Golden Gate Whale Watch

San Francisco, USA

2 hours 30 minutes (approx.)
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English

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Overview

Go whale watching in San Francisco on this 2.5-hour cruise that departs from Pier 39. On an eco-friendly catamaran, glide through San Francisco Bay and under the Golden Gate Bridge to reach the open Pacific, where you’ll keep your eyes peeled for humpback and gray whales, as well as marine life like dolphins and seals. Learn about the history and geology of the area from an onboard naturalist, and admire the rugged California coast.

San Francisco whale-watching tour
Cruise under the Golden Gate Bridge
Watch for gray and humpback whales during their migration periods
Spot dolphins and harbor seals
Enjoy a spacious cabin and sun deck

What's Included

Professional guide
Coast guard–certified vessel with professional captain and crew
Live commentary on board

Gratuities
Food and drinks
Hotel pickup and drop-off

Meeting and Pickup

Meeting point

Pier 39, San Francisco, CA 94133, USA
Address: Pier 39 Dock B, San Francisco, CA 94133 Pier 39 is directly across the street from 2 Beach St, San Francisco, CA, 94133. Gate B is located behind the Aquarium of the Bay. A crew member will meet you at the locked gate for check-in 15 minutes before departure.

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

Operating hours
.9:00 am

Itinerary

From Pier 39 at Fisherman’s Wharf, hop aboard your Coast Guard–certified catamaran for your whale-watching tour in the waters of the Pacific. With its hull design and quality engineering, the vessel provides a smooth ride across San Francisco Bay and into the ocean.

Receive a brief safety orientation, and then enjoy views of Alcatraz and Angel Island as you take off from the pier. Cruise under the Golden Gate Bridge and out to sea anywhere from 3 to 8 miles (4 to 12 km) to search for marine life. In addition to humpback whales and gray whales, the Bay Area is home to an abundance of porpoises, dolphins, sea lions, harbor seals, birds and even sharks. Admire the dramatic coastline of cliffs and headlands while the naturalist tells you about the natural environment.

You can watch for whales from the deck or head inside the heated cabin to warm up, if needed, where you can brush up on local trivia and learn about the area’s history, from Native Americans to Spanish explorers to Gold Rush immigrants. Your tour ends with return to Pier 39.

Pier 39

5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Angel Island State Park (Pass By)

Golden Gate Bridge (Pass By)

San Francisco Bay

2 hours 30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Fisherman's Wharf

1 minute • Admission Ticket Free

Additional Info

Confirmation will be received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Wheelchair accessible
Stroller accessible
Service animals allowed
Near public transportation

Infants must sit on laps
Transportation is wheelchair accessible
Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
Children must be accompanied by an adult
This tour/activity will have a maximum of 89 travelers

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Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

Traveler Photos

Gallery picture 1 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 2 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 3 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 4 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 5 (from a traveler's review)

Featured review

Heriberto_H

We saw 2 humpbacks! They were the most beautiful creatures we have ever seen. Especially them being so pretty close. The boat crew was great and loved all the fun facts. We learned a lot on this trip. Definitely going back again! Thank you!

Reviews

4.4

based on 430 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

We perform checks on reviews

Good tour.

romulus_lucic, Oct 2019

A very good tour. The guides were really helpfull and knowledgeable. There was only one whale that we've seen but you can't really predict these things, do you? I would recommend this tour.

Whales and so much more!

Caroline_S, Oct 2019

We had a great time on a misty day looking for whales. The crew of the ship was excellent and Michael was great at explaining what we were seeing. We went out into the ocean and as we were about to turn back we saw a whale and it was great to see this beautiful creature in the ocean. We also saw so much other wildlife along the way. If you do suffer from seasickness be aware that you do go out quite a way, but the crew hands out ginger candy and offers lots of advice to help you.

Expensive and disappointing

Julia_B, Oct 2019

I know that whales and dolphins can’t be produced to order but I found this trip an expensive waste when we didnt see any whales. The trip was full and I presume everyone else paid the same. The two young assistants Rachel and Sidney were very helpful and knowledgeable but most of the time someone was talking over the Captain’s address so that I couldn’t hear what he was saying. We were dressed warmly sat inside the boat and I became a little too warm. Also if the others outside stood up, we couldn’t see the water or anything in it. Looking around a lot of the other guests were bored, some even falling asleep. I think this trip should be shorter and cheaper.

