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Golden Gate Bay Cruise

The original classic. A jaw-dropping one-hour nonstop adventure for your senses. Not to mention the most famous bridge in the world, and an equally infamous island prison.

$38 Adult (18+)

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San Francisco Bridge to Bridge Cruise

Our 90 minute San Francisco Bridge to Bridge Cruise gives you unbeatable views of the San Francisco skyline and world famous Bay Bridge, as well as all the most popular sights on San Francisco Bay and finishes with a trip under the iconic Golden Gate Bridge.

$48 Adult (18+)

$36 Youth (5-17)

California Sunset Cruise

Our two-hour sunset cruise is the perfect way to cap off a day in San Francisco. Ever wanted to see the California sun drop slowly into the Pacific Ocean, framed by the majestic Golden Gate, from the middle of San Francisco Bay? This is your cruise. Yes, people propose on this cruise. A lot.

$58 Adult (18+)

$38 Youth (5-17)

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4th of July Fireworks Cruise

Marvel at the breathtaking 4th of July fireworks show against the iconic San Francisco skyline from the best vantage point – right on the water! It's a sight you won't soon forget.

Take advantage of early bird pricing for discounted tickets, but act fast – they won't last!

Happiest Hour on the Bay

Join us on our 5:30pm Golden Gate Bay Cruise for a 60-minute sightseeing tour of San Francisco Bay and enjoy happy hour pricing on cocktails, beer, wine and non-alcoholic drinks.

Benicia Historic Sightseeing Cruises

We are bringing the historic Harbor Queen to Benicia for a limited run of sightseeing cruises May 18 and 19, to coincide with the Harold Bray Monument Dedication Weekend.

Best of Fisherman's Wharf Combo Package

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Golden Gate Bay Cruise + Big Bus Hop On Hop Off Bus Tour + SkyStar Wheel Fisherman's Wharf

Our Best of Fisherman's Wharf Combo package combines three must-see attractions into one convenient, all-inclusive experience, saving you time and money while ensuring you see the best of what Fisherman's Wharf has to offer. Perfect for first-time visitors and seasoned visitors alike, this package guarantees a day of excitement, discovery, and unforgettable memories in San Francisco's most iconic neighborhood.

Adult (13+): $108 Youth (3-12): $89

Under 3 Free

Land Tours and Local Attractions

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Golden Gate Bay Cruise + Big Bus Hop On Hop Off Bus Tour

Fancy a little bus ride with your Bay Cruise?  Discover the most iconic sights of San Francisco on a hop-on, hop-off tour. Sit back and relax in the comfort of one of our open-top buses, as an entertaining audio guide tells you about the city’s unique history.

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Add a ride on San Francisco's newest crown jewel...SkyStar Wheel to any of your cruises with us!

You'll leave your heart in San Francisco after a ride on the City's first waterfront observation wheel! Standing over 150 feet tall, SkyStar offers spectacular views of San Francisco and its Bay.

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In 1892, seventeen-year-old Thomas Crowley launched the first of many companies which would one day be a fixture of the San Francisco Bay. Using $80 he had saved, he purchased a used Whitehall rowboat, and started a business supplying the ships at anchor in the Bay. His inaugural boat was just eighteen feet long and  five feet wide, and he rowed it alone through the waters of the Bay transporting both goods and passengers at a time when no bridges connected the city to the other parts of the Bay.

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We are a small family owned San Fransisco Bay cruise company in the heart of Pier 39 near Fisherman’s Wharf. Our locally curated wine selection, full bar and non-alcoholic options are the perfect way to relax and see the bay. Enjoy a sight-seeing adventure on a public daytime or sunset cruise. Available for private charter as well!

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We had a fantastic time viewing San Francisco from the water! We got to see the golden gate bridge and Alcatraz - all while drinking to delicious wine. The crew is phenomenal and we had such a great time. I highly recommend riding with them!!

We did this Wine Tasting/Boat Cruise for a team onsite and the feedback across the board was that it was the best onsite activity anyone had ever been to! The sites were incredible and Captain Evan and Brian were amazing at answering questions, pointing out whales and porpoises, and helping to keep the good times rolling! I can't recommend this tour enough!

The owner and crew are wonderful people that want everyone onboard to have a great time. The cruise was nice and leisurely and the ambiance was spectacular.

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  • Bay Cruises

San Francisco Bay Tours: My 10 Favorite Boat Cruises on the SF Bay

Jill on a windy day at the Golden Gate Bridge

by Jill Loeffler   •

Updated: February 12, 2024

There are so many great San Francisco bay tours and boat cruises that it can be hard to find the perfect one.

I've been on almost all of them and have a few thoughts on all of them.

I hope it will help you decide which one is right for you.

Some of the most popular picks by visitors include the standard 60-minute bay cruise as well as some of our sunset cruises.

If you are looking for something a little fancier, you will find a wonderful Dinner Dance Cruise offered by Hornblower. 

You can also head out past the Golden Gate Bridge to get in some whale watching while you are here or take a special cruise to watch the fireworks on Fourth of July or New Year's Eve.

San Francisco Bay Tours

Disclaimer : I receive a small commission from some of the links on this page.

3 Top Rated Bay Cruises

  • Golden Gate Bay Cruise : Most popular, runs often, 60 minutes
  • Premier Brunch Cruise : 2 hours, buffet brunch, unlimited mimosas and sparkling wine, great views!
  • Twilight/Sunset Cruise : Head out on the water in the evening as the sun sets, 90 minutes

1. Golden Gate Bay Cruise

Tour Length: 60 minutes

Tickets : Book your tickets

As I mentioned in my intro, this is by far the most popular cruise and a go to for many first-time visitors.

It offers a great overview of the SF Bay both from a sightseeing and history perspective. 

These San Francisco boat cruises leave from Fisherman's Wharf several times a day.

It's another reason why they are so popular--because they run the most often.

San Francisco Bay Boat Tours

These San Francisco bay tours are offered by both the Gold and Blue Fleet and the Red and White Fleet.

I've been on the water with both companies several times and they both offer great service.

The only difference is that the Gold and Blue Fleet provides their narration over loudspeakers on the boat while Red and White Fleet hands out individual headsets. 

One benefit to the headsets with Red and White is that they offer narration in several languages, so this is something to consider if English is your second language.

Both SF cruise companies follow almost the same route.

The boat cruise leaves from Fisherman's Wharf and starts out along the northern waterfront.

You head west past several SF sights including Fort Mason , the Marina District and the Palace of Fine Arts .

You will then ride by Fort Point National Historic Site as you head to the main attraction - the Golden Gate Bridge .

After you float under the Golden Gate Bridge, you turn around for a second time under the bridge.

You will head to the northern side of the bay. You'll pass Sausalito , Angel Island and take some time cruising past Alcatraz Island . 

Red and White Fleet Boat Tours

You can catch one of these San Francisco bay tours several times a day.

In the summer, each company offers about a dozen boat cruises. In the winter, it's about 7 to 9 (more on the weekends). 

Your ticket is good for any cruise for that day. When you arrive, you will line up for the cruise and those in front will board first.

However, don't stress too much (unless it's a really busy holiday weekend) as they don't often fill up all the way.

People also move around the boat quite a bit, so you don't really need to be first in line.

