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Straight to the Gate Access: San Francisco Bridge-to-Bridge Cruise

Badge of ExcellenceSan Francisco, United States
Likely to Sell Out

From $48.00

Select Date and Travelers

Free cancellation
Up to 24 hours in advance.
San Francisco Tours
All San Francisco Tours
Audio Guides
Kid-Friendly
Likely To Sell Out
Unique Experiences
  • 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.)
  • Mobile ticket
  • Offered in: English

Overview

On this San Francisco bridge cruise, get an up-close look at the city’s two engineering marvels—the Golden Gate Bridge and the Bay Bridge—as you travel across San Francisco Bay. See major city sights like Alcatraz, Coit Tower, and the Ferry Building, and listen to recorded commentary about the city's legendary architecture while you glide under both bridges.
  • San Francisco Bay sightseeing cruise
  • Capture amazing photos as you go under the Golden Gate Bridge and Bay Bridge
  • Enjoy views of Coit Tower, the Transamerica Pyramid, the Ferry Building, and the Palace of Fine Arts
  • Get up-close views of Alcatraz and Treasure Island
  • Learn about the bridges and San Francisco's history and culture from the audio commentary

Why Travelers Choose This Tour

Cruise by the Golden Gate and Bay bridges on nearly any day within 1 year of purchase.

What's Included

  • Audio commentary available in English, French, German, Spanish, Portuguese, Thai, Mandarin, Hindi, Korean, Japanese, Italian, Russian, Hebrew, Arabic, Bahasa Indonesian and Vietnamese
  • "Straight to the gate" access
  • Gratuities
  • Food and drinks (available for purchase)
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off

Meeting And Pickup

Meeting point

  • Red and White Fleet
    Pier 43.5, 43 1/2, San Francisco, CA 94133, USA

    Please enter in Google Maps: "Red and White Fleet" or "Pier 43 1/2, San Francisco" for exact location and directions. Pier 43 ½ ticket booth (corner of Taylor Street and the Embarcadero)

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

What To Expect

The symbol of San Francisco, the Golden Gate Bridge, is best seen from the water. This bridge-to-bridge boat tour departing from Fisherman’s Wharf provides unbeatable views of this architectural icon. Cruise underneath the red spires as well as under its east-side counterpart, the Bay Bridge.

After boarding the boat, perhaps buy a snack or a drink from the full bar (own expense; you are also free to bring food on board). Then enjoy the scenery as your captain takes you across San Francisco Bay, passing by Alcatraz Island. Admire landmarks like Coit Tower, the Ferry Building, the Transamerica Pyramid, and the Palace of Fine Arts, and see where the wide Pacific meets the narrow entrance to the bay.

During the cruise, listen to recorded commentary about the construction of the bridges and San Francisco’s geology and famed architecture. Your tour ends when you return to the pier.

Note: Restrooms are available on board the boat, which provides both indoor and outdoor spaces for your comfort. This is an open ticket, valid for one-time use on any day this cruise operates within one year from your purchase date.

Ferry Building Marketplace (Pass By)

Sail passed the Ferry Building.

Golden Gate Bridge (Pass By)

Sail under and around the Golden Gate Bridge.

Additional Info

  • Confirmation will be received at time of booking
  • Boat crew is trained to provide first aid and CPR support, and first aid kits are readily available on all vessels
  • The main decks of all vessels are fully wheelchair accessible
  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Stroller accessible
  • Service animals allowed
  • Near public transportation
  • Transportation is wheelchair accessible
  • The award-winning audio narration is available in English, French, German, Spanish, Portuguese, Thai, Mandarin, Hindi, Korean, Japanese, Italian, Russian, Hebrew, Arabic, Bahasa Indonesian and Vietnamese.
  • Most travelers can participate
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 14 travelers

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

  • For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
  • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
  • Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
  • Cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time.

