San Francisco Bay Cruise

Badge of Excellence

San Francisco, USA

Very popular!

10+ bookings in the past 6 hours.

1 hour (approx.)
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English

Why travelers loved this

4.4

· hayley_m ·

Jun 2026

I enjoyed the experience and the price was good. I recommend wearing something warm cause it’s cold, they offer drinks and snacks during your ride and also shares history about the Bay Area. It was really pretty, I recommend this to anyone looking for something to do.

· Anthony_V ·

May 2026

Extremely satisfied easy. Check out. Great deals. Was able to get my last minute Tickets to take my family on a boat right? They will never forget

Overview

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.

Choose between indoor or outdoor seating areas
Learn about the sights with an audio tour on Wi-Fi-enabled devices
Food and drinks are available to purchase on board
Choose from multiple departures to suit your own travel schedule

What's Included

"Straight to the gate" access

Food and drinks (available to purchase)
Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase)

Meeting and Pickup

Meeting point

Blue & Gold Fleet
Pier 41, San Francisco, CA 94133, USA
We're located in the marina between Pier 41 and Pier 39.

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

Itinerary

Pier 39 (Pass By)

San Francisco Bay (Pass By)

Golden Gate Bridge (Pass By)

Alcatraz Island (Pass By)

Additional Info

Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Children from 0 to 4 years old sail for free
Cruises may not operate during inclement weather. Check with ticket booth on day of sailing for schedule.
Wheelchair accessible
Multi-language audio tour available in nine languages (English, Spanish, Mandarin, Italian, French, Japanese, Korean, German and Taiwanese). Please bring your Wi-Fi enabled device to access the tour.

Times are subject to change without notice.
Service animals allowed
Near public transportation
Most travelers can participate
This tour/activity will have a maximum of 8 travelers

Supplied by

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

Traveler Photos

Gallery picture 1 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 2 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 3 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 4 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 5 (from a traveler's review)

Featured review

Luis_G

You can take some nice pictures of the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz…. Great views of town. Nice and friendly crew. Make sure to wear a light jacket, since gets really windy and can be a little chilly.

Reviews

4.4

based on 372 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

We perform checks on reviews

Short enough to fit in the rest of your day - but plenty of time to see the northwest part of the bay.

HaroldW_W, Jun 2026

A fun boat ride along the SF coastline, under the Golden Gate Bridge, and along the east side of Alcatraz and back. Very informative narration telling what you are seeing and its history. Short enough that you can fit it in with whatever else you are doing in SF- especially at Pier 39 and Fisherman's Wharf. From downtown, take the "F" streetcar to get there - easy-peezy and at less than $3..00 a lot cheaper than taking a Uber or taxi to get there!

Great sights

Wilfredo_A, Jun 2026

Great views of the bridge and Alcatraz. Wear a sweatshirt or jacket it does get chilly. Food and bathroom available.

Response from Host, Jun 2026

Hi, thanks for joining us and leaving a great review!

Not worth the money.

Lisa_M, Jun 2026

The boat was very dirty and the staff not very friendly at all. The announcments are recorded in various languages but the volume could have been a little higher.

Response from Host, Jun 2026

Hi Lisa, We're sorry to hear that you were not impressed with our boats or the audio tour. I'll share your comments with our Ops Team to make sure we're doing a better job next time.

Available tickets with short window without burning your wallet!

Chatrine_K, Jun 2026

Last minute booking, reliable! Friendly wallet, checked! Easy to deal with, yassss!!! Would recommend this place to friends and family!!!

Response from Host, Jun 2026

Yasss!! Thanks for the great review. We're happy you came along!!

Had so much fun!

Leticia_T, Jun 2026

The staff is very accommodating and friendly. Great trip overall! Although they were talking about the history, I couldn’t hear very well. It would’ve been great to have it a bit louder. Other than that it was amazing!

Response from Host, Jun 2026

Thanks for the review and sharing your comments. We'll make sure to turn up the volume so that everyone can hear the audio tour.

Good way to see the bay....

Braulio_R, Jun 2026

Good way to see the bay. On a clear day you get a Great view. It can get crowded so be prepared for that.

