Top San Francisco On the Water

Explore one of California's most iconic settings from the beauty of San Francisco Bay. This narrated Golden Gate Bay cruise journeys alongside Alcatraz and Angel Island State Park, past the shores of Sausalito and beneath the Golden Gate Bridge. You can choose to view the sights from inside your boat or out on deck.

This 90-minute cruise set to music will take you from PIER 39 and passes by San Francisco icons, such as the famous California Sea Lions and the Golden Gate Bridge. As the sun sets on the San Francisco Bay and the lights come up in the city, you'll continue to take in the many sights while you go by Angel Island, Sausalito, Tiburon, and the world famous Alcatraz Island. There is no better seat on the Bay to see one of the most beautiful cities in the world turn on its lights. If the timing doesn't work, select from one of our other amazing cruise options available during the day! Don’t miss this breathtaking experience from the best seats on the Bay!

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.

Escape the bustle of the Bay Area and take the helm of your own eco-friendly electric Duffy boat on Foster City Lagoon, a peaceful waterfront retreat on the San Francisco Peninsula. With room for up to 10 or 12 passengers, these easygoing boat rentals are perfect for gathering family and friends, celebrating a special occasion, or simply enjoying a leisurely cruise. Bring your own food and drinks, set your own pace, and enjoy a relaxing day on the water with your favorite people.

Enjoy a different perspective and admire San Francisco and its surrounding sights from the water on a San Francisco Bay sailing cruise. Onboard a catamaran, sail past the iconic Golden Gate Bridge, legendary Alcatraz Island, and the hamlet of Sausalito. Take advantage of great photo ops while you soak up the sea breeze during this scenic tour.

An interactive adventure, this tour is time-efficient and takes you on a sailing adventure on the San Francisco Bay. Hop aboard a private yacht with a USCG licensed captain. Sail beneath the Golden Gate Bridge, cruise along the San Francisco waterfront, and marvel at Alcatraz and Angel Islands up close. Take the helm for a hands-on sailing experience and capture scenic views, encounter local wildlife, and create memories.

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.

Guarantee your seat aboard the Privateer, your sailboat, when you prebook a scenic cruise along the San Francisco Bay. As you set off on the water, you'll enjoy sightseeing at the most beautiful time of day—sunset. Coast along and look out for local landmarks like Alcatraz, the Sausalito shoreline, and the Golden Gate Bridge, all with two drinks of your choice in your hand.

On this San Francisco bridge cruise, get an up-close look at the city’s two engineering marvels—the Golden Gate Bridge and the Bay Bridge—as you travel across San Francisco Bay. See major city sights such as Alcatraz, Coit Tower, and the Ferry Building, and listen to recorded commentary about the city's legendary architecture while you glide under both bridges.

Take a relaxing afternoon sailing cruise aboard a traditional sailboat on the San Francisco Bay. Cruise past landmarks such as Alcatraz Island, Angel Island, the Sausalito waterfront, and Golden Gate Bridge, and see the San Francisco skyline on your way back to Pier 39. As an added bonus, enjoy two included beverages, from wine to soft drinks.

Experience Alcatraz from the water while uncovering the stories that made “The Rock” one of America’s most infamous prisons. Rather than simply viewing the island from afar, hear firsthand accounts from former guards and inmates through a smartphone audio guide as you cruise around Alcatraz. Along the way, enjoy views of San Francisco Bay landmarks, including the Golden Gate Bridge, with skip-the-line boarding for a seamless experience.

Learn to surf in Pacifica, a picturesque town on the California coast just south of San Francisco. Your expert instructor covers all basics so that you can begin to catch some waves. Learn how to read the ocean, paddle out, pop up, balance and ride the waves, along with the etiquette of the surf world. Start practicing on the beach and in shallow waters before heading further out, with the assistance of your instructor available throughout your 3-hour lesson. Choose a morning or mid-day lesson that suits your schedule, with all necessary equipment provided.

