2-Hour Sunset Sail on the San Francisco Bay
Recommended by 93% of travelers
San Francisco, USA
- 2 hours (approx.)
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
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Overview
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 tour offers a romantic and relaxing way to see the city
- Admire spectacular views overlooking the skyline
- See the San Francisco waterfront begin to light up and sparkle
- Two complimentary drinks are included in the tour price
What's Included
- Alcoholic Beverages2 drinks included. Beer, wine, soda or bottled water
- Gratuities
Meeting and Pickup
Meeting point
- Pier 39, San Francisco, CA 94133, USA
Departure Point: Pier 39 Address: Dock F Directions: Arrive 15 minutes prior to your departure time or you might miss the boat. The boat does not wait for late shows. Go to Pier 39 Dock F gate and wait until the First Mate comes and takes you to the boat. Dock F is located on the east side of Pier 39 which is the same side as the Aquarium of the Bay. Walk down between the Aquarium and Hard Rock Cafe toward the boat until you get to Dock F. Dates: Daily Return point: Returns to original departure point
End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.Itinerary
Meet your captain and first mate at Pier 39 in the early evening for a relaxing cruise on the San Francisco Bay. Get checked in and board the Privateer, your sailboat for the evening. As you go, you'll enjoy two complimentary alcohohlic or soft drinks.
Set sail and journey out past Alcatraz and Angel Island on the calm waters where you can catch sunset views of the Bay Bridge from your vantage point. Your peaceful voyage continues as you get closer to Marin and Sausalito. The green landscape of Marin County and picturesque view of the city of Sausalito look stunning under the illumination from the setting sun.
Next up, see the iconic Golden Gate Bridge with a lovely red-orange sunset in the background—a prime time for photo ops. As you head back towards Pier 39, which is where your boat ride will end, take a look at how the San Francisco waterfront begins to light up and sparkle.
Set sail and journey out past Alcatraz and Angel Island on the calm waters where you can catch sunset views of the Bay Bridge from your vantage point. Your peaceful voyage continues as you get closer to Marin and Sausalito. The green landscape of Marin County and picturesque view of the city of Sausalito look stunning under the illumination from the setting sun.
Next up, see the iconic Golden Gate Bridge with a lovely red-orange sunset in the background—a prime time for photo ops. As you head back towards Pier 39, which is where your boat ride will end, take a look at how the San Francisco waterfront begins to light up and sparkle.
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- If you plan on drinking alcoholic beverages, please remember to bring your valid, government-issued ID
- Minimum drinking age is 21 years
- Tours may be cancelled in the event of heavy rain or unsafe weather conditions at the time of the tour
- Near public transportation
- It is colder out on the water, so we recommend dressing in layers and wearing close-toed shoes
- Most travelers can participate
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 18 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
Katie_P
My husband and I did a sunset sailing tour in San Francisco, and it ended up being one of the highlights of our trip. Even though there were other people on board, the seating is arranged in a way that feels more private—kind of a horseshoe layout—so it still felt like an intimate experience.
What we really loved is that it wasn’t a guided tour with constant narration. It made the whole experience feel more relaxed and romantic since we could just enjoy the moment and talk with each other without interruptions.
Captain Dave was great—very knowledgeable and clearly focused on keeping everything smooth and safe. The first mate, Mike, was also fantastic. He was super attentive, offered to take photos for us (which we really appreciated), and made sure we had everything we needed, including drinks. The two included drinks were a nice touch, with options like wine, beer, soda, and water.
The route was beautiful—we sailed under the Golden Gate Bridge, around Alcatraz, and back to Pier 39—and the timing was perfect. The sunset gave us all the stages, from golden light to full sunset, and it lasted right around two hours.
Overall, it was such a special experience, and we would absolutely do it again.
Reviews
4.8
based on 399 reviews
Christine_D, Mar 2026
We had such a great time. We took the sunset sail, the weather was amazing and not cold at all, we even saw a whale. The host were kind, helpful and played great music. I enjoy ever second of it. Will be back.
Katie_P, Mar 2026
My husband and I did a sunset sailing tour in San Francisco, and it ended up being one of the highlights of our trip. Even though there were other people on board, the seating is arranged in a way that feels more private—kind of a horseshoe layout—so it still felt like an intimate experience.
