San Francisco Bay Sunset & City Lights Cruise
Badge of Excellence
San Francisco, USA
- 2 hours (approx.)
- Mobile ticket
Why travelers loved this
·
Explore our promoted experiences
Overview
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.
- Soak up views of the skyline, Alcatraz, Golden Gate Bridge from the water
- Sail below the Golden Gate Bridge and Bay Bridge for unique perspectives
- Save time and bypass tickets lines by prebooking
- Onboard amenities include restroom and cozy bar for refreshments
Why Travelers Choose This Tour
There's no audio narration, making this a more relaxing cruise experience.
What's Included
- 2- hour sunset cruise (summer months) or city lights cruise (winter months) of San Francisco Bay
- "Straight to the gate" access
- Restrooms: Access to clean and convenient restrooms during your cruise.
- Gratuities
- Full bar is available onboard to purchase drinks and snacks.
Meeting and Pickup
Meeting point
- San Francisco Cruises (Red and White Fleet)Pier 43 1/2, San Francisco, CA 94133, USA
Please enter in Google Maps: "Red and White Fleet" or "Pier 43 1/2, San Francisco" for exact location and directions. Pier 43 ½ ticket booth (corner of Taylor Street and the Embarcadero) Please come to our location 20-30 minutes prior to departure.
End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.Itinerary
Make your way to the pier at Fisherman's Wharf in time for your chosen departure time (depending on the season). Listen to relaxing background music and watch the sights pass by on San Francisco Bay.
All cruise vessels operate on bio-diesel — a renewable energy source — and offer heated indoor spaces or outdoor viewing decks. There is no assigned seating or formal dress required during this casual, relaxing evening cruise.
Sunset Bay Cruise: If you embark during late March through early November, you’ll watch the sun setting over the the Pacific Ocean as you cruise toward the Marin Headlands and past the Golden Gate Bridge. Glide past Alcatraz, Angel Island and the San Francisco Bay Bridge.. On your return to Fisherman's Wharf you'll see many more notable sights, including the Presidio, the Marina District and Fort Mason.
City Lights Cruise: In the winter, the cruise makes the most of San Francisco’s spectacular city lights on a twilight tour. After the sun sets over the horizon, you'll glide past San Francisco's modern skyscrapers, historic landmarks, the infamous Alcatraz Island and both the Bay Bridge and Golden Gate Bridge. Enjoy the illuminated skyline — an unmissable San Francisco view.
All cruise vessels operate on bio-diesel — a renewable energy source — and offer heated indoor spaces or outdoor viewing decks. There is no assigned seating or formal dress required during this casual, relaxing evening cruise.
Sunset Bay Cruise: If you embark during late March through early November, you’ll watch the sun setting over the the Pacific Ocean as you cruise toward the Marin Headlands and past the Golden Gate Bridge. Glide past Alcatraz, Angel Island and the San Francisco Bay Bridge.. On your return to Fisherman's Wharf you'll see many more notable sights, including the Presidio, the Marina District and Fort Mason.
City Lights Cruise: In the winter, the cruise makes the most of San Francisco’s spectacular city lights on a twilight tour. After the sun sets over the horizon, you'll glide past San Francisco's modern skyscrapers, historic landmarks, the infamous Alcatraz Island and both the Bay Bridge and Golden Gate Bridge. Enjoy the illuminated skyline — an unmissable San Francisco view.
1
San Francisco Cruises (known locally as Red and White Fleet)
5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Golden Gate Bridge (Pass By)
San Francisco Bay (Pass By)
Marina District (Pass By)
Fort Mason Center (Pass By)
Coit Tower (Pass By)
Salesforce Tower (Pass By)
San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge (Pass By)
Yerba Buena Island (Pass By)
Treasure Island (Pass By)
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Wheelchair accessible
- Stroller accessible
- Service animals allowed
- Near public transportation
- Transportation is wheelchair accessible
- Most travelers can participate
- Please come to our location 15 minutes prior to the departure time.
- This cruise is not narrated. If you would like to learn more about San Francisco, we suggest taking one of our narrated cruises such as the Golden Gate Bay Cruise or the San Francisco Bridge to Bridge Cruise.
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 300 travelers
Supplied by
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Featured review
Tami_S
The experience was wonderful and I’d recommend for anyone looking for a sunset cruise.
It was a beautiful sunny day, so an incredible sunset. Lots of space on the ship we were on and indoor heated spaces on the ground and first floor, for when it got a bit too cold on the top floor. Special thanks to the crew on board who were kind and helpful.
