I'd recommend this ride even if you're not a tourist — it's a great way to see the city from a different angle. Unlike the other boat rides around the Embarcadero, this one sits lower on the water, so it feels a lot more intimate with the bay.
Our larger belongings got stored in a secure box at the dock. I wore a sling underneath the waterproof jacket they gave us, and I'd brought my own waterproof pants too, but they had extra-large ones and sunglasses on hand for anyone who needed them.
The captain was a San Francisco native and said he's been doing this since the 1990s — so he's a pro.
The ride sometimes went fast, which was fun, and I did get splashed a little bit.
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simibrooke
July 3, 2026 · via Tripadvisor
A Diamond in the Fog! SF’s best hidden gem boat tour!
Captain Charles totally made this a once in a lifetime experience!! So knowledgeable, funny and friendly! He made my 70 year old mother in law all the way down to my 8 year old son who were both nervous about a boat ride on the bay wish they could do it again and again! Even on a classic June foggy day, the views were insta worthy and the history was exceptional! I especially loved the up close view of the Golden Gate Bridge from below and the USS Jeremiah!!
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ambermA7051GL
March 21, 2026 · via Tripadvisor
Do not miss out on this opportunity!
We had an amazing experience! Captain Charles was wonderful! His love for the area and the service he provides are evident from the first moment at check in. We appreciated the suggestions on places to go, the history and information he shared before, after and during the voyage. We are thankful for the pictures he took, some posed, some candid; that were shared with us afterwards to add to ours. Expectation for what was to come next were always clear. We appreciated the intimacy of a small group. We felt safe and secure at all times, while enjoying the fun and excitement that the choppier water sometimes naturally offers! We will be recommending the experience to all of our friends and family that visit the area. Bonus: being close to the sea lions, while being respectful of them at the same time.
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FarAway30679649785
March 13, 2026 · via Tripadvisor
Amazing Bay Experience
Definitely the highlight of our trip to San Francisco. I've been visiting the city for 30 years and never appreciated how much you can see by taking this unique perspective. I highly recommend this to pretty much everyone.
Definitely get there 30 minutes early because you need the time to put on the safety gear. Bring sun glasses and sun screen if the sun is out. Also do the 90 minute tour. 45 minutes is simply not enough.
I can't wait to do it again it was so memorable.
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Kathryn Y
August 3, 2025 · via Tripadvisor
A wonderful way to directly experience all the amazing aspects of the Bay up-close. Enough wave running for safe fun!
This was a ton of fun. We saw things super up-close. We enjoyed the waves and outpacing the pelicans who flew alongside - but I was still comfortable (I’m a big scaredy cat). And the 11-year old on our boat had a blast! A small boat makes a huge difference in getting a personalized experience. Highly recommended.
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B756KWpaulg
July 30, 2025 · via Tripadvisor
Don't Even Think About It. Just Do It. You'll Have A Great Time.
We had a private cruise in the black boat which is fast and agile and exhilerating. There's a 'crows next' above the console and each of the boys took turns sitting up there for a wind-in-face 360-degree viewing experience. This is my 3rd trip with BV and once again Captain Charles was helpful, informative, responsive and fun to be with. He's extremely experienced with boats and the bay and it certainly shows. 90 minutes on the water with him was...as our youths said....awesome !
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Mindy_B
July 13, 2025 · via Viator
Done it twice!
Very fun experience. Kids loved it! Adults love it too! We look forward to booking it again next summer.
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L7516BAdavidd
July 6, 2025 · via Tripadvisor
Best time we had on the Bay
Great experience. Captain Z was very knowledgable. The trip was 90 minutes long and went by really fast. Be prepared for a great adventure.
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Donna K
June 30, 2025 · via Tripadvisor
Speed on the bay
it was so much fun.. The Captain was experienced, vey informative and the best part is he was so funny.. we had alot of laughs in those 90 mins!
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GinaD1448
May 18, 2025 · via Tripadvisor
Adventurous
Captain Charles was the best ever!!! Our boat ride was so much fun and our boys loved it! The water was super choppy and the weather was windy which made it even more fun! Captain Charles is an experienced captain and made us all feel very safe. We’ll definitely ride the bay voyager again!!!