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Sausalito Cruises & boat tours

Our most recommended Sausalito Cruises & boat tours

San Francisco: Golden Gate Bay Cruise

1. San Francisco: Golden Gate Bay Cruise

Cruise around the Golden Gate Bay on a boat tour. Enjoy informative commentary, see sights like Alcatraz Island, and purchase food and drink from the onboard bar. Launched in 1939 as part of the Golden Gate International Exposition, this 1-hour cruise has been a highlight of any visit to San Francisco for over 75 years. With 8-14 departures daily from Fisherman's Wharf, you will sail along San Francisco's breathtaking waterfront, under the majestic Golden Gate Bridge, and close to the notorious Alcatraz Island. Discover San Francisco's fascinating history, brought to life through audio commentary broadcast in 16 languages via personal headphones. Look out for wildlife along the way, including pelicans, sea lions, and even dolphins and whales. Sail past the lively neighborhood of North Beach, the famous swimming clubs of Aquatic Park, the historic vessels at Hyde Street Pier, and San Francisco Maritime National Park, before heading west towards Golden Gate Bridge. Enjoy views of Crissy Field and the lush hillsides of the Presidio, before cruising under Golden Gate Bridge. Steam back into the Bay, traveling past the wildlife reserves of the Marin Headlands, and the legendary town of Sausalito, once home to the 1960s’ flower generation. With Angel Island State Park to your left, cruise around the infamous Alcatraz. After a full hour of exciting sights, the barking sea lions at Pier 39 welcome you back to Pier 43 1/2. A full bar with drinks, snacks, and merchandise, including logo wear, is available at reasonable prices on board the iconic red and blue sea vessels.

San Francisco: Bridge to Bridge Cruise

2. San Francisco: Bridge to Bridge Cruise

See both the Golden Gate Bridge and the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge on a single boat tour with personal headphone audio included. Explore San Francisco's famous landmarks, history, natural history, architecture, and Native American culture on board this unique bay cruise. During the 90-minute round trip cruise you'll depart from Fisherman's Wharf, one of the city's busiest tourist attractions. From there, sail under the Golden Gate Bridge. Completed in 1937, the Golden Gate is one of the world's most famous and beautiful bridges, and was at one point the largest suspension bridge in the world. Cruise past Alcatraz Island, once home of one of the world's most infamous prisons, and take the chance to enjoy the stunning San Francisco waterfront. The boat will pass along the harbor before heading under the colossal San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge. Then it's time to head back to the charming city of San Francisco by the sea.

San Francisco: Muir Woods, Sausalito and SF Bay Cruise

3. San Francisco: Muir Woods, Sausalito and SF Bay Cruise

Embark on an exciting half-day trip to the beautiful Muir Woods National Monument, and the charming town of Sausalito. Hear informative commentary as you go, and complete your trip with a cruise on the Bay. Hop aboard your air-conditioned vehicle equipped with wi-fi and a restroom. Cross the Golden Gate Bridge and motor through the “Rainbow Tunnels” on Hwy. 101, Marin’s unique topography comes into view. Tidal flats along the bay segue into gentle undulating hills as they rise to meet Mt. Tamalpais, Marin’s 2,600-foot landmark. As your tour ascends Mt. Tam, breathtaking views abound at every turn. Descending into the valley toward Muir Woods, you will see a landscape that hasn’t changed since its original inhabitants, the Coast Miwok Indians lived here centuries ago. Spend 90 minutes in Muir Woods, the most time offered on any sightseeing tour program. Stroll along the Nature Trail along picturesque Redwood Creek, and through Cathedral and Bohemian Groves, filled with 500 to 800-year-old redwoods. Be sure to stop at the Visitors Center and Gift Shop. The next stop on your tour is beautiful Sausalito, a Mediterranean-like community with elegant hillside homes facing the bay and a unique colony of floating homes moored along the waterfront. You will have time to stroll Downtown Sausalito, a National Historic Landmark District offering many fine shops, galleries, and restaurants. Your return to San Francisco by motorcoach will be via the Golden Gate Bridge and through San Francisco’s Marina District. The final portion of your tour is a 1-hour cruise of the San Francisco Bay where you will sail by the famous Alcatraz Island and under the Golden Gate Bridge.

