Taking a San Francisco Bay Cruise: Tour options and Tips

One of my favorite things to do in San Francisco when family and friends visit us is take them on a bay cruise. As a San Francisco local, I can assure you that the best views of San Francisco cannot be seen from the pier. The best views can only be seen by getting on a boat into the bay!

I highly recommend that you take a bay cruise on your San Francisco visit and experience epic views of the city skyline, Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz Island, Angel Island, Bay Bridge, and more!

Let’s get into the details of the various San Francisco boat tour options, what to expect on the cruise, and tips for a great experience.

➡️ In a hurry and want my top pick?
I recommend this 1.5-hour San Francisco Bay Sunset Catamaran Cruise

Why take a San Francisco Bay Cruise?

Exploring San Francisco Bay from the water is a unique way to see the city’s iconic landmarks, such as the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz Island, Telegraph Hill, and Coit Tower, plus the city skyline. Whether it’s a quick sightseeing cruise or a relaxing sunset trip, a boat tour of San Francisco Bay offers stunning views you won’t get anywhere else.

Did you know that most tour boats go under the famous Golden Gate Bridge? That is an awesome experience you must have!

Views of Pier 39 and San Francisco coastline from the Bay Cruise — *Views of Pier 39 and San Francisco landmarks from the Bay Cruise*

Different San Francisco Cruise options

There are various types of boat cruises you can take in San Francisco. They mostly differ in the boat type and the cruise duration.

There are smooth sailing and stylish catamaran boats, bigger double-decker boats, sailboats, and private yachts.

Some cruises offer a combo with a visit to Alcatraz Island to tour the prison, some offer food and drinks like brunch or dinner cruises, while some are just 1-hour sightseeing cruises.

All of them are great, and you can pick one based on your group’s interests. You can pick a combo tour with Alcatraz, a sunset cruise, a brunch cruise, a dinner cruise, or just a day sightseeing cruise.

Bay Sightseeing Cruise

This is the most affordable option, as it is typically on a large double-decker boat, which can take many passengers. It is typically only an hour long and can be easily added to your San Francisco itinerary.

A large white boat docked on the pier and people disembarking the boat — *San Francisco Bay sightseeing cruise boat*

The boat is a double-decker boat and has enough room to move around. It also has a cafe where you can purchase drinks, coffee, and snacks. The lower level has an inside sitting area in case it is a windy day, and the upper deck has bench-style seating.

It is the cruise we have been on the most. You will see epic views of the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz, and the city skyline. You get a narrated tour that adds context to the sights, making this a great introduction to the city.

➡️ I recommend this 1-hour San Francisco Bay Sightseeing Cruise

Sunset Catamaran Cruise

If you are looking for something a little less crowded and more special, the sunset catamaran cruise is perfect. This cruise is on a stylish 55 or 65 foot long catamaran boat known for its smooth gliding on ocean waters.

Catamaran boat docked at Pier 39 in San Francisco Bay — Catamaran boat in San Francisco Bay

As the sun sets over the water, the views of the city take on a golden hue. You’ll sail by the same landmarks as the sightseeing cruise, but the sunset experience makes it magical. This sunset cruise in San Francisco is especially great for couples looking for a romantic evening.

I recommend taking the Sunset Bay cruise on the first day in the city to feel excited about your San Francisco trip or the last evening of your trip, which is a perfect ending to a great visit!

➡️ I recommend this 1.5-hour San Francisco Bay Sunset Catamaran Cruise

Alcatraz and Sightseeing Combo Cruise

If you are interested in touring Alcatraz Island and the prison, this combo tour might be a better option for you. It combines two boat tours in one ticket—a boat ride to Alcatraz Island and a Bay sightseeing cruise.

Alcatraz Island in San Francisco Bay, featuring the historic prison building surrounded by blue waters and a clear sky. — *Alcatraz Island in San Francisco*

Keep in mind that these are two separate boat tours. The Alcatraz Island boat tour only goes to Alcatraz Island and back (typically from Pier 33). But you will see the views of the Golden Gate Bridge and the city skyline. The sightseeing cruise departs from Pier 39 and goes under the Golden Gate Bridge.

I have not taken this combo tour personally, but I think if you do the Alcatraz Island tour, you will experience views similar from the boat to those of the Sightseeing Bay Cruise, except for going under the Golden Gate Bridge.

➡️ Check rates and availability for Alcatraz Island with San Francisco Bay Cruise

a large boat in San Francisco Bay with a bridge in the distance

Brunch/Dinner cruises

Brunch/dinner cruises typically take place on large boats with plenty of space to move around. They offer buffet-style fine dining and live music. Guests enjoy the same city and bay views and great food and drinks while taking in the sights.

