Best Tours on San Francisco Bay
San Francisco Bay is home to numerous amazing bay tours and cruises—so many that it can be tough to pick which one to choose. The great thing is that having a wide variety of choices means there is something for everybody. Whether you enjoy a pleasurable trip or an adrenaline-packed adventure, our recommendations on the best tours on San Francisco Bay by boat would likely be a big help while you’re planning your trip to the city.
This article covers the best tours on San Francisco Bay. Tours. We discuss the best options for your needs. But first, boat tours come under different categories: Tourist cruises, sailing tours, Alcatraz Cruises, Dinner cruises, whale watching just to name a few.
With these suggestions, we hope you’d find the tours or cruises that match your dream trip to San Francisco Bay.
Cruises on San Francisco Bay
There are so many ways to cruise on San Francisco Bay. Below are some suggestions for anyone who wants to enjoy the sights, relax, and learn more about this historical and cultural city. San Francisco is home to some of the most iconic views from the water. Wether you are seeking out Alcatraz, the Golden Gate Bridge, the Bay Bridge, city lights, Marin or the East Bay you can’t beat the view from the water. It is rare that while on a boat, you don’t see wildlife too. The sea lions, seagulls, harbor porpoise are just a few of the to be expected sights on the more rare but still happens you could see a shark, harring, whale and all kinds of exotic birds. It is magical.
1-Hour Bay Cruise
The usual route of this cruise starts at Fishermans Warf, then to the Golden Gate Bridge. The boat will then go towards Sausalito, Angel Island, and Alcatraz Island before heading back to the dock. Because of this route, many also know it as the “Golden Gate Bay Cruise.” This cruise is perfect for those who have limited time for exploring San Francisco Bay.
The best one-hour sailing tours on the Bay are provided by:
The Red and White Fleet
Audio tours via headphones are also available in 16 languages. This cruise runs every day from Pier 43 ½. For tickets and more details, check out RedAndWhite.com. This is a public tour so get there early to get a good seat.
The Blue and Gold Fleet
This ferry also has a large deck, a snack bar, and audio tours in 9 languages. It runs every day from Pier 39. To find out more information or purchase a ticket, visit BlueandGoldFleet.com.
3-hour private tour
Small Groups: We might be biased but we think Blue Skies is the best boat for small groups up to 6 people to get a custom tour of SF.
Blue Skies is a charming and affordable motor yacht for a small group of up to 6 passengers of all ages to charter on the San Francisco Bay. She is one of the most comfortable trawler boats available for hire in the San Francisco Bay Area. Beautifully maintained in bristol fashion, she has original teak decks and fully varnished brightwork and interior space as well as a fly bridge for 360 degree viewing..
The CHB 35- Trawler has decks on both the bow and stern of the boat. There is another deck on top of the cabin known as the flybridge as well as a bridge deck.
The cabin has windows one all four sides allowing for 360-degree views of the surrounding Bay waters. Guests can take a break from the elements at any time without missing a thing! She also has two restrooms, and plenty of interior and exterior space.
THE Blue Skies FEATURES:
Salon with table, bench seating and kitchenette- This means you and your guests can sit inside and enjoy the views without being exposed to the elements. The space is clean, warm, and well appointed.
Easy boarding (very minimal steps)- guests of all ages can find a spot onboard and be comfortable both inside and out
Two Restrooms
Two helm stations so your captain and crew can join your group and tell tales of sailing on the bay and the local history or your group can have privacy, even conduct a meeting if need be.
Self-catering is preferred. You can grab your favorite adult beverages (beer and wine preferred) as well as snacks. If you are from out of town, let us know and we can give suggestions or arrange catering for you. After all, being on the water just makes food taste better, kind of like camping!
A cooler full of ice upon request
STARTING PRICE:
Three hours = $1,150 including a docking fee of $100. Gratuity is not included.
Blue Skies is an ideal yacht for small birthday parties, marriage proposals, elopements, sunset cruises, picnicking, marine photography, small company outings, executive meetings and intimate ash scatterings or memorials.
3- hour private sail on a tall ship for up to 49 guests
Do you have a large group? Why not consider our gorgeous 72-foot Schooner to host your group for an event on the water!
