Top San Francisco Dinner Cruises

There are high-quality dinner cruises in San Francisco. Looking at ratings and reviews previously given by customers, these are the best tours available right now:

• San Francisco Signature Dinner Cruise

Yes, San Francisco dinner cruises are worth it. Traveling by boat offers up-close views of the Golden Gate Bridge that are hard to get otherwise, plus an impressive perspective of the city’s skyline lit up after dark. Dinner cruises pair those views with gourmet dining and entertainment; they’re an ideal way to celebrate a special occasion or just enjoy a memorable outing during your time in San Francisco.

San Francisco dinner cruises cost between US$120 and US$180 a person; note that rates vary depending on the time of year and day of the week booked. Included in the cost is a gourmet, buffet-style dinner, as well as entertainment (usually a DJ spinning tunes to get the party started). Most travelers agree that a fun night on the water is well worth the cost.

San Francisco dinner cruises typically last around three hours. After meeting up at the Embarcadero to board the ship, enjoy dinner, music, and dancing as you sail. Three hours is enough time to savor the meal and entertainment without feeling rushed, and to soak up city views from the decks.

On a San Francisco dinner cruise, you can get an excellent view of the city’s skyline. You can also look forward to seeing highlights such as Alcatraz Island, Angel Island, the Golden Gate Bridge, Coit Tower, and Oracle Park, as well as the charming hamlet of Sausalito.

Dinner cruises in San Francisco do not typically include hotel pickup and drop-off, so check the departure location before booking (and plan to arrive early so you don’t miss the boat). Some cruises include a plated dinner, while others have a buffet. Dinner cruises usually do not include alcoholic beverages, but a cash bar is available if you wish to make purchases. It’s wise to bring your camera, as the views of Alcatraz and San Francisco are impressive.

Most San Francisco dinner cruises require business-casual or semi-formal attire—that means no jeans, no athletic or casual wear, and no flip-flips. Be sure to bring a jacket, as it can get quite windy and chilly out on the water. You may want to wear supportive, non-slip shoes to make boarding and disembarking the vessel easier.

Most San Francisco dinner cruises depart from the Embarcadero waterfront, not far from Fisherman’s Wharf. Hotel pickup is not usually included, so it’s best to plan your own transport. BART commuter trains and the F Line streetcar serve the area, as do taxis and rideshare services. Make sure to arrive at least 30 minutes early, when boarding typically commences.

It’s recommended to book your San Francisco dinner cruise at least 2–4 weeks ahead for weekend cruises, and 4–6 weeks ahead during the peak season, from late spring to fall. Many tours offer free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure, so you can book early without worry, even if your plans end up changing later.

No, you cannot bring your own food and drinks on most San Francisco dinner cruises. Because these trips serve their own food—whether a plated or buffet dinner—outside food and drinks are both prohibited and unnecessary. While alcoholic drinks are typically not included in the cost, a cash bar is usually available on board.