San Francisco Cruises

The San Francisco Bay area has several landmarks and is one of the most photographed areas in the world. Various companies operate San Francisco Cruises so that visitors can get the very best views and travel in style and comfort.

The Red and White Fleet was established in 1892 and is one of the most well known in the area. The Golden Gate Bay Cruise sails passengers under the iconic Golden Gate Bridge and around Alcatraz Island, on which stands the infamous former high security prison. The 1 Hour cruise is available with eight different language choices for the commentary including English, French, German, Spanish, Portuguese, and Japanese. The Bay is a wonderful sight in the evening too and there is a 2 Hour California Sunset Cruise, with appetizers served. The company also operates the 90-minute San Francisco Explorer Cruise, with a special appeal to those passengers interested in the natural history of the area, local architecture and Native American culture. All of these San Francisco Cruises leave from Fisherman's Wharf.

The Red and White Cruises can also be combined with other activities. The Cruise and Dining Combo also includes a three course dinner at the Fog Harbor Fish House at Pier 39. Independence Day can also be celebrated on the water, with the July 4th Fireworks Cruise. Passengers can watch the fireworks from the center of the Bay and enjoy snacks and beverages on board.

Alcatraz Cruises depart from Pier 33 at Fisherman's Wharf for a tour of the prison, made famous by the movies, the attempted escapes and the hardened criminals who used to reside there. Today, Alcatraz Island is a haven for marine wildlife, rare flowers and plants, and nesting seabirds. This San Francisco Cruise can be taken with a visit to Angel Island, a fascinating place that has played an important role in America's history. Over the years, the island has been home to a US Army camp during the Civil War, a World War II fort, a missile silo and an Immigration Station from 1910 - 1940, which acted as the main gateway into the country, particularly for Chinese immigrants. Visitors can take a tram tour of the island or explore by renting a bike, or kayak. Some people prefer to hike round the island.

Sailing by catamaran in the Bay is a real treat and made possible by Adventure Cat Sailing Charters. There are sails in the afternoon and at sunset. The boats sail underneath the Golden Gate Bridge, around Alcatraz Island, and on to Sausalito and Kirby Cove, where there is the opportunity to see whales or sea lions. The 55 foot Adventure Cat can take up to 48 passengers and the 65 foot Adventure Cat II is more luxurious and has the capacity for up to 99 passengers. Californian wines are served whilst admiring the views. The Adventure company also organise Whale Watching Eco Tours from San Francisco Bay to the Farallon Islands. This San Francisco Cruise may bring sightings of Blue Whales, Humpback Whales, Stellar Sea Lions, dolphins and porpoises.