Top California Sightseeing Cruises

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.

Spend a few hours relaxing and sightseeing in the waters just off San Diego during this 1- or 2-hour San Diego Harbor cruise. Sit back and relax as you take in a fully narrated tour, offering top-notch sight lines of the San Diego skyline, a cruise under Coronado Bridge, a look at the bustling US Naval fleet, and a chance to spot some of the harbor’s resident sea lions.

On this San Francisco bridge cruise, get an up-close look at the city’s two engineering marvels—the Golden Gate Bridge and the Bay Bridge—as you travel across San Francisco Bay. See major city sights such as Alcatraz, Coit Tower, and the Ferry Building, and listen to recorded commentary about the city's legendary architecture while you glide under both bridges.

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.

Save time and money and combine a walking tour of North Beach with Alcatraz on this combo tour in San Francisco. Explore Washington Square Park, Saints Peter and Paul Church, and admire views of Lombard Street and the Golden Gate Bridge, then visit Pier 39 to view sea lions before boarding your Alcatraz cruise with an audio guide. Upgrade to include a bay cruise or SkyStar Wheel ride for panoramic city views.

An interactive adventure, this tour is time-efficient and takes you on a sailing adventure on the San Francisco Bay. Hop aboard a private yacht with a USCG licensed captain. Sail beneath the Golden Gate Bridge, cruise along the San Francisco waterfront, and marvel at Alcatraz and Angel Islands up close. Take the helm for a hands-on sailing experience and capture scenic views, encounter local wildlife, and create memories.

This 90-minute cruise set to music will take you from PIER 39 and passes by San Francisco icons, such as the famous California Sea Lions and the Golden Gate Bridge. As the sun sets on the San Francisco Bay and the lights come up in the city, you'll continue to take in the many sights while you go by Angel Island, Sausalito, Tiburon, and the world famous Alcatraz Island. There is no better seat on the Bay to see one of the most beautiful cities in the world turn on its lights. If the timing doesn't work, select from one of our other amazing cruise options available during the day! Don’t miss this breathtaking experience from the best seats on the Bay!

Put your sea legs to good use while in port and see San Diego’s sights by both land and water on a shore excursion by amphibious vehicle. Listen to stories that bring San Diego’s history to life as you travel along the water’s edge, then steer straight into San Diego Bay. Take in sweeping views of SeaWorld, watch for the seals and sea lions that play, eat and bask at Quivira Basin, and return to your ship along the scenic Harbor Drive.

See San Diego from a marine vantage point on this 90min harbor cruise, including a look at the marina, seabirds and potential sea lion sightings. Listen to live narration from your captain and enjoy for-purchase snacks from the onboard snack bar.

Looking for the perfect way to wind down after a busy day in Monterey? Skip the crowds on land and set sail into the sunset on this relaxing evening cruise. Enjoy a drink as you travel across the bay, and soak up unparalleled ocean views. There's even the chance to spot marine life such as sea lions, otters, dolphins, and whales. With great music and a laidback captain at the helm, it’s the perfect way to end your day on a high note.

Witness the stunning Santa Barbara sunset aboard the Azure Seas yacht. Departing from Stearns Wharf, this 1.5-hour cruise offers breathtaking views of the coastline and the majestic Santa Ynez mountains. Perfect for romantic evenings or gatherings with friends and family, the cruise features a full bar with local wines, craft beers, cocktails and delicious snacks (available for purchase). - 1.5-hour sunset cruise from Stearns Wharf in Santa Barbara - Full bar onboard with local wines and craft beer options (credit card only, no cash) **All Viator bookings are main-deck. ***Our boats do not accommodate wheelchairs, canes, or walkers.

Take an unforgettable boat ride in Monterey Bay to spot local marine wildlife, from humpback whales to Great white sharks to dolphins. This whale-watching adventure takes you to one of the best spots in the state to spot some of these majestic creatures. Sail over Monterey Bay Canyon, which is a nutrient-rich area known for attracting all kinds of underwater wildlife.

