EPIC BOAT TRIP

Adventure. Respect. Ride.

I met Manny with Epic Surf Tours while surfing in Baja with my Dad & friend. He was giving a Baja surf tour and invited us to join his next San Diego single day Surf Tour that week. Manny was extremely timely and prepared. His experience belies his laid back attitude. His boat picked us up at the wee hours and we were off on a local adventure to a remote surf break. It was an epic adventure right here in our own backyard. Hours of great surf nearly all to ourselves followed by good grub & drinks on the boat afterward. Manny’s a great tour guide, very engaging & filled us in on cool things about the area. He made sure each of us had a killer experience. Manny’s super friendly, flexible & accommodating. I would highly recommend Epic Surf Tours for your next surf trip, you’ll be stoked you did!

Parker A.

Epic Boat Trip

We truly had an epic day! Manny is a perfect guide; he's super mellow, friendly and is extremely knowledgeable about the surf breaks. He took us to the perfect spots, told us what to line up with on the shore and cheered us on when we got a good one. On the way out to the breaks, he preps you about safety and he also gives a little run-down on the different boats and things you see in the harbor, which I thought was cool to hear about. He makes the whole experience from start to finish, worry-free.

Ella H.

Epic Boat Tour

We had a blast on our boat trip! Manny is a pro. He has all of the local knowledge and is a wealth of knowledge. We were stoked to have empty waves in San Diego! Highly recommended!

Kim

Epic Boat Trip

We are so happy we did this Epic Boat Trip! We all grew up in San Diego but we had never seen this side of it and we were stoked to check it out! Manny is the best boat captain you could hope for! Not only is he a surfer who embodies the aloha spirit but he's a knowledgeable local as well! It doesn't get any better than this! Whether you're brand new to the area or an old native like me, you're going to love seeing the surf from this new angle! We can't wait to do another trip with Manny!

Patti

Epic Boat Trip

This is the second trip I've taken with Manny at Epic Surf Tours. What I love about Manny's trips is that his main goal is to make sure you have an EPIC time. With surf, you can't guarantee perfect conditions or that perfect surf photo but with Manny, you can guarantee that you feel taken care of, have some laughs along the way and that overall it's an unforgettable and EPIC trip. Manny did a great job of boating us to uncrowded breaks but also making sure we understood the respect and privilege that comes with surfing these spots. I love that maintaining respect in surf culture was a priority but did not make the trip feel intimidating or restrictive. I would highly recommend this trip, and I'll definitely be going again, and again, and again!!!

Laura Day

Epic Boat Trip

Manny's local knowledge and experience makes him a phenomenal host. It felt like a mini tour of the stunning bay as we voyaged out to the breaks. The group size was perfect and we felt privelaged to have a break all to ourselves.

Lisa

Epic Boat Trip

Hands down the absolute BEST tour guide on the planet. Manny creates an epic experience on every adventure. I’ve been on several trips with Manny and each one Is stored in my “Favorite Memories” bank. Manny is professional, knowledgeable, capable, accommodating, caring, and hella fun.? An adventure with Epic Surf Tours is a total privilege. Take the opportunity if you get a chance⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Necia Snow

Epic Boat Trip

If you're looking for an EPIC surf adventure and experience - this is it! Manny is an amazing host, captain and human. I have heard about him and his trips for a while, my wife even went on a day trip earlier this year, and this time my wife and I got to go together and scored some super fun surf! The whole journey is epic - he's got it dialed - from booking to the boat ride to how he has curated all the details of the trip and experience, and he is really considerate and respectful of the local lineups. His professionalism and passion for stoking people out on having fun with surfing is authentic and appreciated and put a smile on everyone's face all day. I HIGHLY recommend booking an EPIC adventure with Manny!!

Ryan D

Epic Boat Trip

We did the morning San Diego surf tour and can't wait to go again! Surf was small but clean and we had the waves all to ourselves in a beautiful setting. Manny was very knowledgeable about the different breaks and it was cool to learn about the area. Manny had everything you need to be comfortable and safe during the trip. I can't believe I have lived in San Diego for a few years now without trying this! SO much fun!

