San Francisco Golden Gate Bay Cruise
4.7 / 5 · 1,770 traveler reviews
Experience San Francisco’s iconic waterfront with the original San Francisco Bay sightseeing cruise company, family owned and operated since 1892. Departing from Pier 43½ at Fisherman’s Wharf, this one-hour cruise takes you beneath the Golden Gate Bridge and around Alcatraz Island. Learn about the history and landmarks of San Francisco Bay with complimentary audio narration available in 16 languages on personal audio guides—no app or download required. Enjoy panoramic views from the open-air decks or relax in comfortable indoor seating. Along the way, keep watch for local wildlife, including sea lions, pelicans, harbor porpoises and, on occasion, whales. Plans changed or worried about San Francisco’s unpredictable weather? Your flexible, open-dated ticket may be used on any available departure through the end of the calendar year.
Your experience
Stop 1
Departing from Pier 43 1/2 in the heart of Fisherman's Wharf, you'll sail past the San Francisco skyline and view the lively neighborhood of North Beach and San Francisco Maritime National Park.
Stop 2
As you head west toward the Golden Gate Bridge, cruise along Fort Mason
Stop 3
Cruise along the Marina District which was devastated in the 1989 earthquake.
Stop 4
Don't miss incredible photo opportunities when sailing directly under the massive 4,200-foot (1,260-meter) span of the Golden Gate Bridge.
Stop 5
Steaming back into the bay, you'll travel past the wildlife reserves of the Marin Headlands and the legendary town of Sausalito, home to the 1960s flower generation.
Stop 6
Pass by Angel Island State Park to your left.
Stop 7
On your way back to Fisherman's Wharf, look out for the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge and Coit Tower.
Stop 8
After a full hour of exciting sights, the barking sea lions at Pier 39 will welcome you back to Pier 43.
What’s included
- Multilingual personal audio-guide in 16 languages
- One-hour cruise
- "Straight to the gate" access
- Restrooms: Access to clean and convenient restrooms during your cruise.
Not included
- Gratuities
- Food and drinks. There is a full service bar onboard to purchase drinks and snacks.
Meeting and pickup
Please enter in Google Maps: "Red and White Fleet" or "Pier 43 1/2, San Francisco" for exact location and directions. Pier 43 ½ ticket booth (corner of Taylor Street and the Embarcadero) Please come to our location 20-30 minutes prior to the departure time.
Before you go
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Boat crew are trained to provide first aid and CPR support, and first aid kits are readily available on all vessels
- The main deck of each vessel are fully wheelchair accessible
- All cruise vessels offer indoor and outdoor seating, restrooms, and snack bar service.
- Vessels operate on biodiesel - a renewable energy source.
- The award-winning audio narration is available in English, French, German, Spanish, Portuguese, Thai, Mandarin, Hindi, Korean, Japanese, Italian, Russian, Hebrew, Arabic, Bahasa Indonesian and Vietnamese.
- Please come to our location 15-20 minutes prior to the departure time.
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Check the policy for your selected date and option before booking.
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