What we really loved is that it wasn’t a guided tour with constant narration. It made the whole experience feel more relaxed and romantic since we could just enjoy the moment and talk with each other without interruptions.
Captain Dave was great—very knowledgeable and clearly focused on keeping everything smooth and safe. The first mate, Mike, was also fantastic. He was super attentive, offered to take photos for us (which we really appreciated), and made sure we had everything we needed, including drinks. The two included drinks were a nice touch, with options like wine, beer, soda, and water.
The route was beautiful—we sailed under the Golden Gate Bridge, around Alcatraz, and back to Pier 39—and the timing was perfect. The sunset gave us all the stages, from golden light to full sunset, and it lasted right around two hours.
Overall, it was such a special experience, and we would absolutely do it again.
Elena_P, Mar 2026
Layered clothes are necessary. The team, Mike and Dave, was terrific 👏GG Bridge is still there. Thank you!
Jose_M, Mar 2026
Dave and Caleb were awesome. Friendly offer us a blanket or jacket to keep warm. Definitely recommend this tour.
Vickie_M, Feb 2026
Small setting, very relaxed crew with great personalities! Would do again and recommend to others!!!
Lo_B, Dec 2025
Even though it was cold, it was beautiful and clear out Capt. gave us a fabulous sail past Alcatraz and out to the Golden Gate. I live here and never tire of the beauty of the bay. This small ship with 12 passengers was an excellent way to travel.
Holly_O, Nov 2025
Amazing view of the Golden Gate Bridge. Was offered blankets and or Jackets if you were chilly. Staff was polite professional and attentive.
MaryLou_H, Nov 2025
The 2 hour sunset sail was spectacular! We had excellent weather, quiet water, beautiful sunset, went out under the Golden Gate Bridge for quite a while and got gorgeous pictures! Caleb and Jeff were awesome! Caleb was the pilot and is knowledgeable and funny. He made the experience great. Well worth the money. I'd definitely do this again!
Rafi_S, Oct 2025
Amazing crew, incredible bay sunset. We will definitely be back for the SF Bay Sailing company! Thank you!
Janet_S, Sep 2025
Great view of the Golden Gate Bridge and the back side of Alcatraz. Too much floating when we could have been sailing.
Response from Host, Oct 2025
Hi janet,
We strive to sail the entire time on all of our trips. Some times there are spots where the wind dies down and we wait for current to bring us back into the wind. This is unavoidable. If we have the sails up and the engine off we are sailing. We do everything we can to keep the engine off the entire trip
Wes_S, Sep 2025
My team had a great time! The weather was excellent and the free drinks were great. It was perfect, as if I owned my own boat and wanted to take friends out for a sunset ride and drinks. The captain and first mate were so kind and accommodating. Everyone had a great time. I'd do this again in a heartbeat and, though we had AMAZING weather, would be interested to see the city in a bit more fog. We all loved the experience!
Deb_R, Sep 2025
Always be prepared for cool winds on the bay...if you're not though, crew had blankets to make sure we were warm (on sunset cruise). It was fabulous!
Beth_O, Sep 2025
At first when we got on we were very sceptical, there were 22 people on a very small sailing boat and i was hoping it would be more private/intimate as advertised. However, the experience blew us away, we say some of the most incredible views I've seen in my life, plus dolphins!! So we soon forgot about the crowded feel!
Birgit_F, Sep 2025
just a perfect closure for the day with stunning sunset! Great crew and just the right number of people on board.
Kitty_A, Aug 2025
It was our first time experiencing it. It was worth to see the sunset and scenery. Weather was great
Peter_D, Aug 2025
Great crew, superb experience, safety issues covered succinctly. And the musical selection was on point!
Edgar_L, Jul 2025
It was a great experience, better than we expected! The crew is very knowledgeable of what they’re doing, so just relax and enjoy your time out in the water with no worries.
Terry_R, Jul 2025
The two guys who sailed the boat were great and low-key. We had a fabulous two hours on this wonderful sailing trip around the bay. We went under the Golden Gate bridge and near Sausalito and around Alcatraz. Great time!
Tess_F, Jun 2025
The crew was incredibly nice and the views were amazing. However, the sailing company squeezed 10 people onto a small sailboat and it was incredibly uncomfortable. The first mate was late getting us on board. It was hard to move around and although we got free drinks, it was not a full bar as expected. The experience just felt like two guys bringing their friends on a boat and brought a cooler full of drinks unlike other sailing companies that have a full team to assist everyone on and off the boat, provide you with blankets and jackets and have a full bar ready to serve you.
