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Catamaran Resort Hotel and Spa

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• Excellent 4,745
• Very Good 1,270
• Average 539
• Terrible 203
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" Book the suite that you are able to walk out to the bay! "

" Garden room deluxe was great. 700 building just not well cleaned "

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" Tower rooms seemed older. Pool rooms seemed noisy. "

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CATAMARAN RESORT HOTEL AND SPA - Updated 2024 Prices & Reviews (San Diego, CA)

Catamaran Resort Hotel and Spa

3999 Mission Boulevard, Mission Bay, San Diego, CA 92109, United States of America – Excellent location – show map

Cleanliness

Value for money

Catamaran Resort Hotel and Spa Reserve now

Located 100 yards from the Pacific Ocean, this San Diego resort features an outdoor pool and full-service spa with beauty treatments. Rooms at the resort include free Wi-Fi. Catamaran Resort Hotel & Spa provides rooms with balconies or patios. Every room contains a flat-screen cable TV with HBO and an iPod docking station. Guests can enjoy on-site dining at the property's restaurant, Oceana Coastal Kitchen. Guests can also rent inline skates and bicycles at Catamaran Resort Hotel. Water sport rentals, sand volleyball courts and children’s activities are also available at the hotel. The Catamaran Hotel Resort is 4 miles from SeaWorld. The San Diego zoo is 10.5 miles from the hotel.

Couples in particular like the location – they rated it 8.9 for a two-person trip.

Distance in property description is calculated using © OpenStreetMap

• Outdoor swimming pool
• Private Parking
• Non-smoking rooms
• Fitness center
• Tea/Coffee Maker in All Rooms
• Private beach area

Property highlights

Top Location: Highly rated by recent guests (9.1)

Want a great night's sleep? This hotel was highly-rated for its very comfy beds.

Private parking available

Saved to 3283 lists

Availability

Select dates to see this property's availability and prices

Property practices

Categories:, hotel area info, restaurants 1 restaurant on site.

• Cuisine American
• Open for Breakfast • Brunch • Lunch • Dinner • Cocktail hour
• Ambience Modern

Amenities of Catamaran Resort Hotel and Spa

• Free toiletries
• Outdoor fireplace
• Outdoor furniture
• Bicycle rental Additional charge
• Movie nights
• Water sports facilities on site Additional charge
• Flat-screen TV
• Cable channels
• Fruit Additional charge
• Wine/Champagne Additional charge
• Tea/Coffee maker
• Parking garage
• Accessible parking
• ATM on site
• Baggage storage
• 24-hour front desk
• Daily housekeeping
• Dry cleaning Additional charge
• Meeting/Banquet facilities Additional charge
• Fire extinguishers
• CCTV in common areas
• Smoke alarms
• Key card access
• 24-hour security
• Vending machine (snacks)
• Vending machine (drinks)
• Air conditioning
• Smoke-free property
• Wake-up service
• Facilities for disabled guests
• Room service
• Open all year
• All ages welcome
• Heated pool
• Pool/Beach towels
• Beach chairs/Loungers
• Locker rooms
• Yoga classes
• Full-body massage
• Couples' massage
• Back massage
• Spa/Wellness packages
• Spa lounge/Relaxation area
• Spa facilities
• Beach umbrellas Additional charge
• Hot tub/Jacuzzi
• Massage Additional charge
• Spa Additional charge
• Sauna Additional charge

See availability House rules

From 4:00 PM to 12:00 AM

Guests are required to show a photo ID and credit card at check-in

Until 11:00 AM

Cancellation/ prepayment

Cancellation and prepayment policies vary according to accommodations type. Please enter the dates of your stay and check what conditions apply to your preferred room.

Children & Beds

Child policies

Children of all ages are welcome.

Children 18 and above will be charged as adults at this property.

To see correct prices and occupancy info, add the number and ages of children in your group to your search.

Crib and extra bed policies

Cribs and extra beds aren't available at this property.

No age restriction

There's no age requirement for check-in

Pets are allowed. Charges may apply.

When booking more than 3 rooms, different policies and additional supplements may apply.

Accepted payment methods

Cash is not accepted Catamaran Resort Hotel and Spa accepts these cards and reserves the right to temporarily hold an amount prior to arrival.

The fine print Must-know information for guests at this property

Please note:

The hotel allows only 1 room per reservation.

There will be a resort fee at the property beginning 1 October 2018. Please contact property for pricing details.

Resort fee includes:

Complimentary WiFi access in guest rooms and public areas

Use of beach chairs and umbrellas on Bay Beach, towels at the resort pool and whirlpool and fitness center

Two in-room waters per day

USA Today newspaper each morning in the lobby

Discounts at the on-site spa, Morays’ Happy Hour and Oceana Coastal Kitchen

Complimentary local and domestic long-distance phone calls.