You can buy tickets for these cruises either online or in person.

>> Find tickets for this cruise on GetYourGuide

If you want a full write up of what to expect on this tour, you can also visit this page . It's my overview with more pictures and what to expect. In this case, I reviewed my time with the Red and White Fleet.

2. San Francisco Bridge to Bridge Cruise

Tour Length : 90 minutes

Tickets: Book your tickets for this cruise today ! 

My second recommend for San Francisco bay tours is the Bridge to Bridge Cruise.

This one is run by the Red and White Fleet. It's a popular option, but only runs a few times a day. 

They are also usually flexible with timing too on which San Francisco boat tour you can board unless it's a really busy day.

You can stop by their dock at any time to confirm which tour you can go on for the day of your ticket.

Red & White Cruising Under the Golden Gate Bridge

It's slightly different from the SF Bay Cruise as this one offers 30 additional minutes on the water. It will follow the same route as above.

However, instead of heading back after circling Alcatraz, you will head on for a trip under the Bay Bridge.

You will also cruise past Treasure Island and the Ferry Building . So, it offers a little more fun on the water for just a few more bucks per ticket.

As with the Bay Cruise, the narration for the Bridge to Bridge Cruise is on personal headsets. You can choose from one of 16 languages on their headsets too.

>> Find tickets

3. San Francisco Champagne Brunch Cruise

Champagne Cruise SF

Tour Length: 2 hours

The San Francisco Champagne Brunch Cruise is a great option from Hornblower.

What makes this one of my favorite San Francisco bay tours is the combination of the food/champagne and the cruise around the bay in the morning.

The buffet varies a bit throughout the year to allow for seasonal changes.

Some of the items you will find include fresh baked breads, a variety of salads, French toast, scrambled eggs, bacon, home fries, herb crusted beef, ham with country mustards, and SO much more.

And, of course, their house champagne (as well as coffee, tea, water and soda). 

You will cruise along a similar route to what was mentioned in the descriptions above including heading under the Golden Gate Bridge, near Alcatraz, near the Bay Bridge and past other top sights along the water. 

This is a really fun cruise and worth the extra money for a delightful experience.

This San Francisco boat cruise also picks up at Pier 3, which is NOT in Fisherman's Wharf, but instead close to the Ferry Building on the Embarcadero.

>>  Find tickets for all cruises on Viator

4. Twilight OR Sunset Cruise (Depending on the Season)

Tour Length : 2 hours

The Twilight or Sunset Cruise is offered by the Red and White Fleet. The difference between the two cruises is the time of year. 

The Twilight Cruise is offered during the winter months (roughly early November through mid-March). It's called a Twilight Cruise since the sun will already be down by the time the cruise is underway.

However, you do get amazing views of the lights on the Golden Gate Bridge, the Bay Bridge, San Francisco, and all around the SF Bay.

Sunset Twilight Cruise Route

The Sunset Cruise is offered the rest of the year (roughly from mid-March through early November). They change the time this San Francisco boat cruise leaves in order to have you on the water during the sunset.

You will get some great views of the sunset as long as the fog has not decided to make its way into the bay before the sun goes down.

Both cruises follow the same route. They first head along the northern shoreline, then under the Golden Gate Bridge, around Alcatraz, past Treasure Island, under the Bay Bridge and then back to Fisherman's Wharf.

These cruises only leave once a day (and only Thursday through Sunday during the winter months), so your ticket will be for a specific time.

I love this evening cruise as they also serve a nice buffet of appetizers. You can also enjoy a drink or two on board (available for purchase at the bar). There is also a musician on board playing some light music in the background. 

It makes for a really nice evening on the water with family, friends or your romantic partner.

>> Find tickets for this fun cruise

5. Escape from the Rock

Tour Length: 90-minute tour

The Escape from the Rock cruise follows the same path as the SF Bay Cruises for the first 60 minutes. The difference with this one is that it offers an additional loop around Alcatraz as well as more stories about this famous island and its inmates.

In addition to hearing about SF's history, you will also hear more about Al Capone, Robert Stroud "The Birdman of Alcatraz," and those who tried to escape.

Escape from the Rock Cruise

This one is very popular, but it only runs a couple of times a day.

Some people get confused by the name and think that it will stop on Alcatraz for a visit.

It does not.

It simply cruises around the island a couple of times, so you get some great views and photos.

This one is a good one if you missed your chance to get tickets to Alcatraz or if you want to see it closer up from the water.

If the timing of this cruise works for you, I would select this one over the standard 60-minute bay cruise as it gives you some great insight into Alcatraz.

6. Wine Tasting on the Bay

Tour Length : 90 Minutes

This awesome cruise is aboard Wine Therapy. This floating wine bar is a blast and allows you to sip on your local wine as you soak in the views from around the SF Bay.

The boat is a 45-foot classic yacht with seating both indoors and out. 

Your cruise starts and ends at Pier 39. You'll then head toward the Golden Gate Bridge, circle close to Alcatraz, enjoy the downtown San Francisco skyline, and then head back to where it all began.

The cruise is 90 minutes. The wine is by the glass and is not included in the price of the cruise.

>> Find out more and check for availability

7. Dinner Dance Cruise

Length: 2.5 to 3 hours

The Dinner Dance Cruise is the first on my list from Hornblower. This company features San Francisco boat tours that I would consider are more for special occasions.

They have larger boats in order to accommodate tables for their dinner dance cruises and they also have a higher price tag because so much more is included with this ticket.

The Dinner Dance Cruise is one of their most popular cruises and it runs a few nights a week (usually around the weekends in the winter and most nights in the summer).

It features a four-course seated meal with a choice of options within some of the courses.

After dinner, you can head outside for views of the SF Bay, enjoy a little dancing on one of their upper decks, or just sit back to listen to the music.

As for drinks, tea, coffee, water, and soda are included with your ticket. Their bar is open the entire tour and you can buy beer, wine and cocktails here.

What I love about these San Francisco boat cruises is that you get some decent views of the bay from almost all of the seats in the dining room. 

The other thing to note about these bay cruises is they do require that you dress up a little bit. No jeans are allowed, and they require business casual dress. 

It's the perfect pick for a romantic date night or upscale dinner.

One of the things to keep in mind with the Hornblower cruises is that they pick up at Pier 3, which is closer to the Ferry Building and NOT near Fisherman's Wharf.

There usually aren't discounts for these San Francisco bay tours, but I do highly recommend booking your tickets early.

They do sell out during the busier travel seasons and holidays. 

>> Visit GetYourGuide for more details and to check for ticket availability

8. Whale Watching

Whale Watching SF

Tour Length : Varies from about 2.5 hours to around 6 hours

The next on my list of the 10 top San Francisco bay tours is our fun whale watching tours .

I'm cheating a little by adding it to this list because most of the time you will be on the Pacific Ocean for this boat tour.

However, you will cruise through the bay to get to and from the ocean.

I also wanted to add this one because these are some of my favorite San Francisco boat tours.

The waters right outside the bay are very active all year long with migrating whales, dolphins, dozens of birds and other sea animals.

These boat cruises are so much fun that it would be a shame to miss your chance to head out for some whale watching.

The Golden Gate Whale Watching tour runs from late April to October. This is the standard summer whale watching tour and leaves from Pier 39 up to 4 times a day.

