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.

57 results

Best Seller

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

(376)

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

(2,018)

from $58

San Francisco Bridge-to-Bridge Cruise 90 Minutes

1 hour 30 minutesFree Cancellation

4.7

(666)

from $48

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

(994)

from $139

Likely to Sell Out

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

(1,385)

from $88

2-Hour Sunset Sail on the San Francisco Bay

2 hoursFree Cancellation

4.7

(416)

from $129

San Francisco Whale Watching Cruise from Fisherman's Wharf

Set sail from Fisherman’s Wharf for an exhilarating 2.5-hour whale watching cruise aboard a state-of-the-art hybrid electric vessel. Encounter majestic Gray, Humpback, and Blue Whales, alongside seals, sea lions, and seabirds, all while enjoying stunning views of the Golden Gate Bridge and Marin Headlands. With a live naturalist guide providing expert commentary on marine wildlife and ecology, this tour offers a unique educational experience for all ages. Accessible to families, children under 4 cruise free, and youth discounts are available. Enjoy the comfort of panoramic views indoors and outdoors, complemented by a full cash bar serving drinks and snacks.

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San Francisco Whale Watching Cruise from Fisherman's Wharf

2 hours 30 minutesFree Cancellation

5.0

(7)

from $99

Likely to Sell Out

San Francisco Bay Sailing Cruise

1 hour 30 minutesFree Cancellation

4.9

(649)

from $65

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: Premier Brunch Cruise

2 hoursFree Cancellation

4.8

(357)

from $122

City Cruises San Francisco: Signature Dinner Cruise

3 hoursFree Cancellation

4.1

(71)

from $122

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

(746)

from $209

1.5-Hour San Francisco Bay Sailing Tour

1 hour 30 minutesFree Cancellation

4.8

(401)

from $99

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

(747)

from $90

City Cruises San Francisco: Signature Lunch Cruise

2 hoursFree Cancellation

5.0

(9)

from $75

Official 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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Official Inside Alcatraz Cruise With Free Audio and Night Option

2 to 4 hours

4.3

(170)

from $86

Inside Alcatraz Tour Including Fisherman's Wharf Lunch Credit

3 to 5 hours

3.8

(507)

from $76

Alcatraz Ticket + Ferry with North Beach Walking Tour + Options

Combine a walking tour of North Beach with ferry access to Alcatraz Island on this San Francisco combo tour. Visit Washington Square Park, Saints Peter and Paul Church, and enjoy views of Lombard Street and the Golden Gate Bridge. See sea lions at Pier 39 before boarding your included Alcatraz cruise with audio guide. Optional upgrades include a Blue & Gold bay cruise or SkyStar Wheel ride for panoramic city views.

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Alcatraz Ticket + Ferry with North Beach Walking Tour + Options

1 to 4 hours

4.8

(233)

from $89

Likely to Sell Out

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

(85)

from $189

Price varies by group size

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

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

Likely to Sell Out

Yosemite National Park 2-Day Tour from San Francisco with Lodging

Immerse yourself in the majestic beauty of Yosemite National Park on this 2-day overnight adventure from San Francisco. Explore highlights of Yosemite Valley, hike among Giant Sequoias, photograph the spectacular views from Glacier Point, and swim or bike around the base of Yosemite Falls. Enjoy a mix of guided activities and free time to explore the famous park on your own, and stay overnight either in the heart of Yosemite Valley or at a nearby lodge.

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Yosemite National Park 2-Day Tour from San Francisco with Lodging

2 daysFree Cancellation

4.7

(441)

from $629

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

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

San Francisco Bay Sunset Catamaran Cruise

James_T, Jul 2026

Friendly and passionate staff

Staff was super friendly. Boat was clean and in great working condition. Staff took great care of us, offered drinks and snacks, passionate about sailing; loved talking about it and even let my son learn how to operate the boat

San Francisco Bay Sunset Catamaran Cruise

Jen_M, Jun 2026

My husband and I...

My husband and I absolutely loved experiencing sailing under the Golden Gate Bridge. The boat itself was clean and beautiful but what made it so special was the staff. Thank you Wolfgang, Hans, and Amanda for making this such a special part of our honeymoon

San Francisco Bay Sunset & City Lights Cruise

Charlene_F, Jun 2026

Beautiful sunset

Views are beautiful and ride was comfortable. Very clean bathrooms on board. It does get chilly at night, so be sure to bring a jacket.

San Francisco Bridge-to-Bridge Cruise 90 Minutes

Barry_W, Jun 2026

Best Views

It was great. The views are the best. Loading and unloading very easy. Everyone was so nice. The cabin was extremely clean... Chantil the Bartender was fantastic!