Does the cruise actually stop at Alcatraz?

No — the cruise sails around Alcatraz Island so you get clear views of it from the water, but there is no landing or disembarkation there.

What happens if the weather is bad?

Cruises operate rain or shine. The boats have heated, enclosed decks with large windows, so poor weather rarely affects the experience. In rare cases of severe storm conditions, a cruise may be cancelled.

Is it a sunset cruise all year round?

In spring and summer the cruise departs while the sun is still setting. During late autumn and winter, it departs after sunset and operates as an evening City Lights cruise — so the experience shifts with the season.

Do I need to print my ticket?

No — a mobile ticket on your phone is accepted at the boarding line.

Can I bring my young children?

Children under 5 travel free of charge, but they do need a complimentary boarding pass for capacity control. Let the cruise staff know at the boarding line and they will issue one.

Is the boat wheelchair accessible?

Yes — the enclosed main decks on all Red and White Fleet vessels are wheelchair-accessible.

San Francisco Bay 2 Hour Sunset or Evening Sightseeing Boat Cruise by Red and White Fleet

4.2Popular choice · in high demand

Duration

2 hours

Cancellation

Free cancellation 24hrs

Ticket type

Mobile ticket

Confirmation

Instant

What's included

Two-hour sightseeing cruise on San Francisco Bay

Views of the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz Island, Angel Island, and the Marin Headlands

Heated enclosed decks with large windows

Access to onboard cocktail bar and snack bar (purchases at own cost)

Not included

Food and drinks (available to purchase onboard)

Landing on Alcatraz Island (cruise sails around it only)

Meeting point

Red and White Fleet, Pier 43½, San Francisco, CA

Head to Pier 43½ at Fisherman's Wharf. Boarding is on a first-come, first-served basis — plan to arrive at least 30 minutes before your departure time. Show your mobile ticket to staff at the boarding line.

Open in Google Maps

What to bring

A warm jacket — it can get noticeably chilly on the water even in summer
Your mobile ticket (no printing required)
Camera or phone for photos of the bridge and skyline

Know before you go

Arrive at least 30 minutes before departure — boarding is first-come, first-served and there is no assigned seating

Bring a jacket; temperatures on the bay can be significantly cooler than on shore

The cruise sails around Alcatraz Island but does not stop there

Children under 5 are free but must be registered at the boarding line for a complimentary pass

Late autumn and winter sailings depart after sunset as an evening cruise rather than a sunset cruise

Food and drinks are available to purchase onboard at the cocktail and snack bars

San Francisco Bay 2 Hour Sunset or Evening Sightseeing Boat Cruise by Red and White Fleet

San Francisco Bay 2 Hour Sunset or Evening Sightseeing Boat Cruise by Red and White Fleet

What's included

Meeting point

Know before you go

Highlights

Full description

Good to know

Frequently asked questions

What travellers say