Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know before you hit the water. Can’t find an answer? Contact us or, for a quicker response, text us.
What is the maximum number of people allowed on your boats?
10 maximum passengers. Children and infants count as a passenger as per US Coast Guard Regulations.
Are pets allowed on the boats?
Unfortunately, under no circumstances are any kind of pets allowed on the boat. Thank you for your understanding.
Do your boats come with safety equipment?
Yes, all of our Duffy electric boats come equipped with necessary safety equipment, including life jackets, fire extinguishers, first aid kits, and an onboard map.
Do kids need to wear life vests?
Yes, kids under 13 MUST wear life vests at all times. This is a USCG regulation.
Can we fish or swim off the boat?
Unfortunately, fishing or swimming are not allowed off the boats.
Do boats operate in the rain?
Yes, our boats do operate in the rain, as they can be completely enclosed from the elements. If the weather becomes unsafe with lightning or high winds, we may cancel at the last minute, including at departure time or while you are out on the water. If we cancel your rental, you will receive a full refund.
Do you provide captains on rental boats?
No. Our Duffy electric boats are self-captained rentals, so you get to be the captain of your own Mission Bay adventure! Our boats are easy to operate, and our team provides safety and driving instructions before departure. No previous boating experience is required.
Can we bring drinking glassware onboard?
For the safety of you and your passengers, no glassware is allowed on boats.
Is the boat easy to drive and how old do you have to be?
San Diego Electric Boats are as easy to drive as a golf cart and go 5–6 mph. You must be 21 years old to drive and have valid identification. We provide a detailed map of Mission Bay and go over how to drive the boat before you depart.
Can the boats cruise out in the ocean?
No. Our Duffy electric boats must remain within the permitted cruising areas of Mission Bay. They cannot travel into the Pacific Ocean. Anchoring is not permitted during your rental. Before departure, our team provides a map and safety instructions explaining where you may cruise.
Can we anchor the boat during our rental?
No. Anchoring is not permitted during your Duffy boat rental on Mission Bay. Your rental is intended for cruising and enjoying the scenery. Before departure, our team provides a map and safety instructions explaining where you may cruise.
Is there music on the boat?
You are welcome to bring your Bluetooth-enabled devices, as all electric boats are equipped with Bluetooth-enabled radios. Cruising on our electric boats wouldn't be complete without your favorite playlist!
Do we need to bring a cooler?
All of our boats come equipped with a built-in cooler, so bringing your own is optional! However, a personal cooler makes it easy to carry your favorite snacks and drinks on and off the boat. Our spacious Sun Cruisers have plenty of room for an additional cooler, while space is a bit more limited on the Snug Harbor. Don't forget the ice! If you plan to use the built-in cooler, be sure to bring your own.
What time should I show up to my reservation?
We recommend getting here 30-40 minutes before to get checked in and learn how to operate the electric boats. Prior to departure, a San Diego Electric Boat Rental's representative will orient you on how to operate the boat safely, including a basic understanding of waterway rules.
Will I get cold on the boat?
All of our electric boat rentals have full window enclosures that can go up or down depending on what you feel comfortable with. If you keep all the windows down the boats stay extremely insulated and warm. You are welcome to bring any blankets with you, too.
Will my kids have fun?
Absolutely! A Duffy boat rental is a wonderful way for families to explore Mission Bay together. Kids can enjoy watching for sea lions and other wildlife while cruising the calm waters. Bring your favorite snacks, enjoy music onboard, and make lasting family memories. Our electric boats are quiet, comfortable, and easy to operate. We provide safety instructions before departure, and life jackets are provided onboard. Children under 13 must wear a properly fitted life jacket at all times while aboard.
Are there any extra fees or expenses besides the rental price?
Yes. Taxes and booking fees are added at checkout. A $500.00 security deposit authorization will be required when you sign the rental contract before you shove off in the event of a late return, extra cleanup, rescue and/or any other losses or damage to the boat. Your credit card will NOT be charged unless there has been an incident or damage to the vessel. Enjoy the boats, but please care for them as if they were your own! A liability waiver must be signed in order to rent an electric boat.
What is the cancellation policy?
Customer cancellations made within 48 hours of the scheduled departure time will be charged in full, while customer cancellations made prior to the 48-hour window receive a full refund. Rebookings are subject to a $50 fee. If we cancel your rental, you will receive a full refund, even if the cancellation is at the last minute.
What is the best electric boat rental in San Diego?
San Diego Electric Boat Rentals is one of the top-rated Duffy electric boat rental companies on Mission Bay. Our fleet includes 11 Duffy electric boats across three models — the Pinky 21 Sun Cruiser, the 21 Sun Cruiser, and the 18 Snug Harbor — all self-captained with no boating license required. Our location at Driscoll's Mission Bay Marina, 1548 Quivira Way, puts you right on the water with easy access to Mission Bay Park.
