Water activity

San Francisco: Golden Gate Bay Cruise

Activity provider: Red and White Fleet
Water activity

San Francisco: Golden Gate Bay Cruise

Activity provider: Red and White Fleet

From US$ 38 per person

Sail along San Francisco's breathtaking waterfront, under the majestic Golden Gate Bridge, and around notorious Alcatraz Island. Discover San Francisco's history via an award-winning audio commentary, available in 16 languages.

About this ticket

Free cancellation
Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund
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Covid-19 precautions
Special health and safety measures are in place. Check your activity voucher once you book for full details.
Duration 1 hour
Check availability to see starting times.
Host or greeter
Audio guide included
Spanish, Thai, Vietnamese, Chinese, English, French, German, Hebrew, Hindi, Indonesian, Italian, Japanese, Arabic, Portuguese, Russian
Wheelchair accessible

Experience

Highlights
  • Cruise along San Francisco's waterfront
  • Sail under the Golden Gate Bay Bridge, and around Alcatraz Island
  • Listen to an interesting and award-winning audio commentary, available in 16 languages
  • Look at the former hippy enclave of Sausalito
  • Watch out for dolphins, sea lions, whales, and pelicans
Full description

Cruise around the Golden Gate Bay on a boat tour. Enjoy informative commentary, see sights like Alcatraz Island, and purchase food and drink from the onboard bar.

Launched in 1939 as part of the Golden Gate International Exposition, this 1-hour cruise has been a highlight of any visit to San Francisco for over 75 years.

With 8-14 departures daily from Fisherman's Wharf, you will sail along San Francisco's breathtaking waterfront, under the majestic Golden Gate Bridge, and close to the notorious Alcatraz Island. Discover San Francisco's fascinating history, brought to life through audio commentary broadcast in 16 languages via personal headphones. Look out for wildlife along the way, including pelicans, sea lions, and even dolphins and whales. Sail past the lively neighborhood of North Beach, the famous swimming clubs of Aquatic Park, the historic vessels at Hyde Street Pier, and San Francisco Maritime National Park, before heading west towards Golden Gate Bridge.

Enjoy views of Crissy Field and the lush hillsides of the Presidio, before cruising under Golden Gate Bridge. Steam back into the Bay, traveling past the wildlife reserves of the Marin Headlands, and the legendary town of Sausalito, once home to the 1960s’ flower generation. With Angel Island State Park to your left, cruise around the infamous Alcatraz.

After a full hour of exciting sights, the barking sea lions at Pier 39 welcome you back to Pier 43 1/2. A full bar with drinks, snacks, and merchandise, including logo wear, is available at reasonable prices on board the iconic red and blue sea vessels.

Includes
  • Boat tour of Golden Gate Bay
  • Multi-lingual audio guide
  • Use of onboard bar (purchases at own expense)
  • Snacks and beverages

Select participants and date

Participants

Date

Meeting point

Meet at the Red and White Fleet Box Office, located at Pier 43 1/2 in the heart of Fisherman's Wharf at the corner of Taylor Street and Embarcadero. The office is located right behind the iconic Crab sign. It is highly recommended that you plan ahead and account for possible traffic and/or parking delays.

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Important information

What to bring

  • Camera

Not allowed

  • Smoking

Know before you go

  • This ticket allows you to proceed directly to the boarding line
  • This ticket is only valid for the tour date and time booked
Customer reviews

Overall rating

4.7 /5

based on 1738 reviews

Review summary

  • Guide
    4.6/5
  • Transportation
    4.7/5
  • Value for money
    4.5/5
  • Safety
    4.7/5

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Star rating:

My experience was great! The team was friendly! We departed at 1 which was great because the sun was just doing through. I’d suggest travelers to book afternoon departures if they want better views. However, the bay is beautiful in any weather condition. Checking in is quick and mindless and onboarding is easily accessible, especially for families with strollers. Parking and surrounding eateries are also easily accessible. 10/10 recommend!

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February 12, 2023

Love the history and tours. I especially love the architecture! Alcatraz was interesting to say the least despite the sadness of it. Good restaurants everywhere. Having recently gotten a foot fractured that resulted in me wearing an airboot and carrying a cane, San Fran is a city that is very accommodating to people with reduced mobility. Bravo San Fran!

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November 3, 2022

The boat trip and the team were great. We felt very comfortable. Unfortunately, the audio guide could not be heard from outside on the middle deck. I also found it a pity that the boat only goes under the Golden Gate Bridge for a very short time and then has to turn around again.

October 31, 2022

Product ID: 3285