The 14 Sailing Trips in San Francisco That Earn Their Price

1.San Francisco Bay Sunset Catamaran Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,342 reviews · 1 hour 35 minutes (approx.) · from $88Our pick

Board Adventure Cat at Pier 39 for a 1-hour-35-minute sunset sail past Alcatraz and beneath the Golden Gate Bridge. Enjoy one beer, wine, or non-alcoholic drink, choose a sheltered seat or open trampoline net, and bring a jacket for the cold bay wind.

“This was an amazing experience and an excellent way to see the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz! The captain and crew were also excellent. Definitely a must when you’re in San Francisco!”

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2.San Francisco Bay Sunset Cruise by Luxury Catamaran

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 1,097 reviews · 1h 30m · from $90

Sail from Pier 39 on a 55- or 65-foot Adventure Cat catamaran for 90 minutes. You’ll pass Alcatraz, Sausalito, and the Golden Gate Bridge, with open-air trampoline nets, protected 360-degree viewing, one included drink, and a friendly English-speaking crew.

“Beautiful scenery great company Thank you Evan got to drive the boat 🌅”

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3.San Francisco Bay Sailing Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 629 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $72

Set sail from Pier 39 on Adventure Cat’s 55- or 65-foot catamaran for 90 minutes of bay views, Alcatraz, Sausalito, sea lions, and a passage beneath the Golden Gate Bridge. Choose the covered cabin or splash-prone trampoline nets, with snacks and drinks available onboard.

“Wonderful experience! We enjoyed our time on this beautiful boat on a lovely afternoon. The service from the crew was amazing.”

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4.Golden Gate Bridge Catamaran Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 499 reviews · 1h 30m · from $65

Board Adventure Cat at Pier 39 for a 90-minute round-trip sail with Alcatraz, the San Francisco skyline, and the Golden Gate Bridge in view. You can sit in a protected area, feel the spray from the trampoline nets, help steer with the captain, and buy snacks or drinks on board.

“Such a fun activity and a different vantage point to the typical site seeing in San Francisco. Views from the water were beautiful! Such a relaxing way to spend the day! Definitely recommend this activity.”

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5.1.5-Hour San Francisco Bay Sailing Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 393 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $99

Sail for 90 minutes from Pier 39 aboard a double-masted yacht capped at 18 passengers. The crew raises the sails beyond the marina, passes Alcatraz, and aims toward Golden Gate views. Captain Michael, Captain Dave, and first mate Adrian have all led recent trips, with two included drinks per person.

“Enjoyed our first time on the yacht! ⛵⛵⛵ Very beautiful, saw seals and dolphins!! Very cold even on a warm summer day! Enjoyed Sprite and a good company! Would recommend to anyone!”

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6.Bay Sailing Tour with Drinks

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 159 reviews · 2 hours · from $129

Join the San Francisco Sailing Company aboard the double-masted Privateer for a relaxed two-hour Bay cruise. The crew serves two beers, wines, soft drinks, or waters as you sail past Alcatraz, Angel Island, Sausalito, and the Golden Gate Bridge. Bring warm layers and your own food if needed.

“Great time! Unfortunately, "I left my hat (and heart) in San Francisco (Bay)" due to a big gust of wind.”

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7.America’s Cup Day Sailing Adventure on San Francisco Bay

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 101 reviews · from $99

Board an International America’s Cup-class yacht at Pier 39 for a 2.5-hour hands-on sail with a US Coast Guard licensed captain and professional crew. You may steer, work the sail controls, and pass beneath the Golden Gate Bridge, with warm jackets and waterproof pants available.

“Had the most fantastic morning with the crew and other guests! The crew ensured we all participated, provided plenty of laughter and at times were photographers! The yacht itself was gorgeous and Peter provided an excellent talk about it and it’s competing history.”

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8.2hr. INTERACTIVE Sailing Experience on San Francisco Bay

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 85 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $149

Join Captain Will for a small-group, hands-on sail from Sausalito. Help raise the sails, handle lines, or steer as you pass the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz, San Francisco’s waterfront, and possibly the Bay Bridge. Snacks, soda, and photos are included.