Nice trip, but guide repeating too much

VibekeSehested_G, Oct 2019

The guide was saying the same thing too many times, not providing enough information, especially about wildlife

Fun and knowledgeable crew

Brett S, Oct 2019

We really enjoyed the personable and knowledgeable crew. It relaxing and educational and the fact that we saw several whales on a beautiful day made it hard to beat. A truly memorable experience!

Wow!

Compass829059, Sep 2019

Great trip, smaller group size, spectacular views, 3 humpbacks... wow! Every question we had was answered. amazing morning out.

Golden Gate Whale Watching Tour

Sarah_M, Sep 2019

My husband and I were on the tour in the morning of Sept 15th. It started out a little foggy but cleared up nicely. It was cool out on the water, don't show up in a t-shirt and shorts, you will be chilled. The crew was excellent. The captain, 1st mate and the tour guide were all very welcoming and encouraged guests to move around the boat, vocalize what they were seeing and ask as many questions as needed. I really liked that they were respectful of the environment and personal space of the whales, close enough to see, but not too close to impact their personal space. We saw 2 whales, a more distant perspective but they were there nonetheless. We also saw porpoises and the odd shark (a smaller species) jump out of the water. The coastal views were magnificent and travelling under the Golden Gate bridge was a beautiful site. My only wish was that they did not have as many quests on the boat, I think they could have cut the guest list by about 20% to make it a little more comfortable and not as crowded. Other than that, I would highly recommend.

Great event

Suzanne_H, Sep 2019

Four adults, we all had a great time. The staff was wonderful. Very happy to find out they do research and not your typical tour. Very knowledgeable. Would definitely suggest this tour. We did get to see some whales and a lot of different types of birds.

Excellent experience.

Sarah_E, Sep 2019

Excellent experience. The crew and captain were great communicators. Safety was clearly important. The naturalist was very knowledgable and kept up a running commentary of information about what we were seeing. We saw a minke whale as well as humpbacks. The crew seemed very switched on about protecting the wildlife and whales.

Whale of a time

Chris_C, Sep 2019

We didn't really see much for quite some time until towards the end of the trip but the crew was very enthusiastic and informative. It was overall a really fun experience.

Awesome Whale watching tour--- WE SAW WHALES!!!

Joan F, Aug 2019

We left on time and our guides and captain were fantastic! From what I had read in the reviews, I knew to wear a hooded sweatshirt and bring along a rain jacket with a hood! I was glad for both! Do take along a water bottle filled with water as well as a camera and a pair of binoculars. Wear a pair of shoes that won't slip. You may also need some anti-motion sickness pills such as "Dromadine". Most of all----- HAVE FUN!

Freaking Amazing!

Heriberto_H, Aug 2019

Excellent Whale Watching

Lyn_W, Aug 2019

Friendly and knowledgeable crew. Saw some whales. A great experience and one of few in San Francisco that is reasonable priced and worth it! Gives a senior discount.

Looking for whales

ronaldmoy, Aug 2019

The boat ride by itself was wonderful. It would have been even better if our trip was able to sight a whale - unfortunately not this time. Still a beautiful way to see San Francisco from the ocean.

GREAT experience good value

Kent_S, Jul 2019

Not a tourist thing, this is a research vessel educating people. Whale sightings did happen, crew was professional, vessel was nice. Limited indoor seating, nonetheless a wonderful time.

Worthwhile trip

Karen_C, Jul 2019

While no whales were seen, the crew made every attempt to find them. We saw other sea life and the guide provided worthwhile information.

Whale watching in San Francisco

Arnoud_W, Jul 2019

A great tour was started from the famous Pier 39. Before the native Sea Lions were awake, the crew of the Kitty Kat already did their best to make their guests feel at home for their tour at sea. Once clear of the Golden Gate bridge the throttle went open and the catamaran was racing towards some whales who’s position was accurately passed on by fishermen in the area. On board marine zoölogist Sydney was teaching the guests about the life and where abouts of the magnificent creatures we were about to see. No less then four whales were spotted during the trip together with some porpoises, seals, sea lions and a lot of birds that were actually pointing out the presence of the whales. Captain Joe, First mate Allyson and Second mate Jacob meanwhile were assuring our safety on board and looking out for our best interest. All in all it was a great trip, absolutely worth taking. One last thing to realise is that by going on this trip, the crew is able to fund their research into the travelling habits of the whales with the purpose of enforce regulations for maximum speed of ships in the whale season to make the environment safer for man and whale!

