Chula Vista Ferry Service to Downtown San Diego Launches June 1

Big news, Chula Vista! There will now be a Chula Vista ferry service running from our Chula Vista marina to downtown San Diego. This has been one of those that was rumored for a long time, and it has been officially announced today. If you recently saw my post on Instagram about this, you know from the comments that this is big news. I can’t wait to see it and learn more about it, but for now, here are some details and a breakdown of what it will entail.

Flagship Cruises & Events posted their official news announcement on their website on Friday. The route runs seven days a week, with the first departure leaving Chula Vista at 8 a.m. Departures run every two hours throughout the day, with the last ferry back from Fifth Avenue Landing at 7 p.m. The crossing takes about 45 minutes each way, and a one-way ticket is $15 per passenger. Keep in mind that tickets are sold as one-way rides, so you’ll need to purchase two for a full round trip. The price was the biggest concern in the comments.

Social media was on fire about the Chula Vista Ferry

I posted about this on Instagram yesterday, and the response was bigger than I expected. A lot of you are fired up about it, and honestly, I am too. I’ll be there on June 1st for the very first run. This is one of those moments I want to be present for, and I’ll be sharing it all with you here on Chula Vista Living and over on Instagram.

The most common reaction in the comments was people immediately thinking about Padres games. And yeah, that makes total sense. Instead of dealing with downtown parking or paying to sit in traffic on the 5, you ride the Chula Vista ferry over, walk to the game, and ride back. That’s a completely different experience from what most of us are used to. Many people also mentioned wanting to go out downtown for a night without the parking headache, which is very real. Downtown San Diego parking on a Friday or Saturday night is its own kind of adventure, and not always a fun one.

The $15 one-way price did come up quite a bit in the comments, too. Several people felt it was on the high side, especially for families or anyone considering making this a regular thing. A lot of people mentioned they’d love to see a resident discount for South Bay locals, and honestly, that’s a fair ask. It would go a long way toward making this something people use routinely rather than just as an occasional treat. If that’s something you’d like to see, it’s worth reaching out to Flagship Cruises & Events directly through their website at Flagship Cruises & Events.

One detail that hasn’t been officially confirmed yet is the exact boarding location on the Chula Vista side. I’m just guessing right now, but it will be at or near the same waterfront area where the historic Bill of Rights Tall Ship docked during its visit to Chula Vista. We’re still waiting for official confirmation. I’ve been following up on this and will update the post as soon as that’s locked in, so check back here for the latest.

The Best Way to Get to Comic-Con This Summer

Here’s something I haven’t seen anyone talking about yet, but it absolutely deserves attention. Comic-Con International runs July 23 through 26 this year. The Gaylord Pacific Resort and Convention Center has been positioning itself as one of the top places to stay for the convention, and it’s a beautiful property on the Chula Vista waterfront. But one question I always had was how guests would actually get to the convention center. The walk to the nearest trolley station is doable, but it’s a haul, especially at night after a full day on the convention floor. I had always wondered whether the Gaylord would run some kind of shuttle to either the convention center or just to the trolley station.

Now, with this new Chula Vista ferry service launching almost a full two months before Comic-Con kicks off, the answer might actually be the water. Fifth Avenue Landing drops you off right behind the San Diego Convention Center. We’re talking a very short walk from the boat to the front door of the convention. For anyone staying at the Gaylord and attending Comic-Con this year, this ferry could honestly be the most enjoyable commute you’ve ever had to a convention. Hop on the boat, take in the skyline on the bay, and walk straight in. It’s a much better option than a shuttle to a trolley stop, and frankly, it’s a much better story to tell.

If you’re planning to stay at the Gaylord for Comic-Con this summer, I’d seriously factor this into your plans. It changes the whole equation.

What’s Next for the Chula Vista Waterfront

All of us have seen how the Chula Vista Bayfront is now progressing, and more and more things are coming. We have been telling you about all of the updates and will continue to let you know as we get them. I’m still waiting on news about the brand new Harbor Fest coming. If you are a Chula Vista OG, then you remember this event and how great it was.

If you have thoughts on the ferry service, drop a comment on Facebook and let me know. Are you planning to ride it? Do you think $15 is fair? Will you be using it for a Padres game or Comic-Con? I’d love to hear from you. Follow along here on Chula Vista Living and over on Facebook and Instagram for more information as we get it. I’ll also be posting videos about this very soon, so stay tuned.