Guests are required to show a photo ID and credit card upon check-in. Please note that all Special Requests are subject to availability and additional charges may apply.

FAQs about Catamaran Resort Hotel and Spa

Does catamaran resort hotel and spa have a pool.

Yes, this hotel has a pool. See details about the pool and other facilities on this page.

What type of room can I book at Catamaran Resort Hotel and Spa?

What is there to do at catamaran resort hotel and spa.

• Swimming pool
• Couples' massage
• Water sports facilities on site
• Bicycle rental

What are the check-in and check-out times at Catamaran Resort Hotel and Spa?

Check-in at Catamaran Resort Hotel and Spa is from 4:00 PM, and check-out is until 11:00 AM.

How far is Catamaran Resort Hotel and Spa from the center of San Diego?

Catamaran Resort Hotel and Spa is 7.5 miles from the center of San Diego. All distances are measured in straight lines. Actual travel distances may vary.

Does Catamaran Resort Hotel and Spa have a hot tub for its guests?

Yes, there's a hot tub. You can find out more about this and the other facilities at Catamaran Resort Hotel and Spa on this page.

How close to the beach is Catamaran Resort Hotel and Spa?

The nearest beach is 350 feet from Catamaran Resort Hotel and Spa. All distances are measured in straight lines. Actual travel distances may vary.

Does Catamaran Resort Hotel and Spa have a restaurant on site?

• Oceana Coastal Kitchen

How much does it cost to stay at Catamaran Resort Hotel and Spa?

The prices at Catamaran Resort Hotel and Spa may vary depending on your stay (e.g. dates, hotel's policy etc.). To see prices, enter your dates.

The Best of San Diego

Attractions.

• San Diego Zoo
• SeaWorld San Diego

Convention Centers

• San Diego Convention Center

Institutions

• San Diego State University
• University of San Diego
• Scripps Institution of Oceanography
• San Diego City College
• National University
• San Diego Miramar College
• Torrey Pines State Reserve
• USS Midway Museum
• Maritime Museum of San Diego
• Balboa Park
• Old Town San Diego State Historic Park
• Cabrillo National Monument
• Sunset Cliffs

Popular Areas

• Coronado Beach
• La Jolla Cove
• Liberty Station

Shopping Areas

• Fashion Valley Mall
• Coronado Shopping Plaza Shopping Center
• Coronado Ferry Landing Shopping Center
• Clairemont Village Shopping Center
• Spreckels Theatre
• San Diego International Airport (SAN) 5.1 miles
• North Island (Halsey Field) Naval Air Station (NZY) 6.6 miles
• McClellan-Palomar Airport (CLD) 23.3 miles

Train Stations

• San Diego - Santa Fe Depot Amtrak Station

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Catamaran Resort Hotel and Spa

Explore the exotic side of san diego.

The Catamaran Resort Hotel and Spa is a paradisiacal destination located on the shores of Mission Bay and mere steps from San Diego’s famous Pacific Beach. With features including lush tropical gardens and private beach, this Polynesian-themed hotel offers an ideal blend of fun and tranquility all year-round.

Established in 1958, the Catamaran is a paradise featuring more than 1,000 varieties of exotic plants and animals from around the world. Palm trees, bamboo, waterfalls and koi ponds appeal to the senses, while playful parrots delight and intrigue guests.

The Catamaran’s architecture, reminiscent of the traditional Colonial Hawaiian style, boasts accents including totem poles handcrafted in Bali, art pieces such as tapa cloth from Vanuatu and a beautiful front desk constructed of Black Koa wood imported directly from Tahiti.

At the Catamaran, guests are checked into one of 310 guest rooms, studios or suites, each with a private balcony or patio that opens to stunning views of Mission Bay, the Pacific Beach neighborhood and coastline, or the hotel’s lush tropical gardens. All guests are provided a full range of amenities including complimentary Wi-Fi and 24-hour room service.

On-site dining options include Oceana Coastal Kitchen, rated by Zagat as one of San Diego’s most anticipated restaurants and featuring chef-driven surf and turf dishes. Next door to this signature restaurant is Moray’s, where guests can sip on a signature Moray’s Mai Tai, savor a local craft beer and enjoy happy hour specials Monday-Friday. Both venues feature a blend of indoor and patio spaces, the latter lined with tiki torches, fire pit tables and lush palms.

Guests may also choose to grab a bite at Lava Java, the on-site grab and go café, or poolside at the Catamaran’s full bar and grill which serves up barbecue favorites during the spring and summer months. Another standout summer special is the Catamaran’s signature luaus, featuring live performers that guide guests through the cultures of the South Pacific as they enjoy a Hawaiian buffet.

