Best Sf Boat Tour: A Visitor's Guide

San Francisco is known for its iconic landmarks, including the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz, and Fisherman's Wharf, which can be seen from the water on a variety of boat tours. From sunset sails to whale-watching excursions, there are plenty of options to choose from. Here are some of the most popular ones:

- Red & White Fleet's Golden Gate Bay Cruise: A one-hour cruise that takes visitors under the Golden Gate and Bay Bridges, past landmarks such as Coit Tower and Oracle Park.

- Blue & Gold Fleet's Escape from the Rock: A 90-minute tour that includes a sail around Alcatraz with narration detailing escape attempts and stories of its infamous inmates.

- Adventure Cat Sailing Charters: Small tours on a catamaran that can be customised to your preferences, including getting up close with sea lions at Pier 39.

- Alcatraz Cruises: A cruise to the former prison of Alcatraz, combining a boat ride with a walking tour of the island led by park rangers.

- Bay Voyager – Touch of Gold Excursion: An adventurous 90-minute tour on a 12-person rigid-inflatable boat, taking you under the Golden Gate and Bay Bridges, and passing by Alcatraz, Fort Point, and more.

- San Francisco Whale Tours: A 2.5-hour whale-watching tour to see humpback whales, harbour seals, dolphins, porpoises, and other sea life in the bay.

Alcatraz Island Prison Tour

Alcatraz Island is one of San Francisco's most iconic sights. Located in the San Francisco Bay, the island was the site of the United States' first lighthouse, but it later became a federal penitentiary from 1934 to 1963. The prison housed famous convicts such as Al Capone and George "Machine Gun" Kelly. Today, Alcatraz is part of the Bay Area's 80,000-acre Golden Gate National Recreation Area and is one of the city's most popular attractions.

A visit to Alcatraz Island includes a tour of the cell house, where visitors can see the intact main prison block with its steel bars, small cells, mess hall, library, and "dark holes." The island is accessible by ferry from Alcatraz City Cruises, which departs from Pier 33. The ferry ride to the island takes approximately 12-15 minutes each way. Alcatraz tickets are all-inclusive, covering the ferry transportation service, the cell house audio tour, and the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act fee. The cell house audio tour is available in multiple languages, including English, Spanish, French, German, Italian, and Mandarin, and can be purchased in advance along with ferry tickets.

The National Park Service recommends making advanced ticket reservations for Alcatraz Island, as tickets can be hard to find for same-day and next-day tours. Reservations can be made online, by phone, or in person, and tickets are typically made available 90 days in advance. Visitors can also opt for an evening guided tour of Alcatraz, which includes a narrated boat tour around the island, guided tours from the dock to the main prison building, and "Doing Time: The Alcatraz Cellhouse Tour."

In addition to the prison tour, Alcatraz Island also offers visitors the opportunity to explore its complex history and natural beauty. In 1969, Indigenous activists occupied Alcatraz for 19 months, advocating for freedom and Native American civil rights. The island also features "The Big Lockup: Mass Incarceration in the United States" exhibit, which provides insights into the American prison system through the stories of formerly incarcerated individuals, scholars, and criminal justice advocates.

Golden Gate Bay Cruise

The Golden Gate Bay Cruise is one of San Francisco's most popular cruises, offering panoramic views of the city's skyline and the world-famous Golden Gate Bridge. The cruise has been running for nearly 85 years, with several daily departures throughout the year. It is a good option for those who want to see the highlights of San Francisco in a short amount of time.

The cruise is a one-hour tour that departs from the heart of historic Fisherman's Wharf at Pier 43 1/2 or Pier 41. As you sail along San Francisco's breathtaking waterfront, you'll pass by the city's remarkable cityscape, the lively neighbourhood of North Beach, the famous swimming clubs of Aquatic Park, historic vessels moored at Hyde Street Pier, and the San Francisco Maritime National Park.

As you head west towards the Golden Gate Bridge, you'll view Fort Mason and the Marina District, which was damaged in the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake. You'll then take in views of Crissy Field and the lush hillsides of the Presidio – both former Army installations – that are now part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. Don't miss the incredible photo opportunities while cruising directly under the massive 4,200-foot-long, 746-foot-high span of the Golden Gate Bridge.

After passing under the bridge, the cruise makes a turn and heads back under it once more. From here, you'll get to see Angel Island and Alcatraz Island up close. You'll slowly cruise around the infamous Alcatraz Island, hearing stories from inmates and historians about the famous prison. On your way back to Fisherman's Wharf, you'll pass by the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge and Coit Tower.

