San Francisco Bay Tours and Tickets

Q: How much does it cost to visit San Francisco Bay in 2026?

While it’s free to explore the San Francisco Bay area independently, a bay cruise is a fun way to see the sights. Affordable tours from the Golden Gate Bridge to the Bay Bridge begin at US$48. Sunset cruises cost from US$88 and brunch cruises from US$149.

Q: What activities can you do in San Francisco Bay?

There are lots of activities you can do in San Francisco Bay. These include outdoor activities, such as hiking in Golden Gate Park, kayaking, fishing, and boat tours. You can also enjoy waterfront dining, scenic cruises, and exploring popular spots such as Fisherman’s Wharf and Pier 39.

Q: What wildlife lives in San Francisco Bay?

Wildlife at San Francisco Bay includes birds, such as Ridgway’s rail and the western snowy plover, as well as Pacific harbor seals, California sea lions, and salt marsh harvest mice. You can spot invertebrates, such as the California horn snail, and fish, including bat rays, in the bay’s diverse habitats.

Q: What is the best time to visit San Francisco Bay?

It’s best to visit San Francisco Bay in early fall, when the weather is typically mild and crowd numbers are smaller than in summer's high season. September offers clearer skies and warmer temperatures. This makes it perfect for outdoor activities and sightseeing.

Q: Are there beaches in San Francisco Bay?

Yes, there are beaches in the San Francisco Bay area. These include Baker Beach, with views over the Golden Gate Bridge and a chance to spot dolphins and whales in the summer. There’s also Crissy Field Beach, with a long promenade and walking trails nearby, and the clothing-optional Black Sands Beach.

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See San Francisco’s most famous waterfront landmarks from the water on a bay cruise that combines iconic views with onboard flexibility. Sail beneath the Golden Gate Bridge, pass Alcatraz Island, and take in panoramic views of the city skyline while listening to stories and insights through an app-based audio guide. With skip-the-line boarding and indoor and outdoor viewing areas, it’s an easy way to experience the bay from a different perspective.

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San Francisco Bay Cruise

1 hourFree Cancellation

4.4

(389)

from $39

San Francisco Bay Sunset & City Lights Cruise

Bypass the line and head directly to the gate with your prebooked tickets for this San Francisco Bay sightseeing cruise. This sunset cruise takes you across the bay with outstanding views of the city skyline, Golden Gate Bridge, the San Francisco Bay Bridge, and Alcatraz Island. Relax while background music sets the tone. Watch the sunset or select a city lights cruise during winter months.

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San Francisco Bay Sunset & City Lights Cruise

2 hoursFree Cancellation

4.5

(2,050)

from $58

San Francisco Bay Sailing Cruise

1 hour 30 minutesFree Cancellation

4.9

(653)

from $65

San Francisco Bridge-to-Bridge Cruise 90 Minutes

1 hour 30 minutesFree Cancellation

4.7

(679)

from $48

San Francisco Bay Sunset Catamaran Cruise

Sail across San Francisco Bay at twilight to admire the skyline as it begins to light up for the night, and enjoy a perspective on the skyline that few other visitors get to see. With an experienced captain at the helm, you’ll glide past Alcatraz Island and cruise underneath the Golden Gate Bridge. As you go, you can also enjoy one complimentary beverage to accompany your sightseeing, or purchase additional drinks from the onboard bar.

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San Francisco Bay Sunset Catamaran Cruise

1 hour 35 minutesFree Cancellation

4.8

(1,393)

from $88

San Francisco Whale Watching Cruise from Fisherman's Wharf

2 hours 30 minutesFree Cancellation

4.6

(8)

from $75

2-Hour Sunset Sail on the San Francisco Bay

2 hoursFree Cancellation

4.7

(420)

from $129

Likely to Sell Out

Alcatraz Visit with Night Option and SF Bay Cruise

This convenient package gives you access to two separate essential San Francisco experiences—a visit to Alcatraz Island, and a sightseeing cruise. Instead of waiting in long ticket lines, this time-saving option helps you explore San Francisco more efficiently. Take a ferry to Alcatraz Island where you can go inside the Alcatraz Federal Penitentiary and enjoy an audio guide. A San Francisco Bay cruise is also included with views of Pier 39's sea lions, the waterfront area, and the city's skyline. Please note, children 4 years old and younger do not need purchased tickets.