This is a great cruise to celebrate special occasions with family and friends or just a great way to spend a weekend morning or evening in your San Francisco visit. These are also typically more expensive as they include fine dining and drinks.

➡️ I recommend this 2-hour San Francisco Bay Premier Brunch Cruise
or
➡️ This 3-hour San Francisco Premier Dinner Dance Cruise

What to expect on the Bay Cruise

I have taken the one-hour Bay Sightseeing cruise several times. This is my go-to cruise for visiting family and friends, as it is only an hour long. Afterward, we explore Pier 39 and the Fisherman’s Wharf area.

Most cruises typically board from Pier 39, a lively waterfront area with plenty of souvenir shopping and dining. The boat tours that shuttle passengers to and from Alcatraz Island (for the prison tour) depart from Pier 33.

This image shows a group of sea lions lounging on wooden platforms at Pier 39 in San Francisco. — *Sea Lions at Pier 39*

As the cruise leaves Pier 39, you will pass the Sea Lions dock. The sea lions are hard to miss here; they are so loud!

The cruise takes you along the beautiful San Francisco Bay. You will see several landmarks in the distance, such as Telegraph Hill, Coit Tower, Aquatic Pier, and Ghirardelli Square.

This image shows Aquatic Park in San Francisco, with a sandy beach and calm waters in the foreground. The background features buildings, and the iconic illuminated Ghirardelli sign. Visitors are seen enjoying the waterfront area on a clear day. — *Aquatic Park and Ghirardelli Square seen from the boat*

The cruise goes up to and under the Golden Gate Bridge for some epic views. Later, it circles Alcatraz Island to give you a peak at the Alcatraz grounds and prison buildings.

A cruise boat going under the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco Bay — *Our boat going under the Golden Gate Bridge*

It has always been very windy whenever I have taken the boat tour in San Francisco Bay, but luckily, it has also been sunny at the same time. There is a chance that you might encounter the famous San Francisco fog even in summer.

Carrying a good jacket and maybe even a winter cap (beanie) might be good. I always have my beanie with me in SF, as it’s too windy for me.

In the future, I want to try the sunset catamaran bay cruise as the views of the coastline will be phenomenal at sunset time. Plus, the smaller group size on these boats makes the experience much more relaxing.

Tips for taking a Cruise in San Francisco Bay

Be prepared for your boat ride on the Bay, and you will have a great time! Below are some tips to help you prepare for your cruise:

Book your preferred cruise day and time in advance, as they do sell out, especially during the summer.
Try to reach 30 minutes before the check-in time listed in your reservation.
You can take a rideshare like Uber to reach your departure pier.
In case you find fog obstructing the Golden Gate views, try not to be too bummed about it. I know it’s sad, but no one can predict the fog in the bay. Typically, fog tends to clear out in the afternoons.
Even in summer, have a light jacket with you as the winds can be very strong in the bay. I even carry my beanie cap! For sunset cruises, dress warmly, as it can get cold in the evenings.
Closed-toe shoes like sneakers are recommended. Flip flops are not a good idea as they can fall in the water, especially on catamaran boats.
Ladies, keeping a hair scrunchie is a good idea! I once forgot and my hair was flying everywhere and got super tangled in the end.
If you are prone to motion sickness, keep some motion sickness medicine or a sea-sick wristband in case of rough waters.
Carry sunscreen and a reusable water bottle with you if your bay cruise is during the afternoon, as it can be sunny.
Most importantly, you should have a camera or just use your phone (like me) for some great pics from your boat with the Golden Gate Bridge in the backdrop!
After the boat ride, spend some time walking along the Embarcadero from your pier to experience the waterfront.

San Francisco Bay Cruise going near the Golden Gate Bridge

Final Takeaways: Boat Tour of San Francisco Bay

No visit to San Francisco is complete without taking a boat cruise in the San Francisco Bay! I hope you are able to find a boat tour from this list that meets your needs and enjoys spectacular views of San Francisco Bay and the majestic Golden Gate Bridge.

If you can’t decide, I recommend going with San Francisco Bay Sunset Catamaran Cruise. The city looks amazing at sunset from this luxury catamaran boat.

Up next, check out my list of top things to do in San Francisco, perfect for first-time visitors.

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Taking a San Francisco Bay Cruise: Tour options and Tips

Why take a San Francisco Bay Cruise?