PCF 816 Swift Boat Naval History Bay Tour | Upcoming Events in San Diego

Take a High-Speed Bay Tour Aboard a Legendary Swift Boat PCF-816 (Patrol Craft Fast)Only $15 with purchase of general admission to the Maritime Museum of San Diego.

Be a part of history, ride the only active passenger carrying Swift Boat in the country. Feel the power of the twin 12 cylinder 2-stroke Detroit Diesels as you take a behind the scenes 75 minute narrated tour of San Diego’s military history.

The tour route heads under Coronado Bay Bridge, Naval Base San Diego, and then Naval Amphibious Base. It then heads back by the aircraft carrier basin and Naval Air Station North Island before returning to the Museum,  wrapping up with a  a high speed run to feel the unique power of the Swift Boat.

First started Memorial Day 2014. This is a narrated tour describing PCF 816’s role in the U.S., Malta, Viet Nam, Swift Boat sailors, and the above establishments on the Bay.

PCF 816 (patrol craft fast) is listed in the National Register of Historic Places and California Historical Resources. 

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.

Unique to this experience is the retired Swift Boat Sailors and docents who 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.

This Museum resumes the Naval History Bay Tour aboard the PCF 816 Swift Boat Memorial Day weekend and will offer them weekends only at 12:15 p.m. and 2:15 p.m.

Tickets can be purchased online in advance at sdmaritime.org or at the Museum Ticket Booth as a walk up reservation if space is available.