San Francisco Bay: Sunset Catamaran Cruise & Golden Gate

Summary

Golden Gate views city skyline glow sea lions and sunset breeze

You’ll board at Pier 39 with sea lions barking nearby before sailing past Alcatraz and under the Golden Gate Bridge on a sunset catamaran cruise. Enjoy a complimentary drink while watching San Francisco’s skyline light up from the bay — there’s something quietly magical about seeing the city from out on the water.

What’s the experience like?

We stepped onto the catamaran at Pier 39 just as some kid dropped his ice cream near the sea lions — they didn’t care, just kept barking and flopping around like they owned the place. The air had that salty chill you only get in San Francisco, and I was glad I’d listened about bringing a jacket. Our guide, Jamie, handed out tickets for a free drink (I grabbed a beer), then pointed us toward these wild canvas nets stretched across the bow. You could sit right above the water if you didn’t mind a little spray — which, honestly, I didn’t expect to love as much as I did.

The boat pulled away and suddenly it was all wind in your hair and that low hum of people talking softly, everyone kind of hushed by the view. We sailed past Alcatraz — it looked almost gentle in that light, which is weird to say about an old prison. Jamie told us how fog sometimes rolls in so thick you can’t see your hand in front of your face, but tonight we got lucky: just streaks of orange and pink bouncing off the bay. Someone tried to take a selfie with the Golden Gate Bridge behind us and nearly lost their hat to the wind; everyone laughed, even Jamie.

I found myself staring back at the city skyline as it started to glow — tiny lights flicking on one by one, like someone was quietly waking up every building. It’s hard to explain but there’s this moment when you’re floating out there where everything feels slower, softer. The cruise lasted about 90 minutes but time went kind of sideways for me after that first sip of beer and splash of cold air. I still think about how quiet it felt under that huge bridge, just water moving under us and people whispering.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Sunset cruise on San Francisco Bay

• Depart from Pier 39 Dock J
• See sea lions colony
• Enjoy evening cruise on bay
• Sail past Alcatraz Island
• Pass under Golden Gate Bridge
• Watch city skyline light up

Top questions

How long is the San Francisco Bay sunset catamaran cruise?

The cruise lasts approximately 1.5 hours.

Where does the sunset cruise depart from?

The tour departs from Pier 39 (Dock J) in San Francisco.

Is there a complimentary drink included?

Yes, each guest receives one complimentary beer, wine or non-alcoholic drink.

Will we sail under the Golden Gate Bridge?

Yes, the cruise sails under the Golden Gate Bridge during sunset.

Are children or infants allowed on board?

Yes, infants and small children can join and may ride in a pram or stroller.

Is this sunset catamaran cruise wheelchair accessible?

The boat accepts manual wheelchairs only; there are 3-4 stairs to board and restrooms are not ADA accessible.

Can I bring my own drinks onboard?

No outside beverages are allowed on board.

Are audio guides available for this tour?

Yes, audio guides are available in several languages; bring headphones if you want to use one.

What’s included

Your evening includes boarding at Pier 39 with time to watch sea lions before setting off on a 1.5-hour San Francisco Bay sunset catamaran cruise with a local guide. You’ll enjoy one complimentary drink—beer, wine or soft—and have access to English or multilingual audio guides if you want them along for the ride.