Is the gondola ride private?

Yes. Every Black Swan Gondola Company ride in North County San Diego, on Lake San Marcos, is a private boat for your party only, never shared with strangers. The price covers two guests, each extra guest is $30, and a boat holds up to six. Rides last 50 minutes and run by reservation only.

Do I need a reservation for a gondola ride?

Yes. Every Black Swan Gondola Company ride is by reservation only, and we do not take walk-ups. Book online, choose your ride and time, then arrive at our dock at 1035 La Bonita Dr in San Marcos, North County San Diego, a little early. Standard rides run 11 AM to 8 PM, seven days a week.

How far in advance should I book a gondola ride?

About a week ahead is ideal, and two weeks if you can. Sunset and weekend slots fill first, and popular dates book up early. Black Swan Gondola Company rides in North County San Diego are by reservation only, so booking online is the only way to lock in your time.

Can I bring wine on the gondola?

Yes. Bring your own wine, champagne or food on any Black Swan Gondola Company ride, with no corkage fee. We have bottle openers on board but do not provide glasses or ice, so pack what you need. Bottled water is available to buy on board.

Is food included on the gondola ride?

Food is not included on most rides, but you are welcome to bring your own. Amalfi Cucina Italiana, an Italian restaurant, is right next to our dock in North County San Diego for dinner before or after. The Private Dinner Cruise is the exception, with Amalfi food served aboard.

Do children ride free on the gondola?

Yes, children 4 and under ride free. Guests ages 5 and up are $30 each beyond the two guests your ride price covers. A private Black Swan Gondola Company boat holds up to six guests in total, so a small family can ride together on one boat.

What's the best time of day for a gondola ride?

Sunset and after dark are the most romantic times for a gondola ride in North County San Diego. The Sunset Cruise is our most popular ride at $179 Sunday to Friday and $199 Saturday, and Enchanted Evening is $159 after dark. Daytime rides start at $139, or $129 for Saturday Lucky Hour.

Do gondola rides go out in the rain?

Yes. Black Swan Gondola Company rides go out rain or shine, so the date you booked is the date you get. All sales are 100% non-refundable, and changing your date carries a $100 rescheduling fee. Dress for the weather, and blankets are provided on board.

Gondola Cruise Pricing

Private 50-minute gondola rides for two in San Diego County, from $129 on Saturdays and $139 any day

"Such a fun memory!"

-Danielle & James

"Best moment of my life"

-Joy & Robert

"It was a dream come true"

-Amie & Cody

"Best Surprise Ever!"

-Tiana and Brad

      EXCELLENT  
   Based on 271 reviews 
    
 
 
 
   
 
 
       Posted on Google  
   
   Sean Sullins 
 October 19, 2025
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We just came back from a birthday boat ride and it was awesome! Definitely worth the experience. Our gondolier was very kind, respectful and lighthearted. Getting to see actual black swans on the lake was a huge plus. Not to mention getting to go at night meant it was extremely peaceful. It's definitely a gem of San Marcos everyone should do at least once. It'll be our one of our me regular celebratory choices for birthdays and anniversaries.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Mortoza Mohammadi 
 October 4, 2025
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Thank you Drew for your incredible hospitality. Felt like we were in Italy last night. The Gondola itself is a beautiful vessel and this was such a great date night idea! We went right after sunset and the lamps were lit up while we were on our way around the lake! Very romantic! Would do it again!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   JKL O'N 
 September 28, 2025
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We scheduled a Black Swan Gondola sunset cruise to celebrate our anniversary, and are so glad that we did! 💖 From the initial contact with this company, throughout the entire experience, our gondolier, Drew, was professional, friendly and knowledgeable. He added special touches to make our cruise even more enjoyable and meaningful. We were treated to the perfect evening! We’ve been on other gondola rides, but this one is by far THE BEST in Southern California. Thank you for a fabulous evening, Drew!!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Darlene Bergamasco 
 September 22, 2025
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. A gift to my best friends for their 46 year anniversary. Drew was extremely helpful with my booking. He demonstrates great customer service, and Dillion the Gondoler was engaging with my friends and so kind. A beautiful expierence and it happened at sunset, with a rain cloud lightning show.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Josh Schober 
 September 20, 2025
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Amazing experience!! We can't wait to go again.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Mary Quesada 
 August 24, 2025
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. This was our second time enjoying a beautiful gondola ride. Highly recommend this if you are looking for a unique tranquil experience. Very professional team and friendly. We will be back.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Vanessa Hoffman 
 August 24, 2025
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. My husband and I had a wonderful experience on the gondola. We went after a nice dinner, enjoyed the calm water, all of the lights, swans, and great conversation with Drew.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   aog aog 
 August 24, 2025
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. My wife and I took a sunset cruise on 8/23 for her 50th birthday. Drew was super friendly and accommodating and made the adventure alot of fun. His attention to detail was impeccable. Highly recommended!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Marie Linteau 
 August 23, 2025
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. My husband and I had a wonderful time with Drew! Thank you for the good chats and the peaceful moments!

Explore Our Gondola Cruise Pricing
Options By Time Of Day

A private gondola ride with Black Swan Gondola Company in North County San Diego starts at $129 for two guests on Saturdays and $139 on any other day. Each extra guest is $30, and a boat holds up to six. Every ride lasts 50 minutes, and the Sunset Cruise runs $179 to $199.

Ride	Time of day	Price for two	Extra guest	Days
Lucky Hour	Daytime	$129	$30	Saturdays
Venetian Gondola Experience	Daytime	$139	$30	Daily
Enchanted Evening	After dark	$159	$30	Daily
Sunset Cruise	Sunset	$179 Sun to Fri, $199 Saturday	$30	Daily
After Hours	10 PM to midnight	$299	None (max 2 guests, adults only)	By reservation

Dinner cruise: $449 for two guests, $50 per extra guest, 2 hours, up to 4 guests per boat, ages 21 and over. Food from Amalfi Cucina Italiana is served aboard. If your date is full, join the waitlist.

Full Moon cruise: $179 for two guests, $30 per extra guest. It runs once a month.

Tap or hover over a ride below for details. We recommend buying tickets in advance, as same-day availability is limited.

Gondola Cruise Pricing

Private 50-minute gondola rides for two in San Diego County, from $129 on Saturdays and $139 any day

Explore Our Gondola Cruise Pricing Options By Time Of Day

Traditional Gondola Rides

Explore Our Gondola Cruise Pricing
Options By Time Of Day