A visit to San Francisco wouldn’t be complete without getting on a boat and taking a sail or cruise on the San Francisco Bay, around Alcatraz Island and under the Golden Gate Bridge. In this article we list the Top 4 boat tours in San Francisco based on feedback from our customers over the years.
#1 San Francisco Bay Cruise
Take a 1 hour cruise of the San Francisco Bay. Departing from Pier 39, you will sail past the famous sea lions before entering into the San Francisco Bay and cruising along San Francisco’s historic waterfront, revealing the city’s iconic skyline. The highlight of the cruise is sailing underneath the world famous Golden Gate bridge giving you great views of the bridge and the bay.
On your return journey to Pier 39 you will sail around Alcatraz, the notorious former island prison.
The San Francisco Bay Cruise tour is a comfortable cruise and has both indoor and outdoor seating to choose from. The tour is fully narrated and describes the major landmarks of the city as you sail by them. Narration is available in multiple languages via an app on your mobile device.
You haven’t truly experienced San Francisco until you’ve taken cruise in the San Francisco Bay.
#2 Sunset Sailing Cruise
Sunsets over San Francisco are quite something to witness. This 90 minute Sunset Sail is perfect for those who want a serene, romantic experience. Talk about the the perfect date night! Included with the ticket are two complimentary beverages (wine, beer or soda) and light hors d’oeuvres.
Departing from J Dock at Pier 39 You will board either a 55 or 65 foot catamaran then sail off into the Bay! Relax on the catamaran, sip some local California wine out on the deck or inside the cabin with intimate tables and comfortable seating.
Whether you live in the Bay Area or are visiting from out of town, there is no better way to see sunset in San Francisco than from the bay. Watch the city light up behind you and see the Golden Gate bridge silhouette in the fading sunlight.
#3 Escape From The Rock
The Escape from The Rock cruise is a 90 minute cruise around the San Francisco Bay with focus on Alcatraz Island. As you cruise you will hear fascinating accounts of escape attempts by the likes of Clyde Johnson, Billy Cook and more famously Al Capone who spend 4 1/2 years in the unforgiving island penitentiary.
The cruise will also take you under the Golden Gate Bridge which makes for some great photo opportunities as you get to see the bridge up close and from many unique angles compared to being on land.
A free multi-language audio tour is now available in nine languages: English, Spanish, Mandarin, Italian, French, Japanese, Korean, German & Taiwanese. Please bring your Wi-Fi enabled device to access the tour.
#4 Whale Watching Cruise
This 2 1/2 hour trip will take you outside the San Francisco and out to the Pacific Ocean in search of whales and other marine life. The knowledgeable crew will teach about the local marine life and keep their eagle eyes on potential whale sightings so have your camera ready to go.
Possible highlights include:
Humpback Whales
Harbor seals, dolphins, porpoises and seabird colonies
Views of the Golden Gate Bridge and gorgeous Bay Area shorelines
What to Bring:
Warm Clothes, jackets, hats and gloves (waterproof), Comfortable non-slip shoes, Food and beverages of choice, Sun protection, Cameras, Binoculars, Blankets.
