Southern California is one of the top tourist destinations in the entire United States. From theme parks to the beach, to the mountains, there is something for everyone when they visit San Diego. But if there is one thing that you can count on, San Diego loves the water.
If you have a desire to learn and have fun on the water, you’ll find it here in San Diego. Opportunities for fun on the water range from kitesurfing, windsurfing, stand-up (aka SUP) surfing, sailing, scuba diving, kayaking, wakeboarding, and jet skiing. Each of these specialties takes its own special approach to wave-riding and requires its own specialized gear and a specific San Diego location.
Here are some of the exciting water sport activities that can be enjoyed in North County San Diego.
1. California Watersports at the Agua Hedionda Lagoon
4215 Harrison Street, Carlsbad, California 92008
From paddleboards and kayaks to Waverunners and power boats, California Watersports has something for everyone on the calm Agua Hedionda Lagoon! The lagoon is the perfect place for all experience levels to get out on the water and have a great time. Whether you’re looking to get a workout in or just chill and enjoy the scenery, this is the place to be to enjoy the water. Kick back on one of their private beaches, whip around on a mini power boat, or tour the lagoon on a swan boat – there is a lot of fun to be had here.
The lagoon is big enough to accommodate those who want to experience the thrill of power sports such as jet skiing, motor boating or wake boarding while at the same time offering slower-paced sports such as kayaking, paddle boarding and aqua cycling.
Use code or mention Haustay-10 at check-out to receive 10% off!
2. Learn To Surf
Enjoy The Ride Surf School is a company that instructs beginners and intermediates into the world of surfing. For a first-time beginner or a seasoned intermediate, Enjoy The Ride Surf School has the experience and skills to help anyone progress and have an amazing surfing experience. They provide lessons from Encinitas to Oceanside.
SoCal Surf Lessons coaches surfing based on each person’s skill level and offer same-day appointments. They will provide top-of-the-line wet suits and surfboards and guarantee you’ll be up and surfing your first lesson or your next lesson is free!
Mention Haustay at both for 10% off!
3. Stand-Up Paddle (SUP)
Stand-up surfing requires a big floaty board and a long canoe-style paddle. SUP surfers sacrifice maneuverability in exchange for the advantage of catching waves earlier and riding them longer. Contact SoCal Surf Lessons for multi-day rentals and rental drop-off options.
4. Kitesurfing
Kitesurfing can be best described as a blend of wakeboarding and paragliding. One good thing is the ability to share the ocean. Kitesurfers thrive in the stormy, blown-out wind conditions that traditional surfers avoid. Instead of merely surfing the waves, kitesurfers use them as kickers to catch air. Similar to windsurfing, but with far more dramatic results, kitesurfers use oncoming waves to catch huge air and endless hang times, courtesy of the parachute-like kite’s lift power. Pacific Beach and the Coronado Shores areas are popular kite sites, although beginners like to start out at places like Fiesta Island on the protected waters of the Bay.
If you want to take a lesson, check out Manta in Fiesta Island.
5. Charter a Sailboat
The charming Oceanside harbor is a great spot to go on an ocean adventure by chartering a peaceful sailboat at sunset with Pacific Coast Sail Charters, embarking on a thrilling whale-watching expedition with Oceanside Adventures, or joining a sport fishing excursion hosted by Oceanside Sea Center or Helgren’s Sportfishing!
6. Go Deep Sea Fishing
Deep sea sportfishing: Helgren’s Sportfishing is a family-owned company that has been operating out of the Oceanside Harbor for 45 years! With 3 different vessels to choose from, and half-day to multi-day excursions, or the option of a private charter, you can select the fishing trip that best suits your needs. Excursion packages range from $75-$300 per person.
7. See Whales or Dolphins In the Wild
Join in on the adventure as you set sail in search of your special sighting of dolphins and whales with Oceanside Whale Watching. Climb aboard a luxury, single-level vessel that provides fun for all ages. Tours are 2 hours long, and depending on the time of year, you have a chance to see gray whales, minke whales, humpbacks, fin whales, and all 4 species of dolphins. You may even get lucky and see orcas, pilot whales, turtles, sharks, and of course a lot of sun fish and sea lions. Tickets range from $45-$55 per person for your seat on the catamaran.
8. Custom Beach Setup With Beach Genie
Beach Genie is focused on fulfilling your ultimate beach day wishes and taking the stress out of bringing all of your gear to the beach. They provide everything you need for a completely pampered experience, including extra plush beach towels, handcrafted chairs, side tables, high quality fiberglass umbrellas with over 7 feet of shading, and coolers stocked with local, alkaline waters. Choose from a cabana party during the day to a s’mores setup in the evening.
Mention that you are a Haustay guest and receive 10% off your setup.
