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

1,847 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

1287

340

113

So worth it
Mia U,,Dec 17, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
So much fun! The view was worth it! They do have drinks on board but you have to buy them. There is 3 levels to boat. Can do solo or family/friends trip.
Terrible experience – outright cheating
Ravi T,,Dec 15, 2025
- Review from Viator
1.00
This travel provider is a cheater. We booked a trip scheduled for 4:45 PM on Friday and arrived early at 4:15 PM, only to find that there was no ship at all. No staff, no communication, nothing. When we requested a refund for their mistake, both Viator and the local partner flatly refused and instead forced us to “reschedule” a trip that never happened in the first place. Why should customers reschedule when the provider failed to show up? This is pure cheating and extremely unprofessional behavior by Viator and their travel partner. They take your money, don’t provide the service, and then deny a refund. Avoid this provider at all costs.
Highly recommend
DAiSY H,,Dec 15, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
I loved the music that was playing throughout the travel. Although I wish the speakers were louder when the audio voice was playing. I was on the lower level and it was a little difficult to hear the tour
December experience. At...
William B,,Dec 14, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
December experience. At this time of the year the local advice rings true- wrap up well with plenty of layers as it gets quite chilly in the evenings but otherwise dry.
Memorable Experience
Rajpreet S,,Dec 14, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
During the colder months definitely layer up to stay warm while enjoying the city lights. Definitely worth the money.
If you go in the winter...
Makayla F,,Dec 7, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
If you go in the winter make sure you layer up cause it is freezing but definitely worth it! View is beautiful
San Francisco City Lights Cruise!
sebastianmP1225VT,,Dec 1, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
This was my first time ever taking anything like this in the Bay Area and it was very much worth it if you’re into the cold. If you are not a fan of the cold weather, stay far away from this experience as only those who appreciate freezing temperatures will enjoy this kind of environment. I went with my girlfriend and she was layered up with multiple hoodies and was still freezing, overall we had fun but I would highly recommend bringing a sweater and blankets. The views are spectacular and breath taking, will definitely be looking forward to the sunset cruise in
Northern California Trip
Sly O,,Nov 30, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
Fantastic, I recommend that you take the 2 hour Red & White Fleet San Francisco bay excursion, you won't be sorry.
Amazing views of the city...
Cedar H,,Nov 29, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
Amazing views of the city and surrounding areas. Helpful facts and information about the cities buildings.
City Lights
louiso201,,Nov 29, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
2.00
Music lousy and to loud. The narration was terrible. The views were great. Music lousy and to loud. The narration was terrible. The views were great UGH!!!