San Diego

San Diego is the farthest Southwest City one can ride Personal Watercraft in.

Places to Ride:   
Mission Bay – Launch Site
San Diego Bay – Launch Site
Oceanside – Launch Site
Ocean from Mexico Border to Oceanside

Weather:
Winter: Air 55F-65F
Summer: Air 70-85F
What else to do:
Sea World, San Diego Zoo, Surfing, Fishing, Gas Lamp District Dining and Entertainment, Miramar Air Show (Late October), Shopping Fashion Valley Outdoor mall

On the water, the weather normally ranges from the low to mid 50’s in winter months (Jan and Feb), up to high 70’s to low 80’s in Summer. The water temperatures normally stand at about 68 to 70 in the summer and down to 56-58 in winter.
While many people ride in Swim trunks in summer, it is still advisable when riding offshore to have a 3/2 wetsuit, as the wind mixed with 70 degree temps and water can still make a ride uncomfortably cool. Winter riders will definitely want a seam sealed 3/2 or 4/3 wetsuit or a jacket.The most popular riding area for the masses is Mission bay the nations largest man made aquatic park and home to Sea World. Mission Bay although having many different alcoves and nooks and crannies, only has 1 main open speed area barely 1.5 miles in total length, which is shared with many, many other boaters in the summer. There is also a very small dedicated Personal Watercraft Area. Mission Bay is best in the off season, where glasslike conditions can be enjoyed all to ones self. Nicest and least uncrowded launch is South Shores Boat ramp.San Diego Bay is  home to the nations South Pacific Naval Fleet, as well as a few cruise ships and larger tanker ships is considerably larger and has mostly all open speed area except for portions about 2 miles south of the Coronado Bridge. Most people use the Shelter Island launch ramp on Point Loma for access.Crystal clear waters can be found off of the La Jolla and Point Loma coast. Surfers abound on the coast, and you are advised to stay at least 1000ft from shore by law, and a few hundred feet away (on the outside) from swimmers and surfers. Unfortunately San Diego does not afford any place to beach your craft along the ocean coast. Most of Coronado beach is Military installations, other coastline is rocky and drops right off without beach and most times surf would be too rough to beach a craft safely.

A word about the Mexican border– Use common sense and don’t even think about crossing into Mexican Waters, there is nothing to gain and you risk the possibility of having your watercraft seized by the government. (and your insurance is not going to cover that)

A word about Navy Ships in San Diego Bay- Most Navy ships in San Diego Bay are now protected by very large inflatable booms, which would prevent you from getting uncomfortable close to the ships. However, in the event there is a Navy ship which is not protected by these inflatable booms, AVOID the temptation to get close to the ships. We are currently at War, and the Navy is authorized to use deadly force if they feel that you may represent a threat.