In 2.5 hours, you will keep an eye out for whale activity and sightings. 

In the winter months, gray whales are migrating through this area and there is a special Gray Whale Sightseeing Cruise. This one runs December - March.

It only heads out once a day and only a few days a week. Even though there are fewer people around at this time, I find this one of my favorite times to head out whale watching. 

The great thing is all of the boat companies work together (you will hear them on the radio) to ensure passengers on all of the boats get the chance to see whales during the cruise.

9. Sunset Catamaran

Tour Length: 90 minutes

This is the second sunset boat cruise on my list of the 10 best San Francisco Bay Tours.

I offer this one as an alternative to the Twilight/Sunset Cruise for a couple of reasons.

First, this bay cruise is smaller and offers a more intimate experience. This one is better if you are looking for a more romantic evening on the water.

There are also fewer people on this boat, so you can get to know people a little better.

Second, this one is more casual.

They do offer a drink which is included in your ticket price.

The catamaran is smaller, but still has plenty of space.

They also have both indoor and outdoor seating. Soft-soled shoes are also recommended so you can easily walk around the catamaran. 

If you love the water and want to spend a relaxing evening cruising around the bay, then this is the tour for you! 

It follows the typical path with two trips under the Golden Gate Bridge, a cruise around Alcatraz, and a chance to see all of the wonderful sights along the water. 

It only runs once a night and the time changes by season to give you the best chance to catch the sunset.

The tour does runs from early March to the end of November.

>> Find tickets to this fun catamaran tour

>> Find some additional night tours on both land and on the water

10. Special Event Cruises

Tour Length : Varies

My final entry for my list of the best San Francisco bay tours is all of the special event cruises. There are several throughout the year for holidays, but three dates offer an extra special experience.

The first two are cruises for our amazing fireworks shows.

On New Year's Eve and Fourth of July, dozens of San Francisco boat tours head out on the water to watch the fireworks shows.

Some of them offer dinner and dancing, while others head out just for the show.

If you are around on either of these dates, I highly recommend one of these cruises.

Fourth of July

Find out more about the NYE Cruises here and more on Fourth of July on this page.

Fleet Week is another time of the year when you will find some special San Francisco cruises. They head out on the water for the very popular airshow that features the Blue Angels.

They offer cruises usually on Friday, Saturday and Sunday during the shows and some also offer cruises during the Blue Angels practice runs. 

Learn more about Fleet Week on this page . 

Bay Cruises Pin

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The 7 Best San Francisco Boat Tours

Take in the city's major sights by water with one of these excursions.

Best San Francisco Boat Tours

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Enjoy a thrilling ride past some of San Francisco's top landmarks on this boat tour from Bay Voyager.

It's no secret that many of San Francisco 's most iconic landmarks, including the Golden Gate Bridge , Alcatraz and Fisherman's Wharf , are best seen from the water. Because of this, there are a variety of boat tours – from sunset sails to whale watching excursions – for San Francisco visitors to choose from. To help you narrow down your search, U.S. News relied on expert input and traveler opinion to determine the seven best San Francisco boat tours.

Bay Voyager – Touch of Gold Excursion

If you're looking for an adventurous way to tour the bay (and don't mind getting a little wet), consider this 90-minute tour from Bay Voyager. After boarding the 12-person rigid-inflatable boat, you'll zip under the Golden Gate and Bay bridges, passing Alcatraz, Fort Point and more landmarks along the way. You'll also enjoy expert commentary from your captain – a particular highlight for reviewers. Another high point? Observing the sea lions up close at Pier 39. Tickets start at $99 for adults and $69 for children ages 5 to 9. Departure times vary by day but may be available at 11 a.m., 1:30 p.m. or 4 p.m. Evening twilight cruises are also available, as are Alcatraz combo tickets.

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Adventure Cat Sailing – Alcatraz Bay Sail

This 90-minute boat tour focuses on the history of Alcatraz – a former federal prison that housed some of history's most dangerous felons. Though you won't actually stop at Alcatraz Island, you will sail around the prison for an intimate look at its grounds before passing other San Francisco landmarks, such as the Ferry Building Marketplace and Coit Tower . Throughout the tour, you'll enjoy live commentary from the crew – a highlight for reviewers. The tour departs from Pier 39 at 10 a.m. Thursday through Saturday between Memorial Day and Labor Day. Tickets start at $45 for adults and $25 for kids ages 6 to 12. Kids 5 and younger ride for free. Adventure Cat Sailing also offers sunset cruises, among other options.

San Francisco Whale Tours – Golden Gate Whale Watch

San Francisco's whale activity has been on the rise, making a whale watching tour a smart choice for your next trip. The Golden Gate Whale Watch tour takes you into the bay to see humpback whales, harbor seals, dolphins, porpoises and other sea life that may be swimming just off the shore. This 2 1/2-hour excursion, which is available from March through October, departs at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. on weekdays and 9 a.m., noon and 3 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. Tickets start at $45 for adults, $35 for children and $40 for students, seniors and military members. Patrons call this tour awesome and incredible, though some express disappointment with the small number of whales spotted. If you're visiting between November and March, consider the company's Gray Whale Watching Tour.

Red and White Fleet – Golden Gate Bay Cruise

This hourlong tour departs from Fisherman's Wharf and takes you along San Francisco's majestic waterfront for views of the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz Island and more. Audio commentary is available in 16 languages. You may even encounter wildlife, such as sea lions, harbor porpoises and whales, along the way. From Memorial Day to Labor Day, tours depart daily from 9:15 a.m. to 6:15 p.m., with reduced hours in the winter months. Tickets start at $34 for adults and $25 for youths ages 5 to 17. Children 4 and younger tour for free. The Golden Gate Bay Cruise earns mostly flattering praise from reviewers, with some tourists calling it the highlight of their trip. Because this is one of the Red and White Fleet's most popular cruises, the company recommends its California Sunset or Bridge 2 Bridge cruises for those looking for a break from the crowds.

Blue & Gold Fleet – Escape From the Rock

Blue & Gold Fleet's Escape From the Rock cruise takes you on a 90-minute sail around the famous Alcatraz Island. You'll enjoy beautiful scenery and hear audio commentary detailing Alcatraz escape attempts and the various felons who called this former maximum-security prison home. Audio recordings are available in nine languages. The cruise departs at 11 a.m., 1, 3 and 5 p.m. daily from June to August. Tickets start at $42 for adults and $28 for kids ages 5 to 11. Cruisers say this trip provides a variety of great photo opportunities, and they applaud the audio commentary. Sunset cruises and day cruises around the bay are also available.

San Francisco Sailing Co. – Sunset Sail

On this two-hour sunset sail, you'll enjoy panoramic views of the city, the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz, among other sights. Plan to take amazing pictures of the sun setting and the surrounding landscapes during a journey reviewers call lovely and the perfect way to spend an evening. Tickets, which include two glasses of wine, beer, soda or water, start at $65. The tour departs every evening from May through November; specific departure times vary by month. Other tours include a 90-minute day sail and a two-hour weekend cruise.