Those who prefer to spend their time on the water can opt for a cruise on the Bahia Belle, a replica of an 1860s-era sternwheeler that tours around Mission Bay. Operating seasonally, the Bahia Belle is a turn-of-the-century, Mississippi-style boat that provides a 45-minute sightseeing cruise of Mission Bay. The 74-foot, 3-story sternwheeler boat offers an observation deck to view the beautiful sites of the 4,200-acre aquatic park.

The Catamaran Spa—the only beachfront spa in San Diego—offers a South Pacific-inspired menu of treatments including massages, facials, body wraps, hydrotherapy treatments and more—carried out with all-natural marine and botanical elements. Additional wellness amenities include an outdoor pool and hot tub, beach cabanas, an open air fitness center, seasonal outdoor yoga classes and more.

Further vacation activities include rental paddleboards, sailboats, kayaks, surfboards, bicycles and Segways. The Catamaran is also located within the beach towns Mission Beach and Pacific Beach, where guests can stroll the boardwalk or the iconic Crystal Pier, play at the beach or experience a variety of cafes and boutiques. The resort is within 10 miles of major San Diego attractions such as SeaWorld, the San Diego Zoo, Balboa Park, Downtown’s Gaslamp District and the San Diego International Airport.

Neighborhood: Mission Bay and Beaches

3999 Mission Boulevard San Diego, CA 92109

Contact Info

(858) 488-1081 [email protected]

Resort Amenities:

• 310 relaxing guestrooms all with Bay, Ocean, Garden or Koi Pond views
• Wi-Fi in all guestrooms, lobby foyer, as well as beach service
• All guestrooms have single serve coffee makers, two robes and flat screen TV's
• All guestrooms have DIRECT TV with access to 50+ premier channels
• Spa has 10 treatment rooms, salon, relaxation room, gym, a steam and sauna room

Why Vacation Here:

• Beach Front Resort on Mission Bay
• Located within walking distance to 90 restaurants, nightlife and local shops
• Flexible vacation packages to accommodate your needs
• Action Sport Rentals on site: kayaks, paddleboards, sailboats, bikes and more
• Escape through lush grounds and enjoy Koi ponds, birds, trees and waterfalls

More Information

• Total Number of Guest Rooms: 310
• On-site Audio Visual Company
• Health Club On-site
• Day Spa On-site
• Total Number of Restaurants: 1
• Indoor and outdoor Bay Front restaurant and lounge
• Room Service
• 24-Hour Room Service
• Concierge Service
• Destination Weddings
• Miles from Airport: 9
• In-room High-speed Internet Access
• Meeting Room Internet Access
• AAA Diamond Rating: 3 Diamond
• Meets ADA Standard
• Total Number of Swimming Pools: 1
• Indoor Corridor
• Outside Balconies
• Kid Friendly
• Total Number of Kitchen Units: 126

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Navigation by Google Maps

We all use charts for navigation, either paper or electronic, but undoubtedly have found that charts come in varying degrees of accuracy. The further you get from ports used by ships, especially in third-world countries, the less accurate the charts become. This is independent of whether you choose electronic or paper charts, as the electronic charts are usually based on the paper charts. In far-flung areas, there is usually only a single underlying marine survey (except in the Bahamas — see the “experience example” below).

The common wisdom is: “The prudent mariner will not rely solely on any single aid to navigation.” Sometimes the charts themselves are the “aids” not to be relied upon.

In areas of lower-quality charts, there are times when Google Maps (or Google Earth) can be a valuable addition to your arsenal of navigational tools.

An example In Fiji, charts are reasonably accurate when entering major harbors used by commercial ships. When going to less-traveled islands, the locations of land areas are represented with reasonable accuracy, but the positions of reefs are only somewhat related to their actual positions. Musket Cove is a popular anchorage in Fiji, and while we were anchored there a large catamaran grounded hard on a reef. They were lucky and sailed free on the next high tide. While it is recommended that you sail reef-strewn areas only in times of good lighting, this is not always possible.

The accompanying image shows the electronic chart of Musket Cove overlaid with a Google Maps satellite photograph. Notice that while the land is represented accurately on the chart, the reefs are only marginally accurate, particularly in the center, where my anchor position is marked on a green reef. In actuality, we were anchored in more than 40 feet of water in the center between the two reefs as shown by Google. In this case, Google is the more accurate position source.

Useful techniques For this example, go to Google Maps and use only the satellite image mode. You can change from street maps to satellite images with an icon in the lower left corner of the Google Maps window.