This was incredibly overpriced especially considering that other sunset cruises host everyone on bigger boats, are much cheaper and more professional in their operations.
I would only recommend if you are able to book for private parties and are okay being crammed onto a boat for two hours.
Response from Host, Jun 2025
I’m not sure why you felt the boat was crowded. The boat is inspected by the coast guard for 36 passengers so 10 people should have been very comfortable.
We do only offer beer, wine, soda and water for our complimentary drinks. A full bar in only available for private parties.
Our boat is designed to make you feel like you are out sailing with friends not on a packed tour boat.
Troy Jones
Manager
San Francisco Sailing Company
Markus_W, Jun 2025
Cruise was cancelled on short notice 30 minutes before departure no refund received yet. Why do I have to cancel 24 hours before departure to get a refund but the company can cancel 30 minutes before departure? This is not very good customer service.
Response from Host, Oct 2025
Markus, we are very sorry your sail got canceled. It is very rare but sometimes we do have mechanical issues that prevent us from sailing at the last minute. We have to keep you safe first and for most. We issued your refund immediately but it does take a day to receive.
D_R, Jun 2025
Well worth it! The crew was very chill, friendly and knowledgeable. The sailing was much smoother than I’d expected.
Lindsay_G, May 2025
This is such a unique way to see the Golden Gate Bridge and the SF skyline! The water was extremely choppy, which I was expecting, but other people on our boat seemed not as ready for that. But, the captain did a fantastic job, we even saw a whale!
melina_g, May 2025
The crew was amazing! They let you even steer and participate in the sailing process if you want! The tour is a must do in San Fran! Views of the bridge are spectacular! I would do it again for sure!
Caiti_F, Feb 2025
Great captain and first mate! They shared little things about the city but also gave groups their privacy. They had plenty to drink should you chose to have a beverage or two on your voyage. I would recommend this excursion to everyone who is visiting the city.
Santosh_M, Dec 2024
We enjoyed the sail but we felt that it wasn't worth the $260 we paid. The captain and his assistant were in their own worlds and were even reluctant to erect the sail (which was supposed to be the whole point!). They did chat with us but only when asked a question.
Liza_C, Nov 2024
A beautiful Sunday, for a Sunset Cruise at Pier 39! Golden shimmering sunset reflecting and magnifying the hues of the bay delights and closeness to the aquatic beauty, seagulls, pelicans and geese that reside and roam by Fisherman's Wharf...
Beauty and Brilliance, at their very BEST! 🎏🕊🐦⬛🐧🐬🐋🐳🥰😍😘♥️
Wanda_S, Nov 2024
The captain made no attempt to actually "sail." The wind was, I believe, close to ten knots. He could have tacked and given us a sailing, albeit slower, experience.
Response from Host, Nov 2024
Wanda,
The San Francisco Bay is one of the windiest places on earth. We get strong winds 90% of the year. I’m sorry if you did not get a good wind day. It’s very very rare.
If we were motoring then there must have been zero wind. I know it may seem like a light breeze but that’s because the boat is moving under power as “making” the wind.
There strong currents in the bay and we have to keep moving during our tour. If we drift with the sails up we will not see very much.
Troy Jones
Manager
San Francisco Sailing Company
Jeremy_K, Nov 2024
It was a great experience. Friendly crew! They really took care of us. We were worried about the fog canceling our trip, but they took us under the bay bridge instead!
Jeany_W, Oct 2024
Tour brought you close up but not much information was given. Michael was great the other dude offered jackets and blankets but was rather rude.
Response from Host, Nov 2024
Jeany,
I’m so happy you enjoyed a beautiful sunset sail with us. Mikhail has been with the company for almost 20yrs!
Please contact me directly to discuss the crew members behavior so I can disciple that person.
Troy Jones
Manager
415.378.4887
Kathy_B, Oct 2024
We had a lovely time on this sailboat, celebrating dads 85th birthday on the Privateer with Captain Dave. They were so kind and easygoing, and helpful with dad. They gave us blankets and jackets, and it was such a thrill going under the golden gate bridge and seeing the sunset from the bay. Absolutely worth it!
From $129.00
per personup to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)
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