ACsailingSF – Day Sail

Boating enthusiasts won't want to miss this opportunity to sail on an 84-foot yacht once used in America's Cup. This 2 1/2-hour tour takes visitors through the bay for a close-up view of the Golden Gate Bridge and the Sausalito cityfront, among other sights. What's more, participation is encouraged, meaning tourgoers can help the crew hoist and trim the sails and steer the yacht. Tourists give this day sail rave reviews, calling it unique and awesome. Sails are usually offered twice a day Thursday through Sunday, though availability can vary by month. Tickets start at $150 per adult and $75 per child ages 5 to 12; water and snacks are included. Sunset sails and "express" two-hour tours are also available.

Tags: Tours , Travel , Vacations , San Francisco , California Vacations , US Vacations , U.S. West Vacations

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7 Best San Francisco Boat Tours and Bay Cruises by a local (2024)

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Looking for the best San Francisco boat tours or bay cruises on your trip to San Francisco?

As a San Francisco local, I can assure you that the best views of San Francisco cannot be seen from the pier. The best views can only be seen by getting on a boat into the bay!

I highly recommend that you should take a cruise on your San Francisco visit and experience epic views of the San Francisco Bay, city skyline, Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz Island, Angel Island, Bay Bridge, and more!

Did you know that most San Francisco Bay cruises go under the famous Golden Gate Bridge? That is an awesome experience you must have!

My Top 3 Picks: Best Boat Tours in San Francisco Bay

Best Sunset Cruise

Catamaran boat in San Francisco Bay

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ San Francisco Bay Sunset Catamaran Cruise ✔️ Stylish boat, small group ✔️ Complimentary drink ✔️ Sunset sail

Best Day Sightseeing Cruise

Golden Gate Bridge Views from San Francisco Boat tours and Bay Cruise

San Francisco Bay Sailing Cruise ✔️ Stylish boat, small group ✔️Afternoon times

Best Combo Tour

San Francisco Bay sightseeing cruise

Alcatraz Island with San Francisco Bay Cruise ✔️ Sightseeing cruise and Alcatraz Island combo ✔️ Includes Alcatraz admission

7 Best San Francisco Boat Tours and Bay Cruises

There are various types of boat cruises you can take in San Francisco. They mostly differ in the boat type and the cruise duration.

There are smooth sailing and stylish catamaran boats (my favorite!), bigger double-decker boats, sailboats, and private yachts.

Some cruises offer a combo with a visit to Alcatraz Island to tour the prison, some offer food and drinks like brunch or dinner cruises, while some are just sightseeing cruises.

Below are the best cruise offerings in different categories selected after careful reviews and my personal experiences, having lived in San Francisco for 20+ years.

All of them are great, and you can pick one based on your group’s interests. You can pick a combo tour with Alcatraz, a sunset cruise, a brunch cruise, a dinner cruise, or just a day sightseeing cruise.

1. San Francisco Bay Sunset Catamaran Cruise

⭐ Ratings: 5 / 5 | Duration: 1.5 hours | Book Now

Taking a San Francisco Bay Cruise at sunset on a catamaran boat is one of the best boat tours in San Francisco and my personal favorite.

This cruise is on a stylish 55 or 65 feet catamaran boat known for its smooth gliding on ocean waters.

San Francisco bay cruise on a catamaran boat is one of the best San Francisco boat tours

The 1.5 hour long cruise sails at twilight from Pier 39 near the Sea Lions dock. The sea lions are hard to miss here; they are so loud!

The cruise takes you along the picturesque San Francisco Bay, and you can see the city skyline slowly lighting up. You will see several landmarks in the distance, such as Telegraph Hill, Aquatic Pier, and Ghirardelli Square.

Pier39 and San Francisco skyline view from Cruise

The soft hues of the setting sun cast a warm glow on the city’s skyline, creating a breathtaking backdrop for the journey.

The cruise passes iconic landmarks such as the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz Island, giving you plenty of photo opportunities with sunset tones illuminating the backdrop.

This sunset cruise in San Francisco is especially great for couples looking for a romantic evening. My husband and I like to sit on the net in the front and admire the sunset hues.

I recommend taking the Sunset Bay cruise on the first day in the city to feel excited about your San Francisco trip or the last evening of your trip as a perfect ending to a great visit!

This was an INCREDIBLE experience… the crew was so friendly, fun and accommodating and it was the perfect way to celebrate our first evening in San Francisco! Such beautiful views, fun atmosphere . I would do this trip 50 times over again!!! Julia – ( See more reviews )

Additional Info:

  • Departs from Pier 39.
  • Departure times around sunset may vary depending on the season.
  • Includes one complimentary drink (alcoholic/non-alcoholic offered).
  • More drinks and snacks are available to purchase onboard.
  • The cruise goes under the Golden Gate Bridge and near Alcatraz Island.
  • Manual Wheelchair and stroller accessible.
  • Great for couples, special occasions, solo travelers, friends group

➡ Check rates and availability for San Francisco Bay Sunset Catamaran Cruise

2. San Francisco Bay Sailing Cruise

This is a great sailing cruise on the San Francisco Bay on a stylish Catamaran Boat, typically 55 or 65 feet long, and very smooth gliders on ocean waters.

Catamaran Boat in San Francisco Harbor

Enjoy a 1.5-hour sailing experience with epic views of the San Francisco skyline and San Francisco Bay. The cruise goes under the Golden Gate Bridge and near Alcatraz Island for excellent photo ops.

This is the same cruise as the Sunset Catamaran Bay Cruise above, except this is during the day and does not include a complimentary drink.

This is a great family-friendly cruise; kids will love sitting on the net in front of the boat! My kids, when little, used to think they would be able to catch fish in those nets!

One of the favorite things we did in San Francisco! Captain and crew were awesome, super friendly and genuine. Sailing the bay was a nice break from walking all over and the views from the water were beautiful. Benjamin – ( See more reviews )
  • Departure times are in the afternoon.
  • Drinks and snacks are available to purchase onboard.
  • Great for families, couples, solo travelers, friends group

➡ Check rates and availability for San Francisco Bay Sailing Cruise

3. Alcatraz Island with San Francisco Bay Cruise

⭐ Ratings: 4 / 5 | Duration: 2 to 4 hours | Book Now

Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz Island are the two most popular tourist attractions in San Francisco.

This combo tour is my top pick for visitors to San Francisco who want to see Alcatraz, as it combines both Alcatraz Island and Bay Cruise!

San Francisco Bay sightseeing cruise

This is my favorite tour to take visiting friends and family who wish to see the famous Alcatraz Island, and I also get to show off our beautiful San Francisco Bay views!

The cruise departs from Pier 33, near Pier 39, which is easy to get to using Uber or public transport.

As your cruise departs, you will see epic views of Pier 39 and sea lions, Fisherman’s Wharf waterfront, Aquatic Park and Pier, and the San Francisco skyline, including the Telegraph Hill and Coit Tower.

Alcatraz Island in San Francisco

The cruise goes up to and under the Golden Gate Bridge, a unique experience and a great photo opportunity.

You will disembark at Alcatraz Island, where you can listen to the free audio tour as you explore the Alcatraz Federal Penitentiary and Prison grounds.

You can tour Alcatraz Island at your own pace and then board any return ferry to Pier 33, which is included in this tour. The return ferry usually arrives every 30 minutes.