If you already have a waypoint or latitude/longitude information from a chart or chartplotter and want to see it in Google Maps, enter the coordinates directly into the Google Maps search box (No. 1 in the screenshot on the next page). Google Maps is quite forgiving about the format for input. A decimal-degrees input is shown, but you can use degrees-minutes and put in a space for the degrees symbol — for example, “17 46.623s 177 11.038e” — and Maps takes you to that location and puts a marker there.

To find the true position of a feature you see in Google Maps (such as a reef), put your cursor on the feature, right click and select “What’s Here?” (No. 2 in the screenshot). A pop-up will appear showing the coordinates (No. 3): -17.772412, 177.186565

Google Maps displays a decimal-degrees system rather than degrees-minutes, and uses minus signs to indicate the Southern or Western Hemispheres. Conversion to degrees-minutes positions is pretty straightforward. To get the minutes, take the decimal part of the coordinate and multiply it by 60.

0.772412 × 60 = 46.34472 and 0.186565 × 60 = 11.19390

So the latitude/longitude is:  17° 46.345’ S 177° 11.194’ E

These coordinates can be keyed into a chartplotter or plotted on a paper chart.

Tip: If you click on the coordinates in the pop-up, Google Maps will center on that position and the coordinates will appear in the search box. You can copy/paste from there to your calculator app. Google Maps also does a conversion to latitude/longitude, but it is converted to degree-minutes-seconds, which most chartplotters won’t accept.

Plan ahead When you most need the Google Maps data, you probably won’t have Internet access. Before starting a passage, go to Google Maps and save the information you need about your destination. An easy way (in a Windows operating system) is to use your browser to display the map you want to save, then press Alt-PrSc (“Print Screen”). This copies the map data from your browser to the clipboard. Open your favorite image program, and paste the image in. We paste images directly into our word-processing app because it handles images well and we can easily add notes. You can make the images small in the word processor and still zoom in when you need more detail. If you’re using a Mac operating system, press Command-Shift-3, which copies the screenshot to the desktop. For those using an iPad, press the Home and Sleep/Wake buttons simultaneously and the screenshot is captured to the camera roll.

Keep in mind that even though Google Maps can show you the locations of dangers, it doesn’t have depth information and it can never show you safe locations. Always check your chart to see water depths.

Experience examples When entering Port Resolution on the island of Tanna (Vanuatu), the charts are sketchy on the location of rocks off the point that you must round to enter the bay. But Google Maps shows the extent of the rocks because the breakers you’ll need to avoid are clearly visible. In some areas, the Google images will be at high tide and/or on a calm day and might not be as useful as the examples here.

Closer to home, Lookout Bight is a popular anchorage between Cape Hatteras and Beaufort, N.C. The sandbar protecting the anchorage has grown significantly since the nautical chart was made and the growth is clearly visible on Google Maps. The sandbar is significant enough that a chart-based route from the southwest will put you on dry land as you approach marker R“4.”

All in all, when you’re navigating in areas of marginal nautical charts, Google Maps is worth a look.

Charlie and Cathy Simon, circumnavigators, have sailed the U.S. coasts from Alaska to Nova Scotia. They live aboard their 2003 Taswell 58 Celebrate in Annapolis, Md. Their book QuickStart Circumnavigation Guide , is available from Amazon and at circumnavigationguide.com .

By Ocean Navigator

Yachting World

• Digital Edition

Using Google imagery for yacht navigation?

• Janneke Kuysters and Wietze van der Laan
• July 15, 2022

Janneke Kuysters on georeferenced satellite imagery and why it can be a real help to the cruising sailor

Every cruiser is familiar with that tingle of doubt: is my chart really up to date, and is that shallow bank still in that location? Careful ‘eyeball’ navigation in tropical waters has become a lot easier thanks to satellite overlays on digital charts, and for those sailing off the beaten track there are simple tools to make your own overlays.

Of course shipping routes for commercial traffic are well charted; as a necessity they have been surveyed for well over a 100 years. But those little nooks and crannies where we love to sail or anchor? In popular cruising areas like the Mediterranean or the Caribbean, chances are that your digital and/or paper charts will be a great help in reaching those spots safely, because of the yachting and/or commercial traffic there.

But when visiting more remote spots you may notice that regular charts for chartplotters differ in accuracy per region. One supplier is often best in one area, but another might excel in another. Plotter brands are increasingly linked to a fixed supplier of charts, so in some sailing waters you may lack the accuracy you’re looking for. In other areas there are no recent surveys at all.

This is where satellite imagery comes in handy. If the nautical charts of an area are old or of dubious quality, a satellite image will be much more recent. If you look on, for instance, Google Earth, you can check if there have been any changes in the location of sand spits, harbour layout or channels.