Traveler Photos

See more

Traveler Tips

It was very windy so bring a jacket or sweatshirt.
It was super cold so make sure to wear warm clothes.
Reviews
4.5
411 reviews
Total review count and overall rating based on Viator and Tripadvisor reviews
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Reviews by Viator travelers.
Showing 1-10 of 411 reviews
Great choice
Laurel_D, Mar 2023
Unfortunately it was cold and wet, but they can’t control the weather! There’s plenty of seating inside and out, and I loved listening to the facts about each site and history of the area.
Response from Host, Mar 2023
Thank you for your review! We understand that the weather can sometimes be unpredictable and are glad that you made the best of it!
Memorable
Eric_D, Mar 2023
Being up close to the bridges and Alcatraz and learning interesting facts about them. 1st time in SF and it was a memorable great experience!
Response from Host, Mar 2023
Thanks for spending time with us. We are glad that you had a memorable cruise.
Worth every minute. Must do in San Francisco.
Kchitij_T, Jan 2023
It is only tour of it's kind during the day that covers both the bridges and Alcatraz. Especially on board with one of it's kind Enhydra boat.
Response from Host, Jan 2023
We are glad that you had an enjoyable cruise. Next time you are in SF, come back and see us again!
This is my 3 times this...
Juliet_V, Dec 2022
This is my 3 times this year! I love to share it to my family and friends. Beautiful view of San Francisco 💖
Response from Host, Dec 2022
Awe....thank you! We are always happy to have our return customers onboard.
Learning about the...
Susan_H, Dec 2022
Learning about the history of SF while relaxing on the water. Great way to spend a rainy afternoon when the weather limited other activities.
Response from Host, Dec 2022
We are glad to hear that you had an enjoyable time with us!
Highlight Sail
Fran_A, Dec 2022
Highlight of our trip. It was a beautiful day for the time of year. The narration was very informative.
Response from Host, Dec 2022
Thank you very much for sailing with us!
Fire investigator for FCA
Jesse_Z, Dec 2022
I like the courtesy and hospitality demonstrated by the staff. Very friendly. The boat ride was awesome and we loved it. Highly recommend it to others.
Response from Host, Dec 2022
Thank you! I will share your kind words with our crew!
literally iconic af
Oscar_C, Nov 2022
SO much fun! went w the fam and got to take some nice pics of the views! would recommend getting afternoon times! totally recommend! it was a total slay 😍❤️
Response from Host, Nov 2022
Thank you!
Beautiful Cruise around the Bay
Shawndra_G, Nov 2022
Relaxing and scenic cruise around the bay to Celebrate our 29th Wedding Anniversary. I love the water, and the fresh air, and the hearing the history. Will definitely do it again!
Awesome experience, staff...
Cristina_B, Nov 2022
Awesome experience, staff was great, beautiful views of the city and bridges. Loved it and definitely recommend.
Lovely way to learn more.
Jay_B, Nov 2022
This was great , a good way to get a waterside view of the city and its history. Lots learnt and a great way to see the bridges. Perhaps a tip to sit on the port side of the boat as it sails off in that direction. Sitting upstairs was fine but engines overpowered the speaker commentary
Perfect way to see the harbor
Matthew_H, Nov 2022
Great audio information while crossing . This trip is a concise way to see San Francisco for a first timer. Would highly recommend if you want to get closer to both bridges. The crew does a amazing job.
Response from Host, Nov 2022
Thank you very much for cruising with us. I will share your kind words with our crew!
A Cool Cruise
Penny_W, Nov 2022
A good way to see the Bay and bridges up close. My only criticism is that the commentary was largely inaudible, even with the headphones provided, though my partner was able to hear it better.
Response from Host, Nov 2022
Thank you very much for your feedback. I will share that observation with our operations team.
Good time
x6zcpk8fyz, Nov 2022
The bay is beautiful. Cold and windy. Narrator was interesting. The price was very good. Not too expensive or too cheap. I felt I got my money’s worth.
Response from Host, Nov 2022
Thank you. Please come visit us again soon!
No Headphones Offered
Kevin_O, Nov 2022
Cruise was great except nobody told us or offered us headphones to hear commentary. It was hard to hear over the speakers outside with the wind and boat engine.
Response from Host, Nov 2022
Thank you for your review. The audio headsets are typically used for our non-English speaking guests. We are sorry that it was difficult to hear with the wind and boat noise. I will make sure and share this with our operations team.
Great Tour Friendly Staff
Tmpatterson66, Oct 2022
It was super foggy when we got to the Golden Gate Bridge but we were able to see the entire Bay Bridge. The staff was friendly and overall a great experience. Will have to come back when it's not foggy
Response from Host, Nov 2022
Thank you! Yes, that San Francisco fog can get in the way sometimes. We are glad you still enjoyed your cruise. We look forward to seeing you again!
Great, informative trip
Billy_T, Oct 2022
Sharing the experience with my 86 y/ o Aunt and cousins, will tell everyone back home it’s a must do
Response from Host, Oct 2022
Fabulous! Family time is the best time! Glad you were all able to enjoy it together.
A beautiful afternoon
Constantin_D, Sep 2022
A slower hour and half in the middle of a packed week. The bridge views are extraordinary. Best views are from the water. Alcatraz is interesting. But best is to just sit and enjoy the SF skyline.
Response from Host, Sep 2022
We agree! Being out on the Bay is so soothing. We are glad that you had time to breathe and take in the views!
Bay tour
Connie_A, Sep 2022
Awesome cruise of the San Francisco Bay. Easy time getting on the ship and great audio tour onboard. Friendly staff! Highly recommend taking this tour! We enjoyed it thoroughly.
Response from Host, Sep 2022
Thank you, thank you, thank you!
Amazing boat tour!! Informative!!
MaritesA_M, Sep 2022
Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz and Bay Bridge. It was magnificent! The San Francisco skyline was magnificent!!
Response from Host, Sep 2022
Thank you very much! We are thrilled that you enjoyed the views!
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