speed boat tours san francisco

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• Rocket Boat

By  Karen

Updated August 22, 2023.

The Rocket Boat

Sun, speed and rock and roll.

Ready for a wild ride on San Francisco Bay?

Note:  the current Rocket Boat was retired in 2019, and they were planning on introducing a "new and improved" version in the spring of 2020.

Alas, we are still (2023) awaiting its return!

But a good substitute is available now :

The Bay Adventurer!  Highly rated. Another speed boat, an inflatable one in this case, zooms around the bay for 90 minutes.

They even provide rain gear, because it does get wet.

This article contains affiliate links and I get a small commission if you book through them, at no additional cost to you. See  affiliate disclosure . This helps me provide all the free information on the site. Thank you!

The route goes past Alcatraz and under the Golden Gate Bridge, and the Captain narrates a tour of the passing sights.

It's called an RIB, or "rigid inflatable boat".

Check it out at  The Bay Adventurer tour .

It leaves from the left side of Pier 39, so you can see the sea lions as you're coming and going.

Check rates & availability

5 star rating

• 90 minute ride
• Past Alcatraz, the sea lions, & Coit Tower
• Go under the Golden Gate Bridge
• Lots of fun!

I haven't been on the new one, but I've seen it out on the bay and it looks like a lot of fun!

There's a limit of 12 people and it sails every day except in winter.

It's a wild and wet ride, so it's not recommended for pregnant travelers, those with back or heart problems or kids under 4.

When to Go: the Bay Adventure Boat

The Bay Adventure Boat runs May through October (unless the weather is "inclement", whatever that means, probably raining or rough seas). Fortunately, there is hardly ever rain during those months.

The months of September and October are usually the sunniest months, with May, June and July foggier.

There are several trips each day, and the boats run daily. 

Check availability and booking .

When is the best time to visit San Francisco? Here's my guide on when to visit the City .

Here's the original ride...

The original Rocket Boat was a 30 minute ride.

Here's what it was like. Probably similar to the current Bay Adventure boat, but shorter.

Leaving from Fisherman's Wharf, next to Pier 39, is one of the most exhilarating adventures on the wharf.

The Rocket Boat takes a group of voyagers for a fast speed boat ride out onto SF Bay, under the Bay Bridge, and zooms past the city skyline and Oracle Park.

There are warnings about riding with back and neck problems, but I thought it was milder than a typical roller coaster.

There were a couple of good jolts as the boat hit a few big waves, but overall it was just speed, wind and sun for a wonderful 30 minutes.

The combination of classic rock and roll, incredible views, wind in your hair, and flying across the water at 60 mph, truly lifts the spirits. Looking around at my fellow passengers, I saw lots of big grins. What a rush!

I've seen this boat at Fisherman's Wharf for years, and finally ventured out on it. I had a great time and would highly recommend it.

It's not only a fun ride, but you get a tour of SF Bay: past the sea lions, Alcatraz (from a distance), right underneath the Bay Bridge, Oracle Park, and close-up views of the city skyline from the north and east vantage points.

At one point, the speed boat races towards the Ferry Building at full speed, then swerves away.

Lots of spins and tilts, crossing of the ship's wake, and the chance to see the huge container ships passing by from the Oakland docks towards the sea.

Check rates and available dates and times for the Bay Adventure Boat.

There are lots of really fun boat tours on San Francisco Bay!

Here's my list of the ones that I would pick as the best SF Bay cruises .

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• Bay Cruises

San Francisco Bay Tours: My 10 Favorite Boat Cruises on the SF Bay

by Jill Loeffler   •

Updated: February 12, 2024

There are so many great San Francisco bay tours and boat cruises that it can be hard to find the perfect one.

I've been on almost all of them and have a few thoughts on all of them.

I hope it will help you decide which one is right for you.

Some of the most popular picks by visitors include the standard 60-minute bay cruise as well as some of our sunset cruises.

If you are looking for something a little fancier, you will find a wonderful Dinner Dance Cruise offered by Hornblower. 

You can also head out past the Golden Gate Bridge to get in some whale watching while you are here or take a special cruise to watch the fireworks on Fourth of July or New Year's Eve.

Disclaimer : I receive a small commission from some of the links on this page.

