San Francisco Golden Gate Bay Cruise

4.7 (1,771 reviews) one hour Free cancellation

out of 5

1,771 reviews

4.7

San Francisco Golden Gate Bay Cruise — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

On a sunny day travelers take panorama photos of Alcatraz Island during the Golden Gate Bay Cruise. — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

About this activity

Experience San Francisco’s iconic waterfront with the original San Francisco Bay sightseeing cruise company, family owned and operated since 1892.

Departing from Pier 43½ at Fisherman’s Wharf, this one-hour cruise takes you beneath the Golden Gate Bridge and around Alcatraz Island. Learn about the history and landmarks of San Francisco Bay with complimentary audio narration available in 16 languages on personal audio guides—no app or download required.

Enjoy panoramic views from the open-air decks or relax in comfortable indoor seating. Along the way, keep watch for local wildlife, including sea lions, pelicans, harbor porpoises and, on occasion, whales.

Plans changed or worried about San Francisco’s unpredictable weather? Your flexible, open-dated ticket may be used on any available departure through the end of the calendar year.

Day Cruises Kid-Friendly Private and Luxury Sustainable Tours Audio Guides Historical Tours Water Tours Sightseeing Cruises

At a glance

Duration: one hour
Confirmation: Instant confirmation
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Up to 25 people
People per booking: 1–25
Audio guide: Hindi, German, Russian, Portuguese, Korean, Chinese, English, Italian, French, Spanish, Arabic, Vietnamese, Thai, Japanese, Hebrew
Operated by: Red and White Fleet

Ages: Infants (0–4 years) · Children (5–17 years) · Adults (18–99 years)

What is included

Included

Included: Multilingual personal audio-guide in 16 languages
Included: One-hour cruise
Included: "Straight to the gate" access
Included: Restrooms: Access to clean and convenient restrooms during your cruise.

Not included

Not included: Gratuities
Not included: Food and drinks. There is a full service bar onboard to purchase drinks and snacks.

Itinerary

San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park

Passing by

Departing from Pier 43 1/2 in the heart of Fisherman's Wharf, you'll sail past the San Francisco skyline and view the lively neighborhood of North Beach and San Francisco Maritime National Park.
Fort Mason, the Great Meadow

Passing by

As you head west toward the Golden Gate Bridge, cruise along Fort Mason
Marina District

Passing by

Cruise along the Marina District which was devastated in the 1989 earthquake.
Golden Gate Bridge

Passing by

Don't miss incredible photo opportunities when sailing directly under the massive 4,200-foot (1,260-meter) span of the Golden Gate Bridge.
Marin Headlands

Passing by

Steaming back into the bay, you'll travel past the wildlife reserves of the Marin Headlands and the legendary town of Sausalito, home to the 1960s flower generation.
Angel Island State Park

Passing by

Pass by Angel Island State Park to your left.
San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge

Passing by

On your way back to Fisherman's Wharf, look out for the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge and Coit Tower.
Pier 39

Passing by

After a full hour of exciting sights, the barking sea lions at Pier 39 will welcome you back to Pier 43.

Meeting point and pickup

Everyone meets at the meeting point.

Meeting point

Please enter in Google Maps: "Red and White Fleet" or "Pier 43 1/2, San Francisco" for exact location and directions.

Pier 43 ½ ticket booth (corner of Taylor Street and the Embarcadero)

Please come to our location 20-30 minutes prior to the departure time.

End point

Please enter in Google Maps: "Red and White Fleet" or "Pier 43 1/2, San Francisco" for exact location and directions.

Pier 43 ½ ticket booth (corner of Taylor Street and the Embarcadero)

Please come to our location 20-30 minutes prior to the departure time.

Using your ticket

This ticket allows you to proceed directly to the boarding line. Please present an electronic or paper copy of this ticket upon boarding.

Please arrive at Red and White Fleet’s Pier 43 ½ ticket booth (corner of Taylor Street and Embarcadero) about 15-20 minutes prior to your preferred tour time. No booking reconfirmations by phone are required

Tickets are only valid for tour date and time booked.

If your plans change and you need to reschedule your cruise, contact us at: (415) 673-2900 before your scheduled departure time and we will do everything we can to book you on another sailing free of charge.

We will book you for another cruise time, subject to any capacity constraints as a standby customer, and subject to a rebooking fee.

Cancellation

Free cancellation

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

If you cancel	You get back
At least one day before	100%
Less than a day before	0%

The operator may cancel if too few people book; you then get another date or your money back.

Good to know

Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Boat crew are trained to provide first aid and CPR support, and first aid kits are readily available on all vessels
The main deck of each vessel are fully wheelchair accessible
All cruise vessels offer indoor and outdoor seating, restrooms, and snack bar service.
Vessels operate on biodiesel - a renewable energy source.
The award-winning audio narration is available in English, French, German, Spanish, Portuguese, Thai, Mandarin, Hindi, Korean, Japanese, Italian, Russian, Hebrew, Arabic, Bahasa Indonesian and Vietnamese.
Please come to our location 15-20 minutes prior to the departure time.