The PCF 816 Swift Boat Naval History Bay Tour offers a unique opportunity to explore San Diego’s maritime heritage. Participants will cruise through the bay aboard a historic vessel that served during the Vietnam War, gaining insights into the sacrifices made by sailors. With general admission to the Maritime Museum included, this intimate tour provides a fascinating glimpse into the significant role of Swift Boats in coastal operations. But what makes this experience truly special? The high-speed run under the iconic Coronado Bridge is sure to thrill even the most seasoned history buff.
This experience made our article of 16 Top Historical Tours In San Diego (With Reviews & Prices).
Key Points
- Explore the history of the Vietnam War-era PCF 816 Swift Boat through a guided tour on the waters of San Diego Bay.
- Experience firsthand the challenges and sacrifices faced by sailors who served on these nimble and powerful naval vessels.
- Enjoy a high-speed cruise under the Coronado Bridge as part of the tour, which provides a unique perspective on the city’s naval heritage.
- The tour package includes general admission to the Maritime Museum of San Diego, allowing visitors to further enjoy the region’s maritime history.
- With a maximum of 25 travelers, the tour offers an intimate and personalized experience for participants.
Tour Overview
The PCF 816 Swift Boat Naval History Bay Tour offers visitors a unique opportunity to step aboard a historic naval vessel and gain insights into the sacrifices made by sailors during their service.
Travellers will experience firsthand what it was like to serve on a Swift Boat, learning about the boat’s history and the challenges faced by its crew.
Travellers will experience firsthand what it was like to serve on a Swift Boat, learning about the boat’s history and the challenges faced by its crew.
The tour includes a cruise through San Diego Bay, featuring a high-speed run under the Coronado Bridge, providing a thrilling and immersive experience.
Beyond the books, this tour offers a chance to truly understand the naval history of the region.
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Meeting Information
Visitors meet at the Maritime Museum of San Diego, located at 1492 N Harbor Dr, San Diego, CA 92101, USA.
They check in at the Museum Ticket Booth on the Embarcadero, where staff will guide them to the waiting area.
The tour ends back at the meeting point.
The maximum number of travelers per tour is 25.
The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, but it’s located near public transportation.
Infants must sit on laps, and most travelers can participate.
What’s Included
The PCF 816 Swift Boat Naval History Bay Tour includes the opportunity to experience the PCF816 Swift Boat and gain insights into the sacrifices made by sailors during their duties.
Along With the boat tour, the package includes general admission to the Maritime Museum of San Diego.
The tour is limited to a maximum of 25 travelers, ensuring an intimate and personalized experience.
The tour is limited to a maximum of 25 travelers, ensuring an intimate and personalized experience.
Visitors will also enjoy a cruise through San Diego Bay, highlighted by a high-speed run under the iconic Coronado Bridge, providing a unique perspective on the city’s naval history.
Additional Information
Confirmation is received at the time of booking for the PCF 816 Swift Boat Naval History Bay Tour.
The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible but is near public transportation. Infants must sit on laps, and most travelers can participate. The tour is operated by the Maritime Museum of San Diego.
There’s a maximum of 25 travelers per tour. The tour ends back at the meeting point, the Maritime Museum of San Diego, where guests checked in at the beginning.
Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the experience starts.
Pricing and Reviews
The PCF 816 Swift Boat Naval History Bay Tour is priced from $48.00 per person.
The PCF 816 Swift Boat Naval History Bay Tour is priced from $48.00 per person.
Travelers have the flexibility to cancel their reservations up to 24 hours before the experience starts without incurring any fees.
Based on 5 reviews, the tour has an impressive 5.0-star rating. Guests rave about the unique opportunity to learn naval history first-hand and gain insights into the sacrifices made by sailors during their duty.
With a maximum of 25 travelers per tour, participants can expect an intimate and immersive experience aboard the historic PCF 816 Swift Boat as it cruises through San Diego Bay.
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History of the PCF 816 Swift Boat
PCF 816 was a Swift Boat, a class of fast patrol boats used by the United States Navy during the Vietnam War.
These boats were known for their speed, maneuverability, and firepower, playing a crucial role in coastal operations.
The PCF 816 served with distinction, carrying out numerous missions to interdict Viet Cong supply lines and provide support for ground troops.
Its crew braved dangerous conditions, facing enemy fire and treacherous waterways, demonstrating the bravery and dedication of the sailors who served on these vessels.
The PCF 816’s history exemplifies the vital contribution of the Swift Boats during the conflict.
One of the highlights of the PCF 816 Swift Boat Naval History Bay Tour is the opportunity to experience a high-speed run under the iconic Coronado Bridge.
Guests can feel the power of the boat as it cuts through the waters of San Diego Bay. The tour also provides a unique chance to learn about naval history beyond the pages of a textbook.
Travelers gain insights into the sacrifices made by sailors during their service. Plus, the maximum group size of 25 ensures an intimate and immersive experience aboard the historic PCF 816 Swift Boat.
Visitor Tips and Recommendations
When planning your visit, guests should arrive at the Maritime Museum of San Diego‘s ticket booth on the Embarcadero a few minutes before the scheduled tour start time. This allows time to check-in and receive any necessary instructions from the staff.
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Wear comfortable, closed-toe shoes as the Swift Boat tour may involve some light walking and standing.
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Bring a light jacket or sweater, as the bay can be breezy, especially during the high-speed run under the Coronado Bridge.
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Photography is encouraged, but ensure to secure any loose items that could be blown away.
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Expect an immersive experience and be prepared to learn about the sacrifices of sailors during the Vietnam War.
The Sum Up
The PCF 816 Swift Boat Naval History Bay Tour offers a unique opportunity to step back in time and explore San Diego’s rich maritime history. With a high-speed cruise under the Coronado Bridge and access to the Maritime Museum, this intimate tour provides an immersive experience, highlighting the sacrifices of sailors and the significance of Swift Boats in coastal operations during the Vietnam War.
📍 This experience made our list of the 16 best Historical Tours in San Diego
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