer service, and Dillion the Gondoler was engaging with my friends and so kind. A beautiful expierence and it happened at sunset, with a rain cloud lightning show.Posted on Google![]()
Josh SchoberSeptember 20, 2025Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Amazing experience!! We can't wait to go again.Posted on Google![]()
Mary QuesadaAugust 24, 2025Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
This was our second time enjoying a beautiful gondola ride. Highly recommend this if you are looking for a unique tranquil experience. Very professional team and friendly. We will be back.Posted on Google![]()
Vanessa HoffmanAugust 24, 2025