Best Catamaran Cruises in the USA — Our Top 15

1.San Francisco Bay Sunset Catamaran Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,342 reviews · 1 hour 35 minutes (approx.) · from $88Our pick

Board Adventure Cat at Pier 39 for a 1-hour-35-minute evening sail across San Francisco Bay. You’ll pass Alcatraz, cruise beneath the Golden Gate Bridge, watch Sausalito and the skyline change in the fading light, and enjoy one beer, wine, or non-alcoholic drink. Bring a jacket and headphones for the multilingual audio guide.

“This was an amazing experience and an excellent way to see the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz! The captain and crew were also excellent. Definitely a must when you’re in San Francisco!”

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2.San Francisco Bay Sunset Cruise by Luxury Catamaran

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 1,097 reviews · 1h 30m · from $90

From Pier 39, Adventure Cat Sailing Charters takes you across San Francisco Bay on a 55- or 65-foot catamaran. Expect Alcatraz, Sausalito, Pier 39 sea lions, and a close pass beneath the Golden Gate Bridge, plus one complimentary drink and a friendly English-speaking crew.

“Such a wonderful transformative experience! I highly recommend the sunset bay cruise offered by this company. It was like having friends who just happened to have a Luxury Catamaran. As a single female traveler I felt included and safe. The crew offers to take photos of you against the scenic backdrops. The first drink is included which is a very nice touch and the crew offers to bring you the drinks. Another wonderful touch is the squall jackets available for guests to wear because it gets a bit chilly on the bay. I took one of the big boat cruises at the beginning of my trip and this one was…”

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3.San Francisco Bay Sailing Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 629 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $72

Set out from Pier 39 on Adventure Cat, a 55- or 65-foot catamaran carrying up to 42 people. You’ll sail past Alcatraz, under the Golden Gate Bridge, and toward Sausalito, with covered seating, trampoline nets, an onboard bar, and optional audio guides.

“in San Francisco for a quick trip to meet a friend we always try to do a sailing trip. It was the end of October and I wasn’t sure about the weather, but it was absolutely amazing. There were only four of us on this fantastic day. Captain and crew were amazing Friendly and I’m so glad we went! I always use Viator to book they never disappoint!”

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4.Sunset Sail Along the San Diego Skyline

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 603 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $109

Spend about two hours on a shared sunset sail from Safeharbor Sunroad Marina. The yacht carries no more than six people, with bean bags, cushions, blankets, and a bathroom onboard. You may sail with captains such as Aaron, Patrick, Derek, Adam, or Maggie, and can bring your own food and drinks.

“Our sunset cruise in San Diego was absolutely perfect, and that was largely thanks to our captain, Aaron. He was extremely knowledgeable about the harbor and its history, sharing interesting facts throughout our trip without missing a beat. The boat was comfortable, the atmosphere was wonderful, and the sunset was breathtaking. Aaron's hospitality made it a truly memorable.”

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5.Seattle Sailing Harbor Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 473 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $39

Spend about two hours aboard Seattle's Tall Ship, sailing from Pier 66 through Elliott Bay. Expect skyline and Space Needle views, possible Mount Rainier sightings, friendly crew, optional sail-raising, onboard restrooms, drinks for purchase, and a maximum of 70 passengers.

“I went on a sailing tour on my last day in Seattle because I wanted to see the city skyline from the water. We were lucky with the weather — a mix of clouds and sunshine made it even more beautiful. It was such a peaceful and relaxing experience. The crew took wonderful care of everyone on board, offering warm blankets and drinks, which made the trip feel extra cozy. Overall, a lovely experience — highly recommend!”

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6.1.5-Hour San Francisco Bay Sailing Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 393 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $99

Join the San Francisco Sailing Company for a 90-minute sail from Pier 39 aboard a small double-masted yacht. Captain Michael, Captain Dave, and first mates such as Adrian have led relaxed trips past Alcatraz, Angel Island, the Bay Bridge, and toward the Golden Gate. Two drinks are included.

“It was a great way to see the Bay. The crew was friendly and professional. We just loved being on the water.”

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7.Private tour for 12 people on a 40 ft Yacht, Ft Lauderdale bay

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 341 reviews · 2 to 6 hours (approx.) · from $184

Take a private yacht from Bahia Mar Yachting Center through Fort Lauderdale’s Intracoastal Waterway. Choose a 2, 4, or 6 hour cruise, ask Captain Andre or Captain Simon about sandbar time, bring your own food and drinks, and enjoy a cooler, restroom, music system, and shaded seating.

