Visitors are invited to take the plunge and see San Diego’s typically tranquil waters churned into challenging aquatic arenas for professional daredevils to race, sail, swoop and dive the depths of its beautiful bays. This autumn, San Diego’s iconic waterfront welcomes visitors and adrenaline junkies alike during several extreme, world-class water sports and activities that are guaranteed to make a splash.
- One awesome weekend in September is sure to bring on an adrenaline rush, when two thrilling events take to the water. A popular local tradition wowing crowds for more than 50 years, San Diego Bayfair’s World Series of Powerboat Racing revs up on Mission Bay, Sept. 14-15. Visitors can experience the roaring sounds of race boats slicing across the bay at breakneck speeds on a 2.5-mile racecourse that is the longest and fastest on the H1 Unlimited hydroplane circuit. In addition to drag boat racing, guests can enjoy live music, a vendor village and aerial demonstrations.
- Also on Sept. 14-15, the extreme sport of swooping (parachuting over bodies of water and doing tricks and spins on the descent) leaps into San Diego during the 2nd annual Swoop Freestyle FAI World Championships off the shores of downtown’s Embarcadero Marina Park South. Spectators can witness firsthand 18 of the world’s elite swoopers perfecting their radical freestyle moves over the water, culminating in the crowning of a world champion. Weekend entertainment includes other air, land and water-based demonstrations, U.S. military aerial units displays, culinary experiences and live music.
- Pushing the boundaries of speed and skill, the Extreme Sailing Series returns to San Diego Bay on Oct. 18-21. This ultimate sailing spectacle features professional, elite-level sailors taking to the harbor aboard a fleet of hydro-foiling GC32 catamarans capable of reaching speeds of up to 39 knots (45 mph). San Diego serves as the penultimate race stop and is the only United States destination featured in this international racing series. The free event also features a range of on-shore activities, including a Race Village that will host family activities, beer gardens, food and live music. VIP packages are available, including the option to hop onboard one of the high-speed catamarans during racing.
- Fall is a prime time to ride the thrilling new SeaQuest Water Adventures on scenic San Diego Bay in a supercharged, semi-submersible vessel that looks like a bionic shark. After a short briefing at the marina, guests board a speedy RIB boat to meet the shark-designed 300 hp watercraft. This high-performance vessel speeds 60 mph across the surface of the bay, turning, diving under, leaping above and rolling on an exhilarating run navigated by a skilled pilot and tailored to adventure-seeking guests. SeaQuest also offers riders the opportunity to take photos and video of the sites along San Diego Bay from a “front row” vantage point.
Happiness is calling in #SanDiego . For more information on San Diego’s offerings, including exciting vacation packages and valuable coupons for attractions, restaurants and more, visit the San Diego Tourism Authority’s website at www.sandiego.org.
#SanDiego