Mission Bay Sportcenter FAQ
Answers to common Mission Bay rental questions
Find quick answers about reservations, requirements, kayaking, paddleboarding, sailboats, pontoons, jet skis, and power boats before you book.
Locally owned and right on Mission Bay
Get answers from a real waterfront rental operation at 1010 Santa Clara Pl, San Diego, CA 92109.
One place for multiple rental types
Jet skis, power boats, pontoons, sailboats, catamarans, kayaks, paddleboards, and more from one location.
Fast answers before you arrive
Know what to bring, what to expect, and how to choose the right rental before you get to the dock.
General rental questions
What guests usually want to know first
These are the most common questions about requirements, location, hours, parking, and how Mission Bay Sportcenter works before you head out on the water.
Do you have lockers?
Yes. For an additional cost, lockers are available for personal items during your rental.
What documents do I need to rent?
For all rentals, bring a government-issued ID such as a driver’s license, passport, or identification card, along with a credit card. Mission Bay Sportcenter can physically hold an American Express for the deposit, but AMEX is not accepted for payment.
Do you charge anything on the card held for deposit?
No. Mission Bay Sportcenter physically holds the ID and credit card while you are out on the water. You can pay by cash or card when you return.
What are your hours of operation?
Hours are seasonal and weather dependent, with closing times based on sunset. Call for the most current hours before coming down.
Where are you located?
Mission Bay Sportcenter is located on the north end of Santa Clara Point at 1010 Santa Clara Pl, San Diego, CA 92109.
Is there a minimum rental time?
Yes. All rentals have a one-hour minimum, and after that Mission Bay Sportcenter prorates to the closest 15 minutes.
Do you give group discounts?
Group discounts may be available. The best move is to call and ask about the group size and rental type you have in mind.
Where do I find your pricing?
Pricing is available on the website and varies by rental type and duration.
Do I need to know how to swim?
All activities are aquatic based, so plan accordingly. Life jackets are required on the equipment where applicable.
Can I bring my dog?
Yes, dogs are allowed. Mission Bay Sportcenter does not provide life jackets for dogs, so bring your own if needed.
Will I get wet?
Probably. These are water-based activities, so it is smart to dress accordingly and plan for splashing.
How old do I have to be to rent equipment?
Someone 18 or older is required to rent the equipment. After that, participation depends on the specific activity and the adult renter’s discretion.
Do you have a parking lot?
Yes. Parking is available on a first come, first served basis.
Rental-specific questions
Choose the section that fits your rental
These answers are organized by rental type so guests can quickly find what applies to paddleboards, kayaks, sailboats, pontoons, jet skis, and power boats.
Paddleboards
Do we need to make a reservation?
Not necessarily. Mission Bay Sportcenter has a large paddleboard inventory, so many guests can simply come down and rent when they arrive.
Do I need to know how to paddleboard?
No. Staff can give you instructions and pointers before sending you out.
Do I need a lifejacket?
You may bring your own lifejacket, but it is not necessary. Mission Bay Sportcenter has lifejackets for all ages and sizes.
Where can we paddleboard?
You can paddle anywhere in Mission Bay, though many guests stay in Sail Bay.
Can I take the paddleboard off premises?
Yes, but you are responsible for transporting it.
What is your damage policy?
You are responsible for any and all damage to the paddleboard, or any damage caused to other equipment during the rental period.
Will you deliver the paddleboard to me?
No. All paddleboards must be taken from the premises and returned to Mission Bay Sportcenter.
What if we get lost?
Check the Mission Bay map at the dock before heading out. If you are lost, call 858 488 1004. In an emergency, call 911.
Kayaks
Do we need to make a reservation?
Not always. Mission Bay Sportcenter has strong kayak availability, and many guests rent the same day.
Do I need to know how to kayak?
No. Staff can give you instructions and pointers before sending you out.
Do I need a lifejacket?
You may bring your own lifejacket, but it is not necessary. Mission Bay Sportcenter has lifejackets for all ages and sizes.
Where can we kayak?
You can paddle anywhere in Mission Bay, though many guests stay in Sail Bay.
Can I take the kayak off premises?
Yes, but you are responsible for transporting it.
What is your damage policy?
You are responsible for any and all damage to the kayak, or any damage caused to other equipment during the rental period.
What if we get lost?
Check the Mission Bay map before heading out. If you are lost, call 858 488 1004. In an emergency, call 911.
Do you have single and double kayaks?
Yes. Mission Bay Sportcenter offers both single and tandem kayaks.
Can I take an infant on the kayak?
It is not recommended, but an infant can be taken on board a kayak at the renter’s discretion.
Sailboats
Do we need to make a reservation?
Yes. Mission Bay Sportcenter recommends reservations for sailboats so your rental is held for you.
