Exploring a Weird Island Off San Diego 

I've lived in San Diego over 50 years, and I never knew about this place. This is a fascinating video. Also, you are a great video host. I learned a lot from this video and I really enjoyed watching it.

I was born in San Diego in 1959. My family would rent a cabin in Mission Bay with another family (friends). It had a concrete floor in the living room with a drain in the center. For over a decade we would spend all summer there in the 60s. My sister and I ran free. "Here's a dollar. See you at dinner." when I was only 6. Different world... I don't remember there being an island. I do remember that I couldn't stand the feeling of the grass in the sand near the shore. My mom would have to float me out on a raft until we were past it. Picky kid! We spent more time on the ocean side. Thank you for the into and the memories.

Steve! When you said you had to be rescued, and you panned the camera over to your wife standing in the water holding your raft, I blew the drink l was drinking out my nose! FUNNY!!! Seriously, thank you for all your videos, and especially your presentation. You keep on shooting, and I'll keep on watching! RV

Very interesting and entertaining. A friend and I rented a 16 foot Snipe sailboat on Mission Bay back in the late 1970s. We had a wonderful time sailing, beached the boat on West Ski Island and had our lunch on the beach there. It was very relaxing. Thanks for posting this video!

Reminds me of the weird Beachcombers Island that Disney World created for recreational activities too, for a wave machine for surfing! When the Polynesian Resort was being constructed, the Vice President of Park Operations (Dick Nunis) came up with the idea of adding surfing as a recreational activity for guests, since Disney wanted to be able to compete with the miles and miles of existing Floridian beaches, and they believed outdoor recreation was the key! They knew they had to build it before the Seven Seas Lagoon was filled, a cove area would have to be carved out, and the costs of building WDW were already extremely high, but he wouldn't take no for an answer and with help from WED and Roy O. Disney, he secured the funds. The wave machine had three problems that Disney did not expect. The main thing was the Seven Seas Lagoon and the beaches suffered from severe erosion. The wave machine did such a good job of creating ocean like waves that the manmade beaches could not withstand the force. Another issue was the transportation around the lagoon. The wave machine made it very difficult to operate watercraft in and around the Polynesian docks, specifically the Southern Seas. The Southern Seas was the 100 foot long side steamship used to transport guests from 1971 to 1975. It was incredibly vulnerable to the rolling waves coming off of Beachcomber cove and made it difficult for the captains to navigate the area. There were also reports that the wave machine machinery failed often, and the wave machine could only run for a few hours at a time.

I grew up in the 1950s and 60s in San Diego. I still remember seeing the dredging operations. As they were dredging they dug up all the oil, petroleum and other waste that had accumulated from the ships that dumped it there and the smell was terrible depending on the wind. i was also in one of the first school trips to visit Sea World when it first opened. The Marines used that area when it was still a swamp to train. You could see them occasionally from the highway and my Dad, who was in the Navy, would always laugh and point at the Swamp Turkeys when we drove by. Thanks for your videos as they always bring back memories of the years my brother and I lived in San Diego as boys.

You find the coolest things to research Steve... most people wouldn't care about some tiny island but this is what sets you apart from other channels. Thank you for protecting the seagull and thank you Mrs. Steve for your lifesaving efforts 😊

My Grama used to bring us here every Wednesday (those were our half days at school). She'd swim out to that island with us, such good memories from the 70's. Love and miss my Gram.

Seagull encounter, history and power sports! This one has it all! AND… it’s darn nice to meet you, Steve, a couple years in.

Born there in 1949... I lived in Mission Beach in the 60s. I remember swimming in the bay and thinking how yucky, mucky the bottom was. It freaked me out, so mostly, I crossed MB Blvd and did my swimming in the ocean. I used to live on San Jose Pl for $100/mo. Boy... are those days gone!

I've lived in San Diego for most of my adult life. I worked at Sea World from 1990 to 2009 and never knew there was an East Ski Island. I also didn't know what West Ski Island was called, just remember seeing it from Ski Beach when we had bonfires there. Thanks for making this video.

In about 1967, my parents bought a 16 foot boat with a 100 horsepower outboard. We learned how to waterski, and we landed on both ski islands at times to take a break. People were allowed on the islands back then. The West island was the larger of the two, and it was solid all the way across. When the bay was being dredged in the winter, one place they would pump the sand was the ski islands, Fiesta island was the other. Once I jumped out of the boat at East Ski island, and I landed on a broken beer bottle, cutting my right foot.

This was a surprise to me. I had a dog walking biz for 10 years, and I have walked around Fiesta Island (or, as I call it, Fester island) about a thousand times. I never noticed this island.

