Valentine’s Day is all about creating memories with your loved one, and nothing says romance quite like a gondola ride. Among the many San Diego proposal spots and romantic activities, a gondola ride offers a timeless charm that combines intimacy, tranquility, and luxury. This isn’t just another outing—it’s an experience designed to leave a lasting impression.
Picture this: gently gliding across the serene waters of Lake San Marcos, surrounded by the golden hues of a San Diego sunset or the twinkling stars of a quiet night. The experience feels like something out of a fairy tale, making it perfect for Valentine’s Day. Unlike crowded restaurants or bustling tourist attractions, a gondola ride offers you and your partner complete privacy to share intimate moments and celebrate your love.
While many flock to the busy streets of downtown San Diego or the beaches of La Jolla, Lake San Marcos offers a secluded, picturesque setting that feels like a well-kept secret. With its calm waters, lush greenery, and scenic views, it’s the perfect backdrop for a Valentine’s Day date. This peaceful atmosphere makes every moment on the gondola feel special.
Every detail of the gondola ride is designed with romance in mind. From the soft sounds of romantic music to the option of bringing your own wine and picnic basket, this experience is tailored to suit your preferences. Your gondolier, classically trained and attentive, ensures everything is perfect so you can focus on your partner.
Couples rave about gondola rides because they offer more than just a unique activity—they provide a way to escape and connect. Whether it’s your first Valentine’s Day together or your tenth, a private gondola ride creates the kind of magic that other activities simply can’t match.
When you book a Valentines Day San Diego gondola, you’re not just reserving a time slot—you’re indulging in an unforgettable experience. At Black Swan Gondolas, every detail is meticulously planned to ensure you and your partner enjoy a luxurious, private moment on the water.
Whether you’re planning a quiet date night for two, a special family outing, or a double date with close friends, your gondola is exclusively yours. Unlike crowded venues, this private setting allows you to savor every moment uninterrupted.
Your gondola ride lasts a full 50 minutes, giving you ample time to relax, reconnect, and take in the beauty of Lake San Marcos. Whether you’re sharing stories, enjoying a romantic playlist, or simply soaking in the peaceful surroundings, every minute feels special.
Elevate your experience by bringing your favorite wine or champagne and a picnic basket full of your go-to treats. With no corkage fee, you can toast to love, share a meal, and make the gondola your own private dining experience on the water.
Soft, romantic melodies play in the background, creating the perfect ambiance for your gondola ride. From classic love songs to instrumental favorites, the music enhances the magic of the moment.
Our gondoliers aren’t just boat operators—they’re artists of the craft. Classically trained to navigate and charm, they provide seamless service to ensure your Valentine’s Day is nothing short of perfection.
Available from February 13th to 18th, our gondola rides cater to your schedule:
With availability during Valentine’s Week, you have multiple opportunities to plan your special moment.
Valentine’s Day is a time to show your love in a way that’s as special as your relationship. At Black Swan Gondolas, we’ve crafted an experience on Lake San Marcos that’s not just unique—it’s unforgettable. With serene waters, scenic surroundings, and unparalleled privacy, our gondola rides are unlike anything else in San Diego.
Lake San Marcos is a hidden treasure tucked away in North County San Diego. Unlike the crowded beaches or busy city streets, this tranquil oasis offers a peaceful escape for couples looking to spend quality time together. Imagine gliding across the calm waters as the soft glow of the setting sun reflects on the lake, creating a picture-perfect moment.
Every couple’s love story is different, and your gondola ride should reflect that. Whether you’re celebrating your first Valentine’s Day together, a milestone anniversary, or even planning to pop the question, our gondola rides provide the flexibility to make the moment uniquely yours. Add your personal touch with wine, snacks, or even a heartfelt playlist that holds special meaning.
For those who want to elevate the experience, our 9pm to Midnight gondola rides offer a truly exclusive way to celebrate Valentine’s Day. The quiet of the night, the reflection of the moonlight on the water, and the soothing sounds of the lake combine to create a setting that feels straight out of a romantic movie.
Looking for the ultimate San Diego proposal spot? A gondola ride on Lake San Marcos offers intimacy and romance like no other. Surrounded by the beauty of the lake and serenaded by soft music, it’s the perfect setting to ask the most important question of your life—or to celebrate the milestone of saying “yes.”
Plan your Valentines Day San Diego gondola ride with ease by choosing from our flexible schedule during Valentine’s Week. Whether you prefer the warm glow of the afternoon sun or the exclusivity of a late-night ride, we’ve designed our offerings to fit your perfect moment.
