San Diego Youth Aquatic Center
Overview
Expert Summary
Detailed Insights
This center offers a unique aquatic 'staycation' experience on Fiesta Island, notable for its stunning bayfront location where tents can be just 10 feet from the bay at high tide. It provides a wide array of hands-on water activities like canoeing, paddleboarding, kayaking, and even dragon boating, making it an excellent place for youth to learn about boats and water in a setting that feels like a getaway from the typical city crowds.
Key Highlights
- ✓Stunning bayfront location with opportunities for camping right by the water (tents reported 10 feet from the bay at high tide).
- ✓Offers a wide variety of aquatic activities including canoes, paddle boards, and kayaks.
- ✓Specific opportunity to join the SDPU Dragon Boat team with open practices every Saturday at 8:30 am.
- ✓Reported to have fun and engaging staff, particularly within the BSA Camp Fiesta Island programs.
- ✓Provides a good learning environment for youth to become familiar with boats and water sports.
- ✓Relatively set aside from the general crowds on Fiesta Island, even during the summer.
Standout Features
- ⭐Direct access to Fiesta Island's bay waters for various water sports.
- ⭐Secluded bayfront location providing a peaceful retreat within San Diego.
- ⭐Availability of multiple watercraft types (canoes, paddle boards, kayaks).
- ⭐Presence of natural elements like seasonal flowers, grasses, and bunnies, enhancing the outdoor experience.
Perfect For
Ideal For
💡Pro Tips from Reviews
- →For those interested in team water sports, consider attending the SDPU Dragon Boat team's open practice on Saturdays at 8:30 am.
- →If seeking a local 'getaway' or 'staycation' with an aquatic focus, this center on Fiesta Island is highly recommended.
Price & Value
No pricing information was provided in the reviews, making it impossible to assess value for money.
♿Accessibility & Special Needs
- •No specific accessibility accommodations were mentioned in the reviews.
🍎Food & Drink Policy
- •No information regarding food or drink policies was provided in the reviews.
🚗Parking Info
- •Located on Fiesta Island, which is generally accessible, but no specific details about dedicated parking for the Aquatic Center or camp were mentioned.
👥Crowd Levels
- •Described as 'fairly well set aside from the crowds on Fiesta Island in summertime,' suggesting it offers a more serene experience compared to other parts of the island, even during peak season.
🛡️Safety Features
- •While 'fun staff' is mentioned, no explicit safety features or protocols (e.g., lifeguards, first aid stations, specific supervision ratios) were detailed in these reviews.
⏰When to Avoid
- • No specific situations to avoid were mentioned in the reviews.
Pricing/Package/Events
Events & Schedule
Special Events(Last 2 months - Next 6 months)
Over-the-Line tournament
Annual (specific dates not provided)
Renowned host of the annual Over-the-Line tournament at Fiesta Island.
Fiesta Island Time Trials
Sept. 28, 2025
Fiesta Island opens 9 a.m. on this day.
Mission Bay Triathlon
October 12, 2025
Fiesta Island opens 9 a.m. on this day.
Triathlon Club of SD
October 25, 2025
Fiesta Island opens 9 a.m. on this day.
Fiesta Island Time Trials
November 9, 2025
Fiesta Island opens 9 a.m. on this day.
Resolution Run
January 10, 2026
Fiesta Island opens 9 a.m. on this day.
Fiesta Island Time Trials
February 15, 2026
Fiesta Island opens 9 a.m. on this day.
Tritonman Marathon
February 28 & March 1, 2026
Fiesta Island opens 9 a.m. on these days.
Mermaid Run
March 14, 2026
Fiesta Island opens 9 a.m. on this day.
Fiesta Island Time Trails
March 29, 2026
Fiesta Island opens 9 a.m. on this day.
San Diego Beach and Bay 1/2 Marathon
April 11, 2026
Fiesta Island opens 9 a.m. on this day.
🍎Food Policy
- • Food is permitted on Fiesta Island.
- • No glass containers are permitted.
- • Alcohol is not permitted.
- • Picnics are permitted.
🛡️Safety Policy
- • Fires are permitted exclusively within City-provided fire rings that dot the island's shoreline.
- • Portable fire containers and fires directly on the sand are strictly prohibited.
- • There is a designated 5 m.p.h. zone on the island's east side for water sports.
- • Water skiing permits for Hidden Cove can be obtained exclusively from the City of San Diego Lifeguards.
📅Booking Policy
- • Fiesta Island Youth Camp is available for permitting through the Developed Regional Parks Permit Center.
- • The Youth Camp is limited to organized nonprofit youth groups (non-commercial organization; family camping is not permitted).
- • Groups wishing to use the Youth Camp must complete a Facility and Park Use Permit Application.
- • Applications for requested dates are accepted on a first come, first served basis.
- • Applications will not be accepted more than 6 months before the requested reservation date(s).
- • All applications must be submitted no later than 15 days prior to the requested dates.
- • Fiesta Island Youth Camp Lottery: Every Friday for reservation requests (6) six months out for groups requesting the same dates.
- • Applications for lotteries must be submitted no later than the Thursday before.
- • Typical Youth Camp check-in time is Friday at 3 p.m., and check-out is Sunday at noon.
🚗Parking Information
- • There is parking throughout Fiesta Island.
- • A map for parking, loading, and unloading information is referenced but not provided in the content.
Photos
What People Say
What's Great
- Fun and entertaining activities (mentioned in 2 reviews)
- Spacious play areas (mentioned in 2 reviews)
Recent Reviews
Cynthia Basu
6 months agoJoin the SDPU Dragon Boat team. Open practice every Saturday at 8:30am.
Frank Lares
5 years agoBSA Camp Fiesta Island has lots of great aquatic activities, fun staff, overall a good experience for Scouts.
Perry Hitt
5 years agoWow!! The BSA has a stunning spot on fiesta island (tent was 10 feet from the bay at high tide!) Fairly well set aside from the crowds on fiesta island in summertime... Definitely coming back here soon ☆☆☆☆☆
tracy treppa
a year agoSuch a great little get away in a big city of San Diego. Fiesta Island is a great little man made island with lots of beautiful h space. They have a boyscout camp Fiesta island one of the best stay cation spots. The aquatic center has lots of fun to provide out and about on the water with canoes, paddle boards, kayaks, and much more. Seasonal flowers and grasses. Lots bunnies 🐰
nicole S
3 years agoWhat a wonderful place to learn to about the boats and water!