Response from Host, Jun 2026

Thanks for the review. We're sorry that it felt crowded to you on the boat. We stay way below the USCG limit of passengers to make sure that everyone has space to see and breathe. But we'll consider lowering it even further if it's feeling crowded still. Thanks again!

Good time

Adan_A, Jun 2026

Staff is super friendly. The cruise was very nice under golden gate Bridge and Alcatraz. Well worth it enjoy the tip of the boat on the second floor.

Response from Host, Jun 2026

Thanks for sharing! By the tip of the of the boat, I assume you mean the bow of the boat.. And I also assume you did the Titanic move where you screamed out, "I'm the Kind of the World." :)

Great facts and views

Kelley_A, Jun 2026

Sit on the top, aswell as the audio played there was a worker telling us extra facts and he was very entertaining aswell.

Response from Host, Jun 2026

Hi, thanks for joining us. And thanks for the great review!

Must do if your in the city

Sabrina_S, Jun 2026

Was amazing and such an experience! If you haven’t did this boat ride your missing out because it breath taking.

Response from Host, Jun 2026

We are so happy that you had such a great time on our Cruise. Thanks for joining us, and thanks for the great review.

You guys awesome keep on

Abdul_S, Jun 2026

After 10 years live in Bay Area we tried for first time it was awesome kids were very happy thank you guys for every thing

Response from Host, Jun 2026

You're awesome! Thanks for coming out and joining us!

Good Experience

hayley_m, Jun 2026

Response from Host, Jun 2026

Hi Hayley, thank you for the great review. And thanks for sharing that sound advice regarding the warm cloths. It can get chilly out there.

Great day on the bay!

Rhonda_D, Jun 2026

Great workers helped us board the ship and change to the longer 90 minute ride. Beautiful day and a very nice variety of seating both inside and out.

Response from Host, Jun 2026

Hi, thanks for the great review. So happy that you could join us.

Beautiful day

Margaret_B, Jun 2026

We had a beautiful day on San Francisco Bay. It was enjoyable to be on the water in the sunshine. Being up close to the Golden Gate Bridge was a highlight. Unfortunately it was difficult to hear the narration of the tour over the sound of the wind.

Response from Host, Jun 2026

Hi, thanks for joining us. Our apologies on the wind muffling our speakers. We do have the audio tour on our app if you ever want to go back and listen to it. Not the same thing i realize, but there are some gems in there. Thanks again!

Great

Melinda_M, Jun 2026

Great experience. Really got to see everything ! Weather cooperated so we got some great photos. Definitely recommend.

Great trip

Karen_S, Jun 2026

Great way to see the bay .alcatraz and the bridge . They take amazing pictures before you board but are expensive

Response from Host, Jun 2026

Thanks for the great review! And I'll share your comments with the photo staff. They are just an option to purchase with one free digital photo.

Great view

ALLISON_W, Jun 2026

Sometimes we could not hear the commentary. The staff was efficient. The boat was pleasant. Thank you.

Response from Host, Jun 2026

Our apologies that you couldn't hear the commentary at times. Sometimes when the wind blows just right it can muddle the speakers for a sec. Happy that overall you had a nice time.

Couple retreat

Manuel_C, May 2026

Wear a sweater be prepared for cold winds yo the Golden Gate Bridge but turn around to Alcatraz a lot warmer

Response from Host, May 2026

Thanks for the great review! And for the advice for your fellow travelers. For those who might be reading these reviews and wondering about weather in San Francisco, we have a widget on our website displaying the weather. And right now it says that it's 58.9 degrees, on May 28th at 1040am. Bit chilly. :)

Too expensive for what it...

Joseph_K, May 2026

Too expensive for what it was. If you were to lower the price it would be worth it because it hits the high points in an hour. Should be $20/person and not more.

Response from Host, May 2026

Hi Joseph. Thanks for joining us on our cruise. Unfortunately $20 per person would not have us paying our bills as we have union wages, fuel costs, upkeep of the vessel, and docking fees for our location. We are price sensitive as we want to find that number that fits both your wallet and ours. And for future reference there are a few boats out there that are closer to that $20 mark.

Enjoyed the spoken...

