PCF 816 Swift Boat Naval History Bay Tour with General Admission

PCF 816 is a tangible reminder of the service and dedication of so many Swift Boat sailors and allows visitors the opportunity to better understand what they sacrificed. The Swift Boat Sailors Associa

PCF 816 is a tangible reminder of the service and dedication of so many Swift Boat sailors and allows visitors the opportunity to better understand what they sacrificed. The Swift Boat Sailors Association brought the PCF 816 Swift Boat to the Maritime Museum of San Diego to be restored and operated on San Diego Bay. Museum visitors now can experience the sound and throbbing vibration from two V12 diesels delivering 980 horsepower for high speed runs through the Bay while retired Swift Boat Sailors and docents talk about what it was like to be a crewman in Vietnam, serving as a Quartermaster, Gunner’s Mate, Engineman, Radarman, Bosun’s Mate or Skipper. The Navy first used them on coastal patrol as a part of Operation Market Time to interdict seaborne supplies on their way to the Viet Cong and the North Vietnamese Army in South Vietnam. Later, the boats moved into the rivers and canals of the Mekong Delta and the Ca Mau peninsula to conduct special operations.

From: $0.00

Location: San Diego

What's Included

Community Discussion

Q&A

Q: Is there an age limit for kids to join the Swift Boat tour?

A: There's no strict age limit, but they recommend kids be at least 8 years old for safety and understanding. The tour can get a bit loud with the engines running, so keep that in mind too. Young ones need to be supervised, and it's probably more enjoyable for kids who can appreciate the history.

Q: Can this experience be rescheduled if plans change?

A: Yes! The Maritime Museum is pretty flexible with rescheduling. If something comes up, just contact them ahead of time, and they’ll try to accommodate you. It’s best to do this as soon as you can, though.

Q: What should I wear for the Swift Boat tour? Is it all outdoors?

A: You’ll want to dress comfortably! It’s a mix of indoors and outdoors, so layers are a good idea, especially if you’re going in the morning when it might be cooler. Definitely wear comfy shoes and don’t forget sunscreen because you’ll be out on the bay. And maybe a hat!

Discussions

Just did the Swift Boat tour - it was awesome!

I went on the PCF 816 Swift Boat tour last week at the Maritime Museum in San Diego and wow, what an experience! Seeing the boat itself was cool, but hearing stories from actual Swift Boat sailors was the highlight. The speed on the bay is exhilarating! It felt so powerful with those V12 engines. If you're thinking about gifting this to someone, they're gonna love it!

Thinking of gifting the Swift Boat tour, but is it suitable for seniors?

I want to get the Swift Boat Naval History Bay Tour for my grandpa’s birthday. He loves history but has some mobility issues. Is the tour accessible? What do you think?