“Will was great! This is truly an interactive sailing experience and he puts you to work helping with the sail and steering. See the golden state bridge, Alcatraz and sea lions bob their heads up while sailing!!! Book this before it sells out!!!”

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9.Golden Gate Bridge Sailing Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 51 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $129

Meet at Pier 39 for a two-hour, small-group sail with up to 18 people. The captain and first mate answer questions, while your first mate also handles music and photos. Enjoy two drinks, borrow a jacket, and see Alcatraz, the Golden Gate Bridge, Sausalito, Marin Headlands, and Bay Bridge.

“Elliot and the captain (forgot his name, so sorry!!!) were awesome! Really nice guys, took time to answer any questions asked and were super considerate of the guests needs. Boat was in great condition and the tour was really fun. Nice to see SF from the water. Such a great city!”

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10.2hr. SUNSET Sailing Experience on San Francisco Bay

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 24 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $149

Join Captain Will for a two-hour sunset sail from Sausalito, limited to six people. You’ll cruise toward the Golden Gate Bridge and San Francisco, watch the skyline light up, enjoy drinks and snacks, and may even help steer the boat.

“Capt Will is fun, and a skilled sailor too. The experience was exciting and it was nice to be able to help with the sail and steer the boat. The weather cooperated nicely and being near the Golden Gate was a great for pictures and a heck of a view. Definitely recommend for both families or a romantic date.”

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11.(2hr) Interactive Sailing Experience

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 22 reviews · 2 hours · from $149

Join Captain Will aboard the 36-foot Kindred Spirit for a two-hour sail with no more than six people. Help steer, trim the sails, and photograph the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz, Angel Island, San Francisco, and Sausalito. Snacks, water, and soft drinks are included.

“This was a great way to see the San Francisco Bay while also getting exposure to sailing. The captain, Will, was very friendly and made sure everyone was having a good time. On this experience we got up close to Alcatraz island, had great views of the golden gate bridge, and saw some seals swimming in the bay. All while being allowed to steer the boat and help trim the sails. I highly recommend!”

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12.2-Hour Private Sailboat Charter in the San Francisco Bay

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 21 reviews · 2 hours (approx.)

Captain John takes your private group of up to six across San Francisco Bay for two hours. You can tailor the route, sail toward Sausalito or Angel Island, pass Alcatraz and the Palace of Fine Arts, and possibly go under the Golden Gate Bridge. A group photo is included.

“Loved every minute of our 2 hour private sail on San Francisco Bay with Captain John on his beautiful boat. What an experience! Well worth what we paid for a private sail. The weather was glorious and Captain John was proficient, professional and a wealth of knowledge re the San Francisco area. We sailed over to Sausalito and back. Highly recommend this tour. Thank you Captain John for making possible a beautiful family experience we will cherish always.”

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13.(2hr) SUNSET Sailing Experience on SF Bay

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 13 reviews · 2 hours · from $149

Join Captain Will for a two-hour sunset sail from Sausalito, limited to six people. You can take the wheel, pass beneath the Golden Gate Bridge, cruise by Alcatraz and San Francisco, and watch the city lights appear. Water, soft drinks, and chips are included.

“Our captain Will was a great and warm host. our first sailing trip was a great adventure where the kids were able to steer and we got magnificent views on the bridge, Alcatraz and the city. Much recommended!”

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14.Awesome San Francisco Bay Private Sailing Adventure via Sausalito

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 8 reviews · from $58Best value

Captain Evan takes your private group from Sausalito beneath the Golden Gate Bridge and past Alcatraz, with views of the Marin Headlands, city skyline, and waterfront. Expect a relaxed two-hour sail, personal stories about ocean voyaging, and a small-boat setting where you can help shape the route.

“Evan was a friendly and knowledgeable captain and he allowed us to choose our own adventure, spending more time focusing on what we wanted to see. We went at 5:30p on an early March day. We bundled up and were glad we did!”

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