The cruise offers award-winning narration available in 16 languages, as well as a free multi-language audio tour available in nine languages. The audio tour provides an in-depth history and commentary on San Francisco and its famous attractions. The cruise also has a full cocktail bar and snack bar available on board.

The Golden Gate Bay Cruise is a great option for those looking for a comprehensive and convenient tour of San Francisco's top attractions. With its frequent departures and affordable price, it is a popular choice for visitors wanting to experience the beauty and history of the city from the water.

Whale-watching

The tour guarantees whale sightings, with humpback and gray whales being the most common types of whales spotted. Other marine life that can be seen includes harbor seals, harbor porpoises, California sea lions, and various sea birds. The boat will get within 300 feet of the whales but will not touch, swim with, or feed the wildlife.

Passengers are advised to bring warm clothing and waterproof jackets, hats, and gloves, as well as comfortable non-slip shoes. It is also recommended that passengers prone to motion sickness take preventative measures, such as medication. Food and beverages are not included in the cruise, but passengers are allowed to bring their own, including beer and wine.

San Francisco Whale Tours has received mostly positive reviews, with many praising the knowledgeable and friendly crew, as well as the excitement of seeing whales and other marine life. However, some negative reviews mention issues with seasickness, overcrowding, and difficulty seeing the whales from a distance.

Sunset cruise

San Francisco is known for its stunning scenery, and one of the best ways to experience the city's beauty is from the water at dusk. Here are some options for sunset cruises in the San Francisco Bay Area:

Straight to the Gate Access: San Francisco Bay Twilight or Sunset Cruise

This cruise offers outstanding views of the city skyline, Golden Gate Bridge, the San Francisco Bay Bridge, and Alcatraz Island. The cruise includes background music, and you can choose between a sunset or twilight cruise, depending on the time of year. This is a good option if you're looking for a flexible trip on a larger vessel.

San Francisco Bay Sunset Catamaran Cruise

This cruise takes you past Alcatraz Island and underneath the Golden Gate Bridge. With an experienced captain at the helm, you can relax and enjoy the stunning views as the city skyline begins to light up for the night.

Straight to the Gate Access: Golden Gate Bay Cruise

This narrated cruise takes you 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 the boat or out on deck, making this a good option if you want the flexibility to be outdoors or stay inside.

San Francisco Bay Sailing Cruise

On this sailing cruise, you'll sail past the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz Island, and the hamlet of Sausalito. This is a good option if you're looking for great photo opportunities and the chance to enjoy the sea breeze during your tour.

2-Hour Sunset Sail on the San Francisco Bay

Come aboard the Privateer for a sunset sailing journey along the San Francisco Bay. You'll enjoy a drink of your choice while taking in sights like Alcatraz, the Sausalito shoreline, and the Golden Gate Bridge.

Red and White Fleet City Lights Cruise

This two-hour evening cruise showcases the city's stunning skyline as it sparkles at night. You'll enjoy breathtaking views of the Golden Gate Bridge from the middle of the bay, making it the ideal way to end your day. Red and White Fleet is a local, family-owned business committed to the environmental sustainability of San Francisco Bay.

Bridge to Bridge Cruise

The San Francisco Bridge to Bridge Cruise is a 90-minute cruise that takes you under both the Golden Gate Bridge and the Bay Bridge. The cruise offers unbeatable views of the San Francisco skyline and other famous sights, such as Alcatraz Island, Coit Tower, the San Francisco Ferry Building, and the Transamerica Pyramid. The cruise also includes an award-winning audio narration, available in 16 languages, that provides interesting facts about the city's landmarks, history, natural history, architecture, and Native American culture.

The cruise is offered by the Red and White Fleet, which has been operating sightseeing cruises in San Francisco since 1939. The cruise departs from Pier 43 1/2 in the heart of Fisherman's Wharf, with several daily departures available year-round. Tickets for the cruise can be purchased online or in person, and it is recommended to arrive 30 minutes prior to departure as boarding is on a first-come, first-served basis. The cruise also features a full cocktail bar and a snack bar, with both cash and credit card accepted.

The Bridge to Bridge Cruise is a popular option for those looking to take in the iconic sights of San Francisco from the water. It offers a slightly longer duration than the standard 60-minute bay cruise, providing more time to enjoy the stunning views and learn about the city. The cruise has received positive reviews, with many highlighting the incredible views, informative narration, and convenience of the departure location.

Overall, the San Francisco Bridge to Bridge Cruise is a great choice for those looking to experience the beauty and history of San Francisco from the water. With its convenient departure location, stunning views, and informative narration, it is sure to be a memorable part of your trip to San Francisco.

Frequently asked questions