"Bahia Sternwheelers" really refers to two different boats. The "Bahia Belle" and the "William D. Evans." Each is made to look like the old river coal-powered paddle boats of the wild west. The paddles on the back and the smoke stacks are really only there for show as the boats are simply barges with inboard motors. BUT, it looks authentic and they are a blast to go out on. Both boats are docked behind the Bahia Hotel Resort in South Mission Bay. The larger of the two, the William D. Evans is usually reserved for large private parties. I recently spent a evening out on the William D. Evans for my buddy's wedding rehearsal dinner. All the out of town guests LOVED it. The Bahia Belle, the smaller of the two boats, is intended for the public and the hotel guests alike of the Bahia Hotel Resort and the Catamaran Resort across Mission Bay. Both hotels are owned by the same company and both boats cruise throughout mission bay offering a first floor (bathrooms, bar, some seating) the second floor (main floor, majority seating, full bar, entertainment) and the top floor is open air so you can soak up the beautiful night time views and watch the Seaworld fireworks.<br /> <br /> But most of you aren't going to rent out the William D. Evans for a private party so lets talk about the Bahia Belle a little bit. You can get on the Bahia Belle for only $6 bucks (free to hotel guests) either at the Bahia Hotel Resort or the Catamaran Resort. The "Belle" travels back and forth between these two hotels all night long. The Belle leaves the dock of the Bahia Hotel at 5:30 each evening and travels to the Catamaran arriving at 6 then returns. And that is the schedule. Half hour at the Bahia Hotel and on the hour at the Catamaran Resort. So whichever hotels' dock you catch the boat at know that you'll have to be onboard for a minimum of one hour round trip. If you accidentally get off you'll be stranded for an hour. (I've done this)<br /> <br /> Now the fun part. Kids are of course welcome but their parents will usually put them to bed after the fireworks. For the rest of us this means essentially a floating bar with live music entertainment and the best views of Mission Bay and fireworks! It's really a blast. Top shelf cocktails are $5.50 and gorgeous views are free. Finally, the entertainment. I've forgotten the guy's name but he looks like Duane Allman and plays similar music. One man, one mic, one guitar and a drum machine rocking out tunes from the 70's and early 80's all night long. Can you think of a cooler thing to do? Boat, bar, views, music, stupid dancing and cheap drinks? It's fantastic. Bring your friends though, it's a boat and not exactly a singles scene.<br /> <br /> So go check it out if only once for an hour round trip. I guarantee you'll absolutely love it. Oh and they take credit cards at the bar if you run out of cash on the boat, no ATM. <br /> <br /> AHOY!