San Diego’s Top Floating Venues: Creating Unforgettable Incentives for Event Professionals
From luxurious yachts and historic ships to innovative floating event centres, set sail for an unforgettable experience on San Diego's stunning waters. With its vibrant maritime culture and exceptional floating venues, San Diego offers a treasure trove of options to host memorable corporate events and incentive trips.
WELCOME ABOARD The Inspiration: The Perfect Private Yacht Charter Experience
Step aboard The Inspiration, a 63-foot private yacht, and embark on a bespoke cruise through San Diego Bay. With the ability to host up to 49 passengers, it makes for the perfect intimate corporate outings, private event or gala dinner. Customise your route to showcase the iconic downtown San Diego skyline, historic ships, playful sea lions, and landmarks like Glorietta Bay and the iconic Hotel Del Coronado for an experience like no other. Whether it's a sophisticated sunset cocktail reception with panoramic views or a day filled with team-building activities on the water, this yacht offers the flexibility and luxury to make any event truly special.
Event Planner Tips:
Host a Themed Dinner Cruise: Delight your guests with a gourmet dinner, live music, and themed decorations for a magical evening.
Incorporate Team-Building Activities: Organise interactive challenges like navigation exercises or a nautical scavenger hunt.
Personalized Nautical Gifts: Surprise your guests with custom nautical-themed keepsakes to commemorate their unique experience.
Set Sail with Hornblower Cruises & Events
Experience the thrill of San Diego Bay aboard Hornblower Cruises – San Diego’s most popular cruise line. With over 30 years’ experience, Hornblower offers a range of experiences including scenic champagne brunch cruises, elegant dinner cruises, whale watching, and private charters. Their fleet of seven distinct yachts can accommodate up to 1,000 guests, so whether you’re hosting a large corporate gala or a cozy team-building excursion you’re all set for a seamless experience of dining, sightseeing and cruising.
Event Planner Tips
Host a Corporate Gala: Transform the deck into a grand gala space with stunning nighttime views of the cityscape.
Brunch Networking Event: Offer a relaxed atmosphere for networking with a brunch cruise accompanied by live jazz music.
Interactive Experiences: Enhance the cruise with guided sightseeing tours or engaging whale watching excursions.
Experience the Thrill with AC Sail Expert
Jump aboard the AC Sail Expert and experience the ultimate maritime adventure with their spectacular array of yachts, including the famous America's Cup yachts. With over 22 years of experience, their crew know just how to put on a 5-star experience from thrilling regattas and elegant dinner sails to whale watching adventures for up to 400 guests.
Event Planner Tips
Team-Building Regatta: Ignite team spirit with a regatta where teams compete in friendly races, fostering camaraderie and collaboration.
Luxury Dinner Cruise: Delight your guests with a gourmet dinner on a luxury yacht, featuring a curated wine list and live entertainment.
Customised Sailing Adventures: Craft personalised sailing journeys, allowing guests to learn sailing techniques or simply relax and enjoy the cruise.
Sail into Adventure with America's Cup Sailing
Welcome to the Stars & Stripes USA-11, the yacht famously raced by Dennis Conner during the 1992 America's Cup campaign. An exhilarating, interactive 3-hour sailing adventure, the Stars & Stripes USA-11 is widely considered one of the top sailing experiences in the area. Roll up your sleeves and be a part of the action as you learn to hoist and trim the sails or take a turn at the helm. After all what better way to experience the thrill of sailing than aboard one of the world's fastest and most famous yachts. America's Cup Sailing offers a unique combination of excitement and history, perfect for corporate groups seeking a memorable and engaging experience. The hands-on nature of the activity encourages teamwork and active participation, making it ideal for incentive trips focused on building strong connections and rewarding top performers.
Event Planner Tips
Sailing Workshops: Include hands-on workshops where guests learn sailing basics from experienced crew members.
Exclusive Charter: Book the yacht exclusively for a personalized sailing adventure.
Post-Sailing Celebration: Host a celebratory dockside reception with drinks and appetizers after the thrilling sail.
Elevate Your Event at Harbor Float Event Center at Coasterra
Located on Harbor Island, Coasterra offers over 28,000 square feet of event space, including a restaurant, lounge, and floating event centre. With breathtaking views of the San Diego skyline, indulge in Modern Mexican Cuisine crafted by Partner/Chef Deborah Scott, paired with an extensive cocktail list featuring over 70 agave spirits. Coasterra’s floating event centre certainly provides an astonishing venue for corporate events with its combination of innovative cuisine, spectacular views, and versatile event spaces.
