Top San Francisco Water Tours

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.

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.

Wander through an ancient coastal redwood forest and explore the artistic enclave of Sausalito on this combo tour from San Francisco. Travel across the Golden Gate Bridge to visit Muir Woods, home to some of the oldest and tallest trees on Earth. Then, soak up stellar views of the San Francisco skyline and browse art galleries along the Sausalito waterfront before returning by bus or Sausalito ferry.

Take in panoramic views of the San Francisco skyline and Alcatraz Island, and sail beneath the Golden Gate Bridge, on a relaxing San Francisco Bay cruise. Sit indoors or savor cool bay breezes from an outdoor deck and experience San Francisco in a new way. This ticket allows you to skip the line and go straight to the gate. Access an audio guide via your smartphone or other device.

A cruise on the San Francisco Bay offers a unique perspective of the city's iconic landmarks, including the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz Island. Glide across the waters and soak in stunning views while learning about the rich history of the area from onboard commentary. This experience is perfect for those looking to capture unforgettable photos and enjoy a leisurely day on the water. Whether you're a local or visiting for the first time, the Bay Cruise promises a memorable outing amidst the beauty of San Francisco's waterfront.

Embark on an exhilarating journey through history with our Alcatraz Highlights Tour! Step foot on the infamous island that once contained America's most notorious criminals and immerse yourself in the captivating tales of Alcatraz. Witness the chilling cells that housed Al Capone and George "Machine Gun" Kelly, as you explore the imposing cell blocks. Be captivated by the echoes of the past as you wander through the eerie corridors, and soak in the stunning panoramic views of the San Francisco skyline. Don't miss your chance to uncover the mysteries and legends of America's most infamous prison on our Alcatraz Highlights Tour - a thrilling adventure you won't ever forget! Don't worry about other people, this tour is completely tailored to you with the App! With our app, you can pause the tour, and check out the locations as long as you want! You can skip a stop you don't like, and you have all the best information about each stop at your fingertips.

See the best of San Francisco in one day on this guided tour that includes all transportation and admission to Alcatraz. Visit multiple locations in the city, including Chinatown, Presidio, Fisherman's Wharf, and Haight-Ashbury, with plenty of stops for photo ops. Cross the iconic Golden Gate Bridge and enjoy a hike through the beautiful redwood trees in Muir Woods. If you've upgraded, take the ferry to Alcatraz Island, where you can explore with an award-winning audio-guided tour of the former federal prison.

See all of San Francisco's top sights and attractions in one hassle-free way with this combination sightseeing package. With a 48-hour hop-on hop-off bus pass, you have the flexibility to explore the city at your own pace, including highlights such as Fisherman's Wharf, Chinatown, the Golden Gate Bridge, and more. This package also includes ferry admission tickets to Alcatraz Island, the Aquarium by the Bay, and a panoramic sunset tour.

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.

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.

See San Francisco from a whole new perspective with a unique blend of open-air sightseeing and a visit to one of its most legendary landmarks. The Lombard Leap + Alcatraz Tour begins with a fully guided open-air 90 Min city tour, offering unobstructed views of the city’s neighborhoods, hills, and famous streets. Cruise through areas like North Beach, Chinatown, Russian Hill, and Nob Hill while passing filming locations from Bullitt, The Rock, and Mrs. Doubtfire. Enjoy the thrill of descending Lombard Street and stop for photos at Coit Tower, the Palace of Fine Arts, and scenic viewpoints overlooking the Golden Gate Bridge. After the city tour, board the official ferry to Alcatraz Island and explore the former prison at your own pace using the included award-winning audio tour. This experience combines iconic sights, movie history, and legendary stories into one unforgettable day.

Unlock the best of San Francisco, without breaking the bank, with this convenient package. Bundle your Alcatraz excursion with a bike rental to cruise the atmospheric streets and landmarks, a guided bus tour across the legendary Golden Gate Bridge, or a relaxing Bay cruise to see the sights from the water. Then, take the ferry to Alcatraz with your prepaid ticket—a great way to avoid waiting in sold-out lines—and tour "the Rock" at your own pace with your included audio tour.

