San Diego’s finest buffet experiences float right on its famous harbor. These boat-based feasts combine stunning water views with quality food spreads. The champagne brunches are particularly worthwhile, offering both city skyline panoramas and impressive selections, complete with chocolate fountains. We love the seasonal dinner cruises for their live entertainment and generous buffets.
The holiday-themed sailings – especially during Easter, Thanksgiving, and Christmas – stand out for their festive atmosphere and special menus. While all cruises deliver good value, the breakfast and brunch options with unlimited champagne are our top picks for both variety and views.
Check out these recommended harbor buffet cruises:
Key Points
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The Champagne Brunch Buffet on a 2-hour cruise offers scenic views, a diverse gourmet buffet, and bottomless champagne for a premium experience.
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Seasonal Dinner Cruises provide a 3-hour dining experience with a bountiful buffet, live entertainment, and stunning views of the San Diego skyline.
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Holiday-themed cruises like Easter and Thanksgiving offer unique dining experiences on the water with live music, festive decor, and accessibility for wheelchair users.
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Breakfast and Brunch Cruises feature a 2-hour scenic yacht tour with a chef-prepared buffet, free-flowing champagne, and a narrated tour by the Captain.
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Christmas Celebrations on the Water include 2-3 hour cruises with a bountiful buffet, full bar service, festive decor, and live music for the holiday season.
Champagne Brunch Buffet
Oftentimes, the Champagne Brunch Buffet aboard the 2-hour cruise in San Diego offers an unparalleled dining experience.
With 307 positive reviews and a Badge of Excellence, this cruise boasts a gourmet buffet, bottomless champagne and mimosas, and scenic views of Coronado Bay Bridge, Seaport Village, and the downtown skyline.
The buffet stations cater to various dietary needs, featuring waffles, salads, omelets, and a chocolate fountain.
Accessibility is a priority, with wheelchair and stroller access, and infants are welcome.
Reviewers praise the attentive service, though some note concerns about food temperature and sightseeing commentary.
Read our full review: Champagne Brunch Buffet Review
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San Diego: Buffet Fall-Themed Dinner Cruise With Drinks
For a festive fall-themed evening on the San Diego Bay, consider the 3-hour dinner cruise featuring a bountiful buffet and drinks.
Priced from $109.07 per person, the cruise offers a non-refundable experience with seasonal dishes like roast potatoes, salmon, and apple crumble. Unlimited coffee, tea, and water are included, while additional drinks can be purchased.
Enjoy live DJ entertainment and stunning views of the San Diego skyline. Though the overall rating is 4.1/5, some customers reported cold food and disorganization.
Be sure to bring a valid ID and note the wheelchair-accessible boarding deck, as stairs are required for outer decks.
Read our full review: San Diego: Buffet Fall-Themed Dinner Cruise With Drinks Review
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San Diego: Scenic Buffet Dinner Cruise
For a scenic and memorable evening on the San Diego Bay, the Scenic Buffet Dinner Cruise offers an unparalleled dining experience.
At $109.07 per person, you’ll enjoy a 3-hour cruise featuring a bountiful buffet with seasonal favorites like roast potatoes, salmon, and apple crumble. Unlimited coffee, tea, and water are included, and you can purchase additional drinks.
The onboard DJ creates a lively atmosphere as you take in the stunning views of the San Diego skyline. While the menu may change, the overall experience is sure to delight, with 4.1/5 ratings praising the food and staff.
Just remember to bring your ID and be mindful of the non-refundable cancellation policy.
Read our full review: San Diego: Scenic Buffet Dinner Cruise Review
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San Diego: Easter Buffet Brunch or Dinner Harbor Cruise
The San Diego Easter Buffet Brunch or Dinner Harbor Cruise offers a delightful way to celebrate the holiday on the water.
You’ll enjoy a 2-2.5 hour experience sailing San Diego Bay, taking in scenic views from the Coronado Bridge to Cabrillo National Monument.
Onboard, you’ll be entertained by live music and greeted by the Easter Bunny.
Your dining options include a bountiful brunch buffet or a plated dinner menu, both featuring seasonal dishes and free-flowing beverages.
