San Francisco City Lights Cruise (2-hours)

Overview

2 hours

Mobile ticket

Experience the magic of San Francisco after dark with our San Francisco City Lights Cruise, a perfect evening escape. As the sun sets, the city comes to life, and this 2-hour cruise offers a front-row seat to the iconic landmarks of the Bay, all illuminated against the night sky.

Sail under the majestic Golden Gate Bridge, past Alcatraz Island, and along the sparkling city skyline. This cruise showcases San Francisco from a unique perspective. Wrap up in warm layers, enjoy a beverage from the onboard bar, and relax as the city’s lights create a stunning backdrop to your adventure.

Please note: this cruise does not include audio narration. Prerecorded music is played throughout the vessel.

Additional Info

Wheelchair accessible

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Transportation options are wheelchair accessible

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Please come to our location 15 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.

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

What To Expect

Red and White Fleet

Begin and end your journey at Pier 43 1/2.

5 minutes • Admission Not Applicable

Golden Gate Bridge

Sail under the Golden Gate Bridge as the sun sets.

Admission Not Applicable

What‘s Included

2- hour city lights cruise (winter months) or sunset cruise (summer months) of San Francisco Bay

"Straight to the gate" access

Restrooms: Access to clean and convenient restrooms during your cruise.

Gratuities

Full bar is available onboard to purchase drinks and snacks.

Options

Sunset or City Lights Cruise

Sunset Cruise is only available in the summer from Apr-Oct. City Lights Cruise is only available in the winter from Oct-Mar.

Reviews

4.49

1,880 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

1308

344

117

It was good the tour
Mario C,,Feb 1, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00
All good and very friendly the workers .....................................................................
Not worth the money at all.
Diane W,,Jan 25, 2026
- Review from Viator
3.00
It definetly is NOT 2 hours long. We left the pair late at 5:40pm instead of 5:30pm and it docked at 7:27pm and not 7:40pm which would have been two hours. I hate getting ripped off on these tours with time. It drives me crazy.
10/10 book it!!
Kasidy S,,Jan 23, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00
Such a fun thing to do if you’re visiting San Francisco! I’ve done this 2x and loved it both times!! Definitely worth the money !! And bonus if you do it in the summer cause the sunsets are gorgeous!!
Great tour and as advertised
Renee W,,Jan 20, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00
A great evening tour to see both the city and Golden Gate Bridge in daylight and then the skyline light up after the sun went down. Going under the bridge and seeing it from all angles was spectacular. Getting close to Alcatraz Island was cool as well. Highly recommend this tour.
City lights SF bay cruise
Lee S,,Jan 19, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00
It was wonderful. I went with my teenage daughters and it was a perfect way to see the San Fran bay on a relaxing boat ride!
Highly recommend!
shruti822023,,Jan 18, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Amazing experience, really well informed crew and absolutely stunning views. Highly recommend it to tourists and residents!
Birthday cruise
Darlene F,,Jan 18, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00
Great view of the city lights. Nice leisurely cruise under both golden gate and bay bridge and right along Alcatraz
Actually going right...
Shannon V,,Jan 18, 2026
- Review from Viator
3.00
Actually going right beneath the Golden Gate Bridge was an amazing experience. I think after boating by the Alcatraz it should end. After that it was very boring and still had an hour to go
Sunset Bay Tour
Carol N,,Jan 17, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00
Awesome tour. It wasn't marketed as a sunset tour, but it was. We saw the sun going down as we headed towards the Golden Gate Bridge, then the city light up for the night as the tour continued. Definitely worth the price.
A beautiful experience - Would recommend
Tami S,,Jan 16, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00
The experience was wonderful and I’d recommend for anyone looking for a sunset cruise. It was a beautiful sunny day, so an incredible sunset. Lots of space on the ship we were on and indoor heated spaces on the ground and first floor, for when it got a bit too cold on the top floor. Special thanks to the crew on board who were kind and helpful.