Whether you’re a native or just visiting for a few days, the Blue & Gold Fleet San Francisco Bay Cruise Adventure is a must-do when in San Francisco. The Bay Cruise is a breathtaking experience that will take you past the city’s most iconic sights, from the Pier 39 sea lions to the majestic Golden Gate Bridge. Storied narration accompanying the passing landmarks is part of the charm. As you plan your Bay Area adventure, purchase San Francisco CityPASS® tickets to enjoy more adventures with ease!
San Francisco Sightseeing Cruises
Thanks to the number of must-see tourist attractions in San Francisco, there are several different sightseeing cruise options. The Blue & Gold Fleet Bay Cruise Adventure is an excellent family-friendly option to see the sights and learn a little history along the way.
The History of the Blue & Gold Fleet
Like the well-known icons you slowly glide by, the Blue & Gold Fleet is a part of San Francisco history. It started in 1979 with just three cruises, then expanded its service to include commuter ferry rides in 1991. Blue & Gold ferry rides take travelers to San Francisco from multiple locations, including Angel Island, Tiburon, and Sausalito.
San Francisco ferry rides are very popular for commuting as they allow workday warriors to avoid the omnipresent crush of San Francisco traffic. At present, the Blue & Gold Fleet is the largest ferry transportation provider for San Franciscans and tourists alike.
The Best Time for a Sightseeing Cruise
While the Blue & Gold Fleet offers several bay cruises per day, the first ride of the morning is always a good time for a boat ride. The crowds are a bit thinner, and the mid-morning sunshine provides excellent lighting for the many shots you’ll no doubt be snapping of the San Franciscan shoreline. However, it’s hard to top a San Francisco Bay sunset cruise. Observing the dazzling colors of a sinking sun’s glowing rays slowly fade as you peacefully glide across the Bay is an unparalleled experience. A San Francisco sunset cruise will remain forever etched in your memory, no matter how many years go by.
Landmarks on the San Francisco Bay Cruise Adventure
Sometimes referred to as the "Golden Gate bay cruise," this 60-minute fully narrated ride takes you across the glittering water to admire several landmarks and emblems of San Francisco.
- Pier 39 Sea Lions: With an ample food supply thanks to the San Francisco Bay and a predator-protected environment, Pier 39 is the perfect home to these lovable, barking mammals. While the exact number of Sea Lions at Pier 39 varies, there was an all-time high of 1,701 Sea Lions at this spot in November of 2009. See how many you can spot as you cruise by.
- The Golden Gate Bridge: Get an unparalleled view of the Golden Gate Bridge with its signature orange color and 746-foot towers. More than 10 million people visit the Golden Gate Bridge annually; you’ll be grateful you get to dodge the crowd as you sail peacefully along the bay.
- Alcatraz Island: Catch a glimpse of the infamous penitentiary where some of the most notorious criminals were once incarcerated.
Keep your camera handy as you cruise past these famous landmarks and San Francisco’s historic waterfront. It’s the perfect opportunity to snap unobstructed pictures of the city’s skyline.
Tickets for Blue & Gold Fleet’s San Francisco Bay Boat Tours
You can buy tickets for any of Blue & Gold Fleet’s cruises on their website or via their box office before your journey. Make sure to check the website for the most up-to-date information on ticket prices and cruise schedules.
Nearby Lodging
To get the most out of your stay in San Francisco, we recommend finding lodging near San Francisco's top attractions like the Blue & Gold Fleet. Use this map to find the right lodging for you:
Booking.comExperience the Blue & Gold Fleet San Francisco Bay Cruise for Less With CityPASS® Tickets
Though San Francisco Bay cruise deals are hard to come by, San Francisco CityPASS® tickets will save you on the city’s most popular attractions, including the Blue & Gold Fleet Bay Cruise Adventure. Choose from enticing options like the Exploratorium, the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, California Academy of Sciences, and more. For natives and visitors alike, when it comes to enjoying the best tourist spots a city has to offer at an unbeatable price, nothing beats CityPASS® tickets.
Header Image Courtesy of Blue & Gold Fleet