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 that shares all the great history is played throughout the boat, and is also available on your smartphone, tablet or other WiFi-enabled device and includes a slideshow of historical photos in 10 different languages. This ticket allows you to skip the box office line and go straight to the gate.
Out at sunset: the 5:30 PM departure is under way when the sun sets, around 6:22 PM in the coming weeks.
In demand: 613 of the next 750 departures are already sold out.
From the operator’s live schedule on Viator, checked Oct 10.
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.
Listen to complete narration describing major landmarks as you glide past. Or listen on your own personal device on our App for the audio tour in 10 different languages.
You'll get the opportunity to sail right underneath the Golden Gate Bridge, hearing tales of the history of this famous gate that opens up to the Pacific Ocean.
Your journey includes an up close look at the famous island as we sail around the best side for some great views of this infamous penitentiary.
Beautiful views from the water
San Francisco Landmark with a unique view from the water
Reviews collected by Viator and Tripadvisor
Excurgo comparison of 962 Viator tours, recalculated daily.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
San Francisco Bay Cruise lasts about 1 hour. The itinerary has 9 stops.
Prices start at $39 per person for this San Francisco experience, booked through Viator with the price shown before checkout. There is 1 booking option, so the final price depends on the option you choose.
According to the operator’s current schedule, it runs every day, with 25 departures a day between 11:00 AM and 6:45 PM.
Children aged 5–11 pay from $28, adults from $39. Infants go free.
It can: 613 of the next 750 departures are already sold out, so booking ahead is a good idea.
Yes. Cancel at least 1 day before the start for a full refund. Later cancellations are non-refundable.
The meeting point is We're located in the marina between Pier 41 and Pier 39. Hotel pickup is not part of this experience.
The experience is available in DE, PT, KO, CMN, JA, EN, IT, FR, ES.
It is a small-group experience with a maximum of 8 participants.
Children from 0 to 4 years old sail for free
Wheelchair accessible
Reviews collected by Viator and Tripadvisor
Easy process to register for this tour and no problem using the e ticket from online purchase. Make sure to download the ticket pdf after purchase for multiple tickets codes. The tour was on time and took us under the Golden Gate bridge before turning around. A lot of photo opportunities. It was also sunny, chilly and windy. So, be prepared for weather changes and wear a hoodie to prevent your cap from being blown awsy! Highly recommend this fun trip.
Great job by driver. Saw many important sites . Enjoyed the tour very much. !!!!!¡!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The weather was disappointing. Took the cruise for the sole purpose of seeing the golden gate bridge. So much fog that we could not even see the bridge at all, even when we were directly under it. Otherwise it would have been wonderful.
It is worth the money spent. Seeing the Golden Gate Bridge and the Alcatraz Island up close is priceless.
Thanks for joining us. Glad you enjoyed the sights!!
Easy to find. Great staff. Audio covers so many places along the way. We'll worth price, affordable. A lot of bang for the buck. I have already recommended to others.
Thank you so much for joining us and telling your friends. We agree that it's a pretty cool hour on the San Francisco Bay!
Delivered exactly as I hoped for. Great view of Golden Gate and Alcatraz...the "dark" side you can't usually see from shore. Bring a light jacket and hold on to your hats if you're up top.
Hi Donna, Well said all around. And great advice for your fellow travelers. Thanks!
Had the best time ever, enjoyed all the history that was told, I got to do three things on my bucket list, which was the Golden Gate Bridge seeing Alcatraz and let’s not forget those seals right before you got on the boat thank you and I applaud you.
Wow, we are so happy that we were able to be a part of knocking 3 things off of your bucket lists. As lovers of travel ourselves, we know how meaningful that is. We applaud you for living your best life!
Lovey day to cruise around the bay. Getting close to Alcatraz island and passing under the Golden Gate Bridge. We loved it a nice break from the hustle and bustle.
Thanks for joining us! That's a great perspective that it does get you out of the big city and out on the Bay for some peaceful sailing. Well said!
An experience that leaves a mark for being with the family and bringing them happiness. Very family-friendly and very beautiful, I would go again.
Vaya, qué reseña tan maravillosa. Estamos muy orgullosos de haber formado parte de esa experiencia con su familia. Gracias por acompañarnos.
Do this as soon as you arrive to San Francisco because, if you do anything else first, this is repetitive and boring. We went out on a windy day which made hearing the prerecorded narration almost impossible to hear. The crew was friendly and it went out on time.
Thanks for the kind words about our staff. But repetitive and boring? We're disappointed to hear that you feel that way. We think it's unique sailing under the Golden Gate Bridge and around Alcatraz, but maybe it's not for everyone.
| Tour | Duration | Rating | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco Bay Cruise | 1 hour | 4.4 (421) | $39 | |
 San Francisco Bay Sunset Catamaran Cruise | 1h 35min | 4.8 (1,425) | $88 | View |
 San Francisco Golden Gate Bay Cruise | 1 hour | 4.7 (1,767) | $35 | View |
 San Francisco Bay Adventure Sightseeing Cruise | 1h 30min | 5.0 (348) | $115 | View |
 Alcatraz Island Prison Tour and San Francisco Bay Cruise | 2–5 hours | 4.3 (334) | $148 | View |
 San Francisco Bridge-to-Bridge Cruise | 1h 30min | 4.7 (698) | $48 | View |
 City Cruises San Francisco: Premier Brunch Cruise | 2 hours | 4.8 (360) | $122 | View |