This is very helpful if you have a good internet connection. But offline things are different. And, of course, it is very handy if you can see your boat on screen while moving on the satellite picture, so you know exactly where that coral head is or where the shallower bits are.

Careful eyeball navigation on approaching an anchorage. Photo: Janneke Kuysters

Some chart formats like Navionics Platinum+ and C-MAP Reveal have satellite photos selectable as an optional layer; you still have the information you normally get on a chart, but you can compare it with the reality on the satellite image. This does require a multifunctional display that supports this and the applicable charting card. These may be hard to get in your location, and of course they cost money.

That’s where the open source (almost) free chart software comes in handy. They’re very popular with cruisers because these sources of information can be used for passage planning and visiting ‘off the beaten track’ locations where a pair of eyes from the sky are essential.

Open source data

The two most popular are OpenCPN and Guru Maps. OpenCPN is open source chart plotting software in which you can load digital charts from various free and paid sources; it runs on Linux, MacOS and Microsoft Windows computers. There is a paid Android derivative for tablets and phones. Guru Maps is an app that can be downloaded on a tablet or phone.

When you’ve downloaded the charting software, the next step is to get the geo-referenced satellite images so you can import them into your charting application. This sounds like a daunting task but, fortunately, there is lots of help available on the internet.

There are various sources for satellite images: Google Earth, Bing and ArcGIS to name just a few. You’ll need various sources, because the specific anchorage or island you want might have been hiding under a cloud when the Google Earth satellite passed over. Another source may have a better image of the same area. One very helpful tool is SAS.Planet: a program designed for viewing and downloading high-resolution satellite imagery. All downloaded images will remain on your computer and you’ll be able to view them offline.

Clipping tiles

The keyword here is ‘tiles’. As you scroll along the satellite images of the area that you want to explore, you need to make ‘tiles’, ie clips of a satellite image. These are stored as MBTiles if you use a program like SAS.Planet. Depending on whether you have nautical charts of the area it may be useful to also prepare tiles at various zoom levels.

Approaching Walvis Bay, Namibia, the author saw shipping patterns on Marine Traffic that didn’t match chart data

Google Earth revealed a brand new pier constructed for cargo ships

The next step is to import these MBTiles into your charting application. The software generally shows the ‘best’ chart for your current zoom level. If you only prepare satellite tiles that are very detailed, when you are zoomed out you’ll not see those – the system will show either the worldwide background map or, if you have those, the nautical chart that you have installed for that area. Once you zoom into the area that one or more of your tiles covers, the charting software can automatically switch to the more detailed satellite photo tile, showing the coral heads and sand spits you need to avoid.

This sounds like a lot of work – and it is. If you’re going well off the beaten track and need detailed information, you’re in for hours of careful scrolling, selecting and downloading to make the tiles.

Internet access and time to prepare is paramount for a successful use of these tools. But once again, some helpful cruisers have made tiles of favoured anchorages already and have stored them in libraries that you can access online. So, before you start making tiles yourself, it pays to look around the internet to see what you can find that is downloadable.

Even better, your fellow cruiser in the anchorage might have what you need – a splendid opportunity to go over and share a cup of tea.

“We’ve found satellite ‘charts’ to be invaluable,” says Sherry McCampbell, who cruises their St Francis 44 catamaran Soggy Paws with her husband, Dave.

“In some of the areas we cruise (the Philippines and Indonesia, specifically), the available charts, even just-updated Navionics and C-Map charts, can be off by as much as a half a mile. It’s pretty astonishing to see your boat navigating across an island, using your expensive chart plotter.

“In some places, these charts are only off 100ft, but that’s enough to put you on the reef.”

Sue and John Hacking on Ocelot

We’ve had a similar experience. My partner Wietze van der Laan and I have recently returned from an eight-year circumnavigation on our 44ft Bruce Roberts design, Anna Caroline. Wietze recalls: “We’ve always used a combination of Open CPN and paper charts. In very remote locations like Patagonia, we found that both types of charts were sometimes off by well over a mile.”

The help of satellite imagery (as well as good old eyeball navigation) is invaluable to navigate these waters safely. More than once we’ve been anchored on land on our digital charts, while the satellite image showed us snug in a beautiful little bay near the face of a glacier.

Even in areas where the charts are fundamentally accurate, additional satellite data can be invaluable, says Sherry McCampbell: “We have found that the satellite charts add so much to our ability to find off-the-beaten-path anchorages. Where the Navionics chart shows a large shallow area (interpreted as ‘you can’t go here’), a satellite chart may well reveal a small channel into an area that has a perfectly good anchorage for a boat with a draught under 3m.

“It does take some experience to be able to ‘read’ the colours in a satellite chart and interpret the colours: is it too deep, too shallow? Is there good sand, or maybe a coral head to avoid? But once you learn these skills, it totally expands your possible anchorages.

