Top California Water Tours

Go whale watching from San Diego aboard a replica of a historic sailing schooner that won the world’s first America’s Cup sailing competition in 1851. Throughout your cruise, your expert guide shares informative commentary about gray whales, dolphins, and other marine animals, along with details about the US Navy sites you pass as you head out on the Pacific Ocean.

South Lake Tahoe can be slammed with tourists at any time of the year. Avoid the masses on land by prebooking this Emerald Bay helicopter tour. Take off from South Lake Tahoe and fly above the area to see main highlights such as Fallen Leaf Lake, Cascade Lake, Pope Beach, and Taylor Creek. Learn about Emerald Bay as you fly with live commentary provided.

Visit charming Sausalito, cruise across San Francisco Bay, and stare up in wonder at the redwood trees of Muir Woods on this combo tour from San Francisco—the perfect day out in the Bay Area. Experience the Golden Gate Bridge from both above and below, and learn about some of California’s oldest and tallest natural wonders, the coastal redwoods. In Sausalito, you can stroll along the waterfront or shop in the galleries and boutiques.

Guarantee your seat aboard the Privateer, your sailboat, when you prebook a scenic cruise along the San Francisco Bay. As you set off on the water, you'll enjoy sightseeing at the most beautiful time of day—sunset. Coast along and look out for local landmarks like Alcatraz, the Sausalito shoreline, and the Golden Gate Bridge, all with two drinks of your choice in your hand.

Roll through Northern California’s famous wine country on the renowned Napa Valley Wine Train. Pass charming towns like Rutherford and St. Helena, and soak up the scenery of rolling hills, vineyards, and estates through large picture windows on the trip. Explore the restored vintage train cars, and then take a seat for a gourmet lunch or dinner freshly prepared by the train’s acclaimed on-board restaurant.

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.

Visit Northern California wine country and Muir Woods for a truly fabulous day out. This popular tour takes you to Muir Woods National Monument, then to multiple wineries in Napa and Sonoma Valleys, with tastings included. Opt to include a gourmet lunch in historic Sonoma (choose option at checkout) and cross the Golden Gate Bridge on the return to San Francisco, with a stop for a photo opportunity.

Guarantee your entry to the Aquarium of the Bay in San Francisco, so you spend less time waiting and more time enjoying its aquatic attractions. Get direct access to all of the aquarium’s main exhibit areas, including interactive exhibits, as well as walk-through glass tunnels where schools of anchovies and fluorescent jellyfish swim overhead and around you.

Have dinner with panoramic city views on a San Francisco Bay supper club cruise. Spend time on the water with the twinkling city skyline as your backdrop. Take in the views and enjoy the sea breeze on the exterior decks, cut loose on the dance floor with a DJ spinning top 40 hits, and enjoy a buffet dinner with classic American and international dishes on the menu.

Discover the rugged beauty of the Sierra Nevada and Yosemite National Park on this full-day tour from San Francisco. Enjoy early park entry and comfortable hotel pickup from major San Francisco hotels. Spot supersized natural wonders such as Half Dome, El Capitan, Bridalveil Falls, and sequoia groves, and spend several hours exploring the park’s wonders on your own. Non-U.S. residents aged 16 and older pay an additional park entry fee.

Drive down one of the most scenic roads in California on this full-day tour from San Francisco. Cruise along the coast-hugging Highway 1, passing Pebble Beach on the iconic 17-Mile Drive. Enjoy free time to explore Monterey, where you can stroll down Steinbeck’s Cannery Row or visit the Monterey Bay Aquarium (own expense). Then enjoy free time to explore Carmel-by-the-Sea before returning to San Francisco.

See the sights of Hollywood on this tour by open-top Mercedes minibus or Ford Van with a canopy, which allows you to enjoy unobstructed views as you go. Traveling with an on-board guide, you'll pass by attractions such as the Dolby Theatre, Hollywood Sign, Rodeo Drive, and movie studios. Plus, get a look at some of the mansions where past and present stars have lived.