Do I need to know how to sail?
Some sailing experience is recommended, but certification is not required.
How many people does it fit?
Depending on the size of the sailboat, capacities generally range from 4 to 8 people maximum.
Can we drink alcohol on the sailboat?
Yes, alcohol is allowed on sailboats.
What if we get stuck?
Call the office and the team will assist you. If it is an emergency, call 911.
Is there training that needs to take place?
If you have never sailed before, that is okay. Mission Bay Sportcenter has an instructional video to help you learn quickly and feel more confident.
What size sailboats do you have?
Mission Bay Sportcenter has three monohull sailboat sizes ranging from 14 feet to 22 feet, plus catamarans in multiple sizes.
Pontoon Boats
What is the max capacity?
The maximum capacity for the pontoons is 10 passengers.
Do you provide a captain?
No. You are responsible for driving the pontoon yourself.
How fast do they go?
Pontoons generally go between 10 and 15 mph depending on weight and water conditions.
Do we need a reservation?
Yes. Mission Bay Sportcenter recommends booking over the phone or online in advance.
Can we bring our own food and drinks?
Yes. Just avoid glass, dark red liquids, and chips if possible.
Is alcohol allowed on the boat?
Yes, alcohol is permitted on board, but the driver must remain under the legal limit.
Can I bring children and infants aboard?
Yes. All ages are welcome, but each child or infant counts toward the total capacity.
Do I need training on how to drive it?
No prior experience is required. Staff will go over what you need to know before you leave the dock.
What if we get lost?
Review the Mission Bay map at the dock before leaving. If you get lost, call 858 488 1004. In an emergency, call 911.
Jet Skis
How many people are allowed on one jet ski?
The maximum capacity is 2 people or the manufacturer’s recommended weight capacity.
How fast do they go?
Jet skis generally go between 30 and 40 mph depending on weight and water conditions.
What is the rental process?
Someone 21 or older is required on the jet ski. Guests 18 or older can drive if someone 21 or older is accompanying them. Bring your ID with you on the water. After rental paperwork, you will watch a short instructional video and then proceed to the jet ski.
How old do you need to be?
Someone 21 or older is required on the jet ski. Guests 18 or older can drive if someone 21 or older is accompanying them. Bring your ID with you on the water. After rental paperwork, you will watch a short instructional video and then proceed to the jet ski.
Do I need to bring my own lifejacket?
No. You may bring your own, but Mission Bay Sportcenter provides lifejackets for all ages and sizes.
Where can I take the jet ski?
Jet skis can go anywhere in Mission Bay, but not in the channel leading to the ocean or in the ocean itself.
Can I jump the jet ski?
No. Riders are required to stay 100 feet away from other vessels.
Can I bring an infant on a jet ski?
No.
Are there speed zones?
Yes. From May 1 through October 31, Sail Bay is restricted to 5 mph from 11am to 5pm. During that time, renters are required to operate in Fiesta Bay, which remains an open speed zone.
Power Boats
How many people can be onboard?
Powerboats can accommodate up to 6 people maximum depending on the boat.
Can we go wakeboarding or waterskiing?
No. Mission Bay Sportcenter does not offer towing packages on power boats.
Can we bring our own towing equipment?
No. Guests cannot bring their own tubes, wakeboards, or water skis.
How fast do they go?
Powerboats generally go from 30 to 40 mph depending on weight and water conditions.
Can we bring food and drinks?
Yes. Just avoid glass, dark red liquids, and chips if possible.
Is alcohol permitted on the powerboats?
Yes, alcohol is permitted on board, but the driver must remain under the legal limit.
Where can we take the powerboats?
Powerboats can go anywhere in Mission Bay, but not in the channel leading to the ocean or in the ocean itself.
Can we bring children and infants?
Yes. All ages are welcome, but each child or infant counts toward the total capacity.
Do I need to know how to drive a powerboat?
No prior experience is required. Staff will go over everything you need to know before you leave the dock.
Do we need to bring our own lifejackets?
You may bring your own lifejackets, but Mission Bay Sportcenter has life jackets for all ages that are included in your rental.
Prime waterfront location
Mission Bay Sportcenter gives guests a true bayfront launch point at 1010 Santa Clara Pl. instead of an off-site pickup or disconnected rental experience.
Fast, easy booking
Guests can review common questions in advance, choose the right rental type faster, and show up with fewer surprises on the day of their booking.
More ways to enjoy Mission Bay
From jet skis and power boats to pontoons, sailboats, catamarans, kayaks, paddleboards, and more, Mission Bay Sportcenter offers one of the most complete waterfront rental selections in San Diego.
Still have questions?
Choose your rental and book with more confidence.
Now that you know how it works, head back to booking and choose the Mission Bay rental that fits your day.