Lived in SD 37 years, never knew about these little islands, i also never knew that mission bay is the biggest "manmade aquatic park" pretty cool! Love learning more about our awesome city. Great job BTW on the video and hosting .

i live in san diego now and it’s really weird living in such a popular place. i’ve sat on the beach in the beginning on the video and it makes me get the chills. only been a year and i’ve seen so many people talk about things i live only miles from.

Here's another odd island that's a part of the US that people don't think about: Wake Island. It even has its own unofficial flag that was designed in 1976 for the US Bicentennial by Filipino workers on the island. What if I were to tell you that this random island in middle of the Pacific was the ORIGINAL San Francisco? Wake Island derives its name from British sea captain Samuel Wake, who rediscovered the atoll in 1796. However, the first Europeans to discover the island were the SPANISH by Álvaro de Mendaña de Neira! He saw the island on October 2, 1568, the eve of the Feast of Saint Francis of Assisi, so he named it San Francisco. The more famous San Francisco in California on the other hand wasn't named as such until JUNE 1776!

I've lived in San Diego my whole life, and even grew up across the street on crown point drive in the early 90's and never knew any of this.. hadn't even realized that the little island I saw growing up had since changed into that shape.. I appreciate your content, thank you

Growing up in the '50s I remember the stench from the swamp that was to become Mission Bay. When it finally got finished we lived in Clairemont (near Genesse/Balboa) and I could hear the jet boats on Saturday morning ripping up the water. GRRRRRRRRRRRRR the engines roared and I loved listening to them. My dad always said that it was Frank Curren that was responsible for getting Mission Bay approved/completed. Don't know if that's true or not.

Again, Steve, really appreciate the video, as always. As a graduate of Mission Bay High School back in the mid-70s, this one was of particular interest to me as I'd never noticed the islands of the bay much, either. Hit some strong nostalgia with the videos of the sidewalks I use to run for high school sports and such. I also worked a spell at Mission Bay Campland...don't know if that's still the name of the campgroup out behind my high school. As I sit up here in Washington State on a chilling fall day I can feel some of the warm of a San Diego day. As a history buff, I also found the old map of Mission Bay really informative and it gave me a greater appreciation for the changes that were made. Thanks for the info and memories.

The orange raft was hilarious.

Great video. We have lived in San Diego since 1988, and always love Mission Bay. For those who have never been, the boating, water skiing, kayaking, jet skiing of course, are all easily accessible. Also, boating events like Thunderboats; and even concerts by the Bay. There is waterfront shopping and great seaside restaurants. We are so fortunate to live here!

Some more factoids about the bay and surrounding area for anyone interested: The eastern part of the bay used to be called Duckville, which had a shanty town erected above it with its own mayor and was used by the male population of San Diego for duck hunting, boozing, and any other activities that would not be socially acceptable in town. Duckville and its mayor got washed out to sea in the great flood of 1916, and was never rebuilt thereafter. Southward you'll find what are today the SPAWAR buildings (the big buildings along the i5-South with the jagged roofs). Those used to be the old Consolidated Aircraft factory that built the PBY Catalina flying boats during WW2. The flying boats would be built at the plant, then taxied across what is now San Diego International and into the waters of San Diego bay using concrete ramps. The ramps are still visible today at the neighboring coast guard station and on North Island. After the war, Consolidated Aircraft merged with Vultee aircraft to form Convair. Convair produced aircraft, rockets, cruise missiles, you name it.. Due to San Diego's lax regulations and willingness to turn a blind eye at the time, all of the industrial waste from Convair's manufacturing was stored in steel barrels and buried under Anna street (now Sea World Drive), which runs along the southern edge of Mission Bay. If you drive along Sea World Drive today, you'll notice that the street seems to sink in certain spots. This is due to the decay and collapse of the barrels stored underneath. I believe Ramada Inn tried to build a hotel next to Sea World once and was denied permits due to the existence of the industrial waste. I also vaguely remember a story about an accident that occurred while dredging Mission Bay related to the toxic waste - apparently one of the barges used for dredging managed to hit a pocket of the toxic waste, causing immediate severe illness to the crew.

Hi Steve! Love watching all your videos. I spent years skiing around those islands, and we were always reminded by Harbor Patrol not to set-foot on the islands. Thanks for taking us there for another view!

Great video Steve! I lived a block from the bay and always wondered about that island. It never made any sense to me so thanks for the history lesson. San Diego is so full of interesting history. I must say that I laughed when you started to try and sail your way there on that "boat" lol. I was like there's no way he's gonna make it on that thing!

Your raft experience was hilarious. Thanks for the chuckles.

Very interesting! I've grew up coming to Mission Bay and was always curious about the little island!!

I went by this island a while back and was curious about it. Your attempt to cross in a kids inflatable boat had me cracking up! Thanks for sharing!

