USA · BOAT TRIPS IN SAN FRANCISCO
Good boat trips in San Francisco fill up weeks ahead; the great ones go first. Below: the 14 to book early, what each includes and how they differ.
Golden Gate Bay Cruise from Fisherman’s Wharf, see Alcatraz and sail under the Golden Gate Bridge, spot wildlife, 1 hour with 16-language audio.
“Short but great tour of the bay. The guide onboard is a pre-recorded voice. I visited in August, but the boat ride was quite chilly. Long sleeve recommended.”
1-hour Golden Gate Bay cruise from Pier 43 1/2, under the bridge and past Alcatraz with 16-language audio. $38, bar onboard.
“This was a beautiful romantic experience at such a great price.”
Cruise San Francisco Bay for sunset, passing Alcatraz and Angel Island, then go under the Golden Gate Bridge and watch city lights bloom.
“Got to see Alcratraz, Angel Island and the whole bay area... we were lucky to get a fabulous sunset as well.”
A one-hour narrated cruise from Pier 43 1/2 past Alcatraz, Angel Island, and under the Golden Gate Bridge for $39.
“Got what I wanted seeing all of San Francisco bridges and Alcatraz island up close. I would have liked to hear the recorded tour a little better but maybe I was just sitting in the wrong place. Highly recommend”
San Francisco sunset cruise on the Bay: Alcatraz, Angel Island, and the Golden Gate Bridge, plus skyline lights after dark.
“My wife and I (early 30s) were in San Francisco for a few days and wanted to get a boat cruise in. This is not a historic tour cruise, so don't expect a guide. It is meant to show the bay area from different views. They have snacks and beverages including alcohol on board for purchase. You can also bring your own food on (no alcohol), so we stopped by Boudin across the street for a loaf of fresh sourdough bread and charcuterie meats. When we got on board, we grabbed a table and purchased a bottle of wine, enjoying the sights for 2 hours. If we got dinner before,…”
Inside Alcatraz audio tour plus SF Bay Cruise from Pier 33. Skip lines, ride ferry, and see the Golden Gate Bridge up close.
“Really enjoyable trip and tour of Alcatraz was a highlight”
1-hour skip-the-line Bay Cruise from Pier 39 for Sea Lions, Golden Gate from under the bridge, and Alcatraz views, with narration.
“This is a perfect way to spend an hour to see the SF harbor, skyline, Golden Gate Bridge, and even Alcatraz island! The views are amazing for all of these and the tour guides are really great and full of cool facts. Only thing is bring a warm jacket because it’s cold and windy on the water! Highly recommend!!”
90-minute narrated Bay cruise with skip-the-line gate entry for Alcatraz views and a sail under the Golden Gate Bridge.
“Absolutely loved this cruise! Great view of Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz. Would definitely recommend!”
San Francisco Bay sunset catamaran cruise with a free drink, sea lions at Pier 39, Alcatraz views, and sailing under the Golden Gate.
“It was freezing and so windy I thought I would go overboard. The opportunities for photos were not many so it felt like a bit of a waste of $$$. I would check the weather before hand the fog rolled in and the bridge was barely visible. They did have jackets but like if you can’t even walk up outside onto the deck cause it’s so windy what’s the point. Also too many people.”
San Francisco Bay sunset cruise on a luxury catamaran past Alcatraz, under the Golden Gate Bridge, with Pier 39 sea lions and 1 drink.
“Cannot say enough about my experience! First, customer service is on point: from office staff to on board - everyone seems like they love what they do. So accommodating to guests, from volunteering to take photos, showing us the ropes, general hosting. The cruise itself was...perfect. Comfortable number of guests allowed all of us to move around at take photos at every angle at leisure. The route and time of the cruise was fantastic. Seriously, SO many incredible photo ops, especially on a clear day like this last Sunday. Unanticipated chill from the winds and splashing water were helped by jackets for everyone to borrow as needed. If you decide…”
Visit Alcatraz with roundtrip ferry and a multilingual audio guide, then add a 1-hour Bay cruise for Golden Gate views and waterfront landmarks.
“I could not find the ticket to visit Alcatraz inside as the tickets were sold for the day with the original provider named Alcatraz city cruises. Apparently they have an exclusive service agreement and the only company who can take tourists to the Alcatraz. this tour has allowed me to bypass the ticketing with the original company and got me the opportunity to see the Alcatraz on the day. this activity included two trips one to the Alcatraz inside guided tour and the second one was the San Francisco bay tour on a boat. the second part of the trip was particularly good because the board took us under the…”
90-minute Bridge to Bridge cruise from Fisherman's Wharf, sailing under both Golden Gate and Bay bridges with headphone audio and Alcatraz views.
“This cruise was fantastic. Being able to see Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz, Angel Island, the Bay Bridge, and the San Francisco waterfront so close was an awesome experience. The commentary throughout the cruise provided interesting facts about the locations and their history which added to the experience.”
Alcatraz by day or night with round trip ferry and audio, plus a narrated Bay cruise under the Golden Gate from Pier 39.
“Too expensive. Almost everything was closed and restricted. Only 1st floor is for sightseeing. Great view from boat.”
A 90-minute San Francisco Bay cruise under both bridges, past Alcatraz and Sausalito, with headphone audio in 16 languages.
“It was incredible! Right up to the Golden Gate and all around Alcatraz And all of the staff working for that company absolutely wonderful. Unfortunately I bought one more ticket than I needed and I had no way to ask for a refund so that was frustrating”
Every kind of day out, and the best of each.