3 Top Rated Bay Cruises

• Golden Gate Bay Cruise : Most popular, runs often, 60 minutes
• Premier Brunch Cruise : 2 hours, buffet brunch, unlimited mimosas and sparkling wine, great views!
• Twilight/Sunset Cruise : Head out on the water in the evening as the sun sets, 90 minutes

1. Golden Gate Bay Cruise

Tour Length: 60 minutes

Tickets : Book your tickets

As I mentioned in my intro, this is by far the most popular cruise and a go to for many first-time visitors.

It offers a great overview of the SF Bay both from a sightseeing and history perspective. 

These San Francisco boat cruises leave from Fisherman's Wharf several times a day.

It's another reason why they are so popular--because they run the most often.

These San Francisco bay tours are offered by both the Gold and Blue Fleet and the Red and White Fleet.

I've been on the water with both companies several times and they both offer great service.

The only difference is that the Gold and Blue Fleet provides their narration over loudspeakers on the boat while Red and White Fleet hands out individual headsets. 

One benefit to the headsets with Red and White is that they offer narration in several languages, so this is something to consider if English is your second language.

Both SF cruise companies follow almost the same route.

The boat cruise leaves from Fisherman's Wharf and starts out along the northern waterfront.

You head west past several SF sights including Fort Mason , the Marina District and the Palace of Fine Arts .

You will then ride by Fort Point National Historic Site as you head to the main attraction - the Golden Gate Bridge .

After you float under the Golden Gate Bridge, you turn around for a second time under the bridge.

You will head to the northern side of the bay. You'll pass Sausalito , Angel Island and take some time cruising past Alcatraz Island . 

You can catch one of these San Francisco bay tours several times a day.

In the summer, each company offers about a dozen boat cruises. In the winter, it's about 7 to 9 (more on the weekends). 

Your ticket is good for any cruise for that day. When you arrive, you will line up for the cruise and those in front will board first.

However, don't stress too much (unless it's a really busy holiday weekend) as they don't often fill up all the way.

People also move around the boat quite a bit, so you don't really need to be first in line.

You can buy tickets for these cruises either online or in person.

>> Find tickets for this cruise on GetYourGuide

If you want a full write up of what to expect on this tour, you can also visit this page . It's my overview with more pictures and what to expect. In this case, I reviewed my time with the Red and White Fleet.

2. San Francisco Bridge to Bridge Cruise

Tour Length : 90 minutes

Tickets: Book your tickets for this cruise today ! 

My second recommend for San Francisco bay tours is the Bridge to Bridge Cruise.

This one is run by the Red and White Fleet. It's a popular option, but only runs a few times a day. 

They are also usually flexible with timing too on which San Francisco boat tour you can board unless it's a really busy day.

You can stop by their dock at any time to confirm which tour you can go on for the day of your ticket.

It's slightly different from the SF Bay Cruise as this one offers 30 additional minutes on the water. It will follow the same route as above.

However, instead of heading back after circling Alcatraz, you will head on for a trip under the Bay Bridge.

You will also cruise past Treasure Island and the Ferry Building . So, it offers a little more fun on the water for just a few more bucks per ticket.

As with the Bay Cruise, the narration for the Bridge to Bridge Cruise is on personal headsets. You can choose from one of 16 languages on their headsets too.

>> Find tickets

3. San Francisco Champagne Brunch Cruise

Tour Length: 2 hours

The San Francisco Champagne Brunch Cruise is a great option from Hornblower.

What makes this one of my favorite San Francisco bay tours is the combination of the food/champagne and the cruise around the bay in the morning.

The buffet varies a bit throughout the year to allow for seasonal changes.

Some of the items you will find include fresh baked breads, a variety of salads, French toast, scrambled eggs, bacon, home fries, herb crusted beef, ham with country mustards, and SO much more.

And, of course, their house champagne (as well as coffee, tea, water and soda). 

You will cruise along a similar route to what was mentioned in the descriptions above including heading under the Golden Gate Bridge, near Alcatraz, near the Bay Bridge and past other top sights along the water. 

This is a really fun cruise and worth the extra money for a delightful experience.

This San Francisco boat cruise also picks up at Pier 3, which is NOT in Fisherman's Wharf, but instead close to the Ferry Building on the Embarcadero.

>>  Find tickets for all cruises on Viator

4. Twilight OR Sunset Cruise (Depending on the Season)

Tour Length : 2 hours

The Twilight or Sunset Cruise is offered by the Red and White Fleet. The difference between the two cruises is the time of year. 