Reviews
4.5
based on 2,003 reviews
Charlene_F, Jun 2026
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.
WANNIPA_T, Jun 2026
bad. no explaining no guide tour. Everyone was like confusing not even a music and the cruise was dirty gross
James_A, Jun 2026
Once in a lifetime experience. You must take this cruise if you’re a first time visitor (or not).
Beautiful views
Michelle_V, Jun 2026
It was easy to get on and off.
The views were great
The workers were friendly and helpful.
Snacks were priced well. That hot chocolate came in handy.
Igor_C, Jun 2026
The boat goes by spectacular coast in the perfect sunset time. The pitching is barely percievable, so motion sickness should not be a problem. Take windblocker jacket with hood if you plan to be on the top open desk.
HersheyLee_W, Jun 2026
It was beautiful, very relaxing experience. The staff on board were super friendly. Will gladly go again.
Kameryn_B, Jun 2026
It was beautiful and will definitely do it again when I go back to San Francisco! Alcatraz is the next stop we would definitely go to!
Dale_P, Jun 2026
It was ok, no real tour experience, just a boat ride. Would have been better if the fog hadn’t come in. Very cold
Jennifer_W, Jun 2026
Like many other travelers have said, arrive prepared. Due to the nature of the weather in SF and being on the water in the evening, it can be very chilly on board. While there was plenty of interior seating the best views are outside. The good news is that there are souvenir shops nearby that sell the items you need. I got a hat, gloves, and a sweatshirt for $15 which made me comfortable the entire ride even though it was cold and rainy for me.
Since it was foggy and rainy when I went, the views were different. Not bad, just different. For example, the top of the Golden Gate Bridge and the building tops downtown were not visible, but it was still very beautiful. You get up close to the bridge and to Alcatraz so there are many photo opportunities. The price for the amount of time spent is worth it. I do wish there was a bit more history shared.
I was a solo traveler for this excursion and ended up meeting a few other passengers that were traveling solo. We hit it off, talked the whole cruise and even had dinner together afterwards.
Michael_C, Jun 2026
You should take this trip later in the season. We got back into dock just after sunset. Most of the city lights weren't on.
Overall, this trip is excellent. Seeing Alcatraz and the Golden Gate Bridge up close was spectacular.
James_D, Jun 2026
We really enjoyed the boat trip. 2 hours of cruising through the bay. The sunset vews were breath taking
Jamie_W, Jun 2026
The workers were super nice and friendly. Had drinks and popcorn and plenty of seating inside. Views were amazing we took tons of good pictures. Big bathrooms and very clean
Markus_K, Jun 2026
Was good and worth it. We had perfect weather.
A jacket is needed, it might get cold.
Snacks and drinks on board are quite expensive!
Joe_G, Jun 2026
The experience was incredible !!
The views of Alcatraz and the Golden Gate Bridge were to die for - will cherish them for the rest of my life !!
My wife and I will definitely do it again next time we visit San Francisco !!
The crew was also very friendly and helpful - keep up the good work !!
Thank You
Joe & Maria G.
Yelena_P, Jun 2026
It was a very good bay cruise. The staff on the ship was helpful and nice.
I will definitely recommend this cruise to my friends and family.
Darsh_P, Jun 2026
It was nice. It’s lil windy but yh the views are unexplainable in wordss. We enjoyed a lot!
Also staff is very nice
WendyT_N, Jun 2026
I went on the cruise on my birthday, best thing I did. Have seen the golden gate many times but never on sea. The views were more up close and it was a beautiful sunset cruise. Friendly people on the cruise as well. A time was had!
Jacqueline_H, Jun 2026
We thoroughly enjoyed this boat tour/cruise. It takes you under the Golden Gate Bridge, along the coast to Sausolito, around Alacatraz Island, over to the Oakland Bay Bridge and back along the city coast.
There is plenty of space on board, a good selection of drinks (not overly expensive) and an interesting narration of the points of interest.
Oleg_P, Jun 2026
It’s just a ride with horrible loud old music. There are drinks and Snak’s. Super windy outside so get a seat inside
Thomas_P, May 2026
Answered all my questions about the area and was available 24 hours a day. Noted security checks on vehicles and were present when we were turned to the building late at night. Quiet location with easy access to the interstate and staff was very friendly. Grocery story and Total Wine within walking distance. Biking and walking trails less than one block away.
TeCora_M, May 2026
This cruise was amazing! It was very peaceful to see the views of the center at night from the boat. I would highly recommend dressing accordingly as it was super cold due to the strong wind. The snacks are board helped as I got a hot chocolate to warm me up. It was very well priced too, less than $5.