“Andre did a great job! He was very knowledgeable, friendly and professional. The boat was awesome too! We cruised the intercoastal while he pointed out different houses and boats. We anchored at a sandbar for awhile to swim and have fun. He had plenty of swim toys: giant mat, noodles, balls, etc. We booked the boat for four hours which was perfect for us. Thank you Andre for a great day!”

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8.Tall Ship Harbor Sail

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 261 reviews · 1h 30m · from $35Best value

Set sail from Fan Pier Marina aboard a classic schooner for 90 minutes of Boston Harbor views. Help raise the sails if invited, watch ferries and planes move through the harbor, and buy Boston-brewed beer, wine, or cocktails onboard. There is no formal narration, but the crew answers questions.

“The overall experience was amazing. We often come to Boston with the family and are always looking forward for new fun things to do. This was so much fun that it will now become one of our standard activities. Amazing do yourself a favor and reserve a cruise.”

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9.Schooner Sailing Harbor Tour & Dolphin Watch

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 255 reviews · from $48

Join the crew of the three-masted Schooner Pride for a 1.5-hour Charleston Harbor sail from Aquarium Wharf. Help raise the sails, watch for dolphins, and see Fort Sumter, Castle Pinckney, and Fort Johnson. This is a relaxed sailing trip with crew conversation, not a nonstop narrated tour.

“Could not have ask for a more perfect day, sail, crew or Captain Dan. We enjoyed our sailing experience, just wished we could have seen dolphins.”

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10.Downtown Harbor Sailing Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 227 reviews · 90 minutes - 2 hours · from $66

Board Adirondack III or IV for a 90-minute or 2-hour sailing from downtown Boston. The crew raises the sails, points out Castle Island, the Navy Yard, the aquarium, and other harbor sights, and answers questions while you enjoy complimentary water and soda. Drinks and picnics are welcome.

“Great boat, crew, weather, sights and beverages so what’s not to like?!. Great experience”

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11.Tall Sailboat Sunset Harbor Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 223 reviews · 2 hours · from $79

Join the Bay Lady at Pier 66 for a two-hour sunset sail past Seattle’s skyline. Help raise the sails, try the wheel, and watch the Olympic Mountains, Mount Rainier, Space Needle, and Smith Tower change in the evening light. Drinks and snacks are available for purchase onboard.

“A little cold the day we went. But the crew offered blankets.”

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12.Luxury Sailing Tour of San Diego’s Bay and Coastal Waterways

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 187 reviews · from $119

Spend about two hours aboard a Catalina 34 sailboat with Captain Mike or Captain Peter, cruising San Diego Bay and coastal waters. Expect skyline views, local stories, snacks, water, and a relaxed small-group setting for up to six people. Morning, afternoon, and sunset departures are available.

“Captain Mike was wonderful, knowledgeable about the area and complimented our sail. I recommend this trip 100%”

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13.2-Hour Private Sailing Experience in San Diego Bay

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 168 reviews · 2 hours (approx.)

Spend two private hours on San Diego Bay aboard Sterling Sails’ clean sailing yacht, Mojave. Captain Liz can shape the route around your group, from the USS Midway and Coronado to sea lions, sunset views, and the bay’s historic ships. Snacks, drinks, and champagne are included.

“Capt. Liz was amazing. She answered all questions before and during the trip. She took us to see things we wanted, and was so knowledgeable! Her boat is wonderful, and she made our tour extra special. We could not have asked for a better experience.”

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14.Bay Sailing Tour with Drinks

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 159 reviews · 2 hours · from $129

Spend two hours aboard the Privateer, a double-masted sailboat carrying up to 28 passengers. Your captain and first mate serve two drinks while you pass Alcatraz, Angel Island, Sausalito, the Bay Bridge, and the Golden Gate Bridge. Bring warm layers, since the bay can turn chilly fast.

“What an awesome experience!!! The captain and second hand man were great and super friendly.”

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15.Daytime Sailing Along San Diego’s Skyline

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 145 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $89

Spend about two hours sailing San Diego Bay from Safeharbor Sunroad Marina with a captain such as Adam, Nick, Rick, Bree, or Patrick. You’ll relax on bean bags, sip an included glass of wine, watch for sea lions and dolphins, and see the USS Midway and naval ships from the water.

“Relaxing, lovely and fun experience. Captain was pleasant and knowledgeable. Beautiful views and interesting things to see.”

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