While the cruise is wheelchair accessible, the outer decks require navigating stairs.
Semi-formal attire is recommended, and a photo ID is required upon boarding.
Availability and meeting points vary, so be sure to check before booking this non-refundable experience.
Read our full review: San Diego: Easter Buffet Brunch or Dinner Harbor Cruise Review
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San Diego: Thanksgiving Day Buffet Brunch or Dinner Cruise
Celebrating Thanksgiving in San Diego can be made extra special with a delightful Buffet Brunch or Dinner Cruise along the harbor.
The 2-hour San Diego: Buffet Breakfast and Brunch Boat Cruise offers a scenic cruise and a bountiful buffet for SEK 1,090 per person.
For a Thanksgiving dinner option, the San Diego: Buffet Thanksgiving Day Dinner Harbor Cruise provides a 2-hour cruise with a holiday-themed buffet, priced at SEK 1,090 per person.
Both cruises feature breathtaking views of the San Diego skyline and harbor.
With ample seating, live music, and a delicious Thanksgiving spread, these cruises provide a unique and memorable way to celebrate the holiday in San Diego.
Read our full review: San Diego: Thanksgiving Day Buffet Brunch or Dinner Cruise Review
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San Diego: Buffet Breakfast and Brunch Boat Cruise
Frequently, San Diego’s Buffet Breakfast and Brunch Boat Cruise offers a captivating 2-hour scenic yacht tour along the harbor, accompanied by a chef-prepared buffet featuring seasonal dishes.
For $99.64 per person, you’ll enjoy free-flowing champagne and sparkling cider, private table seating, and a narrated tour by the Captain on the sun deck.
Savor breakfast selections like scrambled eggs and French toast, or opt for lunch items such as Caesar salad and oven-roasted salmon.
With an overall rating of 4.7/5 based on 112 reviews, this wheelchair-accessible experience is a smart casual affair that’s sure to delight.
Don’t forget your photo ID for boarding.
Read our full review: San Diego: Buffet Breakfast and Brunch Boat Cruise Review
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San Diego: Christmas Day Buffet Brunch or Dinner Cruise
Celebrate the holiday season aboard a luxurious yacht for San Diego’s Christmas Day Buffet Brunch or Dinner Cruise. Priced from $134.52 per person, the 2-3 hour non-refundable experience offers a bountiful buffet, full bar service, and scenic views of iconic San Diego landmarks.
Savor breakfast favorites, salads, entrees like oven-roasted turkey and tri-tip steak, and decadent desserts. Enjoy unlimited mimosas, coffee, and tea.
Board at Pier 1 and take in the festive decor and live music. While the reviews are mixed, the cruise promises a memorable holiday celebration on the water.
Wheelchair accessible and with optional hotel pickup, this could be the perfect Christmas Day activity in San Diego.
Read our full review: San Diego: Christmas Day Buffet Brunch or Dinner Cruise Review
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San Diego: Christmas Eve Buffet Brunch or Dinner Cruise
Enjoy a memorable Christmas Eve celebration aboard a luxurious yacht for San Diego’s Christmas Eve Buffet Brunch or Dinner Cruise.
Priced from $107.72 per person, you’ll embark on a 2-3 hour scenic cruise of San Diego Bay, with a buffet of brunch or dinner favorites, including unlimited mimosas, and live music entertainment.
Explore the climate-controlled interior and open-air rooftop decks while taking in views of the USS Midway and Coronado Bridge.
The all-inclusive package covers hotel pickup, gratuities, and holiday decor, making this a hassle-free and unforgettable holiday experience.
Whether you opt for the brunch or dinner menu, you’re sure to savor a delightful feast on the water this Christmas Eve.
Read our full review: San Diego: Christmas Eve Buffet Brunch or Dinner Cruise Review
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The Sum Up
San Diego offers a variety of exceptional buffet experiences, from scenic dinner cruises to themed holiday brunches. Whether you’re craving a lavish champagne-filled affair or a cozy Christmas feast, the city’s diverse buffet options cater to every taste and occasion. Indulge in these delightful culinary journeys and savor the best of San Diego’s buffet scene.