Michelle

Epic boat trip

If you are craving the adventure and experience of a lifetime, Epic Surf Tours is where you need to begin! I have had the pleasure of traveling, surfing and bodyboarding with Manny Vargas for over 20yrs. He is a world renowned waterman whose professionalism, punctuality, and vast knowledge will guarantee you a great experience. No matter your ability level in the water, or needs on land, Manny works to make sure you are safe and get the most out of your trip and the best waves! It is also very likely that you will make life long friends with others who come along. Go ahead and push the button on one of the trips and enjoy an Epic experience!

Adam Burton

Epic Boat Tour

As advertised, we had an epic adventure on the Epic Boat Trip! Manny was fun and knowledgeable- a wealth of information about the surf breaks and the surrounding area. We will definitely be doing this again and I will recommend it to everyone I know!!

Valerie J

Epic Boat Trip

SAFE. FUN. EPIC.
The Coolest Thing You Can Do As A San Diego Native Or Visiting Wave Rider.

Recharge Your Surf Soul

This surf trip is an amazing experience. If you're in a slump or need a reboot, this is a good way to get you back into a surfing adventure mindset.

Captaining these trips reminds me of the first time I jumped off a boat in Indonesia back in 1996. I remember it as clear as day. Captain Tony Montana negotiated through the reef, then he pulled up his colorful catamaran-style ponga to the waves. I took a deep breath, smiled, and jumped off. It was pretty surreal to take a few paddle strokes straight into an empty line-up. It was very, very cool. Now, here's your opportunity to experience something just as memorable.

Like all Epic Surf Trips, it's always about Respecting The Locals, Keeping Safety As Priority #1 & Being Grateful To Ride These Magical Empty Waves.

NEW Summer Time Slots To Choose From
6:00am-10:30am || 10:45am-3:15pm || 11:00am-3:30pm || 3:45pm-8:15pm

Price: $405* Per Time Slot * (transaction fees will be applied at checkout and shown as 'taxes')
Maximum Surfers: 3
Duration: 4.5 Hours
Location: Spot X
Wave Riding Vehicle: All Types
Experience: Beginners/Novice (1-2 feet swell) - Intermediate/Pro (3 feet and above swell)
Booking: Scroll down to the bottom of this page. Choose how many people are in your group. Choose your date. Choose your time slot. Finally, click the Book Now button.
Please Note: Photos are not guaranteed on this trip.

MAKE IT EVEN MORE EPIC!

+ - SURF & LUNCH Click to collapse

+ $95 ($405 + $95 = $500 total)
*Choose your option below after selecting your date and time
(+90 Minutes To Trip) After your epic sunset surf session, we'll tie up to the dock at the restaurant of your choice. From Ketch's top deck view of the bay to Bali Hai's amazing view of San Diego's city skyline... It's all there for you to enjoy. Plenty of options to choose from. Your meal and drinks are not included. Please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with recommendations. Choose your option when you choose your date and time below.
Pizza Nova
Jimmy's Famous
Bali Hai
Joe's Crab Shack
Ketch Downtown
Village Pizzeria Bayside
Peohe's
Lil Piggy's Bar-B-Q
Spiro's Greek Cafe
Costa Azul
Il Fornaio