San Francisco: Bay Sailing Tour with Drinks

4. San Francisco: Bay Sailing Tour with Drinks

Embark on a relaxing cruise along the San Francisco Bay and enhance your sightseeing experience with two complimentary drinks. Take in views of the San Francisco skyline and important landmarks, including the Golden Gate bridge. Be welcomed by your captain and first mate and make yourself comfortable on the Privateer, a double-masted sailboat. Motor out of the dock towards the bay and watch the sails rise above you. Be served two complimentary drinks of your choice from a selection of beer, wine, soft drinks, or water. Pass Alcatraz and Angel Island and see the Bay Bridge. Glide past the city of Sausalito before cruising parallel to the the Golden Gate Bridge for some great photo opportunities. Feel free to ask the crew any questions about the landmarks. Finally, be returned to the departure point.

San Francisco: Muir Woods Trip and Golden Gate Bridge Cruise

5. San Francisco: Muir Woods Trip and Golden Gate Bridge Cruise

Journey to the majestic Muir Woods National Monument on a half-day tour from San Francisco. After meeting in San Francisco, drive north of the city to this stunning canyon. Enjoy the peace and solitude as you stroll among 1000-year-old trees, towering 260 feet tall. Experience awe and wonder as you wander through the redwood alleyways. On your return journey to the city, enjoy a scenic drive through the quaint seaside town of Sausalito. This Mediterranean-style village lies across the bay from San Francisco, and is famous for its incredible views. Explore the local boutiques and quaint cafes.  Then enjoy a 1-hour scenic cruise on the San Francisco Bay. Enjoy the views of the city skyline and Alcatraz Island, and admire the Golden Gate Bridge from the water. Benefit from audio guide commentary in 16 languages, to learn more about the city’s colorful history and famous landmarks. Look out for seagulls, pelicans, sea lions, and even porpoises and whales.

San Francisco: Bay Cruise & Wine Country Tour with Tastings

6. San Francisco: Bay Cruise & Wine Country Tour with Tastings

Set off on a half-day excursion to California's wine country in the morning and enjoy a scenic bay cruise around San Francisco Bay in the afternoon. Benefit from the convenience of a full-day combo tour. Start your day heading North to enjoy a scenic drive over the Golden Gate Bridge. Next, we drive through the beautiful seaside town of Sausalito, the Mediterranean-like village harbored across the San Francisco Bay and famous for its sweeping views on our way to Wine Country. As the vine-covered hillsides come into view, visit 2 popular wineries for wine tastings and an exclusive estate tour at 2 favorite local winery venues. At each winery, enjoy up to 3-5 tastings of their signature blends. Experience the inner workings of the wineries and their family history in Napa & Sonoma Valley, as an expert wine host walks you through the fermentation process, barrel aging, bottling, and of course tastings of some award-winning varietals Next, stop for a quick break at Fisherman's Wharf to enjoy some of the outdoor crab stations and get the chance to buy clam chowder in San Francisco's famous sourdough bowl. Finish your day with a 1.5-hour cruise at sunset sailing under both the Golden Gate Bridge and the Bay Bridge in one spectacular cruise along San Francisco's entire urban skyline. Along the way, explore San Francisco's stunning landmarks like Alcatraz Island, Coit Tower, Ferry Building, Transamerica Pyramid, Palace of Fine Arts, and many more. Learn about this city's unique natural history, architecture, and Native American culture through our audio tour. Other interesting aspects of the multilingual audio tour include details about the building of both bridges, the geology of San Francisco Bay, and the architectural techniques developed to protect San Francisco from earthquakes. Cruising under both of San Francisco's incredible bridges surely will be the highlight of your journey.

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What people are saying about Sausalito

Overall rating

5.0 / 5

based on 4 reviews

My experience was great! The team was friendly! We departed at 1 which was great because the sun was just doing through. I’d suggest travelers to book afternoon departures if they want better views. However, the bay is beautiful in any weather condition. Checking in is quick and mindless and onboarding is easily accessible, especially for families with strollers. Parking and surrounding eateries are also easily accessible. 10/10 recommend!

This cruise was fantastic. Being able to see Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz, Angel Island, the Bay Bridge, and the San Francisco waterfront so close was an awesome experience. The commentary throughout the cruise provided interesting facts about the locations and their history which added to the experience.

Loved the Muir Woods experience. Wish we could have spent some time in Sausalito. Because we were also taking the bay cruise we had to return on the van vs the ferry. Enjoyed the cruise very much.

The cruise was excellent!! Great views and audio tour, and the hot chocolate that was available for purchase was delicious. Highly recommend

Loved it ! Great views of the Bay and the City, Alcatraz, the bay bridge and the Golden Gate bridge!