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‘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.
What To Expect
Red and White Fleet
Begin and end your journey at Pier 43 1/2.
Golden Gate Bridge
Sail under the Golden Gate Bridge as the sun sets.
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
1,836 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
San Francisco Night Cruise
adrianlmassey,
Nov 25, 2025
- Review from Viator
4.00Fantastic view of the city by night from the water. Cruise under the Golden Gate Bridge, around the bay and then past the city
City lights
755sherylh,
Nov 24, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was an amazing experience! Dress warm though. The lights and water was amazing. The staff were kind and attentive and I love the warm drink options!
City By the Bay (from the bay)
73brianan,
Nov 23, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was money well spent. The tour was super organized and the entire process was very easy. You are able to see all of the landmarks from a different POV. The Captain slows down to ensure great photo ops under the GoldenGate Bridge, Alcatraz, Bay Bridge and Oracle Park. The boat was clean, friendly staff and some history sprinkled in. If you are doing the City Lights Tour, dress in layers if you want photos from the outside viewing areas. There is a bar for snacks and beverages.
Loved this!
D6703BHlouisea,
Nov 21, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great little trip around the bay between the 2 bridges and around Alcatraz- great way to see the skyline. Amazing views!
Excellent experience at low cost.
Jet14514283351,
Nov 21, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Excellent tour of the bay, you see SFO from another angle, the city lights at night is spectacular, read well your ticket to make the most of it.
It was an amazing night,...
Nathan P,
Nov 20, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00It was an amazing night, but it was COLD on the third deck — definitely dress warm to make the most of it!
Wonderful Experience
scottwatanabe,
Nov 17, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Wonderful experience from start to finish! Boarding was easy, staff were friendly, and the views of San Francisco Bay were breathtaking, both before and after sunset. The historical commentary on Alcatraz and other sites was also interesting. Would definitely recommend and book again!
Ok experience
Stephanie L,
Nov 12, 2025
- Review from Viator
3.00Not that great in my personal experience. In terms of the sunset there were many tourist on the boat taking too much time to take pictures & being inconsiderate of others so we were not able to take pictures with sunset. Other than that, it was just a pleasant normal ride after passing the bridge. For us 2 hours was too much, we could have gotten the 1 hour and miss the sunset since we still could not get pictures of it anyway. If you like sailing I recommend but like the 1 hour tour lol
Great way to see the city...
uyen n,
Nov 10, 2025
- Review from Viator
4.00Great way to see the city skyline at night❤️. Wish there more narrated informations of the city. But the 2 hours is enough to see the whole bay area
Beautiful night on the water
David B,
Nov 10, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00It was a beautiful night on the water. Friendly helpful staff. They played music and had information about the different sights.
From US$58.00
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