traveltowith

Find the Best Activities & Hotels for Families, Couples, and Solo Travelers

About UsContactTerms & ConditionsPrivacy Policy
© 2025 Traveltowith. All rights reserved.
t
Search...
United States/Things to Do in San Francisco, solo trip

San Francisco Bay Cruises (solo trip)

with kidswith babycouple tripsolo trip

How Solo-Friendly is San Francisco Bay Cruises?

71%Solo-Friendly
View Map

What makes it 71% Solo-Friendly: Public 1-hour cruises give solo travelers Golden Gate and Alcatraz views for about $45, but seating is communal and narration is group-oriented, so solitude and tailored pacing are limited.

Google
Reviews4.6/ 5
(from 110 reviews)
San Francisco Bay Cruise: Alcatraz to Golden Gate!
3 min
Start from:
0:00
San Francisco Bay Cruise: Alcatraz to Golden Gate!
1.2K views • 3 months ago
4K | SAN FRANCISCO BAY CRUISE | USA
9 min
Start from:
0:00
4K | SAN FRANCISCO BAY CRUISE | USA
1.4K views • 3 years ago

Positives:

  • Easy Solo Experience: Open-seating group tours let you join without needing companions.
  • Informative Commentary: Onboard narration covers Gold Rush history, bridge construction, and Alcatraz lore.

Challenges:

  • Limited Shelter: Deck seating has no cover; sun protection and layers are essential.
  • Sea Spray and Wind: Choppy waters can spray the deck; choose water-resistant gear.
San Francisco Bay Cruises image 1
San Francisco Bay Cruises image 2
San Francisco Bay Cruises image 3
San Francisco Bay Cruises image 4
San Francisco Bay Cruises image 5
🏖️ Explore San Francisco Bay Cruises with a local guide: GetYourGuide's 10 BEST Activities and Tours around San Francisco Bay Cruises. Local guides know the hidden gems you'd otherwise miss, read what other travelers experienced, and book easily.

What is San Francisco Bay Cruises?

  • A maritime operator conducting scheduled sightseeing tours across San Francisco Bay
  • A diverse fleet featuring open-air decks, enclosed cabins, and historic paddlewheel vessels
  • Cruise routes navigating beneath the Golden Gate Bridge and around Alcatraz Island from Fisherman’s Wharf

What is so special about San Francisco Bay Cruises for solo trip?

  1. Join a 60-minute narrated cruise under the Golden Gate Bridge
  2. Capture close-up photos of the bridge towers from the deck
  3. Circumnavigate Alcatraz Island with live history commentary
  4. Mingle easily on open-seating tours without needing a group
  5. Experience San Francisco landmarks affordably on public cruises

Recommended visit duration: 2-3 hours

Why 2-3 hours visit duration is ideal for solo trip: Includes 60-minute cruise, boarding time, and time to reach Pier 39 from central San Francisco.

(View San Francisco Bay Cruises on Map)

Solo-Friendly Activities in San Francisco Bay Cruises

60-Minute Narrated Bay Cruise:

Glide by Alcatraz and pass under the Golden Gate with live or recorded English commentary.

Tip: Arrive 15 minutes early at Pier 39 to grab a deck seat and clear audio from the speaker.

Golden Gate Bridge Photo Stop:

Get close-up shots of the bridge towers and cables straight from the boat rail.

Tip: Use a zoom lens or portrait mode to isolate the bridge against the bay’s skyline.

Alcatraz Island Overlook:

Circle the island for multiple perspectives on its prison buildings and rocky shoreline.

Tip: Listen to the narration to learn historical details that enrich your photos.

How to Make the Most of Your Visit to San Francisco Bay Cruises

  1. Book Online in Advance: Reserve your seat and preferred departure to avoid sell-outs.
  2. Deck Seating Strategy: Board early and head to the right side for best views at sunset.
🏖️ Tour San Francisco Bay Cruises like a local: GetYourGuide's Top 10 Activities and Tours in San Francisco Bay Cruises. Local experts uncover hidden treasures you'd never find alone, browse authentic traveler reviews, and book your perfect adventure hassle-free.

Reviews of San Francisco Bay Cruises

Powered by Google
David Esquibel

David Esquibel

Jul 2025

Rey Zegri and Pier 39 Boat Rides offer one of the premier boating experiences in the Bay Area. Known for their professionalism, hospitality, and family-friendly atmosphere, they provide unforgettable excursions—from scenic sunset cruises to Alcatraz tours and special events like the Fourth of July celebration, which we personally enjoyed. Don’t be misled by less reputable operations—trust Rey and ...

