Bay Cruises

Bay cruises at the Wharf can be booked in two ways:

1. Online: Click on a tile above to advance to the online cruise booking areas. This lets you reserve your spot ahead of time, making it ideal for groups and during busy seasons (like summer and fall).
    

2. In-person: Bay cruise ticket offices are along the waterfront (and they are not necessarily right next to the cruise launch points). You can show up to these ticket offices in person to book a spot on a bay cruise. Since cruises operate on a first-come-first-serve basis, there may be limited options for in-person booking.

Most bay cruises last between one and two hours.

Some excursions and specialized tours, such as whale watching, can last up to 4 hours because it takes time to get to more distant locations that are part of the experience. 

Each cruise and boat–based tour in the Bay will specify its run time when you’re buying tickets, so you know what to expect and the timeframe to plan around. 

It’s never “too early” to book a bay cruise if you know that’s what you want to do when you’re in the City. That said, it’s generally best to try to book San Francisco Bay cruises at least a week or two in advance for ample availability and more options. 

As you’re planning a boat tour of the Bay, please keep in mind that:

• Weekends and holidays are particularly busy times. 

• Same-day tickets may be available for some Bay cruises, but there are no guarantees.

• In the busiest seasons, some bay cruises sell out well in advance.

Layers!

The Bay can get chilly, even on warm days. Layering can keep you warm while giving you some flexibility to adjust for comfort and varying temperatures. 

So, it’s usually a good idea to wear or bring the following on a bay cruise: 

• A warm, weatherproof jacket

• Comfortable, close-toed shoes

• Sunglasses, hats, and sunscreen for daytime bay cruises

Prices vary by the type of cruise. Generally, most sightseeing cruises range from around $30 to $75 per person (on the lower end) to upwards of $100 per person (for fancier, VIP experiences).

With bay cruise pricing, it’s important to keep in mind that: 

• Adult ticket prices tend to cost more than youth tickets.  

• Some bay cruises may offer early booking discounts or reduced prices during slower seasons.

• Specialty cruises, like San Francisco dinner cruises, whale-watching tours, and wine-tasting cruises, are typically priced higher.

Arrive at least 30 minutes before your scheduled departure, so you can check in and board.

Yes, Bay cruises run throughout the year, but schedules may vary, depending on the season and weather conditions. 

Summer months are generally busier for bay cruises (and Fisherman’s Wharf) while winter tends to be less crowded.

Bay cruises are perfect for anyone who wants to experience San Francisco in a whole new way.

Couples looking for a romantic evening, families with kids, solo travelers, and even corporate groups can find a bay cruise option to suit their needs.

That can include anything from sightseeing and whale watching to wine tasting, adventure sailing, and San Francisco Bay dinner cruises.

Booking a bay cruise is simple and hassle-free. Most SF Bay cruises depart from PIER 39, PIER 41, or nearby docks. 

When you know what bay cruise you want to take and when you want to go, here’s how it all works: 

1. You book the bay cruise you want online (or in person), selecting your departure time on the day you want to set sail.
    

2. You show up at the cruise launch point at least 30 minutes before departure time on the day of the cruise.
    

3. You check in for your cruise, usually at a kiosk or ticket office at or near the departure point.
    

4. You board, sit back, and enjoy the bay cruise experience!
    

5. When the cruise is over, it’ll dock at the departure spot, so you can deboard and get on with your adventures at the Wharf.

Fisherman’s Wharf and our waterfront neighbors offer many different types of San Francisco Bay cruises to suit various interests and offer fresh perspectives you simply can’t get on land. 

The following highlights some of the most popular bay cruises at the Wharf, explaining a little more about what each has to offer.

Blue & Gold Fleet 

The Blue & Gold Fleet at PIER 41 Marine Terminal offers one of the most popular options for seeing the Bay by boat.

In these daily 60-minute cruises, you can glide by iconic landmarks, like Alcatraz and the Golden Gate Bridge, enjoying narrated “fun facts” about San Francisco. This bay cruise is a great way for first-time visitors to take in the City’s best sights.

Red and White San Francisco Bay Cruises

As a family-run operation since 1892, Red and White San Francisco Bay Cruises Is a 1-hour narrated tour that passes under the Golden Gate Bridge and circles Alcatraz.

Launching from PIER 43 ½, this historic bay cruise is ideal for:

1. Those who want a deeper understanding of the Bay’s history

2. International visitors, as this tour offers multilingual audio options.

San Francisco Whale Tours 

Looking for adventure and a chance to see marine life in real life? If so, the San Francisco Whale Tours at PIER 39 offer a thrilling journey into the Pacific to spot migrating whales, as well as dolphins, sea lions, and other marine wildlife. 

Guided by marine experts, San Francisco Whale Tours can be delightful adventures that bring you closer to nature, let you take in the Pacific, and put you in front of some gorgeous sea creatures!

Wine Tasting on the Bay

For a more relaxed, upscale experience, Wine Tasting on the Bay can put local wines in your hands while taking you on a serene cruise across the Bay’s scenic waters.

Operating out of PIER 39, this Bay cruise is a 90-minute sail, featuring a variety of wines from Northern California. As a delightful blend of sightseeing and local spirits, this cruise can be perfect for couples, wine lovers, and groups.

ACsailingSF 

Sailing enthusiasts will love ACsailingSF at PIER 39. Offering an authentic America’s Cup racing experience, this bay “cruise” will put you on an actual race boat, zipping across the Bay waters at exhilarating speeds while taking in stunning scenery. This can be an ideal option for sailing enthusiasts, adventure lovers, outdoor thrill seekers, and anyone else looking for a more thrilling way to experience the Bay.

Adventure Cat Sailing Charters

For an equally fun and chill experience, Adventure Cat Sailing Charters offers a 90-minute sunset sail or a daytime sail that glides by the Golden Gate Bridge. Operating at PIER 39, this Bay cruise will put you on a spacious catamaran, with plenty of room to move around and enjoy panoramic views of the City.

Bay Voyager

For a more intimate and adventurous ride, Bay Voyager offers small-group RIB (rigid inflatable boat) tours, providing a closer-to-the-water experience unlike any other. Operating at PIER 39, Bay Voyager will take you around the Bay’s hidden gems on a high-speed boat, providing a thrilling ride with expert narration. On this boat tour, you’ll get the chance to explore places that larger vessels can't reach, all while getting up close to landmarks and wildlife for unbeatable views, photos, and videos.

Book a bay cruise to get new experiences, views, and memories you can’t get elsewhere. 

Historic, iconic, and breathtaking, the San Francisco Bay is a wonderful place to get to know the City, explore its waterfront, and take a deeper dive into all sorts of opportunities.

That’s why Bay cruises and boat tours can be a fantastic choice for locals, visitors, and people of practically any age.

Don’t take our word for it, though — book your SF bay cruise to experience the wonder first hand!