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San Francisco Bay Cruise – tickets, prices, discounts, what to see

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San Francisco Bay Cruise is one of the best ways to discover the city’s historical attractions, marine life, lush terrain, magnificent islands, and skyline.

Bay Cruise should be a must on your bucket list while traveling through San Francisco. 

These harbor cruises take you around the city’s well-known attractions while providing all the entertainment options in one place. 

The tour lets you glide through the city while enjoying lunch and drinks with your family and friends. 

This article covers everything you must know before buying Bay Cruise San Francisco tickets.  

What to expect on a San Francisco Bay Cruise?

A Glimpse into San Francisco Bay Cruise

Many tours can help you explore San Francisco, but nothing can match Bay Cruises, which gives a unique experience. 

Sail under the iconic Golden Gate Bridge, the stuff of cinema and architecture legend.

Start your journey from Fisherman’s Wharf and head west towards the Golden Gate Bridge after sailing by the bustling North Beach neighborhood and the well-known swimming clubs of Aquatic Park.

Witness the historic ships at Hyde Street Pier and San Francisco Maritime National Park and travel past the wildlife reserves of Marin Headlands while drifting along the San Francisco riverside.

From the deck, catch sights of the ominous Alcatraz Island and have an expert guide fill you in with the thrilling stories from the infamous maximum security prison.

Food and drinks are available on board for purchase.

TicketCost
San Francisco: Golden Gate Bay CruiseUS$38
Escape from The Rock Bay CruiseUS$47
San Francisco Bay Sunset Cruise by Luxury CatamaranUS$85
San Francisco: Bridge to Bridge CruiseUS$48
San Francisco Sunset CruiseUS$50
Golden Gate Bridge Catamaran CruiseUS$70

Where to book tickets

Tickets for Golden Bay Cruises are available online and at the tour agency office.

Online ticket prices tend to be cheaper than tickets at the attraction.

When you buy online, you can avoid the long queues at the ticket counters. 

Because Golden Bay Cruises sells limited tickets, they may sell out during peak days.

Booking early helps avoid last-minute disappointments.

How do online tickets work

Visit the ticket booking page Golden Bay Cruise, select the preferred date, time slot, and number of tickets, and buy the tickets immediately.

Once you purchase tickets, they get delivered to your email address.

There is no need to get printouts of the ticket. 

Show the e-ticket on your smartphone at the entrance and walk in. Please carry a valid ID with you.

Cost of San Francisco Bay Cruise tickets

The cost of tickets for the San Francisco Bay Cruise depends on the type of cruise you book. 

The San Francisco: Golden Gate Bay Cruise tickets cost US$38 for all visitors aged 18 years and above. 

Kids aged 5 to 17 get a discount of US$9 and pay only US$29 for entry.

Infants under five can hop on for free.

The Escape from The Rock Bay Cruise tickets are priced at US$47 for all visitors aged 19 to 64 years. 

Children aged 12 to 18 years get a discount of US$10 and pay just US$34 for the cruise. 

Seniors aged 65 years and above enjoy the same discount and pay US$37

Tickets for kids aged 5 to 11 years cost US$34. 

Infants under five can hop on for free.

The San Francisco Bay Sunset Cruise by Luxury Catamaran costs US$85 for all visitors. 


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San Francisco: Golden Gate Bay Cruise tickets 

This ticket gives you access to the most popular Bay Cruise Tour.

Get on the cruise at Fisherman’s Wharf and sail around Alcatraz Island, beneath the Golden Gate Bay Bridge, and along the San Francisco riverside.   

Admire the views of Crissy Field and the lush hillsides of the Presidio. 

Keep an eye out for pelicans, dolphins, sea lions, and whales, and look at the enclave of Sausalito. 

Sip on your favorite beverage as you sail along the North Beach, the swimming clubs of Aquatic Park, the historic ships at Hyde Street Pier, and San Francisco Maritime National Park. 

Listen to an informative and noteworthy audio commentary about the history of San Francisco that is offered in 16 languages. 

The Tour is wheelchair-friendly, and food and beverages can be bought at your own expense.

Ticket Prices

Adult Ticket (18+ years): US$38
Youth Ticket (5 to 17 years): US$29
Infant Ticket (up to 4 years): Free

Escape from The Rock Bay Cruise tickets

If you are somebody who loves crime documentaries, you will love this cruise. 

Get a sight of the infamous Alcatraz Island and see the impenetrable prison from every angle. 

This Alcatraz prison housed Clyde Johnson, Billy Cook the Killer, and Al Capone.

The 90-minute narrated boat trip around Alcatraz Island includes a cruise around San Francisco Bay and a passage beneath the Golden Gate Bridge.