Danielle

Danielle

May 2025

We had a very scary experience on this boat tour. My gf & I decided to do the $20 small water taxi tour. We were told the water was perfect that day for the tour. When we got on the boat, it was just us & a family; a mom, dad & 2 little girls around 3/4 years old. No safety instructions were given. The driver didn’t say a word but started going out. I was surprised because usually there’s a little...

DO-451 Tomahawk “T6”

DO-451 Tomahawk “T6”

Aug 2024

Rey has a great set of adventures on the bay, leaving from Pier 39. We did the 90-minute sail. It's just the perfect trip! Don't worry if you're not dressed warm enough. The crew provides blankets and jackets to keep you and your crew warm. As you may guess, you sail around the bay and around Alcatraz Island. The crew gives plenty of stories, history, and interesting facts during the cruise. Bee...

Isaac Pelayo

Isaac Pelayo

Mar 2024

We booked this last minute as a surprise and it was such a great experience. Such a lively driver and fun way to see the Golden Gate Bridge in a whole new light. Would definitely come again to show family or friends.

Richard Ventura

Richard Ventura

May 2023

Best place for bay cruise tickets! I took the short 30 minute ride around pier 39, very close to the sea lions, great view of naval ship Jeremiah, and great views of the Golden Gate Bridge. The Captain made sure every got great selfies. Definitely worth doing again. You can also get tickets for all the other bay cruises. They can help you decide which to do.

When is the best time to visit San Francisco Bay Cruises (San Francisco, United States)?

Bay fog often shrouds the bridge in summer mornings. For clearer views, book afternoon cruises in late summer or early fall (August–October). Always bring a windbreaker as the deck stays chilly.

✈️ Ready to go? Check the latest flight deals to San Francisco on Trip.com

Explore These Activities

Typical Budget for Solo Traveler (1 Adult)

ItemCost (Approx.)
60-minute narrated cruise ticketUSD 45
Round-trip Muni bus or tram to Pier 39USD 6
Onboard snack or drinkUSD 10
Total EstimatedUSD 61

Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.

Content Notice: This content combines editorial expertise with AI assistance to ensure comprehensive and up-to-date information. Our team regularly curates and reviews all content for accuracy and relevance. Help Us Improve

Map of San Francisco Bay Cruises

Address: Pier 39, San Francisco, CA 94133, USA

Map will load when you scroll here

Scroll down to view the interactive map

Looking for other Things to Do besides San Francisco Bay Cruises (San Francisco)?

← See other Things to Do in San Francisco (solo trip)

About San Francisco Bay Cruises

Opening Hours

Monday:10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Tuesday:10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Wednesday:10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Thursday:10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Friday:9:30 AM – 8:30 PM
Saturday:9:30 AM – 9:30 PM
Sunday:9:30 AM – 9:00 PM

Hours may vary during holidays, special events, and peak seasons. Please check the official website for the most up-to-date information.

Website

Official Website

Phone Number

+1 415-480-2004

Average price

US$ 13.28
Book on GetYourGuide

Explore Popular Things to Do

🇺🇸 United States, solo trip

Things to Do in Hawaii, solo trip
Hawaii
Things to Do in New York, solo trip
New York
Los AngelesSan FranciscoLas VegasSeattleAustinNiagara Falls

🇨🇦 Canada, solo trip

Things to Do in Vancouver, solo trip
Vancouver
Things to Do in Toronto, solo trip
Toronto
Things to Do in Montreal, solo trip
Montreal
VictoriaCalgaryQuebec CityOttawaNiagara Falls

🇮🇪 Ireland, solo trip

Things to Do in Dublin, solo trip
Dublin
Things to Do in Cork, solo trip
Cork
Things to Do in Galway, solo trip
Galway

🇬🇧 United Kingdom, solo trip

Things to Do in London, solo trip
London
Things to Do in Edinburgh, solo trip
Edinburgh
Things to Do in Manchester, solo trip
Manchester

🇮🇹 Italy, solo trip

Things to Do in Rome, solo trip
Rome
Things to Do in Florence, solo trip
Florence
Things to Do in Milan, solo trip
Milan

🇫🇷 France, solo trip

Things to Do in Paris, solo trip
Paris
Things to Do in Nice, solo trip
Nice
Things to Do in Lyon, solo trip
Lyon

How You Can Support Us

If our website helps you, please support us by booking your travel needs through this link: Book Flights, Hotels, Activities on Trip.com - New App User Promo up to 10% OFF. We may earn a small affiliate commission - at no extra cost to you!

It's a simple way to help us keep the site running and improving for everyone. Thanks for your support!

Average price

US$ 13.28
Book on GetYourGuide
traveltowith
HomeDestinationsAbout
San Francisco, United States

searching for