There is no better way to get your bearings in San Francisco than from the water, and this one hour bay cruise has been the city's most popular introduction for over 45 years. The boat glides under the Golden Gate Bridge, past the barking sea lions at PIER 39, and around Alcatraz Island, offering unobstructed views of the skyline and the bay in every direction. A free multi-language audio tour, available in ten languages and downloadable directly to any Wi-Fi enabled device, adds context and color to everything passing by.

It works just as well for first-time visitors as it does for people who have been to the city before and want to see it from a new angle. Both indoor and outdoor seating are available, a snack bar and bar are on board, and the cruise runs rain or shine, making it a reliable and easygoing way to spend an hour on the bay.

Any restrictions to participate?

• Age: All ages are welcome.
• Physical limitations: Passengers can move around the vessel during the cruise. Please use handrails and exercise caution when moving around the boat.

Who can you accommodate for?

• Children: All ages are welcome. Strollers are permitted on board.
• Individuals with disabilities: The vessel is wheelchair accessible on the main deck, which houses the bar, restrooms, and wide open interior and viewing spaces. Upper exterior decks are accessible by stairs only and cannot be reached by wheelchair.
• Dietary restrictions: A snack bar is available on board with a selection of snacks and beverages. Dietary restrictions may be accommodated; please plan accordingly.
• Pets: Dogs and other animals are welcome on board and must be kept on a leash or in an approved carrier at all times. The owner is responsible for the animal throughout the cruise.

What to expect on the day of the experience?

• Duration: 1 hour
• What's included: A scenic bay cruise with unobstructed views of the Golden Gate Bridge, PIER 39 sea lions, Alcatraz Island, and the San Francisco waterfront. A free multi-language audio tour is available in ten languages via the Blue & Gold Fleet app.
• Who will be present: A captain and crew operate the vessel and other passengers will be on board
• Specific rules to follow:
  • Please follow the captain and crew's instructions at all times.
  • Life vests are available on board for emergencies only.
  • All animals must be kept on a leash or in an approved carrier.

How to prepare?

• Weather dependency: The cruise runs rain or shine. It is only cancelled in cases of severe weather deemed unsafe by the captain.
• Arrival: Depart from Pier 41, San Francisco, CA 94133. Please arrive at least 15 minutes prior to your scheduled departure time.
• Parking: Paid parking is available at the PIER 39 Parking Garage, located directly across the street from PIER 39 and open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Public transit options including buses, street cars, and cable cars are also available via SFMTA.
• What to wear: Comfortable and warm clothing is recommended. Weather on the bay can change quickly, so an extra coat or jacket is strongly advised.
  • What to bring: A camera for photos of the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz, and the skyline.
  • Download the Blue & Gold Fleet audio tour app in advance on a Wi-Fi enabled device for the narration in your preferred language.
• Restrooms/lockers/changing rooms: Restrooms are available on board. Wi-Fi is available on the vessel to download the audio tour app.

Anything else I should know before going on this experience?

• Timed reservations are available. If you miss your scheduled departure, stop by the Box Office and staff will do their best to place you on the next available sailing.
• If the cruise is cancelled, tickets can be transferred to another date or refunded.

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.