San Francisco · SAILING

Top 10 Sailing Trips in San Francisco

10 tours  ·  from $65 a head

Good sailing trips fill up weeks ahead and the great ones go first. Below: the 10 to book early, what each includes and how they differ.

San Francisco Bay Sunset Catamaran Cruise - Leaving the city behind
Cruises & Boat Tours, Evening Experiences, Sailing, San Francisco Bay Cruises, San Francisco Tours, Tour Reviews

San Francisco Bay Sunset Catamaran Cruise

1.San Francisco Bay Sunset Catamaran Cruise

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

Review of San Francisco’s sunset catamaran cruise, with Golden Gate views, Alcatraz, one free drink, practical tips, and honest value advice.

“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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San Francisco Bay Sunset Cruise by Luxury Catamaran - Starting at Pier 39 beside the sea lions
Cruises & Boat Tours, Evening Experiences, Luxury Tours in San Francisco, Sailing, San Francisco Bay Cruises, San Francisco Sunset Cruises, San Francisco Tours, Tour Reviews, VIP

San Francisco Bay Sunset Cruise by Luxury Catamaran

San Francisco Bay Sailing Cruise - The skyline grows smaller behind you
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San Francisco Bay Sailing Cruise

3.San Francisco Bay Sailing Cruise

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

Sail beneath the Golden Gate Bridge, circle Alcatraz, and view San Francisco from a 90-minute catamaran cruise with covered seating.

“Such a great experience. Easygoing ride. Great people. Great views. Recommend To dress warm, bring layers. They have beverages on sale on board.”

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San Francisco: Golden Gate Bridge Catamaran Cruise - Meeting Adventure Cat at Pier 39
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San Francisco: Golden Gate Bridge Catamaran Cruise

4.Golden Gate Bridge Catamaran Cruise

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

Sail San Francisco Bay past Alcatraz and beneath the Golden Gate Bridge on a lively 90-minute catamaran cruise from Pier 39.

“This was truly the best way to start off our trip in San Francisco! The crew is fun, super energetic. We sailed with Devin & Chad beginning of August. We were lucky to get to see the bridge with a bit of sunshine as it had been so foggy the days before - this is definitely a weather dependent activity. But even on foggy days, the bridge can still look really cool/mystical. If it is a colder day, they have jackets on board :) you can also buy drinks inside! They let us take pictures behind the steering wheel, which are definitely our favourites of our holiday. Highly recommend!”

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1.5-Hour San Francisco Bay Sailing Tour - The Golden Gate view from the water
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1.5-Hour San Francisco Bay Sailing Tour

5.1.5-Hour San Francisco Bay Sailing Tour

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

Review of a 90-minute San Francisco Bay sail from Pier 39 with Alcatraz, Golden Gate views, two drinks, and a small friendly crew.

“It was a great way to see the Bay. The crew was friendly and professional. We just loved being on the water.”

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San Francisco: Bay Sailing Tour with Drinks - Finding the boat at Pier 39
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San Francisco: Bay Sailing Tour with Drinks

6.Bay Sailing Tour with Drinks

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

Sail San Francisco Bay on a 28-passenger boat with two drinks, Alcatraz views, Angel Island, Sausalito, and a close look at the Golden Gate Bridge.

“My husband and I had THE BEST TIME on this cruise! The Crew was fantastic!!! This is a MUST DO when you go t San Francisco!! I know it is for us!!!”

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America's Cup Day Sailing Adventure on San Francisco Bay - Why the America’s Cup yacht changes the experience
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America’s Cup Day Sailing Adventure on San Francisco Bay

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

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

Sail beneath the Golden Gate on a real America’s Cup yacht, help trim the sails, steer the boat, and take in San Francisco Bay for $99.

“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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Private Sailing Tour of Bodega Bay - Crossing the outer bay
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Private Sailing Tour of Bodega Bay

8.Private Sailing Tour of Bodega Bay

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 86 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $122

Sail from Bodega Bay Harbor to the open Pacific with Captain Rich on a private three-hour trip for up to six people.

“I booked this sailing trip as a surprise anniversary gift for my boyfriend! It did not disappoint. Captain Rick was awesome! 10/10 would highly recommend!”

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2hr. INTERACTIVE Sailing Experience on San Francisco Bay - The Golden Gate Bridge from the water
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2hr. INTERACTIVE Sailing Experience on San Francisco Bay

9.2hr. INTERACTIVE Sailing Experience on San Francisco Bay

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

Sail from Sausalito beneath the Golden Gate Bridge, help crew the boat, spot Alcatraz and seals, and enjoy a small-group Bay adventure.

“Captain Will was extremely friendly and made my sailing experience fantastic. I got to raise the sails, help with the lines and steer the boat. I had a great time and plan on doing it again in my next trip to San Francisco.”

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2-Hour Private Sailboat Charter in the San Francisco Bay - Alcatraz from the water
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2-Hour Private Sailboat Charter in the San Francisco Bay

10.2-Hour Private Sailboat Charter in the San Francisco Bay

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

Sail San Francisco Bay privately with Captain John, taking in Alcatraz, Sausalito, the Golden Gate Bridge, and skyline views aboard a six-person boat.

“This private sailing tour is totally worth it! The boat is the perfect size for 5-6 people. There are cup holders all around the railing which made it super easy to sit around and drink (even when the waters got choppy). We had the luxury of doing this on a perfect summer day so except for 10 mins at the start, it wasn't cold. Infact it was quite pleasant and the water was quite calm as we got closer to Sausalito. I would have given it 5 stars except : 1) Our captain was curt and uncooperative. 2) There was only radio and no option to play our own music…”

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