“We are currently in south-east Indonesia – very few cruising boats travel in this area. I was just today making new satellite charts for our next month of cruising, using Sat2Chart and SAS.Planet. It’s amazing what you can see from the satellite charts: where small villages are (possibilities for small markets to buy fresh vegetables, etc), where ‘sand fans’ are that indicate a viable anchorage, where passage is possible into an inner reef area, where fishing boats are anchored. And for on shore exploration, beaches, mountains, waterfalls etc.”

Stunning Kabui Bay, Indonesia by satellite

Ever changing tools

Jon Hacking is cruising aboard SV Ocelot, a Wauquiez-designed 48ft catamaran. He says: “The possibilities of using MBTiles for exploring islands and anchorages are endless. It pays to invest time in getting to know the online tools and how-to-guides that are available.

Kabui Bay, Indonesia on CM93 chart. Note the bay doesn’t appear on the chart

“The only limit is the size of your hard drive. It pays to choose well where you store your MBTiles, because over the years of cruising, it can add up quickly. If you upload too many MBTiles in your OpenCPN, the performance of your laptop will decrease.”

He adds a word of caution: “These open-source systems develop all the time, so some functionalities will appear or disappear. Make sure that you check if everything is still working before you set off.”

His experiences are echoed by Thom D’Arcy, who sailed his Vancouver 28 Fathom solo around the world. “On my circumnavigation I found the georeferenced satellite imagery extremely useful for backing up my digital and paper charts. In some poorly charted areas such as Fiji and Madagascar I even used satellite images as my primary means of navigation. These images are also very useful for researching anchorages and layouts of ports and harbours before arrival.”

However, he too notes: “The applications for accessing the satellite images are constantly changing and the app I used until recently is no longer available. It therefore requires a vigilant eye on the developments in this field to be able to access the right information when needed.”

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At Sea Maui, we like to do things just a little differently than the rest. For starters, we’re more like your extended family or new best friends once you’re on board. You’re here to have a good time, learn about the ocean, Maui, whales (seasonal) and all that good stuff. We’re not operated by the corporate suits; we’re a team of like-minded, fun-going, salty sailors that absolutely love our jobs and all the cool people we get to meet! When you come on a trip with us we promise to do everything in our power to make sure you have the time of your life out on the water.

Discover the Sea Maui Difference: Read Our Maui Snorkeling, Whale Watching and Sunset Cruise Reviews

Just returned from Maui. Family and I did a Friday night sunset cruise. Highly recommend this trip. Capt. Phil and crew are top notch. They work hard to make sure you have fun. Great food and drink, whale watching and great views. The crew was very careful loading and unloading passengers at the start and end of the trip. Overall a great time. If you want to sail with a competent and caring crew, then Sea Maui is the place to be.

This was my third catamaran snorkel trip and it was the best one yet! First and foremost the staff was amazing. Throughout the trip the entire crew stayed engaged in conversation, and not just with one person. Hands down best part of my week stay here in Maui! Lunch was fantastic-drinks were flowing-& we made it back in a timely manner! Thank you so much to the crew of Sea Maui for being the best part of my vacation!

I had the joy of going on a Sea Maui trip. The boat was large and the vibe the crew had was amazing. They served us breakfast and lunch with a smile, had great drinks and music, and made us laugh the whole time. I chose to do SNUBA, and it was worth every extra penny. If I went back today, I would use Sea Maui and I recommend them to all of my friends who are going.

The crew and management at Sea Maui always go above and beyond to make sure their patrons have the best experience possible. They serve good food and drinks and have a smaller amount of people they go out with and they offer something for everyone. They are def my go to when I’m looking to get out in the beautiful waters of Maui.

Google Maps just added 3D Maps to navigation — here’s how to activate it

Where we're going, we don't need 2D

Google Maps has recently added a “show 3D buildings” option for when you're traveling, according to known leaker Assemble Debug , who found a toggle for the feature in version 125 of the Google Maps beta.

The feature appears to be getting a full rollout on the Android version of Google Maps. 

Google maps has added the option for "Show 3D buildings" during navigation. It has been in testing for some time. Google Maps beta version 125 makes it available for everyone. It has been already possible to view 3D buildings in normal map view through layer option. #Google pic.twitter.com/hEFsOOKKcT April 16, 2024

It should be noted that Google Maps has previously offered a 3D buildings toggle option as a layer, but only for viewing the map outside of navigation mode. The 3D building layer is relatively basic, only offering simple 3D geometry instead of high-textured images like you see in Google Maps' Immersive View mode. We'd assume the 3D navigation mode will follow the example of the former.

