San Francisco Bay Cruise - Explore the San Francisco Bay by Ferryboat

Why We Love this Tour

“This is my favorite way to introduce out of town guests to San Francisco. There is nothing like sailing under the Gate Bridge at sunset, then enjoying skyline views as you return to the city to start the evening.”

– Dan Katzen
Finance and Business Development Manager

Tour Highlights

  • San Francisco Skyline and Waterfronts
  • Sail under the Golden Gate Bridge
  • Cruise past Sausalito/Angel Island
  • See Alcatraz State Prison from the water
  • Day and Sunset departures available
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Price: $38

Starting rate for day cruise. Sunset cruise also available. Please see booking page for pricing. Child rates available for those ages 5-17. Children 4 & under are FREE (with reservation).

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Tour Options

Daytime Bay Cruise

$38 Adult/$29 Child

You’ll see Fisherman’s Wharf, Alcatraz, Golden Gate, Ft. Mason, Presidio & Marina. Departure times are approx every 45 minutes:

  • Apr 1-May 21: 10:00am-5:00pm
  • May 22-Sept 2: 10:00am-6:15pm
  • Sept 3-Nov 3: 10:00am-5:00pm
  • Nov 4-Mar 31: 10:00am-4:15pm*

*4:15pm departure on weekends ONLY

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California Sunset Bay Cruise

$80 adult & $52 child

You’ll see Alcatraz, Golden Gate, Sausalito, Tiburon, Angel Island, Skyline. Departure times are as follows:

  • Apr 1-May 21: 6:00pm Weds-Sun
  • May 22-Sept 2: 7:00pm Daily
  • Sept 3-Nov 3: 6:00pm Weds-Sun
  • Nov 4-Mar 31: 5:30pm Thurs-Sat*

*operates as “twilight cruise” during winter

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Overview

San Francisco Bay Cruise

Launched in 1939 as part of the Golden Gate International Exposition, this cruise has been a highlight of any visit to San Francisco for 70 years. Sail along San Francisco’s breathtaking waterfront, under the majestic Golden Gate Bridge, and closely around notorious Alcatraz Island. On route, discover San Francisco’s history and world famous landmarks through personal headphone audio in 12 languages. During the cruise, frequent wildlife encounters include seagulls, pelicans and sea lions. At times, you may see even dolphins and whales. So be alert! Departing from Pier 43 ½ in the heart of Historic Fisherman’s Wharf, sail past the San Francisco skyline, the famous swimming clubs of Aquatic Park, the historic vessels at Hyde Street Pier, the San Francisco Maritime Park, and numerous other exciting sights.

On the Sunset Cruise, enjoy spectacular sunset views and live guitar music.  A full bar with drinks, snacks and merchandise is also available aboard. Come and cruise the bay with us!

Important Tour Information

You will need your printed proof of purchase and a photo ID to redeem your voucher and join the cruise. Please arrive at least 15 minutes prior to tour departure to guarantee your space on the cruise.

Itinerary

SAMPLE ITINERARY

 

Cruise through the Golden Gate

As you head west towards the Golden Gate Bridge, cruise along Fort Mason and the Marina District which was devastated in the 1989 earthquake. Next, enjoy views of Crissy Field and the lush hillsides of the Presidio—both former army installations—that are now part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. Don’t miss incredible photo opportunities when sailing directly under the massive 4,200-foot span of the 746-foot tall Golden Gate Bridge.

Sail past Alcatraz Island

As you steam back into the Bay, travel past the Marin Headlands and the quaint town of Sausalito, once home to the 1960s’ flower generation. With Angel Island to your left, slowly cruise around the infamous island of Alcatraz. On your way back to Fisherman’s Wharf, see the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge, and the Coit Tower. After a full hour of exciting sights, the barking sea lions at Pier 39 welcome you back to Pier 43 ½, where you can visit two National Historic Landmarks, the WWII submarine USS Pampanito and merchant vessel USS Jeremiah O’Brien (not included in tour price).

A full bar with drinks, snacks and merchandise (including logo wear) is available onboard at reasonable prices.

 

 

**Sample Itineraries: Please note that due to conditions outside of our control (weather), we may need to tailor your itinerary to best suit the needs of the group. While we guarantee that we’ll do our best to provide you with all of the highlights within this itinerary (conditions permitting), we do not guarantee them in this specific order. **

More Adventures on the Bay

Reviews

Review your trip

Fantastic Trip!

This is a great way to get to see the city from the bay, Alcatraz, both the Golden Gate bridge and the Bay bridge to Oakland. This trip is 1 1/2 hours long and well worth it to gain an incite into the city, it’s history and it’s future, really good commentary on the little device you are given as you board.

Ian H.
April 2018
San Francisco Bay Cruise

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Breathtaking!

“Great sightseeing tour. Truly enjoyed it. Beautiful seeing SF all lit up at night – breathtaking! The bridges are gorgeous at night.”

Marlene C.
Traveled May 2018
San Francisco Bay Cruise

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