Two cruises compared
The published bay cruises start at Pier 43½ at Fisherman's Wharf and run year-round. The route of the shorter trip shows the shoreline, the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz. The longer trip goes under both the Golden Gate Bridge and the Bay Bridge. The audio commentary comes in 16 languages.
A bay cruise is not a visit to a prison island. The cruise sails past Alcatraz but does not land. Only the authorized Alcatraz ferry lands visitors on the island. This guide is independent and does not run any cruise.
Prices and lengths in 2026
Published prices for one operator. Your checkout total can differ.
| Cruise | Length | Adults (18+) | Youth (5–17) | Children (up to 4) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Golden Gate Bay Cruise | 60 minutes | $39 | $29 | Free, boarding pass needed |
| Bridge to Bridge | 90 minutes | $48 | $36 | Free |
The operator states that the published prices include taxes, fees, gratuity and a personal audio tour. A voluntary extra tip is possible. Prices can change, so look at the booking page on the day you buy.
Our picks: bay cruises
An hour on the water, a catamaran trip or a two-hour evening cruise.
Hand-picked tours, booked through GetYourGuide. Prices are indicative starting prices in US dollars (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Catamaran cruise under the Golden Gate Bridge
A catamaran trip on the bay. Refreshments can be bought on board; tips are not included.
Check availability →
Two-hour city lights cruise
A two-hour boat trip on the bay. Food, drinks and tips are not included.
Check availability →
One-hour Golden Gate bay cruise
Sixty minutes on the bay with an audio guide in 16 languages and seating inside and out. Food and drinks are extra.
Check availability →Bay cruises and San Francisco tours
Boat trips, bridge tours and day trips from San Francisco, with live prices and availability.
Which cruise suits you
Length is the main difference.
60 minutes: the short version
The Golden Gate Bay Cruise is the quick option if you have one free hour. It passes the bridge and Alcatraz and uses the same pier as the longer cruise.
90 minutes: Bridge to Bridge
This trip adds the Bay Bridge. You get the Golden Gate Bridge from below plus the second major bridge of the bay. If the weather looks rough, check the operator's notices on the day.
Fog, wind and views
Fog is common on the bridge, especially in summer, and no cruise can promise a clear view of the towers. Autumn is often clearer. See the best time guide. Wildlife sightings cannot be promised either.
Booking rules and tickets
Read these before you pay.
Refunds and flexibility
Tickets are generally not refundable. For the standard cruises, a ticket can be used flexibly within the same year. Special and holiday cruises are tied to fixed dates. The terms on your ticket decide.
Children
Children up to 4 travel free but still need a boarding pass. The youth price covers ages 5 to 17.
Other operators
Other companies also run bay cruises. Compare length, route, what is included and the meeting point.
Alcatraz and the 2026 closure
If your cruise plan includes the island.
The ferry to Alcatraz leaves from Pier 33 and has its own tickets. Island visits are cancelled from 26 October to 18 November 2026 because of dock work. Reopening is expected on 19 November 2026, but that is not guaranteed. Direct bookings are refunded automatically to the original payment method, which takes 5 to 7 business days.
During part of the closure, the ferry operator advertises a 90 minute bay cruise from 26 October to 1 November 2026 without a landing. Check the operator's page for the price. Details for the island itself are in the Alcatraz guide.
A ferry to Sausalito instead
A transport option, not a sightseeing cruise.
If you want to cross the bay to Sausalito, the ferry leaves from the terminal behind the Ferry Building at the foot of Market Street. That is not the same place as Fisherman's Wharf. A one-way adult fare from 1 July 2026 is $8.50 with Clipper or a contactless bank card, or $14 for a paper ticket. Youth, seniors and riders with a recognized disability pay $7. Children up to 4 ride free, at most 2 per paying adult.
The crossing takes about 30 minutes on most sailings, though one early weekend trip is listed at an hour. The last departure from Sausalito in the April 2026 timetable was 6:30 p.m. on weekdays and 6:55 p.m. on weekends and holidays. Gates close 1 minute before departure. More in the Sausalito guide.
Plan the rest of your trip
Pair the cruise with a view or a day out.
Sausalito
Ferry, bike route and the waterfront promenade.
Best time and fog
When the bridge is more likely to be clear.
Best viewpoints
See the bridge from land before or after your cruise.
Fisherman's Wharf is also a handy place to stay if you plan several boat trips. See where to stay for the areas.
San Francisco bay cruise: frequently asked questions
How much does a bay cruise cost?
In 2026 the 60 minute cruise lists $39 for adults and $29 for ages 5 to 17. The 90 minute Bridge to Bridge cruise lists $48 and $36. Children up to 4 are free.
Where do the cruises leave from?
From Pier 43½ at Fisherman's Wharf. The Alcatraz ferry uses a different pier, Pier 33.
Does a bay cruise land on Alcatraz?
No. The cruise passes the island without landing. Only the authorized Alcatraz ferry lands visitors.
Does the cruise go under the Golden Gate Bridge?
The 90 minute Bridge to Bridge route is listed as passing under the Golden Gate Bridge and the Bay Bridge. A clear view of the towers depends on fog and weather.
Are tips and taxes included?
The operator says the published prices include taxes, fees, gratuity and a personal audio tour. You can still add a voluntary tip.