I just found your channel. I love San Diego, but live in Mississippi. I come out every 2-3 months. I'm loving your videos to find new stuff to check out. Looking forward to my trip in October.

This is so awesome Steve, I’m from Clairemont SD and have always wondered about the little crescent island with the concrete blocks

🤦‍♂️I can't believe he tried to get there on that little boat. 🤣 That was a nice interesting video. 👍

I once tried to swim across Mission Bay. I underestimated how hard the current would be, and started to struggle. I turned around, and was pretty sure I might not make it back to shore when I was rescued by a dog, a black lab swam out to me, I grabbed ahold of his collar and he pulled me back to shore. My friends had fallen asleep on the beach and had no idea what i was doing. Dumb move on my part, but that dog saved my life. When we got back to shore, it took off and I never knew where he came from.

I absolutely love your videos, Steve. This episode has to be one of your best! I am just so thankful you were rescued by your wife. 🤣 Thank you for the wonderful videos. I have learned so much and I really enjoy how you deliver information in a calm and humorous manner. You Rock, San Diego Steve!

Thank you so much! You seem like a laid back, fun person to be around.

Steve!!! 🤘🏻😊🤘🏻 Your videos are rad!! Thanks for making them!!

“Rescued!” Great laugh! I have not been on Mission Bay for forty years. I had no idea that the two ski islands had changed. Your maps and drone footage showed me the bay as I have never seen it. What a fun video!

Awesome video! Looking forward to your next adventure! I’ve lived in Pacifc Beach almost 7yrs and had no clue this existed 😅

I like the way Steve is very thorough,explains everything, easy to understand! Very informative, Keep up the good work!

Real nice video, and I have never seen this island prior to this video. so good job.

Interesting video. Thanks for sharing.

Again, I enjoyed another one of your videos. Thank you.

Thank you for the excellent video! Super interesting. And you answered a debate my friend and I had because I knew that it wasn't always crescent shaped and he was sure they made it like that to begin with.

I was born and raised in SD I only moved 5 yrs ago I never knew about this island. Wow Thank you so much.

Wow, I also grew up here and never heard or knew of this island much less the history behind it. Thank you, Steve, for the edumication.😎

“I’m being rescued right now!” 🤣

Great video!!! Love that area and have spent a lot of time there and didn't know about this little island. I'm so glad they took the time to protect it. Also, I saw that you rented the jetski from the rental place at Campland. Let's hope San Diegans push to keep Campland alive and not turn it into Condos. Thanks for the great video. Love your videos!!

Wow, another interesting story! Thanks so much!!!

Love the vid keep ‘em coming !!!

We live about 3 miles from there and have gone out on the bay relatively frequently over the past 50 years or so. I saw as they refurbish that island. We've got a jet boat, so it wouldn't affect us, but there used to be a fairly large area of shallow water around both of those islands. Not good for propellers or sailboat keels. The East island was pretty much right in the way of the normal course around the bay for waterskiing is probably why they took it out. And until a couple years ago, you could land your boat on that island even after they fixed it.

I've lived in San Diego my entire life and hadn't known about this. The facts about Mission Beach were awesome too! Awesome video!

Awesome video. Thanks for the great content. !!

That is so interesting! I too, lived in San Diego all my life and I never knew of this. Thank you!

Interesting information Steve thank you...!

another great show 👍🏼 thank you for taking us along 😎 kick it man 😁

Man I've lived in San Diego for 10 years and I've been over to the island several times. It's a great place to park when you're Jetskiing and want to take a break. Just cruise over to Seaforth Boat Rentals and get a ski over there and have a blast going out to the island. There's also a bunch of baby crabs that hang out inside the holes of the blocks during certain times of the season.

What up Steve!! I'm watching from NH and appreciate all the cool places I visit with you!! Keep up the adventures brother!!

Neat video! Thanks Steve!

Steve!! We love you, Steve! …and we love your super awesome content, too! I’ve gone on a couple hikes based on your vids, so thanks!! And btw - this is your best one yet 😆 bring on the personality!

Hysterical man! You crack me up!!😊

I really appreciate your interesting content, good humor, and care about wildlife (the seagull).

Nicely done! Fun to see your adventurous side attempting in a kiddy raft. Then your smart choice to go jetski. Really appreciate your efforts to take us on your quest.

Hi Steve ! This was quite the workout today...Thanks for all you do to show us ALL this great content ! Always a fun, informative watch.. cheers from Detroit 🇺🇲 P.s... R.I.P. Vin Scully. My Dodgers voice when I lived out there in Solana Beach.

So funny you being on the water 👍 I enjoyed this video very much

Cool video! I never heard about this island, I love swimming in Mission Bay!

