San Diego Sailing Lessons
Learn to sail on San Diego Bay aboard Wolf, our classic Cal 34. Private lessons for up to 4 students: 3 hours for $299, or 4 hours for $399.
- Up to 4 students
- First-timers to experienced sailors
- Full refund if we cancel for weather
Choose your lesson
Every lesson is private: just you, up to 3 others you bring, and Captain Sal. Lessons leave from Safe Harbor Cabrillo Isle Marina on Harbor Island.
3-Hour Lesson
A focused session on the skills you choose, from your first time at the helm to sail trim and docking practice.
4-Hour Lesson
More time to practice, and time to work on bigger skills like reefing, changing the sail plan and handling stronger wind.
Prices are for the boat, up to 4 students, before 12% taxes and fees. Lessons are private coaching and don't include certification; if you'd like ASA certification, we can help arrange it. Online booking is paid in full; to arrange a deposit, call or text us.
What you'll learn
Every lesson is built around you: your pace, your goals and your experience. With one instructor and no class to keep up with, you get feedback right at the helm and learn faster.
- The basics, done rightSteering, tacking and jibing, reading the wind and trimming the sails.
- Docking and boat handlingLeaving and returning to the dock, and handling the boat in close quarters.
- Safety on the waterMan-overboard drills and water safety.
- Heavier weatherReefing, changing the sail plan, reading the waves and keeping the helm balanced.
Our students at the helm
On every lesson, you steer. Here are a few of our students taking the wheel.
Who our lessons are for
First-timers
Never sailed before? Start with the basics on the calm water of San Diego Bay. No experience needed.
Returning and certified sailors
ASA-certified, or a little rusty? Sharpen your skills, practice docking, and build confidence before you take a boat out yourself.
Couples, friends and families
Up to 4 students share one lesson for one price, so you can learn to sail together.
Want ASA certification?
Our lessons are private coaching and don't include a certificate. We work closely with Learn To Sail San Diego, and if you'd like to get ASA certified, we can help arrange it. Call or text 619-488-7763 and we'll talk through the best next step for you.
Want to look at their courses first? Learn To Sail San Diego opens in a new tab, so this page stays right here.
Good to know
Your instructor
Captain Sal is a USCG-licensed Master with a sailing endorsement and an ASA-certified instructor. Wolf, a classic Cal 34, has been our boat since 2014.
What to bring
Soft-soled shoes, layers, sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses. Water, soft drinks and snacks are on us. What to wear sailing
Weather and refunds
If we cancel for weather, you get a 100% refund. Cancel 24 hours or more before your lesson and you get a full refund.
Where we meet
Safe Harbor Cabrillo Isle Marina, 1450 Harbor Island Dr, San Diego, CA 92101, by the seal fountain at the parking lot entrance. We give you a $5 parking voucher that covers your lesson time. Get directions
For lifeguards and first responders: as our thank-you to the lifeguards and fire and rescue crews who look after everyone on the water, they get 50% off ASA 101, plus a continuing discount program to become proficient on displacement sailing vessels and understand how sailboats work, especially when motors fail and only wind power is available. Call or text 619-243-6695 to set it up.
Other ways to sail with us
Shared sailing tours
Book a seat on a day, sunset or wildlife sail, from $109 per person.
Wildlife sails
4 hours on the open ocean looking for dolphin pods, migrating whales, seals and seabirds.
San Diego sailing lessons: your questions
Do I need any sailing experience?
No. We teach first-timers and experienced sailors alike, and every lesson is built around your experience and goals.
How many students can take a lesson?
Up to 4. The price is for the boat, so 1 to 4 students pay the same: $299 for 3 hours or $399 for 4 hours.
Do I get a certificate?
Our lessons are private coaching without certification. We work closely with Learn To Sail San Diego, and if you'd like to get ASA certified, we can help arrange it.
What will I learn?
It depends on your goals: steering, tacking and jibing, sail trim, docking, man-overboard drills and water safety, and for more experienced sailors, reefing and handling stronger wind.
Should I book 3 or 4 hours?
3 hours is a good first lesson or a focused practice session. 4 hours gives you more time at the helm and room to work on bigger skills.
Is there a discount for lifeguards and first responders?
Yes. Lifeguards and first responders get 50% off ASA 101, plus a continuing discount program. Call or text 619-243-6695 to set it up.
What happens if the weather is bad?
If we cancel for weather, you get a 100% refund. Cancellations made 24 hours or more before your lesson are also fully refunded.
Ready to take the helm?
Pick a 3 or 4-hour lesson and choose a date. We'll see you at the seal fountain.