AFISHA LIFE
San Diego
Explore
Walking Tours
General Admission with PCF 816 Swift Boat Naval History Bay Tour

General Admission with PCF 816 Swift Boat Naval History Bay Tour

Overview

PCF 816 is a tangible reminder of the service and dedication of so many Swift Boat sailors and allows visitors the opportunity to better understand what they sacrificed. The Swift Boat Sailors Association brought the PCF 816 Swift Boat to the Maritime Museum of San Diego to be restored and operated on San Diego Bay.

Museum visitors now can experience the sound and throbbing vibration from two V12 diesels delivering 980 horsepower for high speed runs through the Bay while retired Swift Boat Sailors and docents talk about what it was like to be a crewman in Vietnam, serving as a Quartermaster, Gunner’s Mate, Engineman, Radarman, Bosun’s Mate or Skipper.

The Navy first used them on coastal patrol as a part of Operation Market Time to interdict seaborne supplies on their way to the Viet Cong and the North Vietnamese Army in South Vietnam. Later, the boats moved into the rivers and canals of the Mekong Delta and the Ca Mau peninsula to conduct special operations.

City: San Diego

Sat 21 Jun

Other dates

You can choose the date already on the booking website

Starting at $48.00

Make a reservation

Sat 21 Jun

Starting at $48.00

Make a reservation

New York City Tours

Unique Activities (21) Transfers & Transportation (175) Tours, Sightseeing & Cruises (252) Entry Tickets (96) Sporting Events (4) Good for Small Groups (27) Seasonal & Holiday Tours (113) Walking Tours (705) Outdoor Activities (48) Limitied Availability Tours (29) LGBT Friendly Tours (9) Family-friendly Activities (8) Wildlife Activities (6) Solo Travelers' Tours (147) Food & Drinks (96) Travelers recommend (174) Good for Groups (32) Top Activities (75) Guided Audio Tours (10) Art, Culture & History (406) Attractions to explore (43) Sustainable Tours (1) Limousine Transfers (5) Donut Walking Tour (2) Virtual Experiences (1) Additional fees (7) DSA non-compliant (17)

What's Included

General Admission Ticket

PCF 816 Swift Boat Naval History Bay Tour

Additional Info

Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Traveler Photos

Reviews (5)

annasH9270WL

Nov 2022

This was the most amazing thing we did on our fantastic trip. Great value, totally run by volunteers who are passionate about their job and the US Navy. You not only get a history tour, but a spectacular harbour cruise with a little speed boat riding thrown in. Honesty, don't miss it :)

Response from Host

Jun 2024

Thank you for visiting plus taking time for the Naval History Bay tour with our Veteran Swift boat sailors.

Vacation800328

Nov 2024

The San Diego Maritime Museum conducts a tour around the San Diego Harbor listening to historical commentary on the Vietnam War river patrol boat. The shallow draft allows you to approach relatively close compared to a large pleasure boat, and on the sea surface where there are no other ships or obstacles around, you can increase the speed to 25 knots and experience the combat speed of bygone days. I wanted to get on the day before I left, but it was full and I wanted to give up, and the museum staff said, "I'll leave your stuff here."

Response from Host

Feb 2025

Thank you for joining us on the PCF 816 Swift boat Naval History Tour. Adding this educational experience to general admission is a wonderful choice.