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Red and White Fleet: San Francisco Bay Cruises

Experience iconic San Francisco Bay cruises with stunning views of the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz, and the city skyline.

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Experience San Francisco Bay with Red and White Fleet, offering iconic cruises since 1892. Enjoy stunning views of the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz Island, and the city skyline with multilingual audio tours. A perfect way to create lasting memories on the water.

A brief summary to Red and White Fleet San Francisco Bay Cruises

  • Monday 9:30 am-4 pm
  • Tuesday 9:30 am-4 pm
  • Wednesday 9:30 am-4 pm
  • Thursday 9:30 am-5:30 pm
  • Friday 9:30 am-5:30 pm
  • Saturday 9:30 am-5:30 pm
  • Sunday 9:30 am-5:30 pm

Local tips

  • Arrive 15-20 minutes early for boarding, as it's on a first-come, first-served basis.
  • Bring a jacket, as the bay can be breezy, even on sunny days.
  • Check the Red and White Fleet website for special events like the 4th of July Fireworks Cruise or Fleet Week Air Show Cruise.
  • Consider purchasing a combo ticket for Alcatraz Island and a Golden Gate Bay Cruise to maximize your San Francisco experience.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From downtown San Francisco, take the F line streetcar towards Fisherman's Wharf. The streetcar stops near Pier 43 1/2. A single ride costs $3. Alternatively, the 49 bus also runs from downtown to Fisherman's Wharf for $3. A day pass for unlimited rides on Muni, Muni Metro, historic streetcars, and cable cars is $5.

  • Cable Car

    From Union Square, take either the Powell-Hyde or Powell-Mason cable car line to Fisherman's Wharf. The Powell-Hyde line stops near Ghirardelli Square, while the Powell-Mason line stops in the middle of Fisherman's Wharf. A single ride on the cable car costs $8.

  • Walking

    From Pier 39, walk west along the Embarcadero towards Pier 43 1/2. The walk is approximately 15 minutes and offers scenic views of the waterfront. No costs involved.

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    From anywhere in downtown San Francisco, a taxi or ride-share to Pier 43 1/2 typically costs $15-$20 and takes about 10-15 minutes, depending on traffic.

  • Parking

    Several parking garages are available near Fisherman's Wharf. The Wharf Garage at 450 Beach St offers rates starting at $6 for 30 minutes, with a daily maximum of $40. Pier 39 Garage charges $10 per hour on weekdays and $12 per hour on weekends, with daily maximums of $50 and $60, respectively. Anchorage Square Parking Garage at 500 Beach Street has a daily maximum of $40 from November to March and $50 from April to October. Parking rates can vary, so check current pricing. Reservations can be made via SpotHero.

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Discover more about Red and White Fleet San Francisco Bay Cruises

Red and White Fleet has been a San Francisco institution since 1892, offering unforgettable bay cruises that showcase the city's beauty and history. Founded by Thomas Crowley, the company initially supplied ships in the bay before transitioning to sightseeing tours in 1915. Today, it remains family-owned and operated, committed to providing memorable experiences for locals and tourists alike. Embark on a signature Golden Gate Bay Cruise, a one-hour journey that sails under the Golden Gate and Bay Bridges, offering unparalleled views of these iconic structures. The cruise circles Alcatraz Island, providing fascinating commentary on its notorious past. For a more extensive exploration, the Bridge to Bridge Cruise spans 90 minutes, showcasing the entire San Francisco waterfront. The California Sunset Cruise offers panoramic views of the city skyline silhouetted against the evening sky. Red and White Fleet is dedicated to environmental sustainability, operating the Enhydra, a plug-in hybrid ferry. Cruises depart from Pier 43 1/2 in Fisherman's Wharf, a vibrant location with easy access to other attractions. With multilingual audio tours available in 16 languages, visitors from around the world can delve into the rich history and geological wonders of the San Francisco Bay Area.

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