For wine enthusiasts, Sonoma and Napa Valleys are the pinnacle of the North American wine experience. However, for the uninitiated, choosing where and when to go can be a little daunting. This tour shuttles you in style from San Francisco to three top-rated wineries, where you can enjoy tours and tasting. Upgrade to include a hop-on hop-off bus tour of San Francisco as well.

See the L.A. coast from the sky with an exciting, 15-minute private helicopter tour from Long Beach. Swoop above the iconic Queen Mary ocean liner, hover over downtown Long Beach and see the imposing Battleship Iowa moored in the city's bustling port. Enjoy seaward views of Catalina Island and the curving Pacific coastline before touching back to Earth at the Long Beach helipad.

Enjoy an immersive nature experience—and give yourself the best chance of spotting whales and other marine wildlife—on this half-day boat tour of Monterey Bay. Monterey is the premier destination in Northern California for winter whale-watching, and your naturalist guides know the best places to spot them. Along the way, learn about the majestic animals, and look out for whales, dolphins, sea lions, sea birds, and more.

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.

Join us as we explore the amazing Port of Los Angeles, the busiest harbor in the Western Hemisphere. You'll learn the history of the port and see California sea lions playing in the harbor. View the world-famous Battleship USS Iowa, large cargo and container ships from around the globe, and more! This tour is great for all ages, offering both historical insights and an enjoyable boat ride. 95% of international trade transported by ships. Explore the new West Harbor, enjoy the view of the Los Angeles Harbor Lighthouse, and see Pier 400, the world’s largest container terminal. Discover the Port’s commitment to sustainability, from clean electrical power to green initiatives. Make it extra special by purchasing the bundle and adding access to the Battleship USS Iowa, the only battleship museum open to the public on the West Coast, where you can walk the decks and explore naval history at your own pace.

Discover San Diego independently by mini speedboat and mini car with 2- to 4-hour rental. Hit the town (and water) solo or with a friend. Whether you’re on land or in the water you have the freedom to explore at your leisure. Recorded commentary and GPS guidance inside the car enable you to explore the city stress-free. The sightseeing route takes you past Balboa Park, San Diego Zoo, Gaslamp Quarter, and more.

Get a chance to spot whales and dolphins during this private boat tour in Newport Beach, led by a Certified Marine Naturalist. Listen to live narration on marine mammals as you travel comfortably in a rigid-hulled inflatable boat. Enjoy a scenic and fast-paced ride through Newport, Laguna Beach, and Dana Point in search of wildlife.

One of the deepest lakes in North America, Tahoe famously has very blue and clear waters, but it can be tricky to get a good view of them on most boat tours. This small-group kayak tour from Sand Harbor State Park takes you out onto the water in completely transparent kayaks so that you can enjoy a fuller perspective. Paddle along the lake while seeing up to 65 feet (20 meters) below the water's surface.

Glide across San Francisco Bay with unlimited mimosas and Champagne on this weekend brunch cruise. Perfect for both locals and visitors, this boat trip offers a new perspective on the city. Sail under the Golden Gate Bridge, pass Alcatraz Island, and see the city skyline from the deck. As you float along, enjoy a generous, fresh buffet and onboard music to keep the mood festive.

If you’re looking for a relaxing way to take in the sights of Los Angeles without having to fight the traffic on land, this Los Angeles brunch cruise from Marina del Rey is an ideal pick. Set sail on the water and enjoy unlimited mimosas, Champagne, and sparkling cider, as you fully indulge in a delicious brunch, complete with starters, a main course, and dessert, too. Plus, your cruise provides live music to listen to as you sail.

Secure two top San Francisco activities with a single booking, combining an Alcatraz Island visit with a same-day Golden Gate Bridge boat cruise. If time is limited, coordinating the two experiences can be a challenge. This double ticket takes the hassle out of planning, featuring a self-guided audio tour of Alcatraz and a waterfront cruise with the chance to spot San Francisco Bay marine wildlife in a natural environment.

Avoid the hassle of coordinating transport and separate tickets in San Francisco with a hop-on hop-off pass that combines land and water sightseeing. Instead of planning routes and timing yourself, you move freely between major neighborhoods and landmarks, then switch perspectives with a scenic bay cruise. It’s a flexible way to explore the city at your own pace without juggling logistics.