Note: These are two separate tours – one to Alcatraz Island and the other is a San Francisco Bay Tour.

My husband and I really enjoyed our ferry ride and time on Alcatraz! Great that you stay as long as needed and take the next ferry. Ranger info was very helpful and the audio tour very informative.. Charles – ( See more reviews )
  • Departs from Pier 33.
  • Several departure times each day.
  • Includes Round trip ferry to Alcatraz Island.
  • Includes admission fee to Alcatraz Island ($45 value).
  • The cruise goes under the Golden Gate Bridge and has scenic Bay Views.
  • Wheelchair and stroller accessible.
  • Kids 4 years and younger are free.

➡ Check rates and availability for Alcatraz Island with San Francisco Bay Cruise

4. One-hour San Francisco Bay Cruise

⭐ Ratings: 4.5 / 5 | Duration: 1 hour | Book Now

Cruise boat going under the Golden Gate Bridge

This compact one-hour San Francisco Bay Cruise is ideal for anyone with limited time in the city.

The cruise departs from Pier 41 (next to Pier 39) and takes you on a scenic boat ride to and under the Golden Gate Bridge. Later, it circles Alcatraz Island to give you a peak at the Alcatraz grounds and prison buildings.

The boat is a double-decker boat and has enough room to move around. It also has a cafe where you can purchase drinks, coffee, and snacks. The lower level has an inside sitting area in case it is a windy day, and the upper deck has bench-style seating.

I usually recommend this cruise to family and friends who only have a day or two in San Francisco, as the cruise is quick and scenic and still has the same epic views of the Bay, Golden Gate Bridge, and Alcatraz Island.

It was a wonderful time! Easy boarding, well thought out and informational tour. Dazzling views of the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz and the eastern edge of the city. Stephanie – ( See more reviews )
  • Departs from Pier 41.
  • The cruise goes under the Golden Gate Bridge, around Alcatraz Island, and has scenic Bay Views.

➡ Check rates and availability for One-hour San Francisco Bay Cruise

5. San Francisco Bay Premier Brunch Cruise

⭐ Ratings: 5 / 5 | Duration: 2 hours | Book Now

Experience a delightful weekend brunch cruise on San Francisco Bay . This is a great cruise to celebrate special occasions with family and friends or just a great way to spend a weekend morning in your San Francisco visit.

Indulge in a brunch buffet, unlimited mimosas, and sparkling champagne as you glide across the water.

Enjoy the lively onboard music as you savor your brunch and take in the sights.

Sail beneath the iconic Golden Gate Bridge, catch glimpses of Alcatraz Island and Angel Island, the towns of Sausalito and Tiburon, and admire the San Francisco skyline from the deck.

The price justifies the buffet and bottomless mimosas and a smooth ride. I definitely recommend this to anyone visiting San Francisco. You get a close up to the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz island. It was very classy with piano playing and the food was very good!! The waitresses were very attentive and always made sure your glass was full! MArisol – ( See more reviews )
  • Includes Brunch Buffet with coffee/tea
  • Complimentary mimosas and champagne
  • Departs from Pier 3 near the Ferry Building on Embarcadero.
  • Available on weekend mornings (Saturday, Sunday, and select Fridays)
  • Wheelchair accessible.

➡ Check rates and availability for San Francisco Bay Premier Brunch Cruise

Cruise Boats and sail boats in San Francisco Bay with Bay Bridge in the backdrop

6. San Francisco Premier Dinner Dance Cruise

⭐ Ratings: 4 / 5 | Duration: 3 hours | Book Now

Enjoy a delightful evening on the San Francisco Bay with a dinner cruise . Great way to celebrate or just have a great time with friends or family with gourmet dinner, dancing, and epic views of the San Francisco Bay.

Indulge in a delectable 3-course gourmet meal prepared onboard using fresh, local ingredients. This is not a buffet-style dinner, but plated for you and served at your table.

There are menu upgrade options and alcoholic drinks and cocktails are available to purchase.

After dinner, dance to the tunes of the DJ or step out onto the exterior deck to marvel at the nighttime views of Alcatraz Island, the Golden Gate Bridge, and the city skyline.

The Dinner cruise was amazing. From the food to the DJ and seeing the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz. Tyrone – ( See more reviews )
  • 3-course plated gourmet dinner prepared on board with fresh local ingredients.
  • Alcoholic drinks are available for purchase.
  • Live Music and dance floor.
  • Available on weekends and select weekdays.

➡ Check rates and availability for San Francisco Premier Dinner Dance Cruise

7. Private Sailboat Charter in San Francisco Bay

Would you like a less crowded SF Bay cruise experience with just your group? Then this private sailboat charter tour is for you!

Sailboat cruise in San Francisco bay

This highly-rated tour comes with a sailboat and an experienced captain to steer the boat as per your itinerary. This tour is great for a group of family and friends as the tour allows 6 people for a flat rate.

Sail past the Fisherman’s Wharf, Under the Golden Gate Bridge, near the towns of Sausalito and Tiburon, and around Alcatraz and Angel Islands. You can customize your sailing itinerary and which places you want to pass by along the bay.

The captain will provide a picture of your group with the boat as a souvenir!

Loved every minute of our 2 hour private sail on San Francisco Bay with Captain John on his beautiful boat. What an experience! Well worth what we paid for a private sail. The weather was glorious and Captain John was proficient, professional and a wealth of knowledge re the San Francisco area. We sailed over to Sausalito and back. Highly recommend this tour. Thank you Captain John for making possible a beautiful family experience we will cherish always. Catanach – ( See more reviews )
  • Private sailboat with a skilled captain just for your group.
  • Departs from near Fisherman’s Wharf.
  • You can customize your sailing itinerary.
  • Not Wheelchair accessible.
  • Kids 4 years and younger are not allowed.

➡ Check rates and availability for Private Sailboat Charter in San Francisco Bay

Pier 39 harbor in San Francisco

Tips for taking a boat ride in San Francisco

Be prepared for your boat ride on the Bay, and you will have a great time! Below are some tips to help you prepare for your cruise:

FAQs about boat tours in San Francisco

Below are answers to some frequently asked questions about taking a San Francisco boat tour:

Which season is best for taking a boat tour in San Francisco?

Ideally, Fall is the best season for a bay cruise in San Francisco as the weather is warmer and the winds are fewer.

Summer is also good due to the longer days, but it can be windy by the bay. This is also the most crowded season for boat rides.

Winter can be rainy, and some of these cruises do not operate in the winter except during the holiday season.

Spring season is a wild card each year and depends on how rainy the season will be.

How long is the Bay Cruise in San Francisco?

The length of the cruise varies based on the type of cruise and can be anywhere from 1 to 3 hours. Sightseeing cruises are typically 1 to 1.5 hours long, while cruises with meals can be two to three hours in duration.

How much does a San Francisco Bay Cruise cost?

The cost of a San Francisco boat tour varies anywhere between $40 to $200 depending on the type of the boat and what the cruise offers. Simple 1-hour sightseeing cruises are cheaper, but cruises with meals like brunch or dinner are more expensive. Private boat charters can be up to $600-800.