February 13th – 18th, 2025
11am – 9pm: $259
Enjoy the beauty of the day as the sunshine dances on the water or the romantic ambiance of a twilight ride.
9pm – Midnight: $600
Elevate your experience with an exclusive late-night gondola ride. The quiet stillness of Lake San Marcos under a starlit sky provides an unmatched sense of intimacy and romance.
Our gondola rides are perfect for intimate couples’ dates, family celebrations, or double dates with friends. The boat is exclusively yours, ensuring complete privacy to enjoy this special experience.
With no corkage fee, you’re free to bring your favorite wine, champagne, or even a full picnic basket without worrying about additional costs. Plus, every ride includes:
Availability is limited, and rides are booked on a first-come, first-served basis. With Valentine’s Day being one of our most popular times of the year, early reservations are strongly recommended.
Nothing speaks louder than the experiences of couples who have shared their Valentine’s Day aboard our gondolas.
These heartfelt testimonials highlight why Black Swan Gondolas is the ultimate choice for a romantic evening in San Diego.
“The gondola ride on Lake San Marcos was absolutely magical. From the peaceful water to the romantic music, everything was perfect. We brought a bottle of wine and some snacks, and it felt like a private escape just for us. My husband said it was the most romantic Valentine’s Day we’ve ever had!”
– Jessica R., Carlsbad, CA
“I was looking for the best San Diego proposal spots, and this gondola ride exceeded all expectations. The gondolier helped me time everything perfectly, and when I proposed under the stars, it was like a scene from a movie. My fiancée still talks about how special it was!”
– Michael T., Encinitas, CA
“The late-night gondola ride was worth every penny. The quiet of the lake, the soft glow of the moon, and the beautiful music made it feel like we had the world to ourselves. Thank you, Black Swan Gondolas, for an unforgettable Valentine’s experience!”
– Laura M., San Diego, CA
Our guests aren’t just booking a gondola ride—they’re creating moments that last a lifetime.
Whether it’s a romantic Valentine’s Day date or a surprise proposal, a gondola ride on Lake San Marcos is the perfect setting for your special occasion.
Booking your romantic Valentine’s Day gondola ride in San Diego is simple and hassle-free. Follow these steps to secure your spot for an unforgettable experience on Lake San Marcos.
With limited spots during Valentine’s Week (February 13th – 18th, 2025), rides are reserved on a first-come, first-served basis. Be sure to act quickly to ensure your preferred time slot is available.
Select the gondola experience that works best for your plans:
To secure your reservation:
We recommend booking early, as spots fill up fast during Valentine’s Week!
Bring your favorite wine, champagne, or snacks to enhance the experience. Our no corkage fee policy makes it easy to create your perfect onboard picnic. Don’t forget to arrive 15 minutes early to ensure a seamless boarding process.
When the day arrives, all that’s left to do is step aboard, relax, and let our gondolier take you on a journey of romance and serenity.
When it comes to creating a romantic Valentine’s Day memory, not all experiences are created equal. Black Swan Gondolas offers a unique combination of elegance, exclusivity, and personalized service that sets it apart as the premier choice for a Valentine’s Day activity in San Diego.
Every element of your gondola ride is designed with romance in mind. From the soft glow of the lantern-lit gondola to the soothing sounds of romantic music, Black Swan Gondolas creates an atmosphere that can’t be replicated anywhere else. The privacy of your own boat ensures that this moment is truly yours.
Black Swan Gondolas brings the classic charm of Venice to Lake San Marcos. With our classically trained gondoliers and authentic gondola design, you and your partner can feel as though you’ve been transported to the canals of Italy—right here in San Diego.
Whether it’s your first Valentine’s Day together or your 50th, a gondola ride offers a special way to celebrate your unique connection. Planning a proposal? A surprise date? Or a double-date with close friends? We’ve seen it all and are here to make it magical.
Our guests frequently describe their gondola ride as the highlight of their Valentine’s Day. From glowing testimonials to cherished photos shared on social media, Black Swan Gondolas has a reputation for delivering unforgettable experiences.
Skip the crowded downtown areas and discover the serenity of North County San Diego. With its tranquil waters and lush surroundings, Lake San Marcos provides the perfect backdrop for romance.