+ - SUNSET SURF & CONCERT Click to collapse

+ $150 ($405 + $150 = $555 total)
*Choose your option below after selecting your date and time
(+2 Hours To Trip) On select dates, you and your friends could get in a sunset surf and then take a hot shower on the boat before we set anchor near the Rady Shell open-air music venue. You are welcome to bring food and drinks. Sit back and relax as you all watch your concert of choice. Or for some, you can dance on the deck of the Epic surf boat. Have a look at the Rady Shell calendar and grab the Epic Boat before someone else does! Choose your date and option below.
May 20 - Yungblud: A Quiet Celebration
Jun 9 - Paul Simon
Jun 10 - Louis Tomlinson: How Did We Get Here? World Tour
Jun 27 - The Beach Boys with the San Diego Symphony Orchestra
Jun 28 - KOOL & THE GANG with special guest The Sugarhill Gang
Jul 3 - Blockbuster Broadway!
Jul 4 - America The Beautiful: 250
Jul 12 - Beethoven By The Bay
Jul 17 - Distant Worlds: music from FINAL FANTASY
Jul 18 - How To Train Your Dragon 2 in Concert
Jul 19 - Sam Barber – The American Route Tour
Sep 5 - Manteca! A Dizzy Gillespie & Chano Pozo Celebration
Sep 13 - Chris Tomlin – Worship Under The Stars
Sep 16 - "WEIRD AL" YANKOVIC: Bigger & Weirder 2026 Tour
Sep 22 - Brandi Carlile: The Human Tour
https://www.theshell.org/performances/rady-shell-calendar/

+ - EXTRA HOUR OR HOLIDAY Click to collapse

+ $150 ($405 + $150 = $555 total)
*Choose your option after selecting your date and time. Limited Availability.
(+2 Hours To Trip) If you want more surf time or you are booking on a holiday, this is the option you'll include in your booking. If the selection is not chosen at the time of booking, Epic Surf Tours will contact you to inform you that an additional charge of $150 is mandatory for holidays.
4th of July
Labor Day - September 7
Veterans Day - November 11
Thanksgiving - November 26
Christmas - December 25
New Year's Eve - December 31

On your way out of San Diego Bay and towards the surf, I'll point out many of the amazing sights & facts about "America's Finest City." From the local Kumeyaay nation to the current military presence, San Diego Bay is full of noteworthy history.

You will be briefed on surfing etiquette, safety and respect. Respecting the surfers that have been going to these beautiful waves for decades is a priority.

*Epic Boat Trips need to be booked 13 hours before the departure date.

On the way out to the beautiful breaks, you will be briefed on the breaks and, more importantly, respect. Respecting the locals, the reefs, and Mother Nature is just shy of our priority… SAFETY. When the waves are pumping, we could expect a crowd out there. On the other hand, we could end up being the only ones in the lineup. Your best option for empty waves will be midweek.

Once you’re confirmed, you'll be sent an Epic Boat Trip info sheet with details on what to bring and what to expect. This trip is four and a half hours from beginning to end. No need for a suitcase. Simply show up ready to surf.

The price of the boat trip covers these essentials (while on La Mar - Epic Boat 01)

U.S. Coast Guard Certified Boat Captain
Certified CPR/First Aid Surf Guide/Instructor (Former California State Lifeguard)
Boat Trip To Secret Surf Locations
A Starbucks Sandwich, Water & Light Snacks

Quick Checklist (detailed 10-Point Checklist sent after booking)
-Dress Warm. Windbreaker Jacket, Gloves, And Beanie Suggested For The Boat Ride
-One Bag For Wetsuit, Booties, Surf Gear (Cinch Bag Is Perfect)
-One Small Bag For Personal Items (Waterproof Suggested)
-One Board (A Marbella Surfboard will be available for you to try)
-Show Up In Wetsuit Ready To Rock
-No Buckets Or Tubs
-No Bananas On The Boat (Eat Them Before Boarding)
-No Shoes That Leave Skid Markings

Find a couple of friends and book today!

NEW Summer Time Slots
6:00am-10:30am || 11:00am-3:30pm || 3:45pm-8:15pm

Price: $405* Per Time Slot * (transaction fees will be applied at checkout and shown as 'taxes')
Maximum Surfers: 3
Duration: 4.5 Hours
Location: Spot X
Wave Riding Vehicle: All Types
Experience: Beginners/Novice (1-2 feet swell) - Intermediate/Pro (3 feet and above swell)
Booking: Scroll down to the bottom of this page. Choose how many people are in your group. Choose your date. Choose your time slot. Finally, click the Book Now button.
Please Note: Photos are not guaranteed on this trip.