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)

Itinerary

1

Take advantage of prime photo opportunities with unobstructed views in every direction during this 1-hour bay cruise, departing from Pier 39. Snap photos of barking sea lions that bask on the docks, and take a seat indoors or on the outdoor deck.

Admission: NOT_APPLICABLE
2

Plug in your WiFi-enabled device to access the audio tour, and listen to complete narration describing major landmarks as you glide past. Food and drinks are available to purchase on board.

Admission: NOT_APPLICABLE
3

Pass by: Cruise alongside San Francisco’s historical waterfront while the city skyline unfolds. Your journey includes sightings of the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz Island, and Angel Island.

Admission: NOT_APPLICABLE
4

Pass by: Your journey includes sightings of the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz Island, and Angel Island.

Admission: NOT_APPLICABLE

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
354 reviews
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13

Great excursion here’s some tips

This was a very nice little excursion I went on with my family of three. The views were nice. We got to see both bridges, Alcatraz, and the sea lions super close. The only two things I would say is 1. Be prepared to pay for parking and walk across the street to get to the pier (Pier 39 parking garage). 2. The closer to the Golden Gate Bridge you get, the more rockier the boat gets. The tour guide inside the boat walking around was very nice and knowledgeable and kept everyone informed.

Adriana MMay 31, 2026TRIPADVISOR

Fantastic boat trip round the bay

Fantastic boat trip round the bay. Wonderful views of the city skyline, Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz. Probably the best way to orientate yourself to the city. We sailed with Blue & Gold Fleet's Oski which was comfortable both inside and out. Food and drinks available (apart from coffee, which in the US is treason surely?) and toilets on board.

ConsideredReviewMay 31, 2026TRIPADVISOR

Terrible experience, I do not recommend them at all.

I hope they improve their service; I want a refund. They provided an incorrect address on their website, and when we arrived, it was not there. They do not give good directions for the service.

MARCOANTONIO_HMay 28, 2026VIATOR

Couple retreat

Wear a sweater be prepared for cold winds yo the Golden Gate Bridge but turn around to Alcatraz a lot warmer

Manuel_CMay 27, 2026VIATOR

Too expensive for what it...

Too expensive for what it was. If you were to lower the price it would be worth it because it hits the high points in an hour. Should be $20/person and not more.

Joseph_KMay 24, 2026VIATOR

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.