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Red and White Fleet: San Francisco Bay Cruises

Experience breathtaking views of the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz Island on a historic San Francisco Bay cruise with Red and White Fleet.

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Embark on a memorable San Francisco Bay cruise with Red and White Fleet, a family-owned company operating since 1892. Enjoy iconic views of the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz Island, and the city skyline with informative audio tours available in multiple languages.

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 prior to departure for boarding on a first-come, first-served basis.
  • Bring a jacket, as it can get chilly on the bay, even on sunny days.
  • Check the Red and White Fleet website for special event cruises, such as the July 4th Fireworks Cruise.
  • Take the F-Line streetcar for a scenic and convenient ride to Pier 43 1/2.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From the Ferry Building, take the MUNI F-Line streetcar towards Fisherman's Wharf. The closest stop to Pier 43 1/2 is Fisherman's Wharf, Pier 43 1/2. The cost for a single ride on MUNI is $3. Alternatively, take BART to Embarcadero Station, transfer to the F-Line streetcar at the Ferry Building. For Bay Area transit information, dial 511.

  • Cable Car

    From Union Square, take the Powell-Hyde or Powell-Mason cable car line towards Fisherman's Wharf. The Powell/Mason Cable Car terminus is located at Bay & Taylor Street (6-minute walk) and the Powell/Hyde terminus is located at Hyde & Beach Street (9-minute walk). A single ride on the cable car costs $8.

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    From anywhere in downtown San Francisco, a taxi or ride-share (Uber/Lyft) to Pier 43 is a convenient option. The ride typically takes 10-15 minutes, depending on traffic. Expect to pay around $15-$25, depending on the distance and surge pricing.

  • Driving

    Driving to Pier 43 is possible, but parking in Fisherman's Wharf can be challenging and expensive. Several parking lots are available near Pier 43 1/2. Parking rates range from $13 to $42. Booking parking in advance through SpotHero is highly recommended.

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Discover more about Red and White Fleet San Francisco Bay Cruises

Red and White Fleet has been a fixture of San Francisco's waterfront since 1892, offering visitors unforgettable experiences on the bay. Founded by Thomas Crowley, the company initially supplied tall ships before transitioning to scenic tours in 1915. Today, as a family-owned and operated business, Red and White Fleet provides a variety of cruises that showcase the city's natural and urban beauty. The signature Golden Gate Bay Cruise is a one-hour journey that sails under the Golden Gate Bridge and circles Alcatraz Island, providing stunning views and insightful commentary. The Bridge to Bridge Cruise offers a more extensive 90-minute exploration of the San Francisco waterfront, passing under both the Golden Gate and Bay Bridges. For a magical experience, the California Sunset Cruise bathes the bay in the warm hues of dusk, offering panoramic views of the city skyline. Red and White Fleet is committed to environmental sustainability and community education. The company's dedication to providing exceptional service and creating lasting memories has made it a beloved San Francisco institution for generations.

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