We take you to jail! This official ticket is all you need to visit the famous Alcatraz Island Prison! You will get to experience the island with a 45-minutes award winning audio tour in the language of your choice, and enjoy the unique scene the Alcatraz Island has to offer. A 15-minutes short docent tour is also included once you are on the island. Round trip ferry rides to the Alcatraz Island are also included with no additional charge. As a bonus, a 1-hour free bike rental voucher is included with your package so you may explore biking to the Golden Gate Bridge at your own pace. The voucher can be used on the same day before or after the Alcatraz tour. Must buy at least 1-hour to redeem the 1-hour free bike rental.

Step aboard a rare piece of San Francisco’s working history on The Golden Gate, a 1928 Monterey fishing boat captained by born-and-raised San Franciscan, Captain Sal Alioto. Passed down through generations of his Sicilian-American family, this vessel offers an intimate journey along the city’s iconic northern waterfront. Departing from the small wharf behind Tarantino’s at Fisherman’s Wharf, you'll drift through Aquatic Park, past historic ships at Hyde Street Pier, and take in sweeping views of Fort Mason, the Marina Green, and Crissy Field. Sail by the St. Francis Yacht Club and the Wave Organ, with its eerie music if the tide is right. Spot the Palace of Fine Arts inland and Alcatraz on the horizon before reaching the tour’s grand finale - the Golden Gate Bridge - seen from a perspective few ever experience. This soulful cruise blends personal storytelling with breathtaking views, offering a unique connection to the Bay’s rich maritime legacy.

See San Francisco’s top attractions from the water on this 1.5-hour tour by rigid inflatable boat. Your guide will provide gear to keep you dry and warm as you take off from Pier 39. Pass the infamous prison of Alcatraz, Coit Tower, the Presidio and glide under the Golden Gate Bridge while your captain provides insightful narration. Numbers are limited to 12 people to keep this small-group tour as intimate as possible.

A hands-on coastal experience awaits with the Bay Area Guided Crab Snaring Trip. This 3.5-hour adventure teaches you the art of catching Dungeness and rock crabs using top-rated Durasnare gear while soaking up the stunning Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco. Enjoy personalized instruction from experienced guides, who ensure you learn to rig, bait, and cast a crab snare like a pro. The excitement doesn’t stop at catching; savor a full catch-and-cook experience where your catch is cleaned and prepared for you right on-site or for you to take home. Perfect for beginners and seasoned anglers alike, this trip offers a memorable day on the water. No fishing license or experience is required. All equipment will be provided with the purchase of this trip.

Head out onto the San Francisco Bay for an approximately 2-hour sail, where you watch a beautiful sunset with the Golden Gate Bridge in the background. This is an intimate group with a maximum of six, so you have plenty of space to spread out and enjoy the views. Sip on bottled water while you sail. The tour is offered in English and Spanish to accommodate more guests.

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.

Glide across San Francisco Bay with unlimited mimosas and Champagne on this weekend brunch cruise. Perfect for both locals and visitors, this boat trip offers a new perspective on the city. Sail under the Golden Gate Bridge, pass Alcatraz Island, and see the city skyline from the deck. As you float along, enjoy a generous, fresh buffet and onboard music to keep the mood festive.

Cruise the San Francisco Bay in a fun and friendly setting that's more personalized than larger ships. See the Golden Gate Bridge from the water and around Alcatraz Island, taking in sunset views from a 360-degree walkway around the boat. During the voyage, chat with a captain and crew and enjoy a complimentary beverage with additional alcoholic drinks available for purchase.

We explain the details and intricacies of catching all kinds of crab off of a rod and reel. Equipment, bait and all the essentials will be provided so all you have to do is show up! We will meet at one of the most stunning piers where a fishing license is not required. This location is easy to learn and teach your guests one the most unique and best West Coast past times that will have you reeling back for more!

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.

Have dinner with panoramic city views on a San Francisco Bay supper club cruise. Spend time on the water with the twinkling city skyline as your backdrop. Take in the views and enjoy the sea breeze on the exterior decks, cut loose on the dance floor with a DJ spinning top 40 hits, and enjoy a buffet dinner with classic American and international dishes on the menu.