Explore one of California's most iconic settings from the beauty of San Francisco Bay. This narrated Golden Gate Bay cruise journeys alongside Alcatraz and Angel Island State Park, past the shores of Sausalito and beneath the Golden Gate Bridge. You can choose to view the sights from inside your boat or out on deck.

Cruise under the Golden Gate Bridge and by Alcatraz Island
Admire Sausalito, the Marin Headlands, Angel Island, and more
Comfortable indoor and outdoor seating (plus food and drinks to purchase)
Open ticket gives you the flexibility to choose any departure time

What's Included

One-hour cruise
Multilingual audio-guide in 16 languages
"Straight to the gate" access

Gratuities
Food and drinks. There is a full service bar onboard to purchase drinks and snacks.

Meeting and Pickup

Meeting point

Red and White Fleet San Francisco Bay Cruises
Pier 43 1/2, San Francisco, CA 94133, USA
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.

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

What To Expect

Your Golden Gate Bay cruise departs from Pier 43 in the heart of San Francisco's popular Fisherman's Wharf, home to many of the city's seafood restaurants. As the boat makes its way out into San Francisco Bay, you'll have great views of the San Francisco skyline, as well as the bustling North Beach neighborhood and the waterfront Maritime National Park.

Over the next hour you will cruise the waters of San Francisco Bay on a guided tour, meandering west along Fort Mason and past the Marina District — which took a hard hit in the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake — en route to the Golden Gate Bridge. Make sure and look up when sailing beneath the bridge's massive 4,200-foot (1,260-meter) span: it's a photo-worthy view that few people get to see.

Turning around in the waters where the Pacific Ocean meets the bay, you'll return east past the Marin Headlines and the harbor town of Sausalito, a favorite day getaway spot for San Francisco visitors. Continue alongside Angel Island State Park, often called 'The Ellis Island of the West,' and then cruise past the Alcatraz Island, home to the legendary former federal prison.

Heading back toward Fisherman's Wharf, soak up great views of the impressive San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge and Coit Tower, a tall and slim concrete monument named for the eccentric Lillie Hitchcock Coit, an early 20th century-patron for the city's firefighters. Fisherman Wharf's famous sea lions will undoubtedly be barking their welcomes as your cruise returns to port.

Tickets are flexible, so the departure time and date of this round-trip day cruise are up to you, and are valid up to one year from the original booking date. All cruise vessels include indoor and outdoor seating, public restrooms, and a seasonal snack bar. Audio narration is available in multiple languages.

San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park (Pass By)

Fort Mason, the Great Meadow (Pass By)

Marina District (Pass By)

Golden Gate Bridge (Pass By)

Marin Headlands (Pass By)

Angel Island State Park (Pass By)

San Francisco Bay Bridge (Pass By)

Pier 39 (Pass By)

Additional Info

Confirmation will be received at time of booking
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
Wheelchair accessible
Stroller accessible
Service animals allowed
Near public transportation

Transportation is wheelchair accessible
Most travelers can participate
All cruise vessels offer indoor and outdoor seating, restrooms, and seasonal 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 20-30 minutes prior to the departure time.
This tour/activity will have a maximum of 400 travelers

Cancellation Policy

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

For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.

Cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time.
This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.

Traveler Photos

Featured review

Tonya_J

The views were breathtaking. Alcatraz is historic and the history of its origins is fascinating. The Golden Gate Bridge was a site to behold. We enjoyed the cruise! The staff were welcoming and friendly. I would highly recommend this valuable experience.

Reviews

4.5

1,180 reviews

Total review count and overall rating based on Viator and Tripadvisor reviews

Reviews by Viator travelers.

We perform checks on reviews

Showing 1-10 of 1,180 reviews

Awesome experience

Neha_G, Apr 2024

Awesome experience, would definitely recommend to anyone visiting San Francisco. The weather was perfect for an awesome view

Great cruise. Value for money

Mark_W, Apr 2024

Great cruise, value for money. Staff were professional and accommodating. Cruise takes you right under the Golden Gate Bridge for those photo opportunities and around Alcatraz

Boat cruise review

Angela_W, Apr 2024

Very nice ride! We went under the Golden Gate Bridge and around Alcatraz. There were 2 stories on the boat that we were on.

Response from Host, Apr 2024

Thank you for sharing your fantastic experience on the cruise! We're thrilled that you found it excellent especially enjoying Alcatraz and capturing stunning pictures of San Francisco, Golden Gate Bridge, and Alcatraz. Your positive feedback means a lot to us, and we look forward to welcoming you back for more unforgettable moments.

Leisure and easy cruise

LEAN_S, Apr 2024

This is a leisure and fuss free ride. Not crowded, and got a good view of the Golden Gate and Alcatraz despite the fog

Response from Host, Apr 2024

Spectacular

Tonya_J, Apr 2024

Response from Host, Apr 2024

NICE GOLDEN GATE BRIDGE AND CITY VIEWS

Ray_D, Apr 2024

I grew up in The City. This week I was taking my adult son back there to visit. The Bay Cruise hit all the high points. The audio narration was very well done - lots of history as you cruised by. But I would love to have Red & White spend some time getting the sound working better up on the open top deck. When I sent below, it was perfect, but almost unintelligible topside.

Response from Host, Apr 2024

Thank you for sharing your fantastic experience on the cruise! Your feedback means a lot to us, and we look forward to welcoming you back for more unforgettable moments.

