Top California Water Tours

Step aboard an official Alcatraz City Cruises ferry and journey to the legendary Alcatraz Island! Explore its storied past as a Civil War fort, military prison, and infamous federal penitentiary through captivating exhibits and outdoor spaces. Wander landmarks like Eagle Plaza and the Recreation Yard, and uncover powerful stories from the 1969 Occupation of Alcatraz by Indians of All Tribes. Complete your visit with the award‑winning Doing Time: The Alcatraz Cellhouse Tour and the thought‑provoking exhibit The Big Lockup: Mass Incarceration in the United States.

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.

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.

Get aboard this cruise in hopes of seeing some amazing marine life- dolphins, sea lions, and whales. You’ll depart from the Oceanside Pier, which is a popular landmark and easy to find. Your guide will take care of you while you’re on the boat, and lead you to where you’re likely to spot these beautiful creatures. You just sit back and enjoy.

Elevate your sightseeing experiences in San Diego with this luxury whale- and dolphin-watching cruise. Instead of doing any research, enjoy having a crew to take you to places known for their whale and dolphin sightings. The luxury vessel is air-conditioned with indoor seating, as well as a restroom and stabilizers to ensure a smooth and comfortable ride.

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!

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.

Enjoy a San Diego sunset cruise from Mission Bay as the sun sets behind the Pacific Ocean’s horizon, painting the coastal waters in golden hues. Catch views of SeaWorld and incredible view of the Ocean Beach Pier. Unwind with a drink, snap some memorable photos with loved ones on the deck, and soak up the relaxing vibe with soft music in the background. It’s the perfect way to wind down and savor California’s laid-back charm.

We’re excited to introduce our 60-minute Glow Boat Experience on Electric Boats — a romantic night date in San Diego Bay. The boats glow beautifully after dark and come equipped with a Bluetooth Speaker so you can enjoy music while cruising. Your group will be assigned one of our electric glow boats based on your group size. Both options offer the same Glow Electric Boat experience. * Red Electric Glow Boat: Up to 4 adults + 1 small child (4–5 years old), maximum combined weight 650 lbs. * White Electric Glow Boat: Up to 3 adults + 1 small child (4–5 years old), maximum combined weight 600 lbs. The specific boat model is assigned by our team based on your group size. Our crew provides full instructions and guides all boats on the water, with safety crew present. You’ll stay dry and comfortable the entire ride.

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.

Cruise the beautiful Santa Barbara coastline and take in breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean aboard a 70' yacht. This scenic experience offers a unique opportunity to enjoy Santa Barbara’s stunning coastline and vibrant wildlife from the sea. *All Viator bookings are main-deck only. ** Full bar available for purchase. Card only, no cash. Outside drinks are strictly prohibited. ***Accessibility: Our vessels are not accessible to passengers requiring wheelchairs, walkers, crutches, canes, orthopedic boots, or leg/knee braces for mobility or stability. Due to the age, original design, and physical layout of our vessels, including boarding access, thresholds, stairs, sloped or uneven deck surfaces, and narrow passageways, these mobility devices and mobility limitations cannot be safely accommodated aboard our vessels.

Visiting Alcatraz is a top activity for many San Francisco visitors, and tickets routinely sell out. Avoid disappointment by prebooking your cruise ticket and explore the island with the included audio tour. Choose from day or night cruise times, and enjoy a free appetizer at select North Beach restaurants with entrée purchase.

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!

You don't have to get in the water to discover life under the surface. Join this glass-bottom boat tour from Catalina Island to discover the marine life of the Pacific Ocean without getting wet. Board your vessel and enjoy views of colorful fish, coral, and other sea life while you sail. Listen to commentary from your captain about the local ecology and enjoy a relaxing time on this boating adventure.

A cruise on the San Francisco Bay offers a unique perspective of the city's iconic landmarks, including the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz Island. Glide across the waters and soak in stunning views while learning about the rich history of the area from onboard commentary. This experience is perfect for those looking to capture unforgettable photos and enjoy a leisurely day on the water. Whether you're a local or visiting for the first time, the Bay Cruise promises a memorable outing amidst the beauty of San Francisco's waterfront. This tour is an open ticket . The cruises start at 11:00am and end at 6:00pm. You can go any time that works with your schedule. Just show up 20 minutes before the departure.

The Gondola Company is your Passport to Italy. Indulge in all the magic and tradition of Venice right here in San Diego as you gently cruise in a private gondola through the enchanting canals of the Coronado Cays. Whether it’s a relaxing journey or a romantic adventure, each cruise is A Truly Memorable Experience.

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.

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.

Look for whales as they migrate through the waters of the Pacific Ocean off of California on this whale-watching cruise from Monterey. Your naturalist guide shares commentary about the whales and their habitat as you search for gray whales (most common), humpback and blue whales, and other marine life such as dolphins and sea lions during your cruise.

Cruise off the coast of Orange County in search of whales on this excursion from Newport Beach. Watch the rugged, beautiful scenery of the Pacific Coast glide by as you listen to interesting commentary from your crew about the native California marine life. Watch for blows and tail slaps; these signals indicate that humpback, minke, grey, finback, or giant blue whales are nearby. Dolphins and other marine life are also in abundance during this family-friendly, year-round whale watching tour.

Combine three of the Bay Area's top attractions—Alcatraz Island, Muir Woods, and Sausalito—in a single tour from San Francisco. Enjoy comfortable transportation in a luxury small-group tour van, including a trip across the Golden Gate Bridge, so you can focus on the scenery instead of driving. Your Alcatraz admission includes the ferry ride and audio tour, with free time to explore Muir Woods and Sausalito at your own pace.

Embark on an exhilarating journey through history with the Alcatraz Highlights Tour! Step foot on the infamous island that once contained America's most notorious criminals and immerse yourself in the captivating tales of Alcatraz. Witness the chilling cells that housed Al Capone and George "Machine Gun" Kelly, as you explore the imposing cell blocks. Be captivated by the echoes of the past as you wander through the eerie corridors, and soak in the stunning panoramic views of the San Francisco skyline. Don't miss your chance to uncover the mysteries and legends of America's most infamous prison on the Alcatraz Highlights Tour - a thrilling adventure you won't ever forget! Don't worry about other people, this tour is completely tailored to you with the App! With the app, you can pause the tour, and check out the locations as long as you want! You can skip a stop you don't like, and you have all the best information about each stop at your fingertips.

From the Hollywood Sign to the sunny beaches of Santa Monica and the glitz of Beverly Hills, Los Angeles is full of iconic sights. This guided full-day tour transports you by air-conditioned coach to top attractions—from Venice Beach to the Sunset Strip to Griffith Park and more—with included lunch at the Farmers' Market and optional hotel pickup for select locations.

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.