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 Cruises
| 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 Boat Tours of San Francisco Bay
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
Your Guide to Visiting the San Francisco Bay Area
Airports & Entry
Located just 13 miles south of downtown San Francisco, the San Francisco International Airport, receives flights from all over the world; making the city highly accessible to would-be visitors.
There are multiple options for transport from the airport to the city. BART is a rail system that offers service between the airport and the city, as well as to the surrounding Bay Area.
San Mateo County’s transit agency, SamTrans, provides bus service from the airport to Transbay Terminal in downtown San Francisco.
A taxi or other car-for-hire service such as Uber or Lyft are other options.
Planning Tips
Consider what you’d like to do before packing your suitcase. Do you plan to head to the beach, expect to dine in an elegant restaurant, or attend the symphony while you’re in San Francisco?
Not only should your plans guide you in what to pack, you should also purchase tour tickets and make reservations in advance, for those things you definitely don’t want to miss out on.
Restaurants & Eating Out
The San Francisco food scene will please the picky eater and foodie alike. Whether you prefer basic American grub or are into international cuisine, there’s a huge selection to choose from.
For cheap eats you may consider a deli like the popular Molinari Delicatessen. For a slice of pie on the go, check out Golden Boy Pizza.
If you’d like to treat yourself to an evening of fine dining, Kokkari Estiatorio offers a delectable Mediterranean menu; and Seven Hills is superb for seafood.
As far as moderately-priced establishments go, give La Ciccia, an intimate Italian restaurant, a try. Other great mid-range places include Hog Island Oyster Company for delicious seafood or Roam Artisan Burgers for, well, burgers (vegan options available).
Nightlife & Entertainment
There is no lack of after-hours entertainment in this active city. The performances at the Marrakech Magic Theater combine magic, illusion, and comedy for a thoroughly entertaining experience.
A great place to relax with an adult beverage is the Cityscape Bar & Lounge, which has gorgeous nighttime views of the city.
If you plan to make room for some culture during your visit to San Francisco, both the San Francisco Symphony and the San Francisco Opera give outstanding performances in their respective artforms.
Getting Around
San Francisco has an excellent public transport system, so there’s no reason to go the rental car route. Public transport options include buses, streetcars, cable cars, light rail, and trolley coaches. Of course, taxis and services like Lyft and Uber are available as well.
If you do plan to go with a rental car, rental agencies abound. Depending on the neighborhood and time of day though, you may find it challenging to find available, affordable parking.
Accommodations
San Francisco offers accommodations for all budgets- from basic camping sites in Angel Island and Samuel P Taylor State Parks for those who okay with roughing it, to ultra-exclusive hotels like Fairmont Heritage Place in Ghirardelli Square.
Economically-minded travelers might want to check out area hostels like the highly-rated Green Tortoise Hostel, or a mid-range option such as the chic Scarlet Huntington boutique hotel or the Victorian-styled Queen Anne Hotel.
Weather
As a general rule, the Bay Area doesn’t get much rain, with very little rainfall from May to September. The area’s average temperature remains moderate throughout the year, with highs in the 60’s and 70’s and lows ranging in the 40’s and 50’s, year round.
Attractions
A trip to San Francisco wouldn’t be complete without snapping a selfie with the iconic Golden Gate Bridge as your backdrop. Other must-sees include the notorious Alcatraz prison; Fisherman’s Wharf for sightseeing and shopping; Lombard Street, known as the “crookedest street” in the world; and a ride on the city’s world-famous cable cars.
Other fun things to do include the San Francisco Zoo and the Sea Lion Center. There are loads of parks and gardens where you can meander or enjoy a picnic lunch, such as the unique Japanese Tea Garden and the seaside park Land’s End.
Final Thoughts
A trip to San Francisco wouldn’t be complete without a Bay cruise. It will give you a unique view of the bay, the city and of course the Alcatraz!
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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.