Hear stories about the terrifying escape attempts and the legendary criminals in the language you’re comfortable in. 

Ticket Prices

Adult Ticket (19 to 64 years): US$47
Youth Ticket (12 to 18 years): US$34
Child Ticket ( 5 to 11 years): US$37
Senior Ticket (65+ years): US$37

San Francisco Bay Sunset Cruise by Luxury Catamaran tickets

Get on the luxury cruise as you sail along Alcatraz Island, the Golden Gate Bridge, and Sausalito.

Look at the beautiful San Francisco skyline as it sets over the Pacific Ocean.

Watch out for aquatic animals, including the renowned sea lions at Pier 39.

Enjoy the beautiful sunset while sipping on the complimentary drink provided onboard.

An audio guide in a language of your choice is included in the trip

Ticket Price: US$85

San Francisco: Bridge to Bridge Cruise tickets

Get ready to take a leisure cruise around the bay and port of San Francisco. 

Learn about the city’s history and sights as you cruise below the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge and the Golden Gate Bridge. 

A live tour guide will be present with you, and you can also opt for an audio guide.

This tour is wheelchair accessible.

Ticket Prices

Adult Ticket (18+ years): U$48
Youth Ticket (5 to 17 years): US$36
Infant Ticket (up to 4 years): Free

San Francisco Sunset Cruise tickets

The tickets to this tour will let you cruise along the bay in the evening.

Experience a quiet, romantic night with your loved one as you cruise the San Franciso skyline at night. 

Look at the beautiful San Francisco Bay at night and enjoy the beauty of this bay. 

See famous landmarks such as Coit Tower and the Transamerica Pyramid as you cruise the San Francisco Bay. 

This cruise has indoor and outdoor seating and is wheelchair accessible.

Keep an eye out for the following sites:

  • Coit Tower
  • Transamerica Pyramid
  • St. Peter
  • Paul’s Church
  • San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge
  • Alcatraz
  • Angel Island
  • Tiburon, Belvedere and Sausalito shorelines
  • Presidio
  • Marina District
  • Fort Mason

Ticket Prices

Adult Ticket (18+ years): US$50
Youth Ticket (5 to 17 years): US$38
Infant Ticket (up to 4 years): Free

Golden Gate Bridge Catamaran Cruise tickets

Enjoy the San Francisco Bay Cruise as you cruise along the Golden Gate Bridge and enjoy a fantastic view of Alcatraz Island on a 90-minute tour.

Feel the breeze and keep an eye out for sea lions.

The captains on the cruise will keep you energized and entertained from start to end.

Ticket Prices

Adult Ticket (13+ years): US$70
Child Ticket (6 to 12 years): US$35
Infant Ticket (up to 5 years): Free

San Francisco Bay Cruise timings

The Bay Cruise timings in San Francisco depend on the cruise you select.

The Golden Gate Bay Cruise starts at 11 am. 

The Sunset Cruise by Luxury Catamaran starts at 6 pm while the Bridge to Bridge Cruise starts around 4 pm.

We advise showing up at the departure port 15 to 30 minutes early. 

Most cruises allow passengers to board 30 minutes before departure.

Book your tickets early to ensure you get the time slot that fits your schedule the best!


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How long does San Francisco Bay Cruise take

Type of CruiseTime Taken
San Francisco: Golden Gate Bay Cruise60 minutes
Escape from The Rock Bay Cruise90 minutes
San Francisco Bay Sunset Cruise by Luxury Catamaran90 minutes
San Francisco: Bridge to Bridge Cruise90 minutes
San Francisco Sunset90 minutes
Golden Gate Bridge Catamaran Cruise90 minutes

What to wear on cruise

On the San Francisco Bay Cruise, wear casual attire, like t-shirts, tops, cargo pants, and shorts.

To prevent sunburns and tans, don’t forget to wear sunscreen.

It can get chilly onboard, so carry warm clothes.

Wear soft-soled shoes on the cruise.

Popular attractions in San Francisco

# Alcatraz Island
# San Francisco Zoo
# California Academy of Sciences
# Monterey Bay Aquarium
# San Francisco aquarium
# Exploratorium
# San Francisco MoMA
# De Young Museum
# San Francisco Bus Tours
# Madame Tussauds
# San Francisco Bay Cruise
# San Francisco Ghost Tour
# The Tech Interactive
# San Francisco Dinner Cruise
# SFO Go Car Tour
# Legion of Honor Museum
# Walt Disney Family Museum
# Museum of 3D Illusions
# 7D Ride Experience

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Check out all the things to do in San Francisco

This article was researched & written by

Edited by Rekha Rajan & fact checked by Jamshed V Rajan

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