We typically sail from:
12:00 am- 3:00 pm
4:00- 7:00 pm
custom time slots are also available- sunset cruises, weddings, Corporate Events, Birthdays, Weddings, Bachelor & Bachelorette Events, Rehearsal Dinners, Day After Wedding Brunch, Wine Club Events & Food Pairings, Memorial Ash Scatterings, Whale Watching & Nature Cruises, Guest Speakers Symposiums, Bay Cruises
We would LOVE to take you all out sailing!
Our historic-style yacht is designed like no other on the bay with your absolute comfort in mind. If you would like to see a recent event on our traditional yacht here is a link:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qQD_ZrF81uI
She boasts wide decks topside and a speakeasy-like open and spacious “living room” below the decks. Here is a video of the interior of Gas Light: https://youtu.be/TtkGYHYpr0Q is complete with a full bar, lounging couches, and a long mahogany table that is a great place to get out of the elements and to enjoy each other in a relaxed and cozy environment.
Our Experienced Captain and Crew will recruit anyone wanting to help hoist the sails and then share their knowledge of San Francisco’s enchanting history and the many beautiful sights along the waterfront in an effort to enhance the experience for all aboard. Your "crew" can participate at their own interest level. Participation is always encouraged but voluntary. Our captain and crew are enthusiastic about sharing their knowledge and encourage you to take the helm or help raise the sails.
Our base rate for Gas Light is $3,800 / 3-hour sail. While most of our charters are 15-25 people we can accommodate up to 49 people. This rate includes the Port of San Francisco taxes, insurance, fuel captain, and crew. Additional time billed at $1200 an hour
We can customize the food and beverage options to fit your budget and desires. Catering is available or you are welcome to bring your own food. Again, let us know what you have in mind and we will put together an estimate for you. Some of our most popular items are listed here: https://www.baylightscharters.com/new-page-2
Bar- We are fully licensed by the state of California. We have Beer, Wine, and Cocktails available.
**No outside alcoholic beverages are allowed.
The beverage service is based on the type of service.
-Cash Bar prices range: $7 - $13
- Hosted (open) bar is $45 per person.
-Drink tickets can be pre purchased at $10 each. These are good for beer, wine, cocktails, and hard seltzers. This is a good way to buy the first round for your guests.
You are welcome to meet the boat in Marina Bay in Richmond for a docking fee of $350.
San Francisco at Pier 40 by the Giants Stadium the docking fee for SF is $450.
Sausalito is also an option, Horseshoe Cove has a commercial dock, this location is tide dependent check with us to see if your timing works. docking fee is $650.
** above total does not include gratuity for the Captain and crew. Most people tip 15-20% of the charter rate, like a restaurant
To reserve your preferred date and time, we require a deposit of the charter rate. The balance is due 7-10 days before your sail when we confirm the final details.
Please reach out to me at 415-405-5279 or email me at allie@baylightscharters.com so I can find out more about what you are looking for and how we can accommodate your needs.
Our Captain and Crew are here to accommodate your vision, our goal is to meet and exceed your expectations for fast and friendly service.
Sunset
Compared to the Sunset Cruise earlier, this one offers a more intimate experience of watching the sunset while sailing on San Francisco Bay. The smaller vessel Blue Skies is best for quick, romantic getaways, where you can catch the Bay transitioning from its lively daytime cheer to a more relaxed vibe at night.
The cruise runs for 3-hours minutes. The path it takes includes trips towards the Golden Gate Bridge and around Alcatraz Island. You can go for either indoor or outdoor seating according to your mood, remember you can bring your own choice of food and. beverages at no additional cost.
The sun sets at different times depending on the time of the year. The departure time of the Sunset Catamaran can also change. We have lots of locations to choose from!
Special Event Cruises
Three events are ideal for celebrating while on a tourist cruise on San Francisco Bay:
New Year’s Eve,
Fourth of July, and
Fleet Week.
As such, if you’re going to be in the area during these dates, be sure to check out if you can book a special event cruise as well.
Expect an impressive fireworks show during New Year’s Eve and on the Fourth of July.
