Golden Gate Bay Cruise
Tour Length: 60 minutes
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.
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 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.
Fourth Of July Fireworks Cruise July 4 2022
This July 4th, experience the magic of the annual San Francisco 4th of July Fireworks Show aboard the Angel Island Tiburon Ferry Vessel for an exciting 4th of July Fireworks Cruise departing Tiburon, California to the San Francisco waterfront to take in the excitement and thrills of a San Francisco July 4th Fireworks Cruise.
Date: July 4, 2022
Please call or for further information or to make reservations.
Transportation In San Francisco
Beyond the classic cable cars running widely through San Francisco, several modes of public transportation are popular in the city. For example, the BART can help you get from the airport into the city. The Muni is one public transit option, which includes bus, metro, and some cable car options, mostly above ground. Youll also find taxis, Lyfts, and Ubers aplenty in San Francisco.
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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.
San Francisco Bridge To Bridge Cruise
Tour Length: 90 minutes
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.
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.
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Sunset Bay Tours Of San Francisco
As an alternative to our daytime sightseeing cruises, enjoy sunset and twilight views when sailing San Francisco Bay aboard our relaxed 2-hour California Sunset CruiseSM from Spring to Fall, or the California Twilight CruiseSM in winter.
Included in the price of our evening tours are hearty appetizers from the buffet, a beer, wine or soda, and live guitar music, giving you a perfect opportunity to end your day while sharing drinks with friends aboard the boat in a casual atmosphere. Along the way, check out the stunning beauty of the San Francisco skyline, as you sail past Alcatraz Island, the Golden Gate Bridge, Angel Island, and the charming towns of Tiburon, Sausalito and Belvedere, where breath-taking mansions line the steep cliffs of Richardson Bay.
Our knowledge of the San Francisco Bay area is unsurpassed by other tour companies Red and WhiteSM is the original guide of all San Francisco Bay cruises. But we dont just offer bay cruises. Once youve seen San Francisco from the bay, join us for a hop-on hop-off bus tour and many other land-based adventures. .
San Francisco Bay Boat Tour Reviews
Tour Highlights At A Glance:
- Departure Point: Pier 39, Gate J
- Departure Time: 11:00 AM
- Duration: 4 hours
- Includes: Catamaran tour of San Francisco Bay, ferry ticket to Alcatraz Island, admission to Alcatraz Prison
During this combination catamaran cruise and visit to Alcatraz, youll be able to sail under the Golden Gate Bridge and see Alcatraz from the bay waters. You may even catch a glimpse of the sea lions that call the bay their home.
A handy navigation guide will help you locate many of the landmarks you will see from the luxury catamaran. If you have any questions about them, be sure to ask the captain and crew. During the 1.5-hour sailing adventure, you may even be able to take control of the sails yourself, with guidance from the crew.
There are beverages available for purchase while on the catamaran, from water and sodas to wine and beer. You can take in the sights from a viewing area with comfortable seating or even experience the waves in a whole new way by relaxing on the trampoline nets.
After your catamaran sailing adventure in San Francisco Bay, youll receive the ferry ticket as well as your admission ticket to Alcatraz Island. Find Pier 33 and head out to the most infamous prison in American history, and even take the 45-minute audio tour with commentary from both prisoners and guards.
- Duration: 1 hour, 30 minutes
- Includes: Catamaran cruise, hors doeuvres, 2 complimentary beverages
Tour Highlights At A Glance:Tour Highlights At A Glance:
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The Original San Francisco Bay Cruise
Launched in 1939 as part of the Golden Gate International Exposition, our Golden Gate Bay Cruise has been a highlight of any visit to San Francisco for nearly 80 years. Cruise along San Franciscos breathtaking waterfront, under the majestic Golden Gate Bridge, and loop closely around notorious Alcatraz Island. On our Golden Gate Bay Cruise, youll discover the citys colorful history and world-famous landmarks with personal headphone audio in 16 languages. During the Golden Gate Bay Cruise, you may also experience up-close wildlife encounters including seagulls, pelicans, and sea lions. At times, you may see even harbor porpoises and whales, so be alert!
Departing from the heart of historic Fishermans Wharf at Pier 43½, cruise alongside San Franciscos remarkable cityscape and view the lively neighborhood of North Beach, the famous swimming clubs of Aquatic Park, the historic vessels moored at Hyde Street Pier, the San Francisco Maritime National Park, and numerous other exciting sights along the way.
