Golden Gate Sunset Cruise: San Francisco Bay Magic Awaits!
Experience the magic of San Francisco after dark with our San Francisco City Lights Cruise, a perfect evening escape. As the sun sets, the city comes to life, and this 2-hour cruise offers a front-row seat to the iconic landmarks of the Bay, all illuminated against the night sky. Sail under the majestic Golden Gate Bridge, past Alcatraz Island, and along the sparkling city skyline. This cruise showcases San Francisco from a unique perspective. Wrap up in warm layers, enjoy a beverage from the onboard bar, and relax as the city’s lights create a stunning backdrop to your adventure. Please note: this cruise does not include audio narration. Prerecorded music is played throughout the vessel.
Reviews
Reviews and Rating (Tripadvisor)
5 stars
4 stars
Reviews by Tripadvisor travelers
Camille_A, 10/19/2025 2:07:55 PM
Cruise was a great way to end our trip in San Francisco! Weather was perfect and we saw some whales! Overall we would recommend this cruise!
Michael_A, 10/19/2025 2:00:48 PM
Views include Golden Gate, Sausalito, Alcatraz and Bain Bridge and San Francisco downtown at night. The cruise is a bit long but worth it
Paige_C, 10/19/2025 1:50:44 PM
This is a lovely cruise where you can watch the sunset behind the golden gate bridge. Keep in mind there is no tour narration. If you want a seat outside I'd recommend arriving early. My husband and I arrived shortly before departure and couldn't find an outdoor seat. However, we did find spots to stand outside. We actually saw a whale just outside the golden gate, along with porpoises, sea lions, and of course plenty of pelicans and seagulls.
Elizabeth_C, 10/19/2025 12:34:22 PM
We did the 5:30-7:30 sunset cruise. There were plenty of drinks and snacks to purchase. We got an inside/warm table. My only suggestion would be to actually see the sunset behind the bridge. The sun went down and we were in front of Sausalito, so we couldn’t see it actually go down into the Pacific. It looked like there were a lot of people getting on the boat, yet there was plenty of room for pictures and inside seating.
Esmeralda_G, 10/19/2025 1:38:47 AM
The experience was amazing, there was a lot of people but my family & I were able to have great sitting. Everyone there was also very friendly
Taylor_S, 10/17/2025 12:11:38 PM
This was an awesome experience - lots of space on the boat, beautiful views, and friendly staff. Thomas was awesome! Chatted with us, shared fun tid bits, and offered to take photos of my friend and me! Definitely recommend.
598amanl, 10/15/2025 9:41:19 PM
Highly recommended, I had a beautiful experience. Enjoyed every moment of it, the view was absolutely breathtaking. Friendly staff on board.
brittanyjW2110DN, 10/13/2025 10:02:50 PM
I took this cruise as part of a solo trip to San Francisco. The best photo opportunities will be from the deck or sides of the boat but it gets chilly so I retreated to the inside of the boat once I was done getting my photos. The views of the Golden Gate Bridge at sunset were amazing. The lit up San Francisco skyline was also a sight to behold.
Elizabeth_D, 10/10/2025 11:57:01 AM
This was a really nice little cruise, especially for the price. The views were lovely even on a slightly overcast evening. The ship was clean (including the bathrooms) and comfortable. There was plenty of room to spread out and move about, with many picture taking opportunities. The staff were helpful and friendly. The ship had a special exhibition to celebrate Frida Kahlo and Hispanic heritage, which was enjoyable, but not intrusive. The only thing I might have liked better would be an occasional pointing out of landmarks by the captain.
N T, 10/9/2025 9:03:34 PM
One of my favorite excursions. It was so beautiful! My son's & I took a trip & I wanted to do this. Under the Golden Gate at sunset and back to City lights 😍 The boat ride was long enough. They did have drinks but you should have a nice dinner first. & P.S. it is handicap accessible for those who need it. You can still enjoy the experience 😊 & take a light jacket. It will get cool 😎 👌
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Please come to our location 15 minutes prior to the departure time.
- This cruise is not narrated. If you would like to learn more about San Francisco, we suggest taking one of our narrated cruises such as the Golden Gate Bay Cruise or the San Francisco Bridge to Bridge Cruise.
Departure point
Please enter in Google Maps: "Red and White Fleet" or "Pier 43 1/2, San Francisco" for exact location and directions. Pier 43 ½ ticket booth (corner of Taylor Street and the Embarcadero) Please come to our location 20-30 minutes prior to departure.Return details
Experience the magic of San Francisco after dark with our San Francisco City Lights Cruise, a perfect evening escape. As the sun sets, the city comes to life, and this 2-hour cruise offers a front-row seat to the iconic landmarks of the Bay, all illuminated against the night sky. Sail under the majestic Golden Gate Bridge, past Alcatraz Island, and along the sparkling city skyline. This cruise showcases San Francisco from a unique perspective. Wrap up in warm layers, enjoy a beverage from the onboard bar, and relax as the city’s lights create a stunning backdrop to your adventure. Please note: this cruise does not include audio narration. Prerecorded music is played throughout the vessel.Redemption
• This ticket allows you to proceed directly to the boarding line. Please present an electronic or paper copy of this ticket upon boarding. • Please arrive at Pier 43 ½ (corner of Taylor Street and Embarcadero) about 20-30 minutes prior to your cruise time. No booking reconfirmations by phone are required • Guests must bring their ticket in order to board the vessel. Ticket can be used directly in boarding line. • No refunds are given for missed departures • A rescheduling fee is required if you are unable to attend the cruise for the specific time and date listed on your voucher • Passengers may bring their own food aboard for picnic-style meals. No drinks may be brought aboard the vessel • Please note: In November, December, January and February, tour departs at 5:30pm for the Twilight Cruise and the sunset will not be visible • Kindly note that seating for this cruise is “open style seating” At times, please expect to sit next to unfamiliar faces24 hours before travel date - 100% refund
Less than 24 hours before travel date - 0% refund