After endless hours hunched over a cramped seat laboriously filling in scantrons, exhaustion tends to set in. Grim and bleak with a foggy haze, another winter in San Diego left this Lifestyle section impatient to get home. But as one more treat before getting away for the break, the four of us found ourselves gazing at the red and green lights of the Coronado Cays on Italian imported gondolas — the perfect winter respite.
With serene canals, gorgeous homes, and priceless views of downtown, the Coronado Cays have always stood out among the countless sights in San Diego. Situated at this tempting scene sit gondolas that offer relaxing Venetian-style cruises through the waterways that you can explore with your loved ones for an unforgettable day!
Run by The Gondola Company, this adventure starts at $129 for two passengers, and another $20 per each additional guest — there can be up to six passengers total. They also accommodate even larger parties through request; the company offers a 15-passenger boat, piloted by two gondoliers. Needless to say, The Gondola Company of the Coronado Cays seems to have everything for a waterfront escape, so naturally, we couldn’t turn down their invitation. Here is how our experience went!
Upon arrival, we received a warm welcome from the company crew and our gondolier, Thomas. Getting aboard was no issue; stable and lacking the notorious boat wobble, the experience could not have been smoother. We quickly got comfortable in its cushioned seats and the company’s gorgeous Venetian blankets before sailing off into the canal. The sun already set, we enjoyed the eye-catching decorations of the surrounding homes throughout the entire ride. One of the homes flaunted a personal library with a tree cascading in the middle, and another incorporated pops of red to contrast its neutral tones; each shone with personality. We may or may not have spent the ride pointing out our favorite homes.
We wouldn’t have caught all the sights without Thomas, who chimed in with fun facts about the neighborhood and silly stories from past gondola endeavors, making the experience truly immersive. The soothing ripples of the water and the faint lull of Charlie Brown Christmas classics playing in the background all added to the magic while we admired the faraway downtown San Diego skyline. Our trip also coincided with the neighborhood’s annual Christmas yacht parade, which was serendipitous and super exciting.
The Gondola Company takes measures to keep the experience enjoyable and safe for all ages, even pointing out specific seats more suitable for those who experience motion sickness and providing life vests for younger children — they even welcome dogs! The company also provides blankets to stay cozy on the tide. Bundle up and bring a hot apple cider, hot cocoa, and maybe even some cookies, or purchase a beverage from their menu!
We returned to the dock having learned a little more about each other through sharing laughter and memories — like who had the craziest prom venue. That evening, our holiday spirit was restored, and we left wondering if 50 minutes had ever felt shorter.
The Gondola Company is conveniently situated in the lovely Coronado Cays on the Silver Strand, the gateway from Imperial Beach to the beautiful Coronado Island. It is the perfect opportunity to explore the island with all of its festivities before or after your gondola ride.
The iconic Hotel del Coronado glitters from top to bottom with twinkling lights, and the quaint town is perfect for a walk with a warm drink in hand. Before leaving, make sure to take some time to stroll around Orange Avenue, abound with shops and restaurants, and only a couple of blocks from the beach!
We recommend the excursion to any students looking for a post-Week 1 hurrah or an activity with visiting friends and family. A gondola ride may just be the perfect addition to the usual Mexican food and Sunset Cliffs lineup when showing off San Diego to your relatives from a snowy state.