A whale of a time!

Daniel M, Jul 2019

Allison and the rest of the tour crew did a phenomenal job. Not only was the information about the wales and other wildlife interesting and engaging, but they gave a great overview of the city and bay area as well! 10/10 would recommend.

Great Introduction to San Fran

Josh_B, Jul 2019

This was the first tour we took of the area. Although, we did not see any whales, we saw a bunch of other wildlife and had a great view of the city from the water.

Whale Watching

Joanne T, Jul 2019

This is a great few hours, we saw whales and other wild life with a great team on board who are very knowledgeable. However motion sickness can be a problem so get some travel sickness medication and take some sick bags just in case Also wear some water proofs it can get wet from the waves Enjoy

Wet

Jennifer_S, Jun 2019

The ride out was more eventful than anything. 3 hours out - we came back w/ no whale sightings and soaked!

Well worth the time and money

Mary G, Jun 2019

This is a woman owned business. They hire educated knowledgeable staff. I chatted with the photographer and he knew so many interesting scientific facts about whales. On board there was a marine biologist that gave running documentary of what we were seeing and what to look for. Seeing the whales was exhilarating. The only minor downside is that when the boat is on full throttle the sound system was very difficult to hear and I know I missed a lot of interesting things being said.

See nothing.

BeeGekJenny_L, Jun 2019

The sea waves was terrible, vomited badly and bought 4 bags of vomit to the shore. Bad experienced will never go for this kind of sea activities again. For I know that nothing to blame the organiser as this is reality of nature.

It's only a bay tour

Michel_N, Jun 2019

Sorry, but we didin't see whales..... The title of the program is - San Francisco Golden Gate Whale-Watching Tour........

Great Tour

Chris_V, May 2019

Friendly and knowledgeable tour guides. Saw 2 whales one in the Bay and the other past the Golden Gate. Well worth the $$

Whales!

Beth_S, May 2019

We saw WHALES!! The crew was incredible, their message of and love of the whale and their habitat needs to be heard. Thank you!

Beautiful Day

Sunshine18802531040, May 2019

It was a great day for a boat ride, although we didn't see any whales there were sea lions and porpoises out and about. It was relaxing and fun! The crew were very friendly and knowledgeable and made the cruise that much more enjoyable! Thank you !!

No whales? -- NO PROBLEM!

Judi_J, May 2019

I treated my Midwestern family of eight (ages 7 to 70) to this tour yesterday. We learned firsthand that Nature doesn't always cooperate with our plans. After more than two-and-a-half hours of searching, we were unable to come up with a single whale. Our captain took us well out into open water and on a lengthy return trip around Alcatraz island, extending our time on the water considerably. He was so determined to satisfy everyone! Finally, just as we were five minutes from the docks, he learned of a whale within range. We turned and flew out to find it. The captain was kind enough to warn us about the potential for spray during this jaunt, so most of us took shelter in the cabin. When we arrived at the location, it took us a few minutes, but we finally did get a siting. Whew--Mission accomplished! Although everyone joins a tour like this hoping to see spectacular whale breaches, we know that's rare. I didn't get the sense that anyone on the boat was disappointed. Naturalist Rachel did a great job of pointing out other wildlife in the Bay, Straights, and open water. She reminded us of the importance of taking care of these beautiful creatures, helping us to realize that we can do something about it. The scenery, both natural and city skyline, was incredible. That alone made the trip worth the time and cost. I highly recommend this tour for anyone, but do understand that if you see whales you are indeed fortunate. There are no such guarantees. THANK YOU KITTY KAT CREW!

Very fun!

Climber05406010803, May 2019

It was great! Definitely worth going. The speaker gave out a lot of useful and practical knowledge based off of whales and what is happening to them. I was able to see 2 different whales!