San Francisco Bay Cruise

From$39
1 hour
Commentary: Audio · de, ko, cmn, ja, en, it, fr, es
San Francisco, USA

About this activity

Experience a 1-hour narrated cruise offering stunning views of San Francisco's iconic landmarks, including the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz Island.

Highlights

  • Cruise under the Golden Gate Bridge
  • Pass by Alcatraz Island
  • Panoramic city skyline views
  • Close-up views of Angel Island
  • Spot sea lions and local wildlife

Full description

You haven’t fully experienced San Francisco until you’ve taken a Bay Cruise. This popular 1-hour excursion heads underneath the Golden Gate Bridge, around Alcatraz Island, past Angel Island State Park, and alongside the city's waterfront. Take advantage of fantastic photo ops and panoramic views. An audio tour is available on your smartphone, tablet or other WiFi-enabled device and includes a slideshow of historical photos. This ticket allows you to skip the box office line and go straight to the gate.

Included / Excluded

  • "Straight to the gate" access
  • Food and drinks (available to purchase)
  • Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase)

Important information

Know before you book

  • Cruises operate year-round; check the schedule for availability.
  • Tickets can be purchased online or at the dock; booking in advance is recommended.
  • Food and beverages are not included; consider bringing your own snacks.

Know before you go

  • Dress in layers; it can be chilly and windy on the water.
  • Bring a camera to capture the stunning views.
  • Arrive at least 15 minutes before departure to secure your spot.

Cancellation policy

Free cancellation up to 1 days before the activity starts

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Accessibility

  • Wheelchair Accessible
  • Service Animals Allowed
  • Easy Public Transport

Good to know

  • Children from 0 to 4 years old sail for free
  • Cruises may not operate during inclement weather. Check with ticket booth on day of sailing for schedule.
  • Multi-language audio tour available in nine languages (English, Spanish, Mandarin, Italian, French, Japanese, Korean, German and Taiwanese). Please bring your Wi-Fi enabled device to access the tour.
  • Times are subject to change without notice.

Traveler reviews

4.4
406 reviews
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It was a beautiful day...

It was a beautiful day sailing the Bay and seeing both bridges, Alcatraz, and the bonus wave riders!

Tanika_RAug 30, 2026VIATOR

Bay cruise

It was very pleasurable and educational

H5177ZXoliviaaAug 29, 2026TRIPADVISOR

Trip on the water

It was a pleasure to take the tour but seemed like an hour wasn’t long enough. But sitting out there on the deck looking at the water. The information over the intercom needs to be louder.

Cassandra_LAug 24, 2026VIATOR

See the bay

Quick cruise around the bay. Very informative. I felt safe. It was worth the money.

754yasmindAug 22, 2026TRIPADVISOR

SF bay tour

We had a great experience, everything was easy to navigate and we thoroughly enjoyed our trip. Easy to find the meeting point and location of our tour.

ellieroseb654Aug 19, 2026TRIPADVISOR

Additional information

Children from 0 to 4 years old sail for free Cruises may not operate during inclement weather. Check with ticket booth on day of sailing for schedule. Multi-language audio tour available in nine languages (English, Spanish, Mandarin, Italian, French, Japanese, Korean, German and Taiwanese). Please bring your Wi-Fi enabled device to access the tour. Times are subject to change without notice.