Private 50-minute ride for two, from $179
Our sunset cruise is a private, 50-minute gondola ride on Lake San Marcos in North County San Diego. It costs $179 Sunday through Friday and $199 on Saturday, for two guests, plus $30 for each extra guest. The boat is yours alone and holds up to 6. Rides are by reservation only, and the booking calendar shows the sunset slots open for your date.
One honest note up front: this is a lake, not the ocean or the bay. You won’t see the Pacific or the San Diego skyline from the boat. What you get is calm water, hills catching the last light, and an hour with nobody else on board.
We run the gondolas on Lake San Marcos, and the sunset ride is our most popular. Our gondolas are authentic Venetian gondolas, shipped over from Venice, Italy. You step aboard at the dock, settle in, and glide out onto still water while the sky changes color.
Romantic music plays throughout, and blankets are on board for cooler evenings. There is no crowd and no one to share the boat with. Some couples talk the whole time. Others barely say a word. Both are fine.
It is a different thing from a harbor sail. If you want open-water views, a San Diego Bay cruise is the right call. If you want quiet and privacy, this is the one.
Every ride includes romantic music and blankets. Everything else is bring-your-own.
| Detail | Sunset Cruise |
|---|---|
| Price for 2 guests | $179 Sunday to Friday, $199 Saturday |
| Extra guests | $30 each, up to 6 guests per boat |
| Ride length | 50 minutes |
| Boat | Private, never shared |
| Departures | On the hour, by reservation only |
| Included | Romantic music and blankets |
| Bring your own | Wine, champagne, food, glasses and ice (no corkage fee) |
| Kids | 4 and under ride free |
See every ride and price on our gondola cruise pricing page.
Rides depart on the hour, and we run from 11 AM to 8 PM, seven days a week. Because sunset moves through the year, the sunset slot shifts with the season. In summer it falls later in the evening, and in winter it comes much earlier. Pick the departure that lines up with sunset on your date, and book early for Saturdays.
The dock is at 1035 La Bonita Dr in San Marcos, in North County San Diego. It is a short drive from Carlsbad, Vista, Escondido and Oceanside, and inland from the coast. If you’re visiting from downtown San Diego or another part of the county, plan for the drive and pick a departure with a little room to spare.
A simple plan for the evening: dinner at Amalfi before or after, and the sunset ride on the hour. Because everything is next to the dock, there is very little driving between the pieces.
The sunset slot is our most popular ride, but it isn’t the only choice. Lucky Hour is $129 and runs in the daytime on Saturdays. The Venetian Gondola Experience is $139. Enchanted Evening is $159 after dark. Full Moon is $179 for two and runs once a month. After Hours is $299, from 10 PM to midnight, for two adults. Each of these is 50 minutes and private, with extra guests at $30 each (After Hours is limited to 2 guests).
If you’d rather ride under the night sky, our Enchanted Evening is $159 for two and runs after dark. Same private gondola, same 50 minutes, a quieter mood.
Amalfi Cucina Italiana, an Italian restaurant, sits right next to the dock. Many couples reserve a table before or after their ride so the whole evening happens in one place. The Lakehouse Resort is steps from the dock too, if you want to stay the night.
Rides go out in the rain. If the weather is too bad, our team will reach out to you. Pets are welcome aboard. They need to stay in the boat, and there is a $200 cleaning fee if one jumps in the lake.
Choose your date and time on our booking page. Rides are reservation only, so we can’t take walk-ups. Gift certificates are also available if you’re booking for someone else.
No. It is on Lake San Marcos in North County San Diego. You get calm water and sunset light over the hills, not ocean or skyline views.
$179 Sunday through Friday and $199 on Saturday for two guests. Each extra guest is $30, up to 6 per boat.
Yes, with no corkage fee, and we have openers on board. We don’t provide glasses, ice or food, so bring those with you.
Rides depart on the hour, and the sunset slot shifts with the season. Check the booking calendar for the departure that matches sunset on your date.