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Alcatraz Visit with Night Option and SF Bay Cruise

2 to 4 hours

4.2

(1,001)

from $139

Known for its steep granite cliffs, waterfalls, towering sequoia groves, and diversity of wildlife, Yosemite National Park is something you don’t want to miss. On this small group day trip, you can leave the logistics to a tour guide so all you have to do is enjoy the great outdoors. You have both guided sightseeing and free time, ensuring you see the UNESCO World Heritage Site’s major attractions, like Half Dome, Yosemite Falls, and Yosemite Valley, with the chance to explore more of the park however you wish.

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Yosemite Day Tour from San Francisco

15 hoursFree Cancellation

4.4

(752)

from $209

Special Offer

Napa and Sonoma Wine Country Full-Day Tour from San Francisco

Savor the best of Napa and Sonoma wine country with ease on this full-day tour from San Francisco. Cross the Golden Gate Bridge, enjoy scenic photo stops, and visit renowned wineries in Napa and Sonoma. Taste award-winning wines, explore charming Sonoma Plaza, and discover gems that can include Artesa Winery and Madonna Estate. Enjoy guided commentary, round-trip transport, and tastings, making this tour a relaxing and memorable one.

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Napa and Sonoma Wine Country Full-Day Tour from San Francisco

8 to 9 hoursFree Cancellation

City Cruises San Francisco: Signature Dinner Cruise

3 hoursFree Cancellation

4.1

(74)

from $122

City Cruises San Francisco: Premier Brunch Cruise

2 hoursFree Cancellation

4.8

(358)

from $122

Inside Alcatraz Cruise With Free Audio and Night Option

Experience visiting an unforgettable experience that combines history, mystery and incredible views. It is a bucket list San Francisco experience.This tour guarantees admission to Alcatraz Island. Secure this experience because it often times sells out weeks in advance.You will also receive the free appetizer of the day at the iconic Mona Lisa Restaurant and Steps of Rome Trattoria with an entree purchase.

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Inside Alcatraz Cruise With Free Audio and Night Option

2 to 4 hours

4.3

(189)

from $86

Golden Gate Bridge Guided Bicycle or E-Bike Tour from San Francisco to Sausalito

Cycle along San Francisco’s waterfront—and enjoy some of the city's most scenic views—on this guided bike tour. Pass Fisherman’s Wharf and the historic Presidio, cross the iconic Golden Gate Bridge, and admire Alcatraz Island and the Pacific Ocean. After arriving in charming Sausalito, take your time exploring before catching the ferry (additional expense) back to San Francisco. With a one-day bike rental, you can continue your adventure at your own pace.

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Golden Gate Bridge Guided Bicycle or E-Bike Tour from San Francisco to Sausalito

3 hoursFree Cancellation

4.8

(762)

from $90

1.5-Hour San Francisco Bay Sailing Tour

1 hour 30 minutesFree Cancellation

4.8

(402)

from $99

City Cruises San Francisco: Signature Lunch Cruise

2 hoursFree Cancellation

5.0

(10)

from $75

Inside Alcatraz Tour Including Fisherman's Wharf Lunch Credit

3 to 5 hours

3.8

(510)

from $75

Likely to Sell Out

San Francisco RocketBoat High-Speed Bay Adventure

Skip the ticket line and experience San Francisco Bay in a faster, more exciting way than a traditional sightseeing cruise. This high-speed boat ride combines sightseeing with music, sharp turns, and commentary from your captain as you pass landmarks including Alcatraz, Treasure Island, and Oracle Park. Cruise beneath the Bay Bridge, pause for photos, and get ready for a splash-filled adventure with ponchos included.

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San Francisco RocketBoat High-Speed Bay Adventure

30 minutesFree Cancellation

4.4

(27)

from $36

Private San Francisco Custom City Tour - Lucky Tuk Tuk (max 6)

See more of San Francisco than you could with public transportation while enjoying the fun of riding around in a tuk-tuk with this private experience. Meet your guide in Fisherman’s Wharf and be whisked across town as your guide regales you with stories about San Francisco. Highlights include cruising through Chinatown and North Beach, admiring the Golden Gate Bridge and the city skyline, and stopping for photo ops to remember your adventure.

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Private San Francisco Custom City Tour - Lucky Tuk Tuk (max 6)

2 to 3 hoursFree Cancellation

5.0

(86)

from $189

Price varies by group size

Likely to Sell Out

San Francisco: Alcatraz Island and Guided Muir Woods Tour

Cross the Golden Gate Bridge to a canyon filled with ancient coastal redwood trees, also known as Muir Woods National Monument. Stroll through Mother Nature's redwood alleys with majestic 1,000-year-old trees towering 260 feet tall. Take a scenic drive through the seaside town of Sausalito, famous for its sweeping views, timeless sophistication, local boutiques, and cafes. Then hop aboard a 30-minute ferry ride across San Francisco Bay to Alcatraz Island, a former prison now operated by the National Park Service. Known as “The Rock,” the prison was famous for housing inmates like Al “Scarface” Capone and the “Birdman” Robert Stroud. Listen to a 45-minute cell house audio tour available in 11 languages. Hear stories from inmates themselves, as well as other former residents of the island. Step inside a prison cell and get a feel for what life was like during that infamous era. Return to San Francisco at your own pace; ferry boats return every 30-40 minutes.

