There’s 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 won’t 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 Fisherman’s Wharf, there’s no lack of things to see and do.
Best San Francisco Bay Boat Tours
| San Francisco: Alcatraz with San Francisco Bay Cruise | San Francisco Bay Sunset Cruise by Luxury Catamaran | California Sunset Cruise in San Francisco | |
|---|---|---|---|
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| Departure: | Pier 39 | Pier 39 | Pier 43 1/2 |
| Start: | 9:20 AM, 10:00 AM, 1:00 PM | 7:00 PM | 7:00 PM |
| Duration: | 4 hours | 1 hour, 30 minutes | 2 hours |
| Includes: | Boat tour of San Francisco Bay, ferry ticket & admission to Alcatraz | Catamaran cruise, hors d'oeuvres, 2 beverages | Cruise, appetizer buffet, live music onboard, a complimentary drink |
One of the most popular activities for those visiting San Francisco is a sailing cruise or boat tour. We’ve reviewed the top choices for you.
Quick Answer: The 7 Best Rated San Francisco Dinner Boat Cruises
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- San Francisco Bay Sail & Jail Boat Cruise & Alcatraz Ticket
- San Francisco Bay Sunset Cruise by Luxury Catamaran
- California Sunset Cruise in San Francisco
- San Francisco: Bay Sailing Tour w/ Drinks
- Luxury Brunch or Dinner Cruise on San Francisco Bay
- San Francisco Signature Dinner Cruise
- Straight to the Gate Access: San Francisco Twilight or Sunset Cruise
Whether you would like to take a cruise of San Francisco Bay from the comfort of a catamaran or a large luxury boat, there’s guaranteed to be the perfect cruise or boat tour for you.
San Francisco Bay Boat Tour Reviews
1. San Francisco Bay: Sail & Jail Boat Cruise & Alcatraz Ticket
- Departure Point: Pier 39, Gate J
- Departure Time: 11:00 AM
- Duration: 4 hours (approx.)
- 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, you’ll 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, you’ll 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.
More Information & Tour Booking
100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours of tour experience
Other Experiences You May Enjoy:
2. San Francisco Bay Sunset Cruise by Luxury Catamaran
- Departure Point: Pier 39, Gate J
- Departure Time: 7:00 PM
- Duration: 1 hour, 30 minutes (approx.)
- Includes: Catamaran cruise, hors d’oeuvres, 2 complimentary beverages
The San Francisco sunsets are not to be missed. If you find yourself in the City by the Bay, you will definitely want to catch one while on a bay cruise.
You’ll be able to take in the sights of Alcatraz Island, the Golden Gate Bridge, the friendly sea lions, and the unique city skyline. For a full 90 minutes, you will be able to experience San Francisco from a luxury catamaran.
While aboard the catamaran, you can take advantage of comfortable seating from the protected viewing area. If you’d like to experience the salty waves, you can always view the San Francisco sunset from the two trampoline nets.
A toast at sunset, to another fantastic day in this beautiful and unique city, can be shared by all on board. You will have your choice of two complimentary beverages as well as access to the light hors d’oeuvres that are served.
More Information & Tour Booking
100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours of tour experience
3. California Sunset Cruise in San Francisco
- Departure Point: Pier 43 1/2, right behind the crab sign at Fisherman’s Wharf
- Departure Time: 7:00 PM
- Duration: 2 hours (approx.)
- Includes: Cruise, appetizer buffet, live music onboard, a complimentary drink and access to the full bar
Before sunset, your cruise will take you past many iconic San Franciscan landmarks such as the Transamerica Pyramid and Coit Tower. Be sure to take plenty of pictures while enjoying free appetizers served buffet-style.
You’ll also cruise past Alcatraz and Angel Island before heading due west toward the Golden Gate Bridge to view the sun setting behind it and sinking into the waters of the Pacific Ocean.
While aboard, you will have live entertainment in the form of a guitar player or band. Toast to the beauty of another day in paradise with a complimentary drink. Additional beverages, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic, are available at the bar.