The Twilight Cruise is offered during the winter months (roughly early November through mid-March). It's called a Twilight Cruise since the sun will already be down by the time the cruise is underway.

However, you do get amazing views of the lights on the Golden Gate Bridge, the Bay Bridge, San Francisco, and all around the SF Bay.

The Sunset Cruise is offered the rest of the year (roughly from mid-March through early November). They change the time this San Francisco boat cruise leaves in order to have you on the water during the sunset.

You will get some great views of the sunset as long as the fog has not decided to make its way into the bay before the sun goes down.

Both cruises follow the same route. They first head along the northern shoreline, then under the Golden Gate Bridge, around Alcatraz, past Treasure Island, under the Bay Bridge and then back to Fisherman's Wharf.

These cruises only leave once a day (and only Thursday through Sunday during the winter months), so your ticket will be for a specific time.

I love this evening cruise as they also serve a nice buffet of appetizers. You can also enjoy a drink or two on board (available for purchase at the bar). There is also a musician on board playing some light music in the background. 

It makes for a really nice evening on the water with family, friends or your romantic partner.

>> Find tickets for this fun cruise

5. Escape from the Rock

Tour Length: 90-minute tour

The Escape from the Rock cruise follows the same path as the SF Bay Cruises for the first 60 minutes. The difference with this one is that it offers an additional loop around Alcatraz as well as more stories about this famous island and its inmates.

In addition to hearing about SF's history, you will also hear more about Al Capone, Robert Stroud "The Birdman of Alcatraz," and those who tried to escape.

This one is very popular, but it only runs a couple of times a day.

Some people get confused by the name and think that it will stop on Alcatraz for a visit.

It does not.

It simply cruises around the island a couple of times, so you get some great views and photos.

This one is a good one if you missed your chance to get tickets to Alcatraz or if you want to see it closer up from the water.

If the timing of this cruise works for you, I would select this one over the standard 60-minute bay cruise as it gives you some great insight into Alcatraz.

6. Wine Tasting on the Bay

Tour Length : 90 Minutes

This awesome cruise is aboard Wine Therapy. This floating wine bar is a blast and allows you to sip on your local wine as you soak in the views from around the SF Bay.

The boat is a 45-foot classic yacht with seating both indoors and out. 

Your cruise starts and ends at Pier 39. You'll then head toward the Golden Gate Bridge, circle close to Alcatraz, enjoy the downtown San Francisco skyline, and then head back to where it all began.

The cruise is 90 minutes. The wine is by the glass and is not included in the price of the cruise.

>> Find out more and check for availability

7. Dinner Dance Cruise

Length: 2.5 to 3 hours

The Dinner Dance Cruise is the first on my list from Hornblower. This company features San Francisco boat tours that I would consider are more for special occasions.

They have larger boats in order to accommodate tables for their dinner dance cruises and they also have a higher price tag because so much more is included with this ticket.

The Dinner Dance Cruise is one of their most popular cruises and it runs a few nights a week (usually around the weekends in the winter and most nights in the summer).

It features a four-course seated meal with a choice of options within some of the courses.

After dinner, you can head outside for views of the SF Bay, enjoy a little dancing on one of their upper decks, or just sit back to listen to the music.

As for drinks, tea, coffee, water, and soda are included with your ticket. Their bar is open the entire tour and you can buy beer, wine and cocktails here.

What I love about these San Francisco boat cruises is that you get some decent views of the bay from almost all of the seats in the dining room. 

The other thing to note about these bay cruises is they do require that you dress up a little bit. No jeans are allowed, and they require business casual dress. 

It's the perfect pick for a romantic date night or upscale dinner.

One of the things to keep in mind with the Hornblower cruises is that they pick up at Pier 3, which is closer to the Ferry Building and NOT near Fisherman's Wharf.

There usually aren't discounts for these San Francisco bay tours, but I do highly recommend booking your tickets early.

They do sell out during the busier travel seasons and holidays. 

>> Visit GetYourGuide for more details and to check for ticket availability

8. Whale Watching

Tour Length : Varies from about 2.5 hours to around 6 hours

The next on my list of the 10 top San Francisco bay tours is our fun whale watching tours .

I'm cheating a little by adding it to this list because most of the time you will be on the Pacific Ocean for this boat tour.