As you head west towards the Golden Gate Bridge, youll view Fort Mason and the Marina District, which was damaged in the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake. Next, take in 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. Dont miss incredible photo opportunities while cruising directly under the massive 4,200-foot long, 746-foot high span of the Golden Gate Bridge.
See Those Famous San Francisco Landmarks With A Boat Tour Or Bay Sailing Cruise
Theres nothing like seeing the island of Alcatraz, the Golden Gate Bridge and even the unique San Francisco skyline from the bay. A sailing cruise or boat tour can be a once-in-a-lifetime experience you wont want to miss.
San Francisco has a culture all its own and a visit there is well worth it. With trolley cars, the curviest road in the country, and even the unique Fishermans Wharf, theres no lack of things to see and do.
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Sausalitos Lighted Boat Parade And Fireworks Cruise
Date: December 11, 2021Departs: 5:30 PMBoarding Location: Tiburon
Come aboard the Tamalpais to watch the City of Sausalitos Annual Lighted Parade of Boats and enjoy the fireworks show!Online tickets automatically give you a reservation. Reservations are required for this cruise.
Please call or for further information or to make reservations.
Hawaiian Islands Cruises From San Francisco
Scared of flying but still want to fulfill your lifes dream of visiting Hawaii? Theres hardly a better way to do that than by going on a Hawaiian Island cruise from San Francisco. Board your ship at the Port of San Francisco, unpack only once, and settle in for a once-in-a-lifetime trip around whats arguably the worlds most famous archipelago.
Generally, cruises from San Francisco to Hawaii are round-trip sailings that last about 15 days . Youll spend a significant amount of your time at sea while you make your way to and from these volcanic islands in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. Count on about half of the total number of days spent at sea. This, however, does allow for a super-relaxed cruise holiday. Because there are no new ports or destinations to explore each day, you have plenty of time to enjoy the ships amenities and services, spend time with your co-cruisers and unwind.
Once youre in Hawaii, youll get to visit several of the main islands, all of which have their own vibe and attractions. Explore the iconic city of Honolulu, visit Hilo and Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, see Kauais sensational Na Pali Coast and Waimea Canyon, and/or explore the vibrant coastal towns of Maui.
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Our Tour Boat: The Pacific Pearl
Our colleagues at Fish Emeryville launched East Bay history tours with our good friend Liam O’Donohugh in 2019, and we have been delighted to offer “City Front” and “Northern Shore” Tours of San Francisco since 2020. Join us on this completely refurbished 35-foot sports fishing vessel for an awe-inspiring Bay Cruise with lots of room to walk around and the freshest air available!
- Shaping San Francisco:
Restaurants & Eating Out
The San Francisco food scene will please the picky eater and foodie alike. Whether you prefer basic American grub or are into international cuisine, theres a huge selection to choose from.
For cheap eats you may consider a deli like the popular Molinari Delicatessen. For a slice of pie on the go, check out Golden Boy Pizza.
If youd like to treat yourself to an evening of fine dining, Kokkari Estiatorio offers a delectable Mediterranean menu and Seven Hills is superb for seafood.
As far as moderately-priced establishments go, give La Ciccia, an intimate Italian restaurant, a try. Other great mid-range places include Hog Island Oyster Company for delicious seafood or Roam Artisan Burgers for, well, burgers .
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Original San Francisco Tours To Unique San Francisco Sights
With our 1-hour Golden Gate Bay CruiseSM, San Francisco visitors can enjoy stunning views of the Bay and Alcatraz without ever having to leave the ship. The Golden Gate Bay Cruise is a true San Francisco original and is accompanied by insightful headphone narration available in 12 language options. The Golden Gate Bay Cruise is offered 8-12 times daily starting at 10am.
The new 90-minute Bridge 2 Bridge CruiseSM, the latest addition to our line-up of San Francisco Bay tours, is an amazing way to celebrate the 75-year anniversary of the Golden Gate Bridge as well as the incredible San Francisco Bay Bridge on a spectacular sail along the entire San Francisco waterfront. The headphone audio focuses on the famous San Francisco bridges, bay area geology and earthquake proofing of the city’s famous structures. Of course, this audio tour is also included in the price of your Fisherman’s Wharf cruise!