Amazing Experience

EoryLaura_B, Apr 2024

It was an amazing experience. My family and I had a great time with this cruise, perfect weather despite very windy but overall, it was Wonderful!!! I will definitely recommend.

Response from Host, Apr 2024

Thank you for sharing your fantastic experience on the cruise! We're thrilled that you found it excellent! Your positive feedback means a lot to us, and we look forward to welcoming you back for more unforgettable moments.

Good

Chantal_G, Apr 2024

Golden gate bridge and all the information provided was great. The tour was a good time amount for what was seen.

Response from Host, Apr 2024

Family friendly!

Alejandra_R, Mar 2024

We got a perfect day to be out on the bay with this cruise. Staff and everyone there was so nice and it was a wonderful day!

Response from Host, Apr 2024

Thank you for sharing your fantastic experience on the cruise! Your positive feedback means a lot to us, and we look forward to welcoming you back for more unforgettable moments.

Great first glimpse from the Bay

Tommy_L, Mar 2024

Great views of the bay & the bridge, but the canned narration was cheesy and at certain points a little bit culturally insensitive.

Response from Host, Mar 2024

Thank you for your review. We're delighted to hear that you enjoyed the tour. Your feedback on the historical narrative is appreciated.

A Wonderful Experience

Rosalyn_A, Mar 2024

It was a wonderful experience. The weather was perfect and we really enjoyed it. We could see all of the safety precautions they have added to the bridge. I am amazed at the number of people walking and riding bikes over the bridge.

Response from Host, Mar 2024

Thank you for sharing your fantastic experience on the cruise! We're thrilled that you found it excellent especially enjoying the Golden Gate Bridge!

Reunion legendary

Sussan_H, Mar 2024

Enjoying family with perfect breeze and gorgeous views! AnniversaryThe boat was spacious so that we could enjoy it without being crowded.

Response from Host, Mar 2024

Thank you for sharing your fantastic experience on the cruise! Your positive feedback means a lot to us, and we look forward to welcoming you back for more unforgettable moments.

awesome

marcy_l, Mar 2024

everything was organized. I highly recommend this boat tour. The boat was clean. The audio was perfect. Snacks and drinks available. Worth the money.

Response from Host, Mar 2024

Thank you for sharing your fantastic experience on the cruise! We're thrilled that you found it amazing. We appreciate your kind words about our boat and audio tour! Your positive feedback means a lot to us, and we look forward to welcoming you back for more unforgettable moments.

Quick relaxing informative fun!

Darryck_D, Mar 2024

The visual current of the water in the bay! Of course being under the bridge! :) This is a nice quick trip if you have a tight schedule. Perfect with much history of the area told.

Response from Host, Mar 2024

Thank you for sharing your fantastic experience on the cruise! We're thrilled that you found it amazing and beautiful, especially enjoying Alcatraz and capturing stunning pictures of the Golden Gate Bridge. Your positive feedback means a lot to us, and we look forward to welcoming you back for more unforgettable moments.

Nice experience

Wendy_N, Mar 2024

It was a nice experience! Very friendly staff and accommodating. It was a bit windy and chilly, but we enjoyed it!

Response from Host, Mar 2024

Thank you for sharing your fantastic experience on the cruise! We're thrilled that you found it amazing and beautiful. Your positive feedback means a lot to us, and we look forward to welcoming you back for more unforgettable moments.

Rodeo on the Boat

David_R, Mar 2024

Trying to stand up at the front of the boat in gale force winds in a downpour. It was quite scary but more fun than scary. Will always remember it.

Response from Host, Mar 2024

Thank you for sharing your fantastic experience on the cruise! Glad to hear how much fun you had! Your positive feedback means a lot to us, and we look forward to welcoming you back for more unforgettable moments.

Perfect SF Boat Day

monica_s, Feb 2024

The Boat was on time. The weather was great, the bar service and the ability to walk around was great. Bathrooms were clean too! My family loved the trip! Worth it for sure!

Response from Host, Mar 2024

Thank you for sharing your fantastic experience on the cruise! We're thrilled that you found it amazing and beautiful! Your positive feedback means a lot to us, and we look forward to welcoming you back for more unforgettable moments.

Because of Viator it was...

Marisabel_A, Feb 2024

Because of Viator it was hard to enjoy my trip. I requested a refund because I double booked, and I wrote to customer service several times. the company it's self-confirmed I booked twice, and they couldn't do anything about it. The trip was super windy obviously out of their control, but it was nice and there were only about 15 people on the entire boat it was informative, and the staff was kind.

Response from Host, Feb 2024

We apologize for the inconvenience that was caused on your trip. Thank you for your positive comments about the cruise and our staff. Your positive feedback means a lot to us, and we look forward to welcoming you back for more unforgettable moments.

Awesome bay views

susan_a, Feb 2024

Professional staff and knowledgable guide provided a stellar bay experience. I won’t give away the details of how much I learned - you’ve got to go yourself. Family friendly - several toddlers and senior citizens on board. There was plenty of room on our cruise. There appeared to be a full bar and snacks available. Price was pretty good! Definitely a 👍.

Response from Host, Feb 2024

Fun way to see the sights!

Jennifer_C, Feb 2024

This was a wonderful way to see all the sites in one go! Highly recommend!! The cruise was great and the narrative was interesting. Bring a sweater though, it gets cold!

Response from Host, Feb 2024

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