Aquatic Park near Fisherman's Wharf

Where to stay in San Francisco

Fisherman’s Wharf area is a great place for first-time visitors to stay in San Franciso. It is within walking distance of most tourist attractions like Ghirardelli Square, Pier 39, Lombard Street, Cable Car, and more.

From Fisherman’s Wharf, you can walk to Pier 39 and 41, from which most of the cruises in this list depart. For cruises that depart from Piers 3 and 33, you can reach them by a short Uber ride.

Hotel Fairmont Heritage Place : A luxury hotel in Ghirardelli Square with stunning ocean views.

San Francisco Marriott Fisherman’s Wharf :: A mid-range hotel within walking distance of Ghirardelli Square and Pier 39.

Courtyard by Marriott San Francisco Fisherman’s Wharf : A conveniently located mid-range hotel in the heart of Fisherman’s Wharf.

More San Francisco activities for your trip

San Francisco has a lot of iconic landmarks and attractions that should not be missed while visiting San Francisco . You will see some of these sights from the boat ride, but make sure to visit them up close as well.

Golden Gate Bridge: One of San Francisco’s most iconic landmarks, offering breathtaking views and a great spot for photography. You can explore it by walking or biking across the Golden Gate Bridge . Golden Gate Bridge should be on your itinerary no matter how many days you have in San Francisco .

Alcatraz Island: A popular attraction known for its historic prison, offering guided tours that provide insight into the island’s intriguing past.

Fisherman’s Wharf: A lively waterfront filled with seafood restaurants, souvenir shops, street performers, and the famous Pier 39, known for its sea lions.

Chinatown: One of the largest Chinatowns in the US, featuring vibrant streets, authentic cuisine, unique shops, and cultural landmarks.

Cable Cars: A charming and historic mode of transportation, cable cars offer an enjoyable ride through the city’s hilly streets.

Golden Gate Park: A vast urban park offering various attractions, including the Japanese Tea Garden, California Academy of Sciences, and the Conservatory of Flowers.

Haight-Ashbury : Known as the birthplace of the hippie counterculture, this neighborhood offers a bohemian atmosphere and plenty of things to do in Haight Ashbury , like vintage shops, colorful murals, and eclectic cafes.

Alamo Square and The Painted Ladies: A row of Victorian houses which are famous for their colorful facades, providing a picturesque view of classic San Francisco architecture. Alamo Square is the urban park from where you can admire them.

If you are staying for a few days or 1 week in San Francisco , you should plan to explore some of these landmarks and neighborhoods.

Alternatively, if you are short on time and only have one or two days in San Francisco , I highly recommend taking a San Francisco city tour , as it can cover a lot more than you can explore on your own.

➡ Check rates and availability for this highly-rated small group tour which includes San Francisco, Muir Woods, and Sausalito with an option to add Alcatraz Island visit.

Sea Lions at Pier 39

Final Takeaways: Best San Francisco Bay Cruises for your visit

No visit to San Francisco is complete without taking a boat cruise in the San Francisco Bay!

I hope you are able to find a boat tour from this list that meets your needs and enjoys spectacular views of San Francisco Bay and the majestic Golden Gate Bridge.

If you can’t decide, I recommend going with San Francisco Bay Sunset Catamaran Cruise . The city looks amazing at sunset from this luxury catamaran boat.

Below is a summary of the top 7 San Franciso water tours:

  • San Francisco Bay Sunset Catamaran Cruise – Best 1.5-hour sunset tour on a catamaran boat
  • San Francisco Bay Sailing Cruise – 1.5-hour Day tour on a catamaran sailboat
  • Alcatraz with San Francisco Bay Cruise – 2 to 4 hours Combo tour of Bay Cruise and visit to Alcatraz.
  • One-hour San Francisco Bay Cruise – 1-hour budget-friendly scenic bay cruise
  • San Francisco Premier Brunch Cruise – 2-hour brunch cruise (weekends only)
  • San Francisco Premier Dinner Dance Cruise – 3-hour dinner and dance cruise
  • 2 Hours Private Sailboat Charter in San Francisco Bay – Private sailboat tour for your group of up to 6 people.

Related Posts

Check out my other articles about visiting San Francisco:

Golden Gate Bridge is a must-see in one day in San Francisco itinerary

How to spend one day in San Francisco

Golden Gate Bridge San Francisco

Best 3 days in San Francisco itinerary

7 days in San Francisco

Epic 7 days in San Francisco itinerary (with options for 10 days)

View of Golden Gate Bridge in a visit to San Francisco

How many days in San Francisco and what to do on your visit

Day trip from San Francisco to Muir Woods for hiking among the redwoods

San Francisco to Muir Woods: Ways to get there and what to do

Things to do and see in Haight Asbury, San Francisco

Top 21 things to do and see in Haight-Ashbury, San Francisco

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Anu Agarwal is the founder and author of vacation travel blog Destination Checkoff. Anu, a Northern California resident, and a regular nine-to-fiver, loves to vacation with her family to destinations all over the world. She is obsessed with doing endless research for her trips. She has traveled to several destinations in the United States, Canada, Mexico, Europe, and Asia. With her blog, Anu is excited to share her destination itineraries and vacation travel guides and help you check those dream destinations off your bucket list!

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Scenic San Francisco Bay Boat Tour With Red & White Cruises

seagull in front of golden gate bridge

People say one of the best views of San Francisco is from the water, but I have always wanted to see it myself. I had taken a boat to Alcatraz before, but I needed to get the full San Francisco Bay experience. Many of my favorite attractions are visible from a boat – the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz, the Palace of Fine Arts, and more.

During a recent trip, I took the opportunity to go on a San Francisco Bay Boat Tour that included going under the Golden Gate Bridge with Red and White Cruises. I was glad I did.

Let me tell you more about my experience so you can decide if you want to do one of the San Francisco boat tours when you visit.

Note: We went on our cruise on November 11, 2018.  Our pictures look hazy, but that is actually the smoke from some of the California wildfires.  Our thoughts are with all those affected.

The view as we left Pier 43 1/2. - San Francisco Cruise

San Francisco from the Water

Leaving the pier, golden gate bridge, alcatraz island, angel island, back at the pier, getting to pier 43 ½, about red and white fleet, san francisco cruise tour options, are boat tours in san francisco worth it, expert tips for your san francisco bay boat tour.

San Francisco Bay is the heart of the city, so a boat tour is a convenient and fun way to get an overview and a glimpse of some of the most popular attractions.  Try to choose a day where the weather is clear.  Sometimes, it can be foggy in the morning but will clear up as the day goes on.  Be sure to bring your camera as the views will be spectacular.

Here’s a one-week San Francisco itinerary to help you see more of this amazing city.

Note: This post contains affiliate links please see disclosure for more information.

One of the windsurfers we saw during our San Francisco boat ride.

Boarding the boat is first-come-first-served, so we got to the Pier about 20 minutes before our scheduled cruise.  They started boarding just before it was time to leave. As you board, there is a photographer that will take your picture with the boat. If you like it, the photo is available for purchase for $15 after completing the tour.

Inside the Red and White Fleet Boat. - San Francisco Boat Tour

Once you have the audio tour, you choose your deck and seat.  The boat has three levels with both indoor and outdoor space on each level.  We decided to go for the top deck which is all outdoors. I think the best views are from the left side of the boat.  Don’t stress too much about where you sit, though, as everyone moves around during the tour.

