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Red and White Fleet · San Francisco

The Golden Gate Bay Cruise

A one-hour cruise from Fisherman's Wharf that sails under the Golden Gate Bridge and back past Sausalito, Angel Island and Alcatraz. Every city tour shows you the bridge from land; this one shows you its underside.

Golden Gate Bay Cruise

About this experience

The Red and White Fleet's Golden Gate Bay Cruise leaves Pier 43 1/2 at Fisherman's Wharf, sails west along Fort Mason and the Marina and goes under the Golden Gate Bridge, whose main span is 4,200 feet (Golden Gate Bridge District). It turns where the bay meets the Pacific and comes back past the Marin Headlands, Sausalito, Angel Island and Alcatraz.

Commentary is recorded, in 16 languages. Boats have indoor and outdoor seats, restrooms and a bar for drinks and snacks, and the main deck is wheelchair accessible. The ticket is open: pick any departure within a year of booking.

The from-price of $35 is a sale price; the regular adult fare on the listing is $39. A few guests found the audio hard to hear or out of step with the views, and almost everyone says bring a jacket. Pair it with a land tour such as the Movie Sights tour, which starts from the same pier.

  • Under the Golden Gate Bridge
  • Past Alcatraz, Angel Island and Sausalito
  • Audio guide in 16 languages
  • Open ticket, valid a year
  • Wheelchair-accessible main deck

How the day runs

  1. 20 to 30 min beforeCheck in

    Go to the Pier 43 1/2 ticket booth at Taylor Street and the Embarcadero.

  2. First 20 minutesWest along the shore

    Out past the Maritime park, Fort Mason and the Marina.

  3. HalfwayUnder the bridge

    Under the Golden Gate Bridge to where the bay meets the Pacific, then the turn.

  4. ReturnSausalito to Alcatraz

    Past the Marin Headlands, Sausalito and Angel Island, then along Alcatraz.

  5. Last minutesBack to the Wharf

    Views of the Bay Bridge and Coit Tower, and the sea lions at Pier 39.

Passengers walking down a ramp towards a red and white tour boat at the pierSea lions resting on the floating docks at Pier 39

What's included

Included

  • One-hour cruise
  • Audio guide in 16 languages
  • "Straight to the gate" access
  • Restrooms on board
  • Free cancellation up to 24 hours before

Not included

  • Food and drinks (bar on board)
  • Gratuities
  • A live guide

Who it suits

Book it if

  • You want the bridge from the water
  • You have an hour free at Fisherman's Wharf
  • Someone in your group uses a wheelchair
  • Your plans are loose: the ticket is open

Skip it if

  • You want to land on Alcatraz: this cruise only passes it
  • You get seasick easily
  • You'd rather have a live guide

What guests say

★★★★★

Great experience of Golden Gate Bridge on a boat. Very windy and chilly, so be prepared. Clouds lifted as we crossed under it. Amazing views of the city.

Sejal_V · Aug 2026
★★★★★

Very fun! My partner was nervous about being in the water but the captain gave us a really smooth ride. The narration was automated but had a lot of interesting information and was pretty well in sync with the scenery.

Sarah_A · Aug 2026
★★★★★

We went to a 5:15pm and truly couldn't recommend the time slot enough. It was a perfect activity to do to see the city while traveling for work! [...]

Maddie_C · Sep 2026

Tips before you book

  • Bring a jacket. Nearly every review says the water is windy and cold.
  • Arrive 20 to 30 minutes before the sailing you want.
  • Sit outside on the way to the bridge for the clearest photos.
  • Want the island itself? Alcatraz ferries leave from Pier 33, booked separately.

Read next:

Frequently asked questions

Does the Golden Gate Bay Cruise go under the bridge?

Yes. It sails under the Golden Gate Bridge, turns near the Pacific and comes back past Sausalito, Angel Island and Alcatraz.

How long is the Red and White Fleet bay cruise?

One hour, from Pier 43 1/2 at Fisherman's Wharf.

Does the bay cruise stop at Alcatraz?

No. It passes close to Alcatraz Island but doesn't land.

Can I choose the time of my cruise?

Yes. The ticket is open: choose any departure within a year of booking. Our one-day plan shows where it fits.

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Book Golden Gate Bay Cruise

One hour on the bay, under the Golden Gate Bridge and past Alcatraz.

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One hour on the bay, under the Golden Gate Bridge and past Alcatraz.

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