The new update also offers updates for weather and air quality, real-time battery information for electric vehicles and several other AI updates.

How to enable 3D buildings in Google Maps

Follow these steps in the mobile version of Google Maps to turn on the new 3D buildings feature. (These steps show how to enable the feature on Android; 3D buildings does not yet appear to be an option for the iOS version of the app.)

1. Go to Google Map settings

In the Google Map, tap on your Google profile . (It's the picture or initial in the upper right corner of the search bar.) On the pop-up window, tap on Settings .

2. Select Navigation Settings

Scroll down the list of settings to find and tap on Navigation Settings .

3. Turn on the 3D buildings feature

Scroll down on the Navigation Settings page to find the Show 3D Buildings option. Turn on the switch to enable the feature.

What else is coming to Google Maps?

Google Maps is easily the staple navigation app for most people, and Google is constantly working on updates. For instance, one update promised to launch in time for the summer vacation season will add lists of recommended attractions that will appear when entering select cities. 

Meanwhile, Google's also testing adding entrance icons to select buildings in maps. This addition would make it easier to know which entrance is the correct one to use, which is especially beneficial when dealing with similar-looking buildings with poor markers. 

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3D maps can make navigating certain areas easier, especially when it comes to figuring out the relative position and size of buildings and other landmarks. So we certainly can't wait for this feature to hit the stable version of Google Maps. In the meantime, though, we have other Maps tips to share, such as  9 hidden Google Map features that everyone should know .

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Josh is a staff writer for Tom's Guide and is based in the UK. He has worked for several publications but now works primarily on mobile phones. Outside of phones, he has a passion for video games, novels, and Warhammer. 

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Google announces new features for travel.

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Google has announced several new features for Google Maps and Google Search aimed at helping people find less carbon-intensive ways of traveling and commuting.

One of the key additions is a new EV filter on google.com/travel, enabling users to locate hotels that offer onsite EV charging facilities. Additionally, numerous updates have been made on Maps to facilitate the discovery of charging stations.

When planning a trip, users will now have access to suggested charging stops, forecasted energy consumption, and more.

Google Map EV Charger Stations Updates

Furthermore, in addition to the EV updates, Google Maps will now assist users in finding lower-carbon travel alternatives.

Highlights from Googles Press Release: More sustainable ways to commute & travel:

• Driving alternatives in Google Maps: When people look up driving directions, we’ll soon show a public transit or a walking suggestion next to driving routes, if travel times are comparable and practical (coming to 15+ cities).
• Trains & buses in Google Search: You can now see train schedules & ticket prices directly in Search, for rail travel in 38 countries around the world (including the US), as well as long-distance buses in 15 countries. This is an expansion of an existing feature.
• Train suggestions on Google Flights: In the months ahead, when you’re on Google Flights and there’s a reasonable rail alternative, you’ll see train route suggestions in the flight search results. This builds on similar suggestions we already show in Google Search for flight queries.
• Travel Impact Model: You can already see estimated emissions in Google Flights, powered by our Travel Impact Model methodology. Now, estimates from the Travel Impact Model are also available through a developer API , a Google Sheets extension and a calculator on the TIM website .

Electric vehicles:

• Google Maps (all features coming soon):
• EV Charging Station Pins: We’ll highlight nearby EV charging stations for in-car Maps, with information about station availability and charging speeds.
• AI-powered summaries for EV charging stations: AI summaries from user reviews will better help users pinpoint charging stations.
• Multi-waypoint EV trip planning: When users create a multi-stop trip, in-car Maps will suggest required charging stops.
• Google Search - Hotels:
• You can use the new EV filter on google.com/travel to find hotels that offer on-site EV charging. This is already live.

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This new Google Maps feature is game changer for EV drivers

Electric vehicle drivers are getting a little extra help on the road from Google Maps.

Google Maps and Search is rolling out new features tailored just for electric vehicles, including specific information on the location of EV chargers and hotels with on-site chargers. Maps will also help drivers plan charging stops on their travels in real time.

In 2023, 1.6 million electric vehicles were sold in the U.S., up 60% from 2022. However, one of the common concerns about owning an electric vehicle is that people don't know where to charge them.

One of the features now available on mobile is artificial intelligence-powered summaries detailing a charger's exact location since it can be difficult for drivers to locate where a charger is in a multilevel parking lot. Google created the summaries based on millions of reviews posted in Google Maps by fellow users, including what type of plug they used and charging time. In Maps, drivers get detailed summaries leading them right to the charger.

Google Maps is a solo traveler's friend: Expert advice for your first trip

While on-the-go, Google Maps' in-car map will also display nearby chargers, including real-time port availability and charging speed. While giving directions, Google Maps will also suggest the best charging locations on one- and multistop trips. The suggested stops will be based on the car's battery level. Cars with built-in Google will be the first to get these two features in the coming months, the company said.