However, you will cruise through the bay to get to and from the ocean.

I also wanted to add this one because these are some of my favorite San Francisco boat tours.

The waters right outside the bay are very active all year long with migrating whales, dolphins, dozens of birds and other sea animals.

These boat cruises are so much fun that it would be a shame to miss your chance to head out for some whale watching.

The Golden Gate Whale Watching tour runs from late April to October. This is the standard summer whale watching tour and leaves from Pier 39 up to 4 times a day.

In 2.5 hours, you will keep an eye out for whale activity and sightings. 

In the winter months, gray whales are migrating through this area and there is a special Gray Whale Sightseeing Cruise. This one runs December - March.

It only heads out once a day and only a few days a week. Even though there are fewer people around at this time, I find this one of my favorite times to head out whale watching. 

The great thing is all of the boat companies work together (you will hear them on the radio) to ensure passengers on all of the boats get the chance to see whales during the cruise.

9. Sunset Catamaran

Tour Length: 90 minutes

This is the second sunset boat cruise on my list of the 10 best San Francisco Bay Tours.

I offer this one as an alternative to the Twilight/Sunset Cruise for a couple of reasons.

First, this bay cruise is smaller and offers a more intimate experience. This one is better if you are looking for a more romantic evening on the water.

There are also fewer people on this boat, so you can get to know people a little better.

Second, this one is more casual.

They do offer a drink which is included in your ticket price.

The catamaran is smaller, but still has plenty of space.

They also have both indoor and outdoor seating. Soft-soled shoes are also recommended so you can easily walk around the catamaran. 

If you love the water and want to spend a relaxing evening cruising around the bay, then this is the tour for you! 

It follows the typical path with two trips under the Golden Gate Bridge, a cruise around Alcatraz, and a chance to see all of the wonderful sights along the water. 

It only runs once a night and the time changes by season to give you the best chance to catch the sunset.

The tour does runs from early March to the end of November.

>> Find tickets to this fun catamaran tour

>> Find some additional night tours on both land and on the water

10. Special Event Cruises

Tour Length : Varies

My final entry for my list of the best San Francisco bay tours is all of the special event cruises. There are several throughout the year for holidays, but three dates offer an extra special experience.

The first two are cruises for our amazing fireworks shows.

On New Year's Eve and Fourth of July, dozens of San Francisco boat tours head out on the water to watch the fireworks shows.

Some of them offer dinner and dancing, while others head out just for the show.

If you are around on either of these dates, I highly recommend one of these cruises.

Find out more about the NYE Cruises  and more on Fourth of July in San Francisco  on this page.

Fleet Week is another time of the year when you will find some special San Francisco cruises. They head out on the water for the very popular airshow that features the Blue Angels.

They offer cruises usually on Friday, Saturday and Sunday during the shows and some also offer cruises during the Blue Angels practice runs. 

Learn more about Fleet Week on this page . 

Comments? Questions? Suggestions?

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It's a great place to interact with me and others who know the area well.

You can ask questions, get advice for your upcoming stay, and then share your photos and advice with others when you return home. It's a great community and the fastest way to get answers to those nagging questions about your visit!

Come join the fun here !

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Golden Gate Bay Cruise

Cruise San Francisco Bay aboard the original. A jaw-dropping one-hour nonstop adventure for your senses. Not to mention the most famous bridge in the world, and an equally infamous island prison.

$38 Adult (18+)

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San Francisco Bridge to Bridge Cruise

Our 90 minute San Francisco Bridge to Bridge Cruise gives you unbeatable views of the San Francisco downtown skyline as you cruise below the world famous Bay Bridge. Then sail past Alcatraz Island, one of the most popular sights on San Francisco Bay and finish with a trip under the iconic Golden Gate Bridge.

$48 Adult (18+)

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California Sunset Cruise

Our two-hour sunset cruise is the perfect way to cap off a day in San Francisco. Ever wanted to see the California sun drop slowly into the Pacific Ocean, framed by the majestic Golden Gate, from the middle of San Francisco Bay? This is your cruise. Yes, people propose on this cruise. A lot.

$58 Adult (18+)

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Event Cruises

Floating Features Cinema on the Bay

Enjoy a unique film experience aboard our hybrid electric vessel, ENHYDRA, as it silently glides across the Bay, offering stunning city views. Choose from outdoor or indoor seating, with screens throughout the vessel, and enjoy a movie night like no other.

