In a nutshell
- A boat tour in San Francisco is one of the best things to do in the city. The views of the Golden Gate Bridge and the skyline from the bay are simply unbeatable!
- Most San Francisco boat tours depart from Fisherman’s Wharf, and we’ve rounded up our top 4 favorites for you to choose from.
- Our top pick is the two-hour San Francisco sunset cruise – it’s pure magic! If you’re short on time, the classic one-hour Golden Gate Bay Cruise is perfect for a quick but unforgettable experience.
Golden Gate Bay Cruise
- Tickets: from $38
- Duration: 1 hour
- Audio guide: yes
- Boarding point: Pier 43 1/2 – to Google Maps
The Golden Gate Bay Cruise is the classic San Francisco boat tour.
On this one-hour San Francisco Bay boat cruise, you’ll circle the legendary Alcatraz Island and pass under the Golden Gate Bridge. Perfect spots for memorable photos along the way!
You’ll also get views of other highlights from the water, including the charming coastal town of Sausalito and scenic Angel Island.
Since the tour is short, it’s an ideal excursion in San Francisco if you want to see a lot in just a little time.
Book the Golden Gate Bay Cruise online
Sunset Cruise
- Tickets: from $60
- Duration: 2 hours
- Audio guide: no
- Boarding: Pier 43 1/2 – to Google Maps
Everything looks just a little more magical at sunset, doesn’t it? That’s why the Sunset Cruise is our top pick among boat trips on San Francisco Bay.
Here, too, you’ll cruise past some of San Francisco’s top attractions, including Alcatraz, Angel Island, Sausalito, and of course, the Golden Gate Bridge. Everything glows in a beautiful golden light.
When the city skyline starts to shimmer, the ride turns into a truly unforgettable moment. Goosebumps guaranteed!
Book your Sunset Cruise online
Alcatraz Tour With Bay Cruise
- Tickets: from $135
- Duration: 4 hours
- Audio guide: yes
- Boarding point: Pier 33 – to Google Maps
As mentioned, Alcatraz Island is one of San Francisco’s must-see attractions. The stories of notorious inmates like mafia boss Al Capone are endlessly fascinating.
It’s a must-do on your trip, truly one of the best tours in San Francisco.
Even better: we found a great combo tour that includes both the ferry and Alcatraz ticket plus a one-hour San Francisco Bay boat cruise. Two experiences in one, amazing!
Good to know: You can take the Bay Cruise on any day, it doesn’t have to be on the same day as your Alcatraz visit, giving you total flexibility.
Book your Alcatraz tour with Bay Cruise online
Catamaran Cruise
- Tickets: from $65
- Duration: 1.5 hours
- Audio guide: no
- Boarding: Pier 39 – to Google Maps
Finally, here’s a very special boat trip on San Francisco Bay: a catamaran sailing trip.
The tour departs from Pier 39, the city’s most famous pier, home to the playful sea lions lounging in the sun — a perfect photo opportunity!
Onboard, you can relax in the nets stretched above the water while taking in the skyline as you sail past Alcatraz Island and glide under the Golden Gate Bridge.
The highlight? You can even take the wheel yourself. It’s a fantastic experience for families, especially if you’re visiting San Francisco with children.
Book a catamaran cruise online
FAQ About San Francisco Boat Tours
Is a boat tour in San Francisco worth it?
Definitely, a boat tour in San Francisco is absolutely worth it! Whether you’re cruising under the Golden Gate Bridge, passing by Alcatraz, or simply admiring the skyline from the water, the view from the boat is truly special.
Especially on a sunny day, it’s such a relaxing way to see the city from a different perspective.
Which boat tour in San Francisco is worth doing with kids?
In general, all of the boat tours we’ve mentioned in San Francisco are a real adventure for kids, there’s just so much to see!
The catamaran ride is especially fun for children: plenty of space on deck, super close to the water – and the highlight – they even get to take the wheel themselves!
Are food and drinks available on the boat tours?
Yes, you can buy snacks and drinks on board during the boat tours.
You can also bring your own food and drinks, except on the catamaran tour, where outside food isn’t allowed.
Is a boat tour included in a San Francisco City Pass?
Yes! The classic 60-minute San Francisco Bay Cruise is included in the San Francisco Explorer Pass, the All-Inclusive Pass, and the CityPASS.
With the Explorer Pass, you also get an additional 90-minute cruise from the Oakland Bay Bridge to the Golden Gate Bridge.
You can find more details about the different city passes in our comprehensive San Francisco Pass comparison.
These were the best boat tours in San Francisco
Have you ever taken a San Francisco boat tour? Which boat trip on San Francisco Bay is your favorite? Share your experience in the comments!