Don’t settle for an ordinary Valentine’s Day. Choose Black Swan Gondolas for an extraordinary, once-in-a-lifetime experience. Secure your reservation today and let us make this Valentine’s Day unforgettable.
Valentine’s Day is your opportunity to create a memory that lasts a lifetime. Whether you’re planning a romantic evening, celebrating with family or friends, or surprising your partner with the perfect proposal, a Valentine’s Day gondola ride in San Diego with Black Swan Gondolas is the ultimate way to make the day truly special.
With our private gondola rides on Lake San Marcos, you’re not just booking an activity—you’re investing in an unforgettable moment. From the romantic ambiance to the personalized service, every detail is designed to exceed your expectations and provide an experience you and your loved one will cherish forever.
Availability during Valentine’s Week is limited, and rides fill up fast. Don’t miss out on this exclusive opportunity to elevate your Valentine’s Day celebration.
Book today and let us take care of the rest.
Ready to make your Valentine’s Day unforgettable? Booking is simple:
Join the many couples who have chosen Black Swan Gondolas as their go-to San Diego proposal spot or romantic Valentine’s Day celebration. Make this Valentine’s Day the one you’ll remember forever.
Our Valentine’s Day Gondolas rides tend to sell out well in advance.
To be fair to everyone,. we will contact everyone on the waitlist in the order they are received if an opening occurs.
Please do not ignore emails/messages if your desired date is extremely important (like an anniversary).
Please fill out the form below to join the waitlist.
Bring anything you’d like! Typically guests love to bring a picnic basket of small bites, wine, champagne, dessert, anything actually! We have wine openers for you but we ask that you bring your own cups, utensils, and ice.
We recommend dressing a casual, yet upscale attire for your cruise. Comfort is key, so feel free to bring a light jacket for cool evenings, and a heavier one in the winter.
Mandatory check-in is 20 minutes prior to the scheduled departure time for a full allotted time out on the water. Your Gondolier will be ready to meet you on the dock. We love all of our customers, which means we can’t play favorites. If a guest arrives late, you’ll still have an amazing time, it will just be a slightly shorter cruise as we must be back in time for the next scheduled gondola cruise departure.
Rain/High Winds: If it rains two hours before cruise departure, or there if a high wind advisory is in effect, a Black Swan Gondola representative will call you to speak about rescheduling your cruise. Gondola rides are 100% non-refundable.
100% Non refundable. However, you may reschedule free of charge if you speak with (not email) a Black Swan Gondola representative over 72 hours in advance of departure. Under 72 hours, there will be a $100 rescheduling fee processed before the reschedule is initiated. Must rebook reservation within the following 21 days after initial scheduled departure. A $100 rescheduling fee will be initiated for every reschedule.
A $100 rescheduling fee will be processed before the reschedule is initiated. Must rebook reservation within the following 21 days after initial scheduled departure. A $100 rescheduling fee will be initiated for every reschedule that needs to happen. However, you may reschedule free of charge if you speak with (not email) a Black Swan Gondola representative over 72 hours in advance of departure. Under 72 hours, mandatory $100 fee will occur.
You are welcome to bring your own glassware for the cruise, but please note that we cannot provide it for you. Enjoy your beverages with your preferred glassware!
Smoking is not allowed on our gondolas. For the safety of our boats and enjoyment of our staff, if someone lights up during the cruise, it will be immediately ended. Thank you for understanding and helping us keep the experience pleasant for everyone.
We LOVE pets! Pets are welcome aboard our gondolas, but they must remain in the boat at all times. If your pet jumps into the water, a $200 cleaning fee will be added to your cruise price. Thanks for ensuring a smooth and enjoyable ride for everyone!
Have you heard about the hardest to get into San Diego Dinner Cruise? The Black Swan Gondola Company presents an exclusive premium experience unlike anything else on the market. With food prepared by our neighbor Amalfi Cucina Italiana, you’ll have a one-of-a-kind dinner experience!
All San Diego dinner cruise experiences come with an exclusive host for the evening. Your host will be one of our Master Gondoliers who takes you out for an unforgettable adventure filled with an array of accoutrements. This isn’t one of our traditional Gondola rides… this specific ride will satisfy the tastebuds!
Prepare to be whisked away on a culinary journey by Amalfi Cucina Italiana, our next-door neighbors known for their exquisite Italian fare. Your taste buds will embark on a delightful adventure starting with a tantalizing appetizer, followed by two delectable dinner courses. It’s a perfectly crafted menu to complement the romance of the tranquil lake.