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San Francisco: Alcatraz Island and Guided Muir Woods Tour

3 to 8 hoursFree Cancellation

5.0

(2)

from $160

San Francisco: Guided Muir Woods Tour & Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour

Pair a visit to Muir Woods with a hop-on hop-off bus tour of San Francisco on this full-day combo package. First, venture north over the Golden Gate Bridge to the Muir Woods National Monument and stroll through old coastal redwood trees towering 260 feet (79 meters) high. Pass through the charming seaside town of Sausalito before enjoying San Francisco’s famous attractions from an open-top double-decker bus. Learn about the city’s colorful history and create your own itinerary.

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San Francisco: Guided Muir Woods Tour & Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour

4 hoursFree Cancellation

4.6

(9)

from $140

Likely to Sell Out

Experience the eerie ambiance of Alcatraz Island at night with an audio-guided tour, including a San Francisco Bay sightseeing cruise at your convenience. Board the ferry for an exclusive night tour with live narration and a unique "around the island" route. See the Golden Gate Bridge silhouette at sunset, join a cell door demonstration, and hear captivating stories of former residents. Use an informative audio guide to explore Alcatraz's haunting history in multiple languages. Visit exhibits detailing the island's compelling past. Also, enjoy an audio-narrated Bay sightseeing cruise on a comfortable boat with indoor and outdoor seating, passing landmarks like the Golden Gate Bridge and Bay Bridge. Please note: If you plan to take both tours on the same day, you must take the Bay Cruise before your Alcatraz tour. Otherwise, the Bay Cruise may be taken any other time or day according to the schedule. The Alcatraz Night tour is not available Sundays and Mondays.

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Alcatraz Night Tour with SF Bay Cruise

4 to 5 hours

4.4

(8)

from $159

Special Offer

Small Group: Ultimate Napa & Sonoma Wine Tour from San Francisco

Get a taste of Northern California's famous wine country and its gastronomy on this full-day tour of Napa and Sonoma County. Stop en route for photo ops of the Golden Gate Bridge. Then, enjoy wine tastings in two Napa and Sonoma wineries while learning about the area’s history and viticulture. Choose your own lunch option to suit your budget, or add on another wine tasting in Sonoma Square.

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Small Group: Ultimate Napa & Sonoma Wine Tour from San Francisco

9 hoursFree Cancellation

Go whale watching in San Francisco on this 2.5-hour cruise that departs from Pier 39. On an eco-friendly catamaran, glide through San Francisco Bay and under the Golden Gate Bridge to reach the open Pacific, where you’ll keep your eyes peeled for humpback and gray whales, as well as marine life like dolphins and seals. Learn about the history and geology of the area from an onboard naturalist, and admire the rugged California coast.

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Golden Gate Whale Watch

2 hours 30 minutesFree Cancellation

4.4

(432)

from $77

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What are people saying about San Francisco Bay

2-Hour Sunset Sail on the San Francisco Bay

Logan_R, Jul 2026

Beautiful sail

Super beautiful sail on the San Francisco Bay. Evening sail with sunset and views of the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz & the city

San Francisco Bay Sailing Cruise

Frank_M, Jul 2026

Great Sailing Boat Activity

This was the best sailing boat activity. We were so glad that we picked this company. The sailboat was clean, not too many people, and after getting launched we could sit up front. The ride was peaceful, beautiful, we sailed under the Golden Gate Bridge, the workers were kind and seemed to like their job. There wasn't too much noise which was refreshing - no loud music, etc. I would definitely recommend this activity.

San Francisco Bay Cruise

Adeesha_A, Jul 2026

Arrived on time and everything was as advertised.

Arrived on time and everything was as advertised. The explanation recording played during the trip was very informative and very well timed so you can enjoy the scenery as it is being explained. Clean toilets. I dis not use the cafe inside the ship.

San Francisco Bridge-to-Bridge Cruise 90 Minutes

Dulce_B, Jul 2026

It is a large and...

It is a large and comfortable boat, wheelchair, stroller, and kid friendly. Clean and great restrooms. Takes you under the Golden Gate Bridge and extremely close to to Alcatraz island. A must do!