San Francisco bay cruise: which one to book?

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

The cruises compared here

The four cruises leave from Fisherman's Wharf: two from Pier 39 and two from Pier 43 1/2. All have an English-language listing. Prices and scores are those on the listings on 3 November 2026.

The one-hour cruise is the only one with real volume of reviews, 295.

1What each cruise does

The Golden Gate Bay Cruise lasts an hour and goes under the Golden Gate Bridge and around Alcatraz, with a prerecorded audio guide. The catamaran cruise lasts 90 minutes and has a cabin and an outdoor deck. The Sunset Boat Ride lasts 90 minutes and includes a drink and a snack. The Bay Sunset Cruise lasts 90 minutes from Pier 41 or two hours from Pier 43.

2Price and cancellation

Prices start at €33.97 for the one-hour cruise, €46.66 for the Bay Sunset Cruise, €71.07 for the catamaran cruise and €73.30 for the Sunset Boat Ride. All four cancel free up to 24 hours before.

3Which one to book

Book the one-hour cruise if you want the standard trip at the lowest price and with the most reviews. Book the Sunset Boat Ride if a drink and a snack matter. Book the Bay Sunset Cruise for the cheapest evening option. The catamaran cruise has a 9.8, but from only 12 reviews.

The cruises compared here

Sightseeing · Day

San Francisco Golden Gate Bay Cruise

A one-hour cruise from Fisherman's Wharf under the Golden Gate Bridge and around Alcatraz Island, with an audio guide, from €33.97.

from €33.97

9.1/10 from 295 reviews on Civitatis

  • 1 h
  • Not stated
  • No food
  • Red & White Fleet office, Pier 43 1/2, Fisherman's Wharf

Who it suitsFirst-timers who want the standard bay cruise: one hour from €33.97, rated 9.1 from 295 reviews, the most reviewed on this page. The ticket is valid for 15 days after the date you pick.

Sources: Civitatis catalogue. Checked on 3 November 2026.

Sightseeing · Day

San Francisco Bay Cruise on a catamaran

A 90 minute catamaran cruise from Pier 39, near the sea lions, with views of the skyline, the bridges and the islands, with an English audio guide, from €71.07.

from €71.07

9.8/10 from 12 reviews on Civitatis

  • 1 h 30 min
  • Not stated
  • No food
  • Pier 39, Gate J

Who it suitsPeople who want a longer cruise on a catamaran with a cabin to shelter in. It is rated 9.8, from only 12 reviews.

Sources: Civitatis catalogue. Checked on 3 November 2026.

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 San Francisco cruise has the most reviews?

The Golden Gate Bay Cruise, with 295 reviews and a 9.1. The other three have between 12 and 38.

Do the cruises go under the Golden Gate Bridge?

The listing for the one-hour cruise says it sails under the Golden Gate Bridge and around Alcatraz. The other listings mention views of the bridge and the bay.

Is a drink included?

Only on the Sunset Boat Ride, with one drink per person and a snack.