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
Randall_B, 10/26/2025 1:02:12 AM
The most fun was the introduction to many stories by Thomas he was very entertaining and informative!
Sahil_D, 10/23/2025 3:49:24 AM
Worth doing this trip. We enjoyed it, got so many great pictures. Loved the full 2.5 hrs of this experience.
Adolphus_E, 10/22/2025 10:54:26 AM
Bring a jacket if cold-natured. Take plenty of pictures because the scenary is beautiful. Snacks and beverages are sold on the boat.
Martine_C, 10/21/2025 11:52:40 PM
The views are amazing. The ship/boat was clean and inviting. My only negative comments would have to be the mixed drinks and indoor seating. The mixed drinks are pure sugar with a splash of alcohol that you can't taste. Stick to the beers. The indoor seating situation could be better. It is extremely stuffy and no type of ventilation. I would take this cruise again. I found to be relaxing and quite pleasant. The mixed crowd was great.
Taralynda S, 10/21/2025 10:48:13 AM
Great weather great views perfect amount of time and I’ll definitely do it again. It was my boyfriend’s first time and he really enjoyed himself
Monica_H, 10/20/2025 1:44:44 PM
Boarded on time and some information about the area was conveyed but not a constant drone. Great point of view of San Francisco!
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.
- 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