The boat left the dock and we headed north towards the Golden Gate Bridge.  We learned about some of the famous ships that are permanently docked in the San Francisco Bay, such as The Balclutha – a three-mast ship built in Scotland in the 1880s.

If you are lucky, you may be able to spot some of the bright orange swim caps of the Dolphin Swim Club.  They go for swims in the bay daily! We didn’t see any swimmers but we did see a few windsurfers.

The top deck of our boat.

Highlights of Our San Francisco Bay Boat Tour

While it’s always fun being on the water, the main reason you go on a boat cruise in the San Francisco Bay are for the views! Let’s talk about the places we saw during our tour.

My favorite part of a San Francisco Bay boat trip is going under the Golden Gate Bridge.  It’s a beautiful bridge and an iconic feature of San Francisco. It is nice to see it from all angles!  (You may remember I biked over the Golden Gate Bridge on a previous trip.)  

The view as we headed towards the Golden Gate Bridge. - SF Bay Boat Tour

The audio guide was full of interesting facts about the bridge.  The fact that stood out for me is that they are constantly painting it.  Once the crew gets to the other end of the bridge, it is time for them to start over.  We saw the scaffolding they use. I would not want that job!

Next, the boat cruise passed by Alcatraz Island.  I have visited Alcatraz Island several times before because I think it is such a fascinating place.  (If you can, I highly recommend the Alcatraz night tour .) Still, I learned a few things from the tour narration.  For example, I didn’t realize that the lighthouse on Alcatraz Island was the first in California.

Alcatraz Island as seen on our San Francisco Bay tour

We could also see Angel Island from the boat.  It’s a place that has always intrigued me and I have been wanting to visit it.  I knew it was a great place for hiking and biking, but I didn’t know much about the history.

Angel Island is a beautiful area with lots to do!

The stories I heard about Angel Island on the audio guide were very moving.  Originally, Native Americans lived on the island. It was known as the Ellis Island of the West.  Many immigrants (especially Chinese) were detained here. I strongly believe immigrants are an important part of the fabric and history of the United States and the way these immigrants were treated was disgraceful.  I don’t want to see history repeating itself.

Note: We were finally able to spend a day exploring Angel Island.  Read more about the things to do and see on Angel Island .

We didn’t go under the Bay Bridge, but we still got a good view of it.  It’s now actually two bridges and a tunnel. Hearing the story of the 1989 earthquake gave me chills.  I can’t imagine how it would have felt to be on the bridge or have loved ones on that bridge when it collapsed.

One of the large ships we passed on our boat tour. - San Francisco Bay Tour

Right on schedule, we arrived back at Pier 43 ½.  They run a tight ship and ask that you leave the boat right away so that they can reload for the next trip.  We thought we would try to take a few pictures as we were waiting for the line to go downstairs to move. 

Well, lesson learned.  One of the crew members waved his hand in front of the camera to prevent us from taking a photo and told us we needed to leave. So be sure to take all the pictures you want to before the boat gets back to the dock.  Also, note that they close the restrooms ten minutes before the end of the cruise.

Anisa and her friend Diane. Look closely and you can see Alcatraz in the background.

It’s best to take public transportation to get to your Red and White Fleet Cruise.  The Bay & Taylor Street Cable Car will take you within four blocks of Pier 43½ or the MUNI F-Line streetcar stops one block away.

I do not recommend driving as traffic and parking can be difficult, but if you do, park across the street from Pier 43 ½.  Then you can ask the Red and White Fleet to validate parking for one hour.

The Red and White fleet was founded back in 1892!  It’s a family-owned company. The boats depart from Pier 43 ½.  Their boats are also available for private charters for up to 600 guests.  The boats have both indoor and outdoor space.

You can find out more about the Red and White Fleet and book a tour here .

Our San Francisco Bay Tour Boat

We took the Golden Gate Bay Cruise which is a one-hour tour where you can see the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz, and the San Francisco waterfront.  Depending on the day, there are 8-18 departures.  You can check the schedule here .

The Red & White Fleet does have other San Francisco bay tours.  If you have more time, you can do the 90-minute long Bridge 2 Bridge Cruise which goes under both the Golden Gate and the Bay Bridges.  It also goes around Alcatraz.

In the evenings, they offer a Sunset Cruise which goes by Alcatraz, Angel Island, Tiburon, Sausalito, and under the Golden Gate Bridge.  On that two-hour tour, they also have appetizers, drinks, and live entertainment.

Yes, you definitely need to do one of the San Francisco Bay boat cruises during your visit.  

We had great views of the sights and learned so much about the history.  Plus, I got a few ideas for things to do on future trips to San Francisco.  The boat is big enough to make it a smooth ride.  It’s nice that there is an inside area in case it gets chilly.

I recommend choosing the Red and White Fleet. The Golden Gate Cruise is reasonably priced at $34 for adults and $25 for kids (5-17 years old).  Additionally, several of the Red & White cruises are part of the San Francisco Go Card which helps you save on 25% of the top attractions in the city.  Click here for more information .

Alternatively, if you plan on going to the Aquarium of the Bay too, you can save money on both with this combination ticket.

Have you ever done any San Francisco boat trips?

Pin for Later

red and white fleet boat with text overlay "san francisco bay boat tour"

  • Take public transportation to get to Pier 43 ½.
  • Don’t worry too much about getting a specific seat on the boat.  Everyone moves around during the cruise.
  • During your visit to San Francisco, you should also try to visit Golden Gate Park , the Walt Disney Family Museum , and SFMOMA .

Disclosure: We would like to thank the Red and White Fleet for inviting us to take their San Francisco Bay Cruise so that we could share the experience with our readers.  All opinions are our own.

This post also contains affiliate links. This means we will receive a small commission for some purchases made using links in our blog with no additional cost to you. Please be assured we would not promote any product unless we believe that our readers will also benefit. The commission does not influence the editorial content of this site.

Two Traveling Texans is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com, amazon.co.uk, amazon.ca. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates.

Last Updated on March 6, 2023

About the Author

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Anisa  

Anisa is an experienced international traveler with extra pages in her passport and stamps from 41 different countries across 5 continents (and counting). She was born and raised in Texas. After a 13 year stint in NYC, she moved to England to live with her husband.

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  2. San Francisco Boat Tours

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  3. 7 Best San Francisco Boat Tours and Bay Cruises by a local (2024

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  4. San Francisco Boat Tours

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  5. Scenic San Francisco Bay Boat Tour With Red & White Cruises

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  6. San Francisco Bay Cruise Adventure

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COMMENTS

  1. Red and White Fleet

    Our 90 minute San Francisco Bridge to Bridge Cruise gives you unbeatable views of the San Francisco skyline and world famous Bay Bridge, as well as all the most popular sights on San Francisco Bay and finishes with a trip under the iconic Golden Gate Bridge. $48 Adult (18+) $36 Youth (5-17) Ages 4 and Under Free. 90 Minutes.

  2. San Francisco Bay Cruises

    Public SF Bay Cruises. Enjoy the rich history, colorful culture, and breathtaking scenery of the city as our professional tour guides take you on an amazing adventure. Join us now! Book Now. Learn More. From $1,800. Up to 30 Passengers. 2 Hours. All Ages.