If you’d like to purchase a souvenir while on your cruise to commemorate both the trip and the memorable sunset, merchandise is available for purchase as are snacks.
More Information & Tour Booking
100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours of tour experience
4. San Francisco: Bay Sailing Tour w/ Drinks
- Departure Point: Pier 39, Dock F
- Departure Time: 12:30 PM, 2:00 PM, 4:30 PM
- Duration: 1 hour, 30 minutes to 2 hours (approx.)
- Includes: sailing experience on the Bay, full crew, 2 complimentary beverages
When you meet the First Mate of the Privateer at Pier 39, Dock F, he will walk you to the magnificent double-masted sailboat. Be sure to ask either before or after your cruise to have a crew member or other passenger take a picture of you and your party in front of her.
After motoring out into open water, the crew will raise the sails and you’ll be traveling San Francisco Bay by power of the wind. The first landmarks you will see are Alcatraz Prison and Angel Island along with the Bay Bridge. But that’s not all.
The beauty of the city of Sausalito can be seen back on shore as you head toward the Golden Gate Bridge. Your talented captain will navigate along the length of the bridge to give you plenty of time to take pictures of the bridge as well as of you and your party with the bridge in the background.
During the adventure, a member of the crew will be around to serve you two complimentary beverages of your choice. Soda and water are available, as are beer and wine. The crew can also answer any questions you have about the sailing vessel or the landmarks you see.
More Information & Tour Booking
100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours of tour experience
5. Luxury Brunch or Dinner Cruise on San Francisco Bay
- Departure Point: Pier 3 on the Embarcadero at Washington Street
- Departure Time: Variety available
- Duration: 2 – 2.5 hours
- Includes: Brunch or dinner (depending on option selected), musical entertainment, unlimited mimosas and sparkling wine
This cruise offers the option of a brunch with unlimited mimosas and sparkling wine or a dinner cruise where you can watch the sunset and enjoy a nice meal while listening to the live musical entertainment.
Your captain and guides will be able to point out those famous San Francisco landmarks. Most can also answer any questions you have about these landmarks or the city itself.
You will meet at the famous Pier 3 on the Embarcadero to board your cruise vessel. This 2 to 2.5 hour cruise of the Bay will take you past many famous landmarks, under the Golden Gate Bridge, and even around Alcatraz Island. When you return back to the Wharf, be sure to enjoy a drink and enjoy the street entertainment.
More Information & Tour Booking
100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours of tour experience
6. San Francisco Signature Dinner Cruise
- Duration: 3 hours
- Departure: Pier 3, Hornblower Landing, San Francisco, CA 94111
- Departure Time: 7:00 PM
- Includes: 3-hour yacht cruise, dinner, local DJs playing great music, soda, coffee, tea, water, scenic views of the bay, alcoholic beverages available for purchase
San Francisco is one of the most beautiful cities in the world, and undoubtedly the best way to appreciate its beauty is by boat. When the sun starts to set over the bay, the golden sun seems to illuminate everything, making it that much more magical.
With the San Francisco Signature Dinner Cruise Tour, you’ll get to see it all for yourself while enjoying a delicious meal with great company! This 3-hour event is the perfect opportunity to get dressed up and enjoy a special occasion, celebration, or simply enjoy life!
I actually discovered this tour because I was looking for a romantic restaurant, but I luckily found this tour and it really beat out any restaurant out there. It’s not too crowded, the service is top-notch, and the vibes were impeccable.
Right when we boarded our boat, we were escorted to our table where we were able to relax and enjoy the full 360 views of the gorgeous San Francisco Bay. The staff was more than willing to accommodate us and answer any questions we had, while bringing us plenty of drinks while we waited to set off.
Shortly after, dinner was served, which offered plenty of tasty American dishes as well as many international dishes that I really enjoyed. After having our fill, we got out on the dancefloor and danced to the live DJ who played plenty of songs we all knew.
