San Francisco sunset cruise: which one to book?

By the Boattripo team · Updated 3 November 2026 · 2 min read

The cruises compared here

Both cruises have the same score. They differ in the pier, the price and what is included. Data from the listings on 3 November 2026.

1Route and pier

The Sunset Boat Ride leaves from Pier 39, Gate J, near the sea lions. The Bay Sunset Cruise leaves from Pier 43 1/2, with a 1.5 hour option from Pier 41 and a two hour one from Pier 43. In winter, from late November to early March, the longer option follows an itinerary focused on the city lights.

2Price and what is included

The Sunset Boat Ride costs from €73.30 with one drink and a snack. The Bay Sunset Cruise costs from €46.66 with the boat ride only. Both cancel free up to 24 hours before.

3Which one to book

Book the Sunset Boat Ride if you want a drink and a snack in the price. Book the Bay Sunset Cruise if you want to save about €27. Neither is wheelchair accessible.

The cruises compared here

Evening cruise · Sunset

San Francisco Sunset Boat Ride

A 90 minute sunset cruise on San Francisco Bay from Pier 39, with a drink and a snack on board, from €73.30.

from €73.30

8.6/10 from 34 reviews on Civitatis

  • 1 h 30 min
  • Not stated
  • Pier 39, Gate J

Who it suitsCouples and anyone who wants the bay at sunset with a drink and a snack included: 90 minutes from €73.30, rated 8.6 from 34 reviews.

Sources: Civitatis catalogue. Checked on 3 November 2026.

Evening cruise · Sunset

San Francisco Bay Sunset Cruise

An evening cruise of 90 minutes from Pier 41 or two hours from Pier 43, with views of the Golden Gate Bridge in the evening light, from €46.66.

from €46.66

8.6/10 from 38 reviews on Civitatis

  • 2 h
  • Not stated
  • No food
  • Pier 43 1/2, Fisherman's Wharf

Who it suitsPeople who want the cheapest sunset cruise: from €46.66, rated 8.6 from 38 reviews. From late November to early March the longer option follows a winter itinerary focused on the city lights.

Sources: Civitatis catalogue. Checked on 3 November 2026.

Quick questions

Which one is cheaper?

The Bay Sunset Cruise, from €46.66, against €73.30.

Do the sunset cruises have a guide?

The Sunset Boat Ride has an audio guide through a QR code. The Bay Sunset Cruise listing mentions no guide.

Where do they leave from?

The Sunset Boat Ride from Pier 39, Gate J, and the Bay Sunset Cruise from Pier 43 1/2, at Fisherman's Wharf.