EPIC BOAT TRIP

Adventure. Respect. Ride.

I had a fantastic time on an Epic Boat Trip Surf Session last Friday! It was an amazing morning session of surfing local spots and a harbor tour. Manny is excellent and made sure we had a safe and fun session. If you want a great surfing experience, I recommend Epic and Manny.

Donald K

Fun Friday

The boat tours are great! Manny knows great breaks for different preferences and swells. The boat is also great and the itinerary and amenities work perfectly for surfing. We even got some pictures taken surfing, and the quality was really good.

Jana F

Epic Boat Trip

Another excellent surf day from the boat! Good waves and good vibes. Thanks Manny, for making everything so easy, fun, and safe.

Heather C

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

I am a local to San Diego and in my 10+ years of surfing/ living in area, I never once experienced a surf day trip like this my own backyard. I recommend Epic Surf Tours for both local surfers and out of town surf travelers. There are many tours in San Diego and many beaches to surf on your own. But having an expert guide give lay of the land is such a memorable experience. Manny V. is an excellent surf guide and photographer. He is an expert at what he does, and you can feel secure knowing he's got all bases covered. You can relax , get your surf on, and build memories that will last a life time. Thanks Manny V!

Nalena K.

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 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

Still stoked from my boat session with Manny. As always, his surf trips leave me with a big smile on my face. He prepped you prior to the trip by sending a checklist to ensure you bring proper gear for the boat ride. It was easy to get everything on the boat and get going. Manny made me feel safe in the water and made sure to go over safety protocols prior to leaving the dock. He also went into full details with a booklet on the boat on the surf breaks to ensure you feel comfortable in the water. After the session, Manny had fun jams going and cold sandwiches and beverages. It was such an all-around epic experience for me. I knew that I was 100% safe with Manny on his boat. Thank you Manny for such a fun day! Can’t wait for the next boat adventure!

Justine

Epic Boat Trip

What a great day out on the water! Manny and Tyler (the other boat captain) took excellent care of us throughout the morning. Fun boat ride out to the surf spot that you can only get to by boat. Hours of fun surf and great pictures too. It is always fun spending time with Manny-his energy and enthusiasm is infectious. During a time when travel to Mexico is out, a few hours on the boat and out on the water felt like a real get away. Highly recommend this epic outing.

Amy C

Epic Boat Trip-Amy's 30th again

Manny is awesome! Took the Epic Boat Trip to surf some San Diego reefs for 4 hours. Manny is a stand up guy; preps us for all the waves we'll encounter, provides lunch/drinks, even takes pictures! We even encountered a couple on a small boat that had engine troubles - Manny turned around and had no problem taking the time to help them out. Super stoked that he joined us for the last hour of waves too. Growing up in the late 90's and early 2000's primarily bodyboarding, I was pretty starstruck sharing waves with this legend. The trip was well worth the $99. Honestly I think he should be charging more, so get on it!

JP

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

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-2:15pm || 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 To Choose From
6:00am-10:30am || 10:45am-2:15pm || 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.