Vicki_C, May 2026

Enjoyed the spoken narrative which gave historical context to the many sites we passed. The cruise was smooth. Wear a windbreaker.

Response from Host, May 2026

Hi Vicki, thanks for joining us and giving us a great review.

Extremely satisfied easy....

Anthony_V, May 2026

Extremely satisfied easy. Check out. Great deals. Was able to get my last minute Tickets to take my family on a boat right? They will never forget

Response from Host, May 2026

Thanks for joining us and bringing the family. We're happy you had a great time!

Dress Warm! - Spectacular Views

Keshia_H, May 2026

Wear a coat and dress warm? it’s breezy and foggy! There is a bar on board, inflated prices but that’s CA for you

Response from Host, May 2026

Thanks for joining us. And thanks for spreading the word on the chilly weather. It can be a little cold, but it is totally worth it!

Our boat tour on SF, Golden gate and Alcatras

MariaE_C, May 2026

Nice ride, not include the photo, but it’s nice to have . Weather nice, make sure is not windy. Be prepared to have fun, and ear the seals.

Response from Host, May 2026

Thanks for coming along! And thanks for the 5 Stars!

Dress warm.

Joe_D, May 2026

Dress warm Wind can be extremely cold The views and tour guide are excellent…………………………………………………………….

Response from Host, May 2026

Hi Joe, Thanks for great review and sharing your advice. Cheers!

We’d do it again!

Craig_K, May 2026

Definitely bring a jacket. A little windy/chilly going out to the bridge. The one hour trip was the perfect amount of time for this cruise.

Response from Host, May 2026

Thanks for the great review. And sharing to bring a sweater. as that wind coming from the ocean can be a bit chilly sometime.

Loved the Cruise, but have cocktails prior

Mary_T, May 2026

Great experience for family visiting from Memphis TN. Purchased 2 cocktails while aboard. Tequila Sunrise 10$ , Vodka N Tonic w/splash of OJ ??? Total for both 34$,. I found this absurd, server could/would not explain charges and didn't give receipt when asked. I spoke with Fleet main office and concern to be forwarded to private vendor, operating on cruise

Response from Host, May 2026

Thanks for praising the cruise, even though you were upset at the drink costs. We will indeed share your review with the outside concessionaire in the hopes that they can tone it down a bit on their costs. We want them to be successful, but we also want guests to feel like the price is right. Thank you!

A must do in San Francisco

horse, May 2026

We had a great experience! We’ve never done this before although have been to San Francisco many times. The boat is just the right size and we had beautiful views the whole trip. Viator always comes through with memorable experiences for us all over the world.

Response from Host, May 2026

Thanks for such wonderful words about our cruise. And Viator. We're super happy that you able to enjoy the experience.

Great Staff. Seniors and anyone with limited mobility is well taken care of and can enjoy the cruise.

Sharon_A, May 2026

An enjoyable cruise. Staff was very accommodating to senior passengers and anyone using assistive mobility devices. Don’t let a walker or wheelchair make you miss the experience.

Response from Host, May 2026

Hi Sharon, Thanks for sharing your review. We want everyone to feel welcome, and we want everyone to feel safe getting on and off the boat. We appreciate your recognition, and I'll share with the staff that they are appreciated.

Its expensive that how...

Jasdip_S, May 2026

Its expensive that how they plan to charge people more for additional services and offers like pictures booths

Response from Host, May 2026

Hi, thanks for the great review. Please note that the pictures are only an option if you want to purchase them at the end. There is no obligation to buy. But taking the photos gives you a free digital pic as a souvenir for free. :)

Fun ferry ride. Lots and...

Monique_M, May 2026

Fun ferry ride. Lots and of good sights. Bring your coat and a hat it gets windy. Staff was friendly.

Response from Host, May 2026

Thanks for joining us out on the Bay. And thanks for the great review. :)

Great views from the water

Gail_M, May 2026

Great way to see the city, Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz from the water. There’s plenty of glass enclosed space to protect you from the wind and drinks and snacks are available.

Response from Host, May 2026

Yes, thanks for sharing. There are 3 decks offering different vantage points along the way. On the chilliest of days, you can face the elements when under the Golden Gate and then slide back into the warmth.

Likely to Sell Out