About this experience
End your day with a scenic cruise on San Francisco Bay. This two-hour journey takes you beneath the Golden Gate Bridge, past the historic Alcatraz Island, and into the heart of the bay, where you can watch the city transform from day to night. During the spring and summer months, enjoy the sight of the sun setting framed by the Golden Gate Bridge on a Sunset Cruise. In the late fall and winter months, experience unparalleled views of the illuminated city skyline on a City Lights Cruise.
Why you'll love it
What's included
What's included
Not included
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 MapsWhat 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
Good to know
Frequently asked questions
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.
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Red and White Fleet
Red and White Fleet is one of San Francisco's longest-running bay cruise operators, running sightseeing, sunset, and evening cruises from Pier 43½ at Fisherman's Wharf.