Step aboard an official Alcatraz City Cruises ferry and journey to the legendary Alcatraz Island! Explore its storied past as a Civil War fort, military prison, and infamous federal penitentiary through captivating exhibits and outdoor spaces. Wander landmarks like Eagle Plaza and the Recreation Yard, and uncover powerful stories from the 1969 Occupation of Alcatraz by Indians of All Tribes. Complete your visit with the award‑winning Doing Time: The Alcatraz Cellhouse Tour and the thought‑provoking exhibit The Big Lockup: Mass Incarceration in the United States.

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.

Discover San Francisco from a whole new perspective with a scenic bay cruise — the perfect way to explore the city’s iconic sights while enjoying fresh air and panoramic views. As the boat glides across the water, passengers are treated to unforgettable moments, from sailing beneath the towering Golden Gate Bridge to circling the historic Alcatraz Island, once home to some of America’s most notorious inmates. Along the way, take in lively waterfront scenes like the bustling Pier 39, where sea lions lounge in the sun and the city buzzes with energy. The cruise offers sweeping views of the bay itself, with sailboats, bridges, and the San Francisco skyline stretching out in every direction. Whether by day or at sunset, this relaxing ride delivers stunning photo ops, fascinating history, and a unique look at one of the world’s most beautiful cities. Ideal for travelers of all ages, this bay cruise is a can’t-miss highlight of any San Francisco visit.

Open-Top Double-Decker Bus Adventure: Hop on and off all day long with our lively hop-on-hop-off service! Buses roll up every 30 minutes, ready to whisk you away on a 2-hour whirlwind tour if you choose to stay on for the full loop. Cruise past iconic landmarks and charming neighborhoods while soaking in breathtaking panoramic views and entertaining commentary. Feel free to explore at your own pace—jump off whenever a spot catches your eye, then hop back on to keep the adventure rolling! Alcatraz Island Experience: Step into a gripping self-guided audio tour packed with intriguing stories from former inmates and guards. Sail across the shimmering waters to Alcatraz aboard a ferry offering unbeatable views of San Francisco’s sparkling skyline. Your adventure’s starting point changes depending on whether you dive into the bus tour or Alcatraz first—so get ready for a day packed with excitement and surprises!

Take a relaxing afternoon small-group 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. Includes two drinks, and personalized attention from the crew and captain.

Combine three of the Bay Area's top attractions—Alcatraz Island, Muir Woods, and Sausalito—in a single tour from San Francisco. Enjoy comfortable transportation in a luxury small-group tour van, including a trip across the Golden Gate Bridge, so you can focus on the scenery instead of driving. Your Alcatraz admission includes the ferry ride and audio tour, with free time to explore Muir Woods and Sausalito at your own pace.

To make your stay complete in San Francisco, this package includes two essential activities in a single pack. A visit of the most famous prison in the world, discovering its history and walking into the footsteps of Al Capone. Don’t miss the 45-minute audio tour that will immerse you in the atmosphere of the federal penitentiary which brought together the most dangerous criminals of the time. You can then enjoy a one-hour boat cruise in San Francisco Bay which will offer you an exceptional view of the city and its hills, but also other sightseeings such as going underneath the Golden Gate Bridge. Please note, free for children 4 years old and younger and don't need to have a ticket.

Come aboard the Privateer, your sailboat for the evening, for a a scenic small-group 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 choice in your hand.

This 90-minute cruise set to music will take you from PIER 39 and past two San Francisco icons, 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. Don’t miss this breathtaking experience from the best seats on the Bay!

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.

For experienced paddlers: Get a view of the San Francisco Bay like no other! Join us at Crane Cove Park to launch and paddle along the central waterfront. Depending on the currents we'll either head North past the Chase Center, past Pier 54 for view of the skyline, or south to Pier 70 for another vantage. We'll likely encounter wildlife and will certainly have an adventure.