Response from Host, May 2026
Thank you so much for the wonderful review! We’re so glad you enjoyed the peaceful nighttime views from the boat. And yes, San Francisco evenings on the bay can definitely be chilly, so we appreciate you sharing that tip for future guests. Happy to hear a hot chocolate from our snack bar helped warm you up. We hope to welcome you back on board again soon!
Sara_G, May 2026
It was great. The crew was amazing. Beautiful cruise. Always take the chance when in the San Francisco area
Response from Host, May 2026
Thank you so much for the kind words! We’re thrilled you had a great time on board and that our crew helped make your experience memorable. We couldn’t agree more, there’s nothing quite like seeing San Francisco from the water. We truly appreciate the recommendation and hope to welcome you back on board again soon!
Jessica_O, May 2026
Excellent cruise, great views, clean bathrooms and a bar. We will definitely book another cruise with them
Response from Host, May 2026
Thank you so much for the wonderful review! We’re so glad you enjoyed the cruise, the views, and the onboard amenities. It means a lot to hear you found everything comfortable and enjoyable. We truly appreciate your support and look forward to welcoming you back on board for another cruise soon!
Wendy_C, May 2026
Before I share how awesome this is, make sure you dress for warmth! We did and were able to stay on the top deck the entire trip. There were about 30 of as at the start and 7 at the end— bring a hat, scarf or whatever layer you need to stay outside for this beautiful sunset and city lights cruise.
We arrived 30 minutes ahead and were able to sit up top. And, the cruise to the Golden Gate was smooth and beautiful. You then move through Sausalito and Belvedere making your way around Alcatraz to the Bay Bridge and then back to the dock. It’s worth your time—after spending time seeing SF on foot and on the hop off and on bus, being on the water and seeing the expanse of SF’s beauty at night was breathtaking.
Nicole_E, May 2026
We did not get to see the sunset but it was a beautiful and relaxing experience. Things to know are that it will be cold and chances of seeing the sunset are slim due to fog.
Jacob_S, May 2026
It may or may not be foggy. You may not be able to see much. Enjoy the ride anyway because you aren't working! Nice basic bar. Something for everyone
Craig_T, May 2026
It was cold and views were just ok. They keened more about selling drinks and food than the actual adventure.
Response from Host, May 2026
Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback. We’re sorry to hear the experience didn’t fully meet your expectations, especially regarding comfort and the focus onboard. We appreciate your comments about the balance of the cruise experience and concessions and will share them with our team as we continue to improve.
Lisa_S, May 2026
It was foggy, windy and chilly. Seats next to windows filled up super fast. Make sure you arrive 40 minutes early to get in line to get a good seat. 2 hours was too long. The boat smelled fishy.
Response from Host, May 2026
Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback. We’re sorry the weather conditions made your cruise less comfortable and that the seating and length of trip didn’t meet your expectations. We also appreciate your comments regarding cleanliness, as this is something we take seriously and will review with our team. We do hope you’ll consider sailing with us again on a clearer day for a better experience on the bay.
channa_h, May 2026
Timing was superb ,Crowd and the service were good. Why don't you charge a little more and make it a dinner cruise ?
Iva_c, May 2026
The experience would have been great if the fog and weather were better, I think when the weather is bad or foggy the tour should be rescheduled at the convenience of the customer.
Response from Host, May 2026
Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback. We’re sorry the foggy weather impacted your experience on the bay. San Francisco conditions can vary day to day, and while the weather is part of what makes the city so unique, we understand it may not always align with expectations. We appreciate you sailing with us and hope to welcome you back on a clearer day for a different perspective.
From $58.00
per personup to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)
Compare Similar Experiences
Current
San Francisco Bay Sunset & City Lights Cruise
2,003
2 hours
Free Cancellation
From
$58.00
Customers Who Bought This Tour Also Bought
Explore Similar Things to Do
Attractions in San Francisco, USA
- Saints Peter and Paul Church Tours & Tickets
- Embarcadero Tours & Tickets
- Presidio Tours & Tickets
- Russian Hill Tours & Tickets
- Hyde Street Pier Tours & Tickets
- Legion of Honor Tours & Tickets
- Walt Disney® Family Museum Tours & Tickets
- Cable Car Museum Tours & Tickets
- Coit Tower Tours & Tickets
- De Young Museum Tours & Tickets
- Golden Gate Park Tours & Tickets
- San Francisco Bay Tours & Tickets
- Marina District Tours & Tickets
- The Castro Tours & Tickets
- Ferry Building Tours & Tickets