To help drivers with their overnight travel plans, Google Search's travel page will also show hotels with on-site EV charging.

Kathleen Wong is a travel reporter for USA TODAY based in Hawaii. You can reach her at [email protected] .

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Welcome to Your Inviting San Diego Beach Hotel Rooms and Suites

With a prime location close to the Pacific Beach and an inviting tropical setting, all of the 310 San Diego beach hotel rooms, suites, and studios provide the comfort and amenities to enjoy the beachfront lifestyle. The Catamaran Resort Hotel and Spa’s welcoming accommodations feature a balcony or patio with breathtaking views of Mission Bay, the Pacific Beach neighborhood and coastline, or the property’s lush tropical gardens.

Plan Your Stay Today!

Bayfront Suite

Approximately 438 Square Feet | 1 King or 2 Doubles

Experience the best of beach living with the spacious signature bayfront suites. Located in a 2-story building with direct access to Mission Bay’s beach and boardwalk, the suite’s bedroom includes 1 king or 2 double beds, HD TV, and a walk-in shower. The separate living area features a pull-out sofa, a wet bar with a refrigerator, a dining area, and a balcony or patio. 

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Bay View Suite

Approximately 604 Square Feet | 1 King

Enjoy the breathtaking views of Mission Bay and the Pacific Ocean from your bay view suite. The bedroom features 1 king bed, HD TV, walk-in closet, full-size tub with shower, and its own balcony. The separate living area includes a separate balcony, a pull-out sofa, an additional HD TV, a dining area, and a kitchenette with a full-size refrigerator, microwave, and toaster oven.

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Garden View Suite

Approximately 604 Square Feet | 1 King

Located on the lower level floors of the tower, this suite offers peaceful views of the resort’s tropical garden paradise. The bedroom area includes 1 king bed, HD TV, walk-in closet, full-size tub with shower, and a balcony or patio. The suite’s separate living area has a pull-out sofa, an additional HD TV, a dining area, and another balcony or patio to enjoy. The suite also includes a kitchenette with a full-size refrigerator, microwave, and toaster oven.

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Approximately 430 Square Feet | 2 Queens

The studios provide a great option for families. The space includes 2 queen-size beds, a dining area, a private balcony or patio, and a wet bar with a mini refrigerator, microwave, and toaster oven. Located in the tower, guests are spoiled with views of Mission Bay and downtown San Diego, of the Pacific Beach neighborhood and the coastline toward La Jolla, or the lush gardens throughout the property.

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Bayfront Room

Approximately 382 Square Feet | 1 King or 2 Queens

For a true beach experience, the newly renovated signature bayfront rooms are located in the two-story buildings directly adjacent to beautiful Mission Bay and its boardwalk. With a prime location, these rooms include 1 king or 2 queen beds, HD TV, a walk-in shower, a small refrigerator, a dining area, and a balcony or patio to overlook your unbeatable bay views.

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Garden View Room

Approximately 485 Square Feet | 1 King or 2 Queens

Stretch out in the newly renovated Garden View Rooms with relaxing views of the tropical landscaping, exotic palms, and koi ponds. Your comfortable San Diego guest room offers 485 square feet of living space and includes a patio or balcony along with your choice of either 1 king or 2 queen beds. 

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Approximately 309 Square Feet | 1 King

Housed in the centrally located tower, these rooms offer a variety of beautiful views to enjoy from your private balcony or patio. South-facing rooms look out over Mission Bay, and north-facing rooms show off the Pacific Ocean and the coastline toward La Jolla. All rooms feature 1 king bed, a full-size tub with shower, and HD TV.

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Poolside Room

Approximately 329 Square Feet | 1 King or 2 Queens

Stretch out in the newly renovated Poolside Room with relaxing views of the Catamaran's pool. Your comfortable San Diego guest room offers a welcoming living area with 2 queen beds and a patio or balcony.

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Resort Room

Throughout the hotel, the welcoming Resort Rooms provide a relaxing setting for your San Diego stay. The rooms include 1 king or 2 queen-size beds, a small refrigerator, HD TV, a full-size tub with shower, a dining area, as well as a balcony or patio.

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Accessible Rooms

Find the best room to fit your needs with a variety of comfortable accommodations for your San Diego visit. The Catamaran is dedicated to providing guests with disabilities, as well as their traveling companions, practical and convenient amenities both in-room and throughout the hotel’s property.

Accessible Room Details

When You Book Direct on CatamaranResort.com

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Tailor your getaway with in-room amenity deliveries, discounted attraction tickets, and more.

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