Happiest Hour on the Bay

Join us on our 5:30pm Golden Gate Bay Cruise for a 60-minute sightseeing tour of San Francisco Bay and enjoy happy hour pricing on cocktails, beer, wine and non-alcoholic drinks.

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Get ready for heart-pumping excitement as you watch the incredible San Francisco Fleet Week air show headlined by the Blue Angels from the best seats in the house. With our afternoon departures on Friday, Oct. 11, Saturday, Oct. 12, and Sunday, Oct. 13, you'll have a front row seat for all the thrilling aerobatics 

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Fancy a little bus ride with your Bay Cruise?  Discover the most iconic sights of San Francisco on a hop-on, hop-off tour. Sit back and relax in the comfort of one of our open-top buses, as an entertaining audio guide tells you about the city’s unique history.

Alcatraz Island + Golden Gate Bay Cruise Combo

Discover the best of San Francisco with our exclusive Alcatraz & Golden Gate Bay Cruise Combo Package! This unique experience combines a visit to the iconic Alcatraz Island with an unforgettable cruise on the San Francisco Bay, showcasing the city's stunning waterfront and its most famous landmark, the Golden Gate Bridge.

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The 7 best san francisco boat tours and cruises.

Take in the city's major sights by water with one of these excursions.

The 7 Best San Francisco Boat Tours

Courtesy of Bay Voyager

It's no secret that many of San Francisco 's most iconic landmarks, including the Golden Gate Bridge , Alcatraz and Fisherman's Wharf , are best seen from the water. Because of this, there are a variety of boat tours – from sunset sails to whale watching excursions – for San Francisco visitors to choose from. To help you narrow down your search, U.S. News relied on expert input and traveler opinion to determine the seven best San Francisco boat tours.

Bay Voyager – Touch of Gold Excursion

Price: Adults from $99; kids from $89 Duration: 1.5 hours

If you're looking for an adventurous way to tour the bay (and don't mind getting a little wet), consider this tour from Bay Voyager. After boarding the 12-person rigid-inflatable boat, you'll zip under the Golden Gate and Bay bridges, passing Alcatraz, Fort Point and more landmarks along the way. You'll also enjoy expert commentary from your captain – a particular highlight for reviewers. Another high point? Observing the sea lions up close at Pier 39.

Departure times vary by day but may be available at 11:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m., 3:30 p.m. or 4 p.m. Golden Gate bridge tours as well as Golden Gate high speed boat tours cruises are also available.

Check prices & availability on:

Adventure Cat Sailing – Alcatraz Bay Sail

Price: Adults from $65; kids from $35 Duration: 1.5 hours

This boat tour focuses on the history of Alcatraz – a former federal prison that housed some of history's most dangerous felons. Though you won't actually stop at Alcatraz Island, you will sail around the prison for an intimate look at its grounds before passing other San Francisco landmarks, such as the Ferry Building Marketplace and Coit Tower . Throughout the tour, you'll enjoy live commentary from the crew – a highlight for reviewers.

The tour departs from Pier 39 daily beginning at 1:30 p.m. Tours run Thursday through Sunday in November. Boarding begins 30 minutes before setting sail. Sailors can purchase soda, beer and wine for an additional price aboard. Adventure Cat Sailing also offers sunset cruises, among other options.

San Francisco Whale Tours – Golden Gate Whale Watch

Price: Adults from $120; kids from $90 Duration: 2.5 hours

San Francisco's whale activity has been on the rise, making a whale watching tour a smart choice for your next trip. The Golden Gate Whale Watch tour takes you into the bay to see humpback whales, harbor seals, dolphins, porpoises and other sea life that may be swimming just off the shore. Patrons call this tour awesome and incredible, though some express disappointment with the small number of whales spotted.

This excursion is available daily from March through December. Departure times vary by the day, but generally, tours are available from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. The company also offers a Blue Angels air show cruise as well as a New Year's Eve fireworks cruise.

Red and White Fleet – Golden Gate Bay Cruise

Price: Adults from $38; kids from $29 Duration: 1 hour

This tour departs from Fisherman's Wharf and takes you along San Francisco's majestic waterfront for views of the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz Island and more. Audio commentary is available in 16 languages. You may even encounter wildlife, such as sea lions, harbor porpoises and whales, along the way. The Golden Gate Bay Cruise earns mostly flattering praise from reviewers, with some tourists calling it the highlight of their trip.