It was a great time being able to dance with the one most special to me, as well as singing some party anthems with new friends we met onboard. Overall, if you’re looking to have a good time while enjoying SF’s beauty, it’s hard to beat this tour!
More Information & Tour Booking
100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours of tour experience
7. Straight to the Gate Access: San Francisco Twilight or Sunset Cruise
- Duration: 1.5 hours
- Departure: Pier 43 ½ San Francisco, CA 94133
- Departure Time: 5:30 PM
- Includes: Sunset cruise or twilight cruise (depending on time of year), “straight to the gate” access
The first time I saw San Francisco as an adult, I remember thinking to myself that I wanted to see it up-close. I didn’t know how I was going to do it, as I knew that many of the boats didn’t get that close and driving on it didn’t allow for me to fully appreciate its grandeur.
The Straight to the Gate Access: San Francisco Twilight or Sunset Cruise seemed to be the answer to my question, though! Lasting 1.5 hours, it’s one of the easiest tours of its kind to fit into even the busiest of schedules.
Simply select the time that works best for you, and head over to the pier down at Fisherman’s Wharf and get ready to board. The Wharf has tons of things to do, so make sure after the tour you enjoy some carnival games, a bowl of clam chowder soup, or just stroll around and enjoy the energy of this special place.
Once boarded, your captain will be there to answer any questions you may have and ensure everyone is safe and comfortable. I found there to be plenty of room to stretch out and enjoy the impeccable views of the bay and Golden Gate Bridge.
We passed by notable sites, but the Golden Gate Bridge as the sun set definitely had my attention. Going under the bridge and witnessing the phenomenal construction was truly mind-blowing, and hard to believe I was actually able to partake in this experience.
Our guide regaled us with countless stories of events, including the famous Alcatraz and the prison escapes that happened here. I also feel that this is one of the best San Francisco skyline views, so make sure to get those smartphones out to snap some photos!
More Information & Tour Booking
100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours of tour experience
FAQs About San Francisco Bay Boat Rides and Tours
What will I see on a San Francisco boat ride?
The Golden Gate Bridge: This is the most well known landmark of San Francisco. This suspension bridge spans 1.7 miles across the strait.
Alcatraz Island: This infamous prison has housed some of the most notorious criminals such as Al Capone and Machine Gun Kelly. You will see it’s silhouette guard towers and the cell blocks from the water. For a tour, take a ferry to visit for a guided tour.
Angel Island: The largest island in San Francisco Bay. This state park has hiking, biking, camping and tours. You can take a ferry to visit the island for a guided tour.
The Bay Bridge: This bridge connects San Francisco and Oakland and consists of two sections along with a tunnel. You can also drive or bike across it for a close up view.
The Skyline: You will see the stunning San Francisco’s downtown area skyline, with it’s skyscrapers, landmark, and hills. From the water you will see its architecture and its scenic beauty.
What are the most popular San Francisco cruise combos?
There are a variety of combination boat rides:
Muir Woods & Sausalito Half-Day Tour: With this combination tour you explore the redwood forest of Muir Woods National Monument and the charming town of Sausalito.
Alcatraz with Muir Woods and Sausalito Tour: This ultimate combination tour you see three of the Bay Area’s top attractions in one day. You get a tour of Alcatraz, walk through the giant redwood forest of Muir Woods and check out the Sausalito shops.
How long is a San Francisco boat ride?
Boat rides around San Francisco bay last between one hour for a short tour to three hourse for a dinner cruise.
Are there San Francisco boat rides with dinner?
Yes, there are a variety of boat rides that serve dinner from a casual buffet to a white linen, three course dinner.
What is the best time to go on a boat ride in San Francisco?
San Francisco is of course known for its foggy, cool weather, especially in the summer. The fog will obscure the views of the landmarks and the bay. In addition to the fog, the wind can make the boat ride uncomfortably cold. September and October are the sunniest and warmest months with mostly clear skies and mild temperatures.
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The San Francisco Bay Sail & Jail Boat Cruise & Alcatraz Ticket is our Editor's Choice for the best San Francisco Bay cruise.