Fleet Week Blue Angels Cruise October 9 2022
Captain Maggie & the Angel Island Tiburon Ferry crew invite you to get ready for the experience of a lifetime on-board one of our Annual Blue Angels Air Show Cruise on San Francisco Bay during Fleet Week SF 2022. Reservations are required as seats are limited.
Date: October 9, 2022
Please call or for further information or to make reservations.
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Thrill Boat Rides & Cruises
Some visitors just want a thrill ride especially kids! Big, fast Rocket Boat delivers. Go fast, have a blast! May October only, its hard to miss the yellow and red go-fast boat at Pier 39. Tickets are first come, first served. Hop on, find a seat and zoom off listening to rock music. Flying full throttle on the 30-minute ride, Alcatraz, and the skyline are a blur. Crazy maneuvers are wild. Go under the Bay Bridge, past AT& T Park and see the skyline from the north and east.
RIB sightseeing on a Bay Voyager Cruise is an exciting option. Look for a close-to-the-water, 12-person rigid inflatable boat on Pier 39. Thats your ride! Climb aboard for a 90-minute, often wet, adventure to places you might otherwise not see. In addition to bayfront views, going under the Golden Gate Bridge and around Alcatraz, Youll see sites of abandoned gold rush ships, go under the Bay Bridge, motor into estuaries, to the Port of Oakland and by AT& T Park.
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Cruise To Angel Island
Angel Island is sometimes called the Ellis Island of the West, but its got more to see than the fascinating Immigration Station, and there are a couple ways to get there:
- Blue and Gold Fleet: Leaves from Pier 41 at Fishermans Wharf. They offer a visit to Alcatraz on the same day for an Island Hop.
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San Francisco Bay Cruise
We’ll meet at Pier 39, near San Francisco’s famous sea lions, where we’ll board our catamaran before sailing off over the Pacific Ocean.
Spend 1 hour 30 minutes enjoying the sun and sea breeze or relax in the cabin as you admire San Francisco’s skyline.
As we sail the bay’s waters you’ll enjoy spectacular views of San Francisco and its surroundings. You’ll also have audio guides available so you can learn interesting information about the sights we see, such as Alcatraz Island and Golden Gate Bridge.
If you want, you can help the crew with the sails and the rudder – a complete experience!
The tour ends back at Pier 39.
San Francisco Bay Cruises
Before you book a bay cruise, check to see if there are discounted tickets at Goldstar.com. Often the one-hour bay cruises are available for half-price, and sometimes the other cruises, too.
Goldstar also has lots of half-priced tickets for other SF attractions and events. I always check with them first before I get tickets for activities in San Francisco and the surrounding areas. It’s free to join, then you can see what they’ve got. See Goldstar.com.
Three different companies have boats that do the one hour cruise that starts at Fisherman’s Wharf, sails out and under the Golden Gate Bridge, then circles Alcatraz and returns to the dock.
The views of the city and bay are spectacular, and sailing under the Golden Gate Bridge is one of those OMG experiences. Prices are reasonable, too, especially with the smaller fishing boats, and the discounts available on the other cruises.
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Other Experiences On The California Cruise
Passengers will also be offered daily Sunrise Yoga, as well as unique Wine Country experiences. In fact, special wine presentations will be held where guests can learn about, sip and enjoy regional varietals.
Moreover, the culinary team on the American Jazz will offer onboard cooking demonstrations. Here, passengers can learn about Northern Californian cuisine, while each will also receive a local cookbook to take home with them.
Cruising From San Francisco
Thanks to its convenient location in the middle of Californiaand the west coast of the North American continentthe city is a strategic starting point for cruises to the northern wilds, the southern sun and the western islands.
Whichever region in and around the Pacific Ocean you desire to explore, San Francisco is a great city to begin your journey. On a San Francisco cruise, each corner of this vast ocean could bequite literallyat your doorstep, from Mexico to Alaska, Hawaii and even the Panama Canal.
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Red & White Cruises Highlights
Experience breath-taking views of the San Francisco waterfront, the Golden Gate Bridge, and notorious Alcatraz Island on Red & White Fleet’s Bay Cruises. The award-winning audio tour will tell you about the citys rich cultural history as you cruise past its most famous landmarks. Operating since 1892, Red & White Fleet is a family-owned business and the original operator of sightseeing cruises in the Bay area.
