OUR PICKS · SAN FRANCISCO
Under the Golden Gate, around Alcatraz and back along the waterfront, in an hour. These 15 compare the bridge loops, the sailing boats and the sunset sailings, plus how much the fog in July actually costs you.
Join Red and White Fleet at Pier 43 1/2 for a one-hour cruise past North Beach, Hyde Street Pier, the Presidio, Golden Gate Bridge, Sausalito, Angel Island, Alcatraz, and Pier 39. An award-winning audio guide plays in 16 languages, with drinks and snacks available aboard.
“great, clean boat.. clean restrooms good staff excellent service”
Spend an hour on a Red and White Fleet boat from Pier 43 1/2, cruising beneath the Golden Gate Bridge and past Alcatraz, Angel Island, Sausalito, and the Bay Bridge. Choose indoor or outdoor seating, listen to narration in 16 languages, and buy drinks or snacks onboard.
“Great toursit cruise. An earlier time meant the boat wasnt crowded. The automated "guide" track was actually really interesting with some great fun facts to listen to - in between taking LOTS of pictures of course.”
Visit Alcatraz by round-trip ferry from Pier 33, follow the 45-minute Cellhouse audio tour in your language, and take a separate 60-minute Bay Cruise from Pier 39. You can schedule the cruise before, after, or on another day, subject to availability.
“This was a chance to visit the iconic Alcatraz, whilst we were visiting San Francisco. We were blessed with ideal Spring weather, great visibility and relatively small crowds. We visited in March, before the main summer rush. It was still very busy so be prepared for big crowds and book well in advance to be sure of your place. There was an audio guide inside the prison which allows you to travel at your own pace. The audio experience lasts about lasts 1 hour, but you have as much time as you like on the island to look around and explore. It is truly fascinating, although the buildings are getting…”
Board Blue and Gold Fleet at Pier 39 for a narrated 60-minute cruise past the sea lions, Alcatraz, the Golden Gate Bridge, Angel Island, and San Francisco’s waterfront landmarks. Choose indoor or outdoor seating, use the multilingual audio guide, and buy snacks or drinks on board.
“It was a beautiful cruise, perfect timing with the AirShow. We got to enjoy the landmarks and a front row seat to the planes up above us.”
Join Blue and Gold Fleet at Pier 39 for a 90-minute narrated cruise around Alcatraz Island and under the Golden Gate Bridge. Your mobile voucher lets you go straight to the gate, while onboard commentary covers prison escapes, bridge history, earthquakes, and San Francisco landmarks. Food and drinks are sold onboard.
“Truly enjoyed this very informative cruise. Don’t feel like I missed out on the guided tour of Alcatraz since we were provided so much info on the cruise.”
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!”
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…”
You’ll visit Alcatraz Federal Penitentiary with a multilingual audio guide, then take a separate one-hour Blue and Gold Fleet cruise from Pier 39. The Alcatraz ferry time is fixed, while the bay cruise can be used on another day, subject to space. Allow about four hours overall.
“easy to book online. email confirmation made it easy to keep track. QR codes come through the night before direct to inbox. boat trip very pleasant. the island very interesting and informative. thoroughly enjoyed it.”
Visit Alcatraz by day or night with round-trip ferry service from Pier 33, a 45-minute audio tour, and time to explore the island. Add a separate 60-minute Blue & Gold Fleet cruise from Pier 39 for skyline views, sea lions, and a ride under the Golden Gate Bridge.
“Alcatraz visit is excellent, would recommend. However the evening SF Bay cruise was a little disappointing. We couldn’t hear the history being told as the boat engines were loud and there was too many young screaming children for my liking”
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!”
Start near Union Square at 7:40 a.m. for Muir Woods, a Golden Gate Bridge photo stop, and an hour in Sausalito. Guides such as Danny, Joseph, and Michelle add local stories. Finish with a narrated one-hour cruise under the bridge and past Alcatraz from Pier 39.
“The stop to view the Golden gate bridge was great. The redwood trees were also amazing. The Bay cruise fantastic.”
Visit Alcatraz Island by ferry, follow the 45-minute Doing Time audio tour through the cell house, and explore at your own pace. Then take a separate bay cruise past the Presidio, Crissy Field, Golden Gate Bridge, Fort Mason, Alcatraz, and the San Francisco skyline.
“Amazing afternoon. Audio tours were great. Would highly recommend.”
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.”
Ride a rigid inflatable boat from Pier 39 with up to 12 people, passing Alcatraz, Coit Tower, Fort Point, the Presidio, and the Bay Bridge before going under the Golden Gate Bridge. Captain Charles or Brian provides live commentary, and warm waterproof gear is supplied.
“Was my fourth trip…really great! A special View on San Francisco combined with a lots of fun! Could only recommend!”
Cruise San Francisco Bay from Pier 41 for about an hour, passing the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz, Angel Island, and the waterfront. Choose an indoor seat or outdoor deck, use your own Wi-Fi-enabled device for multilingual audio, and buy snacks or drinks on board.
“Great experience to learn about the Bay Area . Commentators was great in explaining the history of the bridges and alcatraz”
An hour around a harbour, a full day with a swim stop, or a cabin and a sunrise.
