San Francisco · SAN FRANCISCO BAY & SUNSET CRUISES
37 reviewed
The best view of the city is from the water, and the best light is at sunset. Below are the best San Francisco bay cruises, ranked: day sails and sunset trips, an hour or two long, drinks aboard or not, what each costs, and which pass closest to the Golden Gate and Alcatraz.
One hour on San Francisco Bay with 16-language audio, sail under the Golden Gate Bridge, pass Alcatraz, and spot wildlife from Fisherman’s Wharf.
“I was really fun my family and I really enjoyed this beautiful adventure.”
Two-hour sunset and city-lights cruise past Alcatraz and Angel Island, ending under the Golden Gate Bridge for skyline views.
“Gear service on board. Definitely a highlight . Evening sunset cruise under the GG Bridge. Awesome! Sausalito Bay was enchanting. Great view by lights. SF at night was also fantastic. And to top it off, the music tracks playing in the background background were on point. 70s, 80s….hats off to whoever picked that playlist !!!”
San Francisco city lights cruise from Pier 43 1/2 with Golden Gate Bridge angles, Alcatraz views, and heated comfort.
“Has variety of music which was nice- small amount of narration telling some high points about the buildings. Overall nice experience, Our 13 year old grandson enjoyed taking a lot of photos”
Narrated 60-minute Golden Gate Bay cruise from Fisherman’s Wharf past Alcatraz and Angel Island, under the Golden Gate Bridge.
“Even on a rainy day (unless its pouring and theres a storm), show up to the tour. You never know how many others are waiting to do it. The tour needs a minimum of 10 ppl to ride or itll get cancelled. Unfortunately only 3 showed up and it got cancelled on my last day there. No refund either. Thays why it gets the one star but ither than that i would recommend.”
Skip the ticket line for an Inside Alcatraz audio tour plus a 60-minute San Francisco Bay Cruise, including views under the Golden Gate Bridge.
“Inside Alcatraz tour was great! With a short ferry ride over to the island, you are then greeted and briefed on the island and key areas then left to wonder and explore. The audio guide gives a great insight into life at Alcatraz”
Skip-the-line 1-hour Bay Cruise from Pier 39: Sea Lions, Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz views, narration, indoor/outdoor seats. $38.
“This was well worth the money. It was the perfect length for this excursion (l hour). A lot of information was shared without being boring. I’d recommend doing this on day 1 of your trip because they give an overview of the SF area.”
90-minute narrated Bay cruise with skip-the-line access, full Alcatraz island views, and a sail under the Golden Gate Bridge.
“The boat was clean and safe. The tour is well planned and informative.”
Twilight catamaran on San Francisco Bay with Alcatraz, the Golden Gate, and skyline light-ups, plus one free drink onboard.
“My husband and I went on this sailboat excursion while visiting San Francisco because we always like to see cities from the water and it was such a perfect evening. It was very relaxing and chill. We went right under the Golden Gate Bridge and just really enjoyed the laid-back set up of the whole thing.”
San Francisco sunset from a luxury catamaran: Alcatraz, Golden Gate Bridge, Sausalito, and Pier 39 sea lions in 90 minutes. $90.
“I highly recommend doing this activity. There are breathtaking views and what we most liked was the service. The crew and staff are pretty friendly ;)”
Timed Alcatraz ferry and audio tour plus a 1-hour Bay Cruise with Golden Gate views, Pier 39 sea lions, and skyline shots.
“It was a great experience. My 11-year-old son and I enjoyed the audio tour immensely.”
Alcatraz day or night plus a 60-minute Bay Cruise under the Golden Gate Bridge from Pier 39. Audio-guided cells, sunset views.
“There is more to Alcatraz than meets the eye. The interior shows the signs of time, and this visit was a spectacular follow-up after watching the movie, Escape from Alcatraz. Extra efforts were taken by Park Service to protect nature and wildlife. After seeing the multitude of seagulls in the recreation yard amd around the island, I think it should be renamed "Jailbird Island" 🐦 🐦⬛”
Muir Woods and Sausalito by coach with a one-hour Golden Gate Bay Cruise from Pier 39. Redwoods, waterfront time, big views.
“A different world close to the great city of SF! A visit not to be missed! Beyond expectations as a kind of hidden a paradise saved by some people who looked beyond their own times.”
Alcatraz ferry plus self-paced Doing Time audio and a Golden Gate bay cruise. Skip lines, pick your cruise time, and enjoy big views.
“Really easy to book and all information provided was really clear and accurate. This trip includes two separate excursions which can be done on different days. You book a departure time for Alcatraz but the Bay Cruise can be booked directly at the Pier for any day you’re there. Unfortunately the weather on our Bay Cruise was very foggy once we headed out of the pier but the trip itself is great. Company really easy to find to pick up tickets and the QR code ticket for Alcatraz is all you need - lovely helpful staff who explain everything to you. Would definitely recommend”
San Francisco Bay dinner cruise with a plated gourmet meal, DJ dance set, and night views of Alcatraz and the Golden Gate Bridge.
“Easy boarding. Excellent personnel. First class service. Amazing food. My husband has trouble going up and down stairs. Several staff helped him as if they do it everyday.”
A 2-hour San Francisco brunch on the Bay with bubbly, a big buffet, and clear photo time by the Golden Gate and beyond.
“Beautiful sights - nice way to spend a Saturday afternoon. Brunch was delicious - staff and crew were attentive and polite. Would definitely recommend.”
