August 4, 2026 · 5 min read
Drop anchor off Coronado, jump off the yacht, and float on the lily pad. The Glorietta Bay anchor stop is the feature that turns a great bay cruise into a full afternoon on the water.
What Is the Glorietta Bay Anchor Stop?
Glorietta Bay is a sheltered cove on the Coronado side of San Diego Bay, adjacent to the Hotel Del Coronado. On charters of three hours or longer, the captain anchors the Paradise Party Yacht in this cove and deploys the large lily pad float.
Guests swim directly from the vessel, float on the lily pad, and enjoy open water in one of the most scenic anchorages on the bay. The Hotel Del Coronado is visible from the water. The Coronado Bridge frames the view to the north.
How Long Do We Spend at Anchor?
The anchor stop typically runs 45 minutes to an hour, depending on the total charter length and the group's preference. The captain will discuss timing with your group before anchoring.
The remaining charter time is split between the cruise route and the anchor stop. A three-hour charter gives you approximately 90 minutes of cruising and 60 minutes at anchor. Longer charters allow more flexibility.
What Is the Lily Pad Float?
The lily pad is a large inflatable platform that deploys from the vessel at the anchor location. Guests can climb onto it from the water, lie on it, sit on it, or use it as a launch point for jumping back into the bay.
It accommodates multiple guests at once and is one of the most popular features of the anchor stop. Children and adults both use it — it requires no special skill and is stable enough for relaxed floating.
What Should We Bring for the Swim Stop?
Bring swimwear, towels, and water shoes if you prefer them. Life jackets are available on board for all ages. The water in Glorietta Bay is calm and clear — it's a protected cove, not open ocean.
Children must be supervised by responsible adults at all times in the water. The captain and crew are present throughout the anchor stop but do not provide lifeguard supervision.
Is the Anchor Stop Available on Every Charter?
The anchor stop is available on charters of three hours or longer only. Two-hour charters cover the full landmark circuit but do not include the Glorietta Bay stop.
If the anchor and swim experience is a priority for your group, book a three-hour or longer charter and confirm the stop when you book. Weather and bay conditions can occasionally affect the anchor stop — the captain will advise on the day.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is the water safe to swim in at Glorietta Bay?
Yes. Glorietta Bay is a protected cove with calm, clear water. It is one of the most popular swimming spots on San Diego Bay.
2. Can non-swimmers participate in the anchor stop?
Yes. Non-swimmers can stay on the vessel or use the lily pad float without entering the water.
3. Are life jackets available for children?
Yes. Life jackets are available for all ages on every charter.
4. Can we jump off the boat into the water?
Yes. Jumping from the vessel is permitted at the anchor stop. The captain will designate the safe entry points.
5. What if the weather is bad on the day of our anchor stop?
If conditions make the anchor stop unsafe, the captain will advise on the day. Charters affected by unsafe weather can be rescheduled.
Add the Anchor & Swim to Your Charter
Book a three-hour or longer charter and experience Glorietta Bay from the water. The lily pad, the Hotel Del, and the open bay — it's the full San Diego experience.
