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.

51 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

(360)

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

(1,995)

from $58

Likely to Sell Out

San Francisco Bay Sailing Cruise

1 hour 30 minutesFree Cancellation

4.9

(641)

from $65

San Francisco Bridge-to-Bridge Cruise (90 Minutes)

1 hour 30 minutesFree Cancellation

4.7

(659)

from $48

Special Offer

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

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

(4)

from $99

2-Hour Sunset Sail on the San Francisco Bay

2 hoursFree Cancellation

4.8

(412)

from $129

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

(1,374)

from $88

Special Offer

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

Likely to Sell Out

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

4.3

(4,524)

from $165

1.5-Hour San Francisco Bay Sailing Tour

1 hour 30 minutesFree Cancellation

4.8

(400)

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

(730)

from $90

Likely to Sell Out

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

4.8

(693)

from $179

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

Official Inside Alcatraz Cruise: With Free Audio & 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 & Night Option

2 to 4 hours

4.3

(164)

from $78

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

(83)

from $189

Price varies by group size

City Cruises San Francisco: Premier Brunch Cruise

2 hoursFree Cancellation

4.8

(353)

from $122

City Cruises San Francisco: Signature Dinner Cruise

3 hoursFree Cancellation

4.1

(67)

from $122

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

(434)

from $629

Special Offer

Experience the eerie ambiance of Alcatraz Island at night with an audio-guided tour, including a San Francisco Bay sightseeing cruise at your convenience. Board the ferry for an exclusive night tour with live narration and a unique "around the island" route. See the Golden Gate Bridge silhouette at sunset, join a cell door demonstration, and hear captivating stories of former residents. Use an informative audio guide to explore Alcatraz's haunting history in multiple languages. Visit exhibits detailing the island's compelling past. Also, enjoy an audio-narrated Bay sightseeing cruise on a comfortable boat with indoor and outdoor seating, passing landmarks like the Golden Gate Bridge and Bay Bridge. Please note: If you plan to take both tours on the same day, you must take the Bay Cruise before your Alcatraz tour. Otherwise, the Bay Cruise may be taken any other time or day according to the schedule. The Alcatraz Night tour is not available Sundays and Mondays.

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Alcatraz Night Tour with SF Bay Cruise

Experience Yosemite beyond a typical day trip on this camping adventure that combines guided exploration with time to discover the park on your own. Skip the logistics of planning a multi-day visit and focus on Yosemite’s iconic landscapes, from Yosemite Falls and Half Dome to groves of giant sequoias. Spending two nights in the park gives you more time to hike, explore, and connect with one of America’s most celebrated natural destinations.

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Yosemite 3-Day Camping Adventure from San Francisco

3 daysFree Cancellation

4.7

(212)

from $795

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

(230)

from $89

Likely to Sell Out

Yosemite 3-Day Lodging Adventure from San Francisco

3 days

4.8

(18)

from $1,029

San Francisco: Guided Muir Woods Tour & Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour

Pair a visit to Muir Woods with a hop-on hop-off bus tour of San Francisco on this full-day combo package. First, venture north over the Golden Gate Bridge to the Muir Woods National Monument and stroll through old coastal redwood trees towering 260 feet (79 meters) high. Pass through the charming seaside town of Sausalito before enjoying San Francisco’s famous attractions from an open-top double-decker bus. Learn about the city’s colorful history and create your own itinerary.

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San Francisco: Guided Muir Woods Tour & Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour

4 hoursFree Cancellation

4.4

(7)

from $140

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What are people saying about San Francisco Bay

San Francisco Bay Cruise

Margaret_B, Jun 2026

Beautiful day

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.

San Francisco Bay Sunset & City Lights Cruise

Jamie_W, Jun 2026

A lot of fun

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

San Francisco Bay Sunset & City Lights Cruise

Jessica_O, May 2026

Excellent cruise, great...

Excellent cruise, great views, clean bathrooms and a bar. We will definitely book another cruise with them

San Francisco Bay Cruise

Dane_H, Apr 2026

Deck hand was great.

The deck hand was awesome. The trip was a great quick tour of the bay. The boat was clean and seemed safe.

San Francisco Bay Sunset Catamaran Cruise

SHARON_L, Jun 2026

Great time!!

We had a fabulous time! It was remarkable to experience the Golden Gate Bridge that way and Alcatraz. But the best part was the crew. They were extremely accommodating!! Thank you so much to Wolfgang, Lisa, and all the crew!! We almost thought it might be too much for us at 75 and 77, but as long as you can walk and talk and chew gum, you should be fine. The crew kept us safe and helped make the experience even more enjoyable.