Black Swan Gondola Company

Black Swan Gondola Company runs private gondola rides for proposals, anniversaries, date nights and elopements on Lake San Marcos in North County San Diego. The boats are handcrafted Venetian gondolas imported from Venice, and every ride is for your party only, with a gondolier aboard for the full 50 minutes. Marriage proposal packages, gondola weddings with an optional officiant, and a late After Hours cruise for adults are among the offerings.

Rides for two start at $139, with a $129 Lucky Hour option on Saturdays, and extra guests are $30 up to six per boat. Guests can bring their own wine with no corkage fee, and blankets are provided. Time slots often sell out well in advance, so booking ahead is wise. The dock is at 1035 La Bonita Dr in San Marcos, a short drive from Carlsbad, Vista and Oceanside.