Event Planner Tips
Skyline Dinner Reception: Host an elegant dinner reception with the stunning San Diego skyline as your backdrop.
Mixology Workshops: Organize cocktail masterclasses where guests can learn to craft signature drinks with agave spirits.
Interactive Dining Experiences: Enhance the event with live cooking stations or chef demonstrations, offering a unique culinary experience.
Step Back in Time with Sternwheelers of Evans Hotels
Board the Bahia Belle or William D. Evans and take yourself on a nostalgic journey back to the 1860s aboard your very own Mississippi riverboat replica. These elegant ships offer a charming and unique setting for events and are well equipped to handle up to 600 guests – perfect for an evening reception, banquet or cruise on Mission Bay. With its blend of modern amenities and classic, vintage atmosphere who could ask for a better setting for a memorable and unique incentive.
Event Planner Tips
Historical Themed Events: Transport your guests to the 1860s with period costumes and décor.
Large-Scale Receptions: Utilize the expansive decks and indoor spaces for grand receptions and networking events.
Mission Bay Cruises: Offer scenic cruises around Mission Bay, providing a picturesque and relaxing setting for your event.
Set Sail at the Maritime Museum
Whether you're looking for indoor or outdoor spaces, the Maritime museum provides a unique and historical setting for corporate events, receptions and incentives alike with up to six historic ships to choose from. Get ready for an evening filled with history, education, and breathtaking views. Their team know just how to add a touch of grandeur and exclusivity to any event.
Event Planner Tips
Historic Ship Tours: Include guided tours of the museum’s historic ships as part of your event.
Themed Dinners: Host themed dinners or receptions on the deck of a historic ship, complete with period-appropriate décor and entertainment.
Team-Building Activities: Organize team-building activities that incorporate the rich maritime history and unique setting.
Luxury Awaits with Flagship Cruises & Events
A family-owned company dating back to the early 1900s, Flagship Cruises & Events offers luxury yachts for a number of experiences, including gourmet dinner cruises, whale watching, harbour tours, and private charters. Their premier fleet provides unparalleled service and breathtaking views, ensuring an exceptional experience for all guests. And with their versatile range of options for corporate events, it’s certainly an easy choice to find the perfect fit for your group size and event type.
Event Planner Tips
Gourmet Dinner Cruises: Treat your guests to a sophisticated dinner cruise with exquisite cuisine and live entertainment.
Adventure Excursions: Add excitement with activities like whale watching or a thrilling jet boat ride.
Customized Harbor Tours: Craft personalized harbor tours highlighting key San Diego landmarks and attractions.
Sail into History with Sail Cloudia
A beautifully restored Norwegian double-ended ketch, the Cloudia, offers a classic sailing experience inspired by the designs of the famed naval architect Colin Archer. Providing a charming and intimate setting with its hands-on sailing experience and rich historic background it’s certainly a standout choice for any team-building or incentive event.
Event Planner Tips
Intimate Sailing Excursions: Offer personalized sailing trips where guests can learn about the vessel’s history and enjoy hands-on sailing.
Historical Presentations: Include talks on the vessel’s design and historical significance as part of the event.
Dockside Receptions: Host a reception on the dock with nautical-themed refreshments after the sailing adventure.
Explore the USS Midway Museum
Take a page out of the old history book and embark on a journey through the years aboard the USS Midway, one of the longest-serving aircraft carriers in the U.S. Navy. The museum offers a unique venue for corporate events, complete with self-guided audio tours, interactive flight simulators, and a collection of restored aircraft.
Why It's Ideal for Event Professionals
A distinctive and engaging setting for corporate events, the USS Midway Museum combines history, education, and entertainment for an interactive and immersive experience.
Event Planner Tips
Guided Tours: Offer guided tours of the aircraft carrier to provide guests with a deeper understanding of its history and significance.
Interactive Exhibits: Encourage guests to explore the museum’s interactive exhibits, such as flight simulators and climb-in aircraft.
Unique Event Spaces: Utilize the ship’s various spaces for different event components, such as a keynote speech in the hangar or a reception on the flight deck.