How many Duffy electric boats do you have?
San Diego Electric Boat Rentals has a fleet of 11 Duffy electric boats on Mission Bay: nine standard 21 Sun Cruisers, one Pinky 21 Sun Cruiser, and one 18 Snug Harbor. All three models accommodate up to 10 passengers per boat and are available for 90-minute or 3-hour self-captained rentals.
Where can I rent a Duffy boat in San Diego?
You can rent a Duffy electric boat at San Diego Electric Boat Rentals, located at Driscoll's Mission Bay Marina, 1548 Quivira Way, San Diego, CA 92109, on Mission Bay. We're open Tuesday through Sunday. No boating license is required, and boats are available for 90-minute or 3-hour rentals. All reservations must be made online at sandiegoelectricboats.com, where our booking calendar displays real-time availability. For questions, call (858) 216-6518.
How much does it cost to rent an electric boat in San Diego?
Our rental rates start at $221 for a 90-minute rental and $359 for a 3-hour rental on the 21 Sun Cruiser and 18 Snug Harbor. The Pinky 21 Sun Cruiser starts at $232 for 90 minutes and $369 for 3 hours. Taxes and booking fees are added at checkout. All rates are for the full boat — not per person — so the more people you bring, the better the value. A $500 security deposit authorization is required at check-in.
Do I need a boating license to rent a Duffy boat?
No boating license is required to rent one of our Duffy electric boats. Our boats travel at a leisurely 5–6 mph and are as easy to operate as a golf cart. You must be 21 years old with a valid ID to drive. Before you depart, one of our team members will walk you through how to operate the boat and review basic waterway rules.
Is San Diego Electric Boat Rentals good for a birthday party?
Absolutely — birthday parties are one of our most popular occasions! Our boats comfortably fit up to 10 guests, come with a built-in cooler, and are equipped with Bluetooth stereo so you can play your own music. You're welcome to bring food, drinks, and decorations. The Pinky 21 Sun Cruiser is especially popular for birthday celebrations thanks to its festive pink-striped canopy.
Is a Duffy boat rental good for a bachelorette party in San Diego?
Yes! Duffy boat rentals are a fantastic bachelorette party activity in San Diego. You can bring your own drinks and snacks, play music via Bluetooth, and cruise Mission Bay at your own pace. Our Pinky 21 Sun Cruiser is a fan favorite for bachelorette groups. With up to 10 guests, it's perfect for the whole crew. Book early — weekend slots fill up fast.
Where do you launch from and where is parking?
We are located at Driscoll's Mission Bay Marina, 1548 Quivira Way, San Diego, CA 92109. Free parking is available across the street, and paid parking is available inside the marina near the boats. Customers check in inside Aqua Adventure — San Diego Electric Boat Rentals and Aqua Adventure are separate businesses, but check-in takes place inside Aqua Adventure's space. We recommend arriving 30–40 minutes before your reservation to allow time for check-in and orientation.
What should I bring on a Duffy boat rental?
We recommend bringing food and non-alcoholic or alcoholic beverages (no glass), sunscreen, a light jacket or blanket for cooler weather, and a Bluetooth speaker playlist ready to go. The boat has a built-in cooler — just bring your own ice. Leave the glassware at home; only plastic or canned drinks are allowed onboard.
Can I see sea lions on a Mission Bay boat rental?
Yes! Sea lions are a common and delightful sight on Mission Bay. Look for sea lions lounging on the bait barge and coastal birds around the bay. It's one of the highlights guests mention most — especially for kids. Our boats travel at a slow, quiet 5–6 mph, which makes wildlife encounters even more likely.
What areas of Mission Bay can we explore?
Mission Bay Park is a 4,235-acre aquatic park — the largest man-made aquatic park in the United States. On your rental you can cruise past Fiesta Island, De Anza Cove, Vacation Isle, and Ski Beach. You'll see wildlife, waterfront parks, and stunning views of the San Diego skyline. Our team provides a detailed map before you depart so you can plan your route.
How long has San Diego Electric Boat Rentals been in business?
San Diego Electric Boat Rentals is a family-owned business established in 2013. We originally operated on San Diego Bay before moving to Mission Bay in 2014. With more than a decade of experience in Duffy electric boat rentals, we're proud to help families, friends, and visitors create lasting memories on the water.
What are your hours of operation?
San Diego Electric Boat Rentals is open Tuesday through Sunday, from 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM. We are closed on Mondays. All reservations must be made online at sandiegoelectricboats.com, where our booking calendar displays real-time availability. For your security, we do not accept reservations or credit card information over the phone.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to get out on the water? Book your Duffy boat rental today.
(858) 216-6518