Tours depart daily from 11 a.m. to 6:15 p.m., with reduced hours in the winter months. The tour also has a cocktail and snack bar, which guests can patronize for an additional price during the excursion. Because this is one of the Red and White Fleet's most popular cruises, the company recommends its California Sunset or Bridge to Bridge cruises for those looking for a break from the crowds.

Blue & Gold Fleet – Escape From the Rock

Price: Adults from $48; kids from $38 Duration: 1.5 hour

Blue & Gold Fleet's Escape From the Rock cruise takes you on a sail around the famous Alcatraz Island. You'll enjoy beautiful scenery and hear audio commentary detailing Alcatraz escape attempts and the various felons who called this former maximum-security prison home. Audio recordings are available in nine languages. Cruisers say this trip provides a variety of great photo opportunities, and they applaud the audio commentary.

The cruise departs at noon and 5:45 p.m. daily from June to the beginning of August. Tour times vary from mid-August through early November. Sunset cruises and day cruises around the bay are also available.

San Francisco Sailing Co. – Sunset Sail

Price: Adults from $129; kids from $64.50 Duration: 2 hours

On this sunset sail, you'll enjoy panoramic views of the city, the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz, among other sights. Plan to take amazing pictures of the sun setting and the surrounding landscapes during a journey reviewers call lovely and the perfect way to spend an evening.

The tour departs every evening from May through mid-January; specific departure times vary by month. Tickets include two glasses of wine, beer, soda or water. Other tours offered by San Francisco Sailing Co. include a 90-minute day sail and a two-hour weekend cruise.

ACsailingSF – America's Cup Experience

Price: $195 Duration: 2.5 hour

Boating enthusiasts won't want to miss this opportunity to sail on an 84-foot yacht once used in America's Cup. This tour takes visitors through the bay for a close-up view of the Golden Gate Bridge and the Sausalito cityfront, among other sights. What's more, participation is encouraged, meaning tourgoers can help the crew hoist and trim the sails and steer the yacht. Tourists give this day sail rave reviews, calling it unique and awesome.

Sails are usually offered at 10:30 a.m. Friday through Sunday, though availability can vary by month. Water and snacks are included with a ticket purchase. Sunset sails and three-hour tours are also available.

You may also be interested in:

• The Best San Francisco Tours
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Best San Francisco Speed Boats

Check real time availability, browse by category, speed boats in san francisco.

• San Francisco Bay: Adventure Boat Tour

Experience the San Francisco Bay at its best, by boat, and see more of the bay than many locals see in a lifetime. This family-friendly boat cruise will get you up close to the bay and its wildlife. Create memories that will last a lifetime.

• 1.5 hours • Guiding available

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Based on popularity and guest reviews, the best bay cruises & boat tours in san francisco are:.

• San Francisco: Inside Alcatraz Tour with Bay Cruise
• San Francisco: Golden Gate Bay Cruise
• San Francisco: Alcatraz with San Francisco Bay Cruise
• San Francisco: California Sunset Boat Cruise
• San Francisco: Skip-the-Line 1-Hour Bay Cruise by Boat
• San Francisco: Bridge to Bridge Cruise
• San Francisco: Golden Gate Bridge Catamaran Cruise
• San Francisco Bay Sunset Cruise by Luxury Catamaran
• San Francisco: Skip-the-Line Escape from The Rock Bay Cruise
• San Francisco: Golden Gate Bridge and Bay Sunset Cruise

Based on popularity and guest reviews, the top Dinner Cruises in San Francisco are:

• San Francisco: Premier Brunch or Dinner Cruise on the Bay
• San Francisco: Christmas Day Buffet Brunch or Dinner Cruise
• San Francisco: Buffet Lunch or Dinner Cruise on the Bay
• San Francisco: Christmas Eve Buffet Brunch or Dinner Cruise

Based on popularity and guest reviews, the most popular San Francisco Daytime Cruises & Boat Tours are:

• San Francisco: Bay Sailing Tour with Drinks

Based on popularity and guest reviews, the best San Francisco Sunset and Night Cruises & Boat Tours are:

• San Francisco: City Lights Sail Under the Full Moon
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Explore the best of San francisco on board a Big Bus Tour. We offer the most comprehensive tour with over 20 hop-on hop-off locations spanning from Fishermans wharf to the Golden g...