This is not your typical Emerald Bay boat tour. Along with a scenic cruise aboard Lake Tahoe’s most intimate public tour, guests also get the rare chance to step off the boat and enjoy a walking tour of Vikingsholm Castle. That added on-shore experience makes the tour feel far more immersive than simply cruising by, giving guests the opportunity to explore one of Tahoe’s most iconic landmarks up close while taking in the beauty of Emerald Bay from both the water and the shoreline.

Give yourself the best chance of spotting whales off San Francisco’s coast with a whale-watching cruise from Fisherman’s Wharf. Benefit from your naturalist guide's insights into marine wildlife while the crew members make use of their local knowledge to lead you toward gray, humpback, and blue whales, as well as seals, sea lions, and seabirds.

Experience the beauty of the San Diego coastline on a peaceful sunset sailing tour, avoiding the crowds at popular viewing spots. Relax aboard your vessel as you take in stunning sunset views, along with possible sightings of dolphins, vibrant seabirds, and sea lions. Along the way, enjoy scenic views of the Coronado Bridge, Point Loma, and San Diego Bay.

Go sightseeing on the waters of San Diego Bay during this cruise that provides a delicious seated brunch of seasonal dishes accompanied by unlimited Champagne, mimosas, and sparkling cider. After enjoying a lavish plated brunch dish, stay at your private table or head outside to the open air for sunshine and sightseeing.

Enjoy a different perspective and admire San Francisco and its surrounding sights from the water on a San Francisco Bay sailing cruise. Onboard a catamaran, sail past the iconic Golden Gate Bridge, legendary Alcatraz Island, and the hamlet of Sausalito. Take advantage of great photo ops while you soak up the sea breeze during this scenic tour.

Enjoy two quintessential experiences when you visit Alcatraz Island and cruise the San Francisco Bay—and make exploring simple—with this convenient tour package. First, depart from Pier 33 to Alcatraz Island; after a ranger talk, you can explore at your own pace with an audio guide. Upon returning to the mainland, hop aboard your next cruise from Pier 39 and look forward to getting up close and personal with the Golden Gate Bridge.

Swap city sightseeing for some time on the water with this exciting whale-watching cruise. Avoid the guesswork when trying to figure out where to spot whales, and let the experienced crew take you directly to places known for sightings. As well as whales, you may spot sea lions, sea birds, and sometimes dolphins—with commentary from the naturalist guides who can share plenty of facts about marine life.

Get close up views of amazing marine wildlife with one of the best whale watching tours on the coast, Davey's Locker. From our unique 360-viewing walk around boat feature you can see giant blue whales, humpback whales, meg pods of dolphins and more. Enjoy our low passenger capacity means more room and relaxation for you. Our favorite spot onboard is up front, where you can catch sight of bow-riding dolphins!

The only all-electric Duffy charter boat in Santa Barbara. Price includes captain. Whisper is USCG certified to carry up to 6 passengers (max). Trip is fully private with your guests only. Bring your own appetizers, beer, and wine (no corkage fee!) This is primarily a harbor-based cruise. When conditions are favorable, Whisper can also go out around Stearns Wharf. Boarding is 5 mins prior to departure. If you miss scheduled departure time, the tour is not extended.

Set sail at one of the best times of day—sunset—during this San Diego Bay cruise. Board a comfortable sailing yacht and cruise along San Diego's coastline, taking in views of the scenic waterfront, military vessels, and historical landmarks. Catch sight of marine life and enjoy spectacular photo ops. Gorgeous sunset views and comfortable bean bag seating makes this tour a great choice for travelers celebrating a special occasion.

Cruise the San Francisco Bay in a fun and friendly setting that's more personalized than larger ships. See the Golden Gate Bridge from the water and around Alcatraz Island, taking in sunset views from a 360-degree walkway around the boat. During the voyage, chat with a captain and crew and enjoy a complimentary beverage with additional alcoholic drinks available for purchase.