Golden Gate Whale Watch
Overview
Take a sightseeing cruise across San Francisco Bay and glide under the Golden Gate Bridge on this 2.5-hour whale-watching tour. Search for humpback and gray whales along with more abundant porpoises, dolphins, and harbor seals while learning about the unique history and geology of the area from a professional naturalist on board. Cruise past iconic landmarks aboard a Coast Guard–certified eco-friendly vessel with abundant cabin space and comfortable sun deck.
What's Included
- Coast guard–certified vessel with professional captain and crew
- Live commentary on board
- Professional guide
- Gratuities
- Food and drinks
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
Meeting Location
Pier 39
San Francisco, CA 94133, USA
Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.
This activity ends back at the meeting point.
What To Expect
Book Online
Safe & secure • Easy breezy • Hassle-free
Pier 39
5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Angel Island State Park (pass by)
Golden Gate Bridge (pass by)
San Francisco Bay
2 hours 30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Fisherman's Wharf
1 minute • Admission Ticket Free
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- Wheelchair accessible
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 89 travelers
Frequently Asked Questions (9)
Q: Do we get to swim with or touch the dolphins?
Cancellation Policy
Still have questions?
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Activity code: C-5311P3
Traveler Photos
Reviews
Average 4.44 out of 5 stars based on 402 traveler reviews collected by Cool San Francisco and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor
Additional Info
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Frequently Asked Questions (9)
The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from Cool San Francisco customers.
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As an active member of the Dolphin SMART program, we do not have physical contact with the dolphins on Golden Gate Whale Watch. We watch them in their natural habitat from the boat.
Dec 2022If you have any doubts about becoming seasick on the water, we recommend taking a Dramamine® Motion Sickness Relief tablet the night before your trip. Some people recommend taking it the night before your cruise and then again that morning so you will not feel so drowsy.
Feb 2023- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
- Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (PDT).
- This tour requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.
- Coast guard–certified vessel with professional captain and crew.
- Live commentary on board.
- Professional guide.
- Gratuities.
- Food and drinks.
- Hotel pickup and drop-off.
This tour requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
Apr 2025There is no minimum age for this tour, so bring your wee one along for an adventure..
Apr 2025If a date or time is not listed on the calendar, it’s sold out or unavailable for another reason. Support cannot assist further if a date or time is not on the calendar.
If you find a date and time that works for you, book it NOW because things always sell out at this time of year.
Apr 2025Accessibility information for the Golden Gate Whale Watch is as follows:
- Wheelchair accessible
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for Golden Gate Whale Watch will be included in your confirmation email from Cool San Francisco. Please be sure to double and triple check your email address is correct at checkout so this important email makes its way to you!
Mar 2024What's Included
- Coast guard–certified vessel with professional captain and crew
- Live commentary on board
- Professional guide
- Gratuities
- Food and drinks
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- Wheelchair accessible
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 89 travelers