Thank you for this bit of info. I grew up going to mission bay and I remember very well what that island looked like. Man. That’s not what it looked like 40 or 35 years ago. Anyhow I’m very pleased to how found out a bit of the history you provided. Thank you your video was vey pleasing.

Very educational Thank You.

Great job Steve, all the videos are really interesting and very well done.

THANK YOU, I never knew that much about Mission Bay islands, but the roller skates and beach area of Mission Bay

Awesome Video- Love Your Music- Thanks- Calif-

I'm a native as well , I lived in DeAnza on Mission Bay for 10 years at the upper most right of your map at 2:39 !!! Thanks for this video , were in Oceanside now , but I miss MB , PB , OB , and the cliffs !! Great video brother , I didn't know most of what you had on it !!!!!

Cool video! I lived in SD for about 5 years (all over the city and different parts of the county) and never knew about West Ski Island. Thanks for the info, and I'll be sure to steer clear of that inflatable boat 🤣

Love love love what you do What a great life! Like the mix of history, geography and adventure

Lived in Mission Beach for a short stint..., little sketchy but San Diego is an absolute Pearl. Mahalo

Cool video Steve, San Diego native, frequent Mission Bay, never knew about East or West Key Island, keep up the great videos, thanks!

This was a Great Video Steve. I had no idea that was even there considering I lived in San Diego 65 years. I have a picture in about 1956 of my Dad holding me at Mission Bay they used to allow you to drive down on the sand.

Great video!

WOW! awesome work sir!

Interesting and entertaining video!

I love this video I am from San Diego and I love all the history this is so awesome to watch can’t wait to show it to my kids

Awesome video!!

That is so sad that the city got rid of one island and put cement blocks around the other one! They were fun places to go! And yes, you needed a boat. I saw these changes on google earth recently and couldn’t believe my eyes. Thank you for the update!

Great video man. I too am native to SD and I kayak fish MB all the time. Didn't know the history of the bay but after your explanation, that definitely explains why a lot of the bay seems to be a consistent 2.5 ftm depth. Thanks

Welcome back to Dago. Great hat & even better video. Drone video was beautiful. Big balls to roll out into Mission Bay in the cheapest raft you could find!

That was a fun video! thanks!

If you Google West Ski Island the first thing that comes up is this very video. Congratulations Steve!! I love, love, love your channel!

Thanks -- fun video. I've spent a lot of time in San Diego, but wasn't familiar with this gem.

I enjoy your upbeat and positive attitiude

Neat little island. Thanks for the video.

Exactly why I clicked on this SD native and although I didn't go tooling around the bay on a yacht, I was at Misson Bay, Misson Beach, La Jolla ALL the time and never knew about this!

wow, thanks for all that effort Steve

this video popped up in suggestions and ironically my girlfriend and I are coming to San Diego next week so love seeing the spots to put on the list of things to see. Thanks for sharing

Like David (below) I was born/raised in San Diego, I'm 65 now, and never heard of West Ski Island. I've never see the formation of it either. Thank you Steve !

Another great video STEVE! Love your adventures and so proud of all that you do. Bring the beauty of our wonderful state to light in a time with so much negativity especially towards our state. BTW, congrats on the acquisition of Juan Soto and Bell. Born in L.A a natural Dodger fan who bleeds blue. I'm excited at the competition and the excitement the team has brought to the beautiful city of San Diego. Place is rockin and fun to watch. Although 12 games behind, should still make for interesting games coming up and terribly exciting for you guys in the wild card game (you ain't winning the division 😝) ✌️ Keep up the content, love it! Oh, and lastly, how's about a video from the wooden bridge in Anza Borrego. Always wanted to go there and a history of what gaslamp looked like prior to the revitalization. The jail where Cheesecake Factory is looks interesting too

Thanks, Steve, for telling us your name. Makes your vlogs more personable, at least for me. And, as always, another excellent vlog. Love your style and content!

Your a very brave soul. Glad you stayed safe.

Thanks Steve for showing us West Key island up close.

Have you ever thought about trekking out to the one island in the Mission Beach area that has what looks like a small Statue of Liberty on it? I have always wondered about taking a jet ski or small boat out to that island, just to Check it out, if I’m allowed to.

Born in LA but raised in SD. I never heard of West Ski island. Thanks for the video. Always learning.

Great Video. ( I miss my hometown SD.) Thumbs up.

Before there was no trespassing I used to take my kayak out there with friends and hang out for the day in the protected cove. I'm sad to see it closed but at least it closed for good reasons.

Awesome! Nice to find out your name, Steve! Really appreciate that you take us to all these interesting places! Love the footage of the seagull going after the drone😂