San Francisco Sailing Trips: The 13 Best Days Under Canvas

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!”

Check availability →Read our full review

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 🌅”

Check availability →Read our full review

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.”

Check availability →Read our full review

4.Golden Gate Bridge Catamaran Cruise

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

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.”

Check availability →Read our full review

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!”

Check availability →Read our full review

6.2-Hour Sunset Sail on the San Francisco Bay

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 392 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $129

Meet your captain and first mate at Pier 39 for a two-hour sunset sail aboard the Privateer. You’ll pass Alcatraz and Angel Island, head near Sausalito, and often go under the Golden Gate Bridge. Two drinks are included, and the small boat carries no more than 18 people.

“Amazing crew, incredible bay sunset. We will definitely be back for the SF Bay Sailing company! Thank you!”

Check availability →Read our full review

7.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.”

Check availability →Read our full review

8.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.”

Check availability →Read our full review

9.2hr. 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!!!”

Check availability →Read our full review

10.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!”

Check availability →Read our full review

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!”

Check availability →Read our full review

12.(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!”

Check availability →Read our full review

13.Let’s do a morning sail on San Francisco Bay (semi private)

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 7 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $189

Join Captain John Yelda for a two-hour morning sail from 1 Yacht Rd. With a maximum of six people, you can pass under the Golden Gate Bridge, cruise by Alcatraz and Oracle Park, or shape the route toward Angel Island or Tiburon.

“This excursion was perfect for us. We saw seals and dolphins. We sailed under the Golden Gate Bridge and got lots of great photos. Thanks Captain Yelda for such an amazing experience!”

Check availability →Read our full review