Mission Point Beach
2600 Bayside Lane, San Diego, CA 92109
Mission Point Beach is located in the southern part of Mariner’s Basin, which is situated in the southwest region of the bay. Mission Point Beach is a great starting point for paddling due to its sheltered geography and relatively calm waters. Paddlers can choose to stay within the basin or travel north along the western shoreline towards Sail Bay.
Mariner’s Basin is favorable for seeing wildlife during Night Owl Tours. Garibaldi fish, bat rays, round rays, skates, and horn sharks are some of the wildlife that can be spotted near rocky outcroppings of the basin or within patches of eelgrass. This area is also favorable for observing local birds. During the daytime, some birds that paddlers can spot include the great blue heron, California least tern, osprey, and western gull. Some local birds, such as the California least tern, are federally-listed endangered species and it is important for paddlers to avoid the nesting buffer zone located at Mariner’s Point (rocky area of the east side of the basin). While Mariner’s Basin typically has calm and flat waters, please be aware that weather, such as wind and swells, can affect conditions.
Participants are encouraged to communicate their comfort levels and tour/lesson goals with their instructor upon arrival.
Parking: A small parking lot is available at Mission Point Park. However, it fills up quickly on weekends. Please consider this when making a reservation for this location.
Meeting: Please meet our instructors on the sand at the southern tip of Mission Point Beach.
Bonita Cove
3021 Mission Boulevard, San Diego, CA 92109
Bonita Cove is located in the in the north part of Mariner’s Basin. Because of its protected geography on three sides, this location is ideal for beginners or paddlers looking for calmer waters. Paddlers will have close views of Belmont Park to the west and Mariner’s Point to the east.
Mariner’s Basin is favorable for seeing wildlife during Night Owl Tours. Garibaldi fish, bat rays, round rays, skates, and horn sharks are some of the wildlife that can be spotted near rocky outcroppings of the basin or within patches of eelgrass. This area is also favorable for observing local birds. During the daytime, some birds that paddlers can spot include the great blue heron, California least tern, osprey, and western gull. Some local birds, such as the California least tern, are federally-listed endangered species and it is important for paddlers to avoid the nesting buffer zone located at Mariner’s Point (rocky area of the east side of the basin). While Mariner’s Basin typically has calm and flat waters, please be aware that weather, such as wind and swells, can affect conditions.
Participants are encouraged to communicate their comfort levels and tour/lesson goals with their instructor upon arrival.
Parking: a large parking lot is located directly west of Bonita Cove. However, due to its close proximity to Belmont Park, it can fill up quickly on weekends. If the west lot is full, there is nearby street parking or a parking lot located on the north side.
Meeting: Please meet our instructors on the sand on the west side of the cove, just north of San Fernando Pl.
East Mission Bay
2688 East Mission Bay Drive, San Diego, CA 92109
East Mission Bay (Clairemont Dr/Mission Bay Beach Club) is ideal for Night Owl Tours, offering paddlers a close view of the Sea World Fireworks during summer months. Paddlers can travel south along the western or eastern shorelines towards Enchanted Isle with views of Fiesta Island to the west and Mission Bay Resort to the east. Wildlife most commonly observed in this area include round rays and skates that can be found in shallow regions or patches of eel grass. Traveling south will offer paddlers the best view of fireworks which are launched at the southern point of Fiesta Island.
Paddling on the east side of Fiesta Island near Enchanted Isle during the night offers paddlers calm and shallow waters away from moving or docked watercraft. The mudflats located along the shoreline host sightings of many local birds, including western meadowlarks and horned larks.
Participants are encouraged to communicate their comfort levels and tour/lesson goals with their instructor upon arrival.
Parking: there are two parking lots close to the launch site. One is located by the Mission Bay Beach Club. The other is located near the restrooms if you turn south on Mission Bay Dr.
Meeting: Please meet our instructors on the sand between the restrooms and Mission Bay Beach Club, across from the grassy area/trees.