Explore San Francisco from every angle with this immersive Bus and Boat Tour, a perfect blend of sightseeing, city history and classic Bay Area charm. Start your day on the water, where a 60 minute cruise glides past the city skyline, Alcatraz Island and the iconic Golden Gate Bridge. With the wind in your hair and full narration to guide the experience, it is an easy way to soak in the best views that San Francisco offers. Indoor and outdoor seating make the cruise comfortable in any weather, and the passing landmarks turn even casual snapshots into postcard moments.

Once back on land, the adventure continues with a full day on the Hop On Hop Off bus tour. This double decker ride covers the city’s most beloved neighborhoods, from Fisherman’s Wharf and Chinatown to the Haight Ashbury district and Golden Gate Park. You can stay on board for the full narrated loop or hop off whenever something catches your eye.

Tour Itinerary

San Francisco Bay Cruise

• Board the boat for a 60 minute narrated cruise
• Sail past the Embarcadero, historic waterfront and Coit Tower
• Circle Alcatraz Island for up close views
• Pass under the Golden Gate Bridge for the city’s most iconic photo opportunity

Hop On Hop Off City Tour

Suggested Stops

• Fisherman’s Wharf: See sea lions and sample waterfront treats
• Chinatown: Stroll through vibrant streets and markets
• Union Square: Perfect for shopping and dining
• Haight Ashbury: Discover colorful history and eclectic shops
• Golden Gate Park: Wander gardens, trails and cultural sites
• Golden Gate Bridge: Capture stunning views of the Bay and skyline

Any restrictions to participate?

• Age: All age groups are welcome. Children must have a valid ticket.
• Health limitations: Guests with severe motion sickness or medical conditions affected by boat travel should consult a medical professional before joining.

Who can you accommodate for?

• Children: All participants must pay to participate, children included. Children under 3 years old do not need a ticket.
• Individuals with disabilities:
  • Many buses and boats used on sightseeing tours can accommodate wheelchairs, but space is limited and may vary by departure.
  • Service animals are allowed.
• Languages: Multilingual audio guides are available (language availability varies by route).
• Pets: Pets are not permitted, except for service animals.

What to expect on the day of the experience?

• Duration: The 1-Day Pass allows guests to enjoy the bus tour portions at their own pace throughout the day, plus a boat tour lasting approximately 60–90 minutes depending on the route. Total experience time varies based on personal schedule and engagement.
• What’s included:
  • Unlimited hop-on hop-off access on participating San Francisco sightseeing bus routes for one full day
  • A scenic boat tour featuring views of Alcatraz, the Golden Gate Bridge, and the San Francisco skyline
  • Multilingual audio narration on board
  • GPS-triggered storytelling about major landmarks
• Who will be present: Professional drivers and onboard staff will operate the buses and boats. Other guests will join the same tours and routes.
• Spectators: Only ticketed guests are permitted on the bus and boat.
• Photo / video: Photos and videos are encouraged throughout the experience.
• Specific rules to follow:
  • Guests must follow all safety instructions from bus and boat operators.
  • Standing or moving around the vehicle while it is in motion may be restricted.
  • No smoking or vaping is permitted on board.

How to prepare?

• Weather dependency: This experience runs rain or shine. Outdoor seating on buses and the boat is weather-dependent; indoor seating is available on most vessels.
• Arrival: Plan to arrive 15–20 minutes before your preferred bus or boat departure to secure seating.
• Parking: Public parking garages are available near major boarding points, including Fisherman’s Wharf and Union Square.
• What to wear: Comfortable clothing and shoes. Layers are recommended, as San Francisco weather can shift quickly and boat rides may be windy.
• What to bring:
  • Valid ticket or mobile confirmation
  • Water bottle and sunscreen
  • Camera or phone
• What’s not allowed:
  • Outside alcohol
  • Smoking or vaping
  • Large luggage or oversized items
• Restrooms / lockers / changing rooms: Restrooms are available on most boats and at select bus stops, but not onboard buses.

Anything else I should know before going on this experience?

• Bus schedules and boat departures operate at set times; guests should check the timetable before planning their route.
• Hop-on hop-off availability may vary during peak seasons and special events.
• Seating is first-come, first-served.
• Weather conditions, traffic, and city events may impact tour timing.

Unused Experience Vouchers can be returned within 14 days for a full refund to the original purchaser, no questions asked.

If you have any unused Experience Vouchers, you can exchange them for anything else in our marketplace, no matter when. If you choose an experience that's more expensive, you'll need to pay the difference, but if you choose one that costs less, you'll receive a credit towards your next booking.

No refunds are allowed once the experience is booked, but you can reschedule up to 24 hours before your experience, for a date within a year of the original booking. To reschedule, contact the experience provider directly. No-shows or rescheduling less than 24 hours in advance means losing the value of your experience.