Find a Cruise on San Francisco Bay
Alcatraz Cruises
Though the Alcatraz prison isn’t your typical tourist destination, many tourists still visit this dark, historic island every year. The remains of the prison that once housed some of the country’s most notorious criminals continue to fascinate and satisfy the morbid curiosity of locals and tourists alike.
Aside from the Alcatraz prison, the island also features some buildings from the Civil War era and the Alcatraz gardens. It also offers a fantastic view of the Golden Gate Bridge.
Guests can enjoy Alcatraz cruises in two ways. One involves a tour that centers around the island only, while the other option combines the Alcatraz cruise with other popular San Francisco tours.
Interesting Fact:
The notorious mob boss Al Capone played banjo in the Alcatraz prison band, the “Rock Islanders.” They performed every Sunday for the prison guards and inmates of the federal prison.
The best way to go on an Alcatraz cruise is through the Alcatraz City Cruises, the authorized ferry concessionaire of the National Park Service. They sell tickets to different kinds of Alcatraz tours. These are:
Day Tour
This tour runs every day, starting at around 9 AM to 10 AM, depending on the day and season. There is a 30-minute to 60-minute interval between each slot, and the return trip leaves the island every 60 minutes.
The boat ride to Alcatraz takes only about 15 minutes. Though there are no activities or presentations on the ferry, you can still enjoy the views of the San Francisco Bay for its entire duration.
If it’s your first time visiting Alcatraz, exploring the island can be done with the aid of the tour guides or through the audio tour guide that comes with the ticket.
Night Tour
Night tours to Alcatraz run from Thursday to Monday. Unlike the Day Tour, the ferry goes around the island as a narration of the island’s history plays. Afterward, the ferry docks at the island, and tourists are allowed to explore the area in groups with the guidance of the Park Service staff.
Some people prefer the Night Tour over the other options because fewer people book this trip. The lectures and stories given by the tour guides are also well-appreciated by the many visitors. Moreover, access to some restricted areas, such as the gun gallery, is given during the Night Tour as part of its special evening programs.
Behind the Scenes Tour
This limited tour involves the usual activities from the Night Tour, but with the added 2-hour guided tour of the Alcatraz prison and its surroundings.
The actual route differs depending on the tour guide and the ongoing repairs, but in general, it may take you to the dungeon cells, underground tunnels, as well as the hospital and chapel of the prison.
All Alcatraz tours are given for free by volunteers or the Park Rangers. What you pay for is the ferry ride to and from the island. Ticket price varies depending on the tour and the age group of the visitor.
Many tourists opt for packages that combine an Alcatraz cruise with another San Francisco Tour for more value for money. You can find many providers of tours here are some suggestions of the most popular combo day tours include:
Alcatraz Cruise + Wine Country
This tour takes 2-days, so be ready to spend the first day on the Rock and the second day on the wineries in Napa and Sonoma counties.
Alcatraz Cruise + Helicopter Tour
Get an aerial view of the city before boarding a cruise to Alcatraz Island. Each helicopter ride lasts for 20 minutes, but it’s more than enough to see the best views of the city and its iconic landmarks. The Alcatraz part of the trip comes with an audio tour that includes commentary from actual former inmates of the Rock.
If you prefer to explore Alcatraz at night, the best combo tour packages are:
Alcatraz Cruise + Silicon Valley
While these two don’t seem to go hand in hand, many tourists find this package fun and educational. During the daytime, you would get to visit the headquarters of some of the biggest tech companies in the world, including Apple and Google. The trip would also give you access to the Computer History Museum. Afterward, head to Pier 39 for a cruise to Alcatraz Island. It’s fascinating to see the city’s progression over the years, and this combo tour offers a glimpse of that.
Alcatraz Cruise + Yosemite
Be closer to nature at Yosemite park with this package that comes with an all-day bus tour. Then, you can drop by the Aquarium of the Bay before going on the Alcatraz cruise at night.
Alcatraz Cruise + Cable Car City Tour
Your trip to San Francisco is not complete without riding its cable cars. During the day, you can explore the city while aboard an authentic cable car. The stops for this package include the best city tourist destinations, such as the Golden Gate Bridge and the Palace of Fine Arts. by evening, head to the docks for a cruise to Alcatraz Island.
Credits for helping to write this blog include: Boating Services, Exploring San Francisco BayTags tours on San Francisco Bay