Join us on a fun and relaxing Napa Valley Wine Tour with one of our luxury coaches. During our full-day tour from San Francisco, you will visit renowned Napa Valley and Sonoma Wine...

Be doubly delighted in this award-winning combo tour by a morning stroll through an ancient redwood forest and an afternoon of exclusive winery experiences in Californias Napa and ...

Take time out from San Francisco on a half-day trip to Muir Woods National Park and Sausalito. This enthralling half-day trip takes you across the Golden Gate Bridge to the Bay Are...

This experience to the towering granite cliffs and gushing waterfalls of Yosemite National Park and its Giant Sequoias takes off 365 days a year. This is the only 1-day Yosemite Va...

Experience the majesty of Yosemite National Park and join us as we take you on an unforgettable journey into the heart of Yosemite Valley. Travel in comfort on our luxury coach bus...

Cruise along California's spectacular coastline on a relaxing day trip from San Francisco. Follow Highway 1 and enjoy stops at Pigeon Point Lighthouse and in Davenport for a quick ...

This wine tour will take you to the best wineries in Sonoma and Napa County. Our years of experience in quality wine touring has allowed us to share the best kept secrets in value ...

Take the ultimate sunset cruise, California-style! Relax as you enjoy amazing views of San francisco and a light appetizer buffet during this casual two-hour cruise of San francisc...

Delight in a VIP experience exploring Sausalito's best restaurants along the water. In 1-town, 3-hours and 4-farm or sea-to-table-courses, you will be guided by a local s...

Combine a visit to Muir woods and Sausalito with a fabulous cruise on San francisco Bay. You'll cross the Golden Gate Bridge to the Bay area's most popular national monument, visit...

The historic Ferry Building and Alcatraz are two of San Francisco's most prolific attractions. On this not-to-be missed combo tour, you get to see them both in one day. First, enjo...

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About san francisco Speed Boat Tours

Explore the best Speed Boat tours in San Francisco. Offering a delightful experience, these tours are all you need to enjoy your visit to the fullest.

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San Francisco

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The best tours & experiences in san francisco.

San Francisco, known for its iconic Golden Gate Bridge, vibrant neighbourhoods, tech innovation, and scenic beauty, offers a diverse range of cultural experiences.

What to do in San Francsico

• Golden Gate Bridge : Marvel at the iconic bridge with stunning views and photo opportunities.
• Alcatraz Island : Tour the historic prison and learn about its famous inmates and escape attempts.
• Fisherman's Wharf : Enjoy seafood, street performers, and shops in this bustling waterfront area.
• Golden Gate Park : Explore vast gardens, museums, and recreational spaces in this urban oasis.

Discover San Francisco with Civitatis

There are lots of ways of seeing San Francisco with Civitatis. Enjoy a guided walking tour of the city, take a cruise in San Francisco Bay, and enjoy a tour of Alcatraz Island... San Fran has plenty to offer, and you can do it all with Civitatis!

Day trips and excursions from San Francisco

If you're staying for a little longer in the city, you might consider taking a day trip. Make your way to Yosemite National Park , the Monterey Peninsula , Muir Woods  and many more fantastic locations outsidethe city.

Other attractions in San Francisco that might interest you

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Family Fun in San Francisco

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Family Fun for All Ages

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Best family-friendly boat ride in San Francisco

All of our boat tours are family-friendly and fun for all ages! No matter if you choose the Touch of Gold Excursion , Twilight Cruise or the Combo Tour , we are sure you and your family will enjoy the ride. As you tour the SF Bay, Captain Charles provides an engaging and exciting commentary that is easy to understand. All questions are welcome and you will get some of the best views of the Bay Area right from your seat. We are voted the #1 Boat Tour in San Francisco on Trip Advisor by families traveling to the Bay Area from around the world. Hand’s down we are one of the best things to do in San Francisco with kids and on a family vacation.

Narrated by your Captain, you’ll learn something new about the historic Bay area, and view the waterfront in a way unlike any other! Take photos, make memories and see it all up close. Travel faster, farther and closer to the sights than any tour boat on the bay!

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Explore the Bay!

*active duty military and senior rates available, exact route may vary based on tour package, weather, and sea traffic..

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