  3. 10 Fun San Francisco Bay Tours and Boat Cruises

    9. Sunset Catamaran. Tour Length: 90 minutes. This is the second sunset boat cruise on my list of the 10 best San Francisco Bay Tours. I offer this one as an alternative to the Twilight/Sunset Cruise for a couple of reasons. First, this bay cruise is smaller and offers a more intimate experience.

  4. Blue & Gold Fleet Inc

    Blue & Gold Fleet has been the premier provider of ferry and water excursion services on San Francisco Bay for over 40 years, offering the famous one-hour San Francisco Bay Cruise, the 90-minute Escape from the Rock Cruise around Alcatraz Island and a Sunset Cruise. ... Boat tours are offered daily and there are special seasonal events and ...

  5. San Francisco Bay: Golden Gate, Alcatraz Sightseeing Cruise 2024

    1.5-Hour San Francisco Bay Sailing Tour. 353. from $99.00. San Francisco, California. Go Inside Alcatraz Including Fisherman's Wharf Lunch Credit. 359. from $97.99. ... As the boat makes its way out into San Francisco Bay, you'll have great views of the San Francisco skyline, as well as the bustling North Beach neighborhood and the waterfront ...

  6. Bay Voyager

    Located at Pier 39. We are located on the west side of PIER 39, Gate "I" (as in India) down near the Sea Lions. Bay Voyager is the best Boat tour agency in San Francisco that offers you a thrilling, and one-of-a-kind Boating experience in San Francisco Bay Area. Book now!

  7. THE TOP 10 San Francisco Boat Cruises, Sailing & Water Tours ...

    1.5-Hour San Francisco Bay Sailing Tour. 353. Take a relaxing afternoon sailing cruise aboard a traditional sailboat on the San Francisco Bay. Cruise past landmarks such as Alcatraz Island, Angel Island, the Sausalito waterfront, and Golden Gate Bridge, and see the San Francisco skyline on your way back to Pier 39.

  8. Adventure Cat Sailing Charters

    Whether you're looking for something the whole family can enjoy or a romantic evening out for two, your sail on Adventure Cat is sure to be a memorable highlight. See some of the Bay's most popular attractions up close and personal as we sail around Alcatraz Island, directly underneath the Golden Gate Bridge and head back admiring the city ...

  9. San Francisco Bay Sunset Catamaran Cruise

    Alcatraz Prison Tour and Golden Gate Bridge Bike Rental. 6. from $138.00. San Francisco, California. 1.5-Hour San Francisco Bay Sailing Tour. 353. from $99.00. San Francisco, California. 2 Hour Private Sailboat Charter in the San Francisco Bay.

  10. San Francisco: Skip-the-Line 1-Hour Bay Cruise by Boat

    The 1-hour non-stop Bay Cruise takes you past the famous PIER 39 sea lions and along San Francisco's historic waterfront, revealing the city's fascinating skyline. Relax in comfort, with both indoor and outdoor seating, and enjoy a full narration describing major landmarks as you sail by. See sights like the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz ...

  11. The BEST San Francisco Cruises & boat tours 2024

    Our most recommended San Francisco Cruises & boat tours. 1. San Francisco: Skip-the-Line 1-Hour Bay Cruise by Boat. Enjoy a 1-hour journey along San Francisco's historic waterfront and experience the thrilling history of the San Francisco Bay, with all the sound and glory it deserves. The 1-hour non-stop Bay Cruise takes you past the famous ...

  12. THE 10 BEST San Francisco Bay Area Boat Rides & Cruises

    Official Alcatraz Island Prison Tour and San Francisco Bay Cruise. 21. Historical Tours. 2-5 hours. This is a unique tour package to visit both the Alcatraz Island and the Golden Gate Bridge! For the Alcatraz tour, you will…. from. $148. $133.

  13. The 7 Best San Francisco Boat Tours

    July 22, 2019, at 9:00 a.m. The 7 Best San Francisco Boat Tours. More. Courtesy of Bay Voyager. Enjoy a thrilling ride past some of San Francisco's top landmarks on this boat tour from Bay Voyager ...

  14. San Francisco: Golden Gate Bay Cruise

    Full description. Cruise around the Golden Gate Bay on a boat tour. Enjoy informative commentary, see sights like Alcatraz Island, and purchase food and drink from the onboard bar. Launched in 1939 as part of the Golden Gate International Exposition, this 1-hour cruise has been a highlight of any visit to San Francisco for over 75 years.

  15. THE 10 BEST San Francisco Boat Tours

    1. Official Alcatraz Island Prison Tour and San Francisco Bay Cruise. 21. Historical Tours. 2-5 hours. This is a unique tour package to visit both the Alcatraz Island and the Golden Gate Bridge! For the Alcatraz tour, you will…. from. $148.

  16. San Francisco Bay Sailing Cruise 2024

    1.5-Hour San Francisco Bay Sailing Tour. 353. from $99.00. San Francisco, California. 2hr - INTERACTIVE Sailing Experience on San Francisco Bay. 15. from $149.00. San Francisco, California. Private two hour morning sail For you and your group up to six people.

  17. San Francisco Bay Cruise

    The Blue & Gold Fleet Box Office at. PIER 39 is open 7 days a week: Monday - Thursday 10:15am - 6:45pm. Friday - Sunday 10am - 7:30pm. The Pier 41 Box Office is temporarily closed. Visit Us. Blue & Gold Fleet. Pier 41 • San Francisco, CA 94133.

  18. 7 Best San Francisco Boat Tours and Bay Cruises by a local (2024)

    The city looks amazing at sunset from this luxury catamaran boat. Below is a summary of the top 7 San Franciso water tours: San Francisco Bay Sunset Catamaran Cruise - Best 1.5-hour sunset tour on a catamaran boat. San Francisco Bay Sailing Cruise - 1.5-hour Day tour on a catamaran sailboat.

  19. THE 10 BEST San Francisco Boat Rides & Cruises

    Official Alcatraz Island Prison Tour and San Francisco Bay Cruise. 21. Historical Tours. 2-5 hours. This is a unique tour package to visit both the Alcatraz Island and the Golden Gate Bridge! For the Alcatraz tour, you will…. from. $148. $133.

  20. Bay Cruises

    Fisherman's Wharf Community Benefit District & Merchants Association. 2801 Leavenworth Street, 2nd Floor B-16,San Francisco, CA 94133|(415) 673-3530. FWCBD.

  21. Scenic San Francisco Bay Boat Tour With Red & White Cruises

    Our San Francisco Bay Tour Boat San Francisco Cruise Tour Options. We took the Golden Gate Bay Cruise which is a one-hour tour where you can see the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz, and the San Francisco waterfront. Depending on the day, there are 8-18 departures. You can check the schedule here. The Red & White Fleet does have other San Francisco ...

  22. San Francisco Bay Adventure Boat Sightseeing 2024

    See San Francisco's top attractions from the water on this 1.5-hour tour by rigid inflatable boat. Your guide will provide gear to keep you dry and warm as you take off from Pier 39. Pass the infamous prison of Alcatraz, Coit Tower, the Presidio and glide under the Golden Gate Bridge while your captain provides insightful narration. Numbers are limited to 12 people to keep this small-group ...