Vacation Isle

Vacation Isle sits at the center of Mission Bay — a bona fide island, connected to the mainland by a single road and surrounded by sparkling blue water in every direction. Open lawns, shaded trees, sandy beaches, and bay breezes make this one of San Diego's most scenic venues. And yes, July mornings here are just about perfect.

Whether you're picking up a map for the first time or you've been navigating by compass for years, you'll find a course built for you. Beginners get a welcoming, manageable challenge in a gorgeous setting. Experienced orienteers get terrain that rewards sharp navigation. Everyone gets to spend a Saturday morning on an island. 🧭

Event Team:

• Event Director: TBD
  Course Setter: Julien Ouellet
• Visit the Volunteer page to learn how to help with the event.
  • See "Volunteer" at the top right of the page. 🔝
  • Volunteers get up to a $20 credit toward a race registration fee.
  • Volunteer roles explained in detail

Format: Sprint (NOTE: the format was changed from Traditional to Sprint on July 2, 2026))

Map:  scale  1:4000  |  2.5 m contours

Courses: Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced

​Starts: To allow more people to participate, we will have sign-ups for two start windows: 10-11am and 11am-noon. Select your starting window, then choose the course you would like.

Time Limit: ONE hour. All competitors must return to HQ and download by 1pm so we know you are safe. If you don't check in before leaving, volunteers will search the course to ensure you are not lost. Please check in before you leave.

Scoring: Electronic punching will be used. All participants must bring, rent, or purchase one. Controls will be AIR+ enabled. 

E-Punches: If you don't have your own E-stick, rental electronic punches will be available for $5. (Use "000000" when registering).

Clinics:  An introductory clinic will be offered at 9:45 am. An experienced orienteerer will teach you the basics. If needed, we will have another clinic before the 11am start window as well.

Registration: All participants must pre-register. All standard SDO registration policies apply.

Fees:

• $20 for adults, $10 for juniors (under 21)
• $5 early bird discount through midnight, Saturday, June 27th.

Closes: Registration will close at 10 am on Friday, July 17th, or when we reach our limit

Entry Limit: This event is limited to 100 participants. 50 for the 10am-11am start window and 50 for the 11am-noon start window. See the "Find a Participant" tab to see the registration list.

HQ Location:  32°46'20.9"N 117°14'02.6"W

Parking: There is ample parking at the park.

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