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 Bay: Sail & Jail Boat Cruise & Alcatraz Ticket | San Francisco Bay Sunset Cruise by Luxury Catamaran | California Sunset Cruise in San Francisco | |
|---|---|---|---|
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| Departure Point: | Pier 39 | Pier 39 | Pier 43 1/2 |
| Departure Time: | 11:00 AM | 7:00 PM | 7:00 PM |
| Duration: | 4 hours | 1 hour, 30 minutes | 2 hours |
| Includes: | Catamaran 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 5 Best Rated San Francisco Dinner Boat Cruises
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
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.
