San Francisco City Lights Cruise
Overview
See San Francisco sparkle on the San Francisco City Lights Cruise, a relaxing 2-hour evening cruise on the Bay. Sail beneath the Golden Gate Bridge, past Alcatraz Island, and along the waterfront for sweeping views of the city skyline.
Unwind to pre-recorded music, enjoy a beverage available for purchase from the onboard bar, and take in the sights from indoor or outdoor seating. Cruise with San Francisco’s original Bay sightseeing company, independently family-owned since 1892.
Dress in warm layers for cool Bay breezes. Sunset views and lighting vary by season and departure time, and San Francisco’s famous fog may partially or completely obscure the Golden Gate Bridge and other sights.
Please note: This cruise does not include audio narration. Pre-recorded music plays throughout the vessel.
What's Included
- "Straight to the gate" access
- 2- hour sunset cruise (summer months) or city lights cruise (winter months) of San Francisco Bay
- Restrooms: Access to clean and convenient restrooms during your cruise.
- Gratuities
- Full bar is available onboard to purchase drinks and snacks.
Meeting Location
Pier 43 5
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
Red and White Fleet
5 minutes Admission Ticket Free
Marina District (pass by)
Fort Mason Center (pass by)
San Francisco – Oakland Bay Bridge (pass by)
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
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Please come to our location 20 minutes prior to the departure time.
- This cruise is not narrated. If you would like to learn more about San Francisco, we suggest taking one of our narrated cruises such as the Golden Gate Bay Cruise or the San Francisco Bridge to Bridge Cruise.
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 300 travelers
Frequently Asked Questions (8)
Q: Will I get seasick on San Francisco City Lights Cruise?
Cancellation Policy
Still have questions?
We're here to help.
Activity code: C-2630SUN
Traveler Photos
Reviews
Average 4.57 out of 5 stars based on 2,068 traveler reviews collected by Cool San Francisco and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor
Additional Info
Similar Tours & Activities
We provide luxurious door-to-door transportation services. Prior to one hour from a scheduled pick-up time, the passengers will receive a courteous reminder via text messaging...
$430
Experience San Francisco in the Original GPS-Guided Talking Car Tour Discover the most exhilarating and immersive way to explore San Francisco with the first-ever GPS-guided...
$169
Embark on a spine-tingling journey through San Francisco's shadowy streets with our captivating walking ghost tour, where history and hauntings intertwine! Guided by an expert...
$26
Savor the best of Northern California Wine Country on this full-day Napa and Sonoma experience. This tour focuses on quality over quantity, with visits to...
$179
We provide luxurious door-to-door transportation services. Prior to one hour from a scheduled pick-up time, the passengers will receive a courteous reminder via text messaging...
$430
Experience San Francisco in the Original GPS-Guided Talking Car Tour Discover the most exhilarating and immersive way to explore San Francisco with the first-ever GPS-guided...
$169
Embark on a spine-tingling journey through San Francisco's shadowy streets with our captivating walking ghost tour, where history and hauntings intertwine! Guided by an expert...
$26
Savor the best of Northern California Wine Country on this full-day Napa and Sonoma experience. This tour focuses on quality over quantity, with visits to...
$179
Travelers Who Bought This Tour Also Bought
San Francisco Golden Gate Bay Cruise
Experience San Francisco’s iconic waterfront with the original San Francisco Bay sightseeing cruise company, family owned and operated since 1892. Departing from Pier 43½ at...
$39
See San Francisco’s top sights the easy way with Big Bus Tours. We offer the most comprehensive tour with over 17 hop-on hop-off locations spanning...
$56
Definitely one for the food lovers, the Little Italy and North Beach Walking Tour is a glimpse into the blend of culture and cuisine of...
$86
Painted Ladies San Francisco City Tour
Come jump on a city tour with us to cruise through some of the 15 top city highlights including Union Square, Chinatown, North Beach, Hayes...
$82
Experience San Francisco’s iconic waterfront with the original San Francisco Bay sightseeing cruise company, family owned and operated since 1892. Departing from Pier 43½ at...
$39
See San Francisco’s top sights the easy way with Big Bus Tours. We offer the most comprehensive tour with over 17 hop-on hop-off locations spanning...
$56
Definitely one for the food lovers, the Little Italy and North Beach Walking Tour is a glimpse into the blend of culture and cuisine of...
$86
Come jump on a city tour with us to cruise through some of the 15 top city highlights including Union Square, Chinatown, North Beach, Hayes...
$82
Frequently Asked Questions (8)
The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from Cool San Francisco customers.
Filter by:
If 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 (PST).
- "Straight to the gate" access.
- 2- hour sunset cruise (summer months) or city lights cruise (winter months) of San Francisco Bay.
- Restrooms: Access to clean and convenient restrooms during your cruise.
- Gratuities.
- Full bar is available onboard to purchase drinks and snacks.
There 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 San Francisco City Lights Cruise is as follows:
- Wheelchair accessible
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for San Francisco City Lights Cruise 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 2024Once your refund is processed, it usually shows on your card statement within 5–10 business days. The exact timing depends on your bank or card issuer.
Want it sooner? When you cancel, choose Receive a refund to my wallet instead. The credit is in your Wallet straight away and is applied automatically at checkout on your next booking when you’re signed in with the same email. You can see your balance any time in My Wallet.
If you paid part of your booking with Wallet credit, that part always goes back to your Wallet. Trip protection isn’t refundable.
Oct 2026What's Included
- "Straight to the gate" access
- 2- hour sunset cruise (summer months) or city lights cruise (winter months) of San Francisco Bay
- Restrooms: Access to clean and convenient restrooms during your cruise.
- Gratuities
- Full bar is available onboard to purchase drinks and snacks.
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
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Please come to our location 20 minutes prior to the departure time.
- This cruise is not narrated. If you would like to learn more about San Francisco, we suggest taking one of our narrated cruises such as the Golden Gate Bay Cruise or the San Francisco Bridge to Bridge Cruise.
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 300 travelers
