View History Contact Operator Last updated: May 26, 2025

San Francisco Bus & Boat Adventure

Summary Description

Enjoy beautiful views from an open top double decker bus with the Hop-On Hop-Off City Tour and catch the breathtaking views of the city’s skyline from the water during the 60-minute Bay Cruise.

Highlights
  • Visit the major sites of San Francisco
  • Sail underneath the Golden Gate Bridge
  • See Alcatraz Island up close from the water
  • Enjoy 1 day hop-on hop-off access to the Official City Tour
  • Fun and informative narration in various languages
Description

Explore San Francisco by bus and by boat with this valuable combo ticket. Enjoy beautiful views from an open top bus during the Hop-On Hop-Off City Tour and enjoy breathtaking views of the city’s skyline during the 60-minute Bay Cruise. Both tours take you along the major sights of San Francisco, providing fun and informative commentary in various languages. Drive across and sail underneath the world-famous Golden Gate Bridge with great views of Alcatraz Island. Visit Golden Gate Park and explore Fisherman’s Wharf, North Beach, Chinatown, Union Square, City Hall, the Palace of Fine Arts, and much more.

1-Day Hop-On Hop-Off City Tour
Start your tour at Fisherman's Wharf, one of the most vibrant places in the city. Visit the exciting attractions at Pier 39, watch the popular sea lion colony and see many other sights along the waterfront. The open top bus gives you the best views while you drive along the Barbary Coast, the Embarcadero, Ferry Building, Union Square, City Hall, North Beach, the Palace of Fine Arts, Golden Gate Park and much more.

Snap a picture of Chinatown's 'Dragon Gates' and try their delicious food, or shop at Union Square in many of its luxury stores. Take a stroll around Alamo Square to see the world-famous Painted Ladies Victorian houses, also known as "Postcard Row". In Haight Ashbury you will be taken back in time to the “Summer of Love”, surrounded by colorful murals and fine art dedicated to San Francisco’s hippie culture.

The highlight of the tour is the ride across San Francisco’s most iconic landmark – the Golden Gate Bridge. While crossing the 1.7-mile span on an open-top bus you will have breathtaking views of the bridge, Alcatraz Island and the stunning skyline. Hop off at North Vista Point to take your best selfie, or walk across the bridge high above the bay.

Enjoy the great views of San Francisco's City Hall, the Opera House and Symphony Hall along the Civic Center, or visit the Asian Art Museum, the Public Library and the War Memorial. Escape to Golden Gate Park to explore one of the largest urban parks in the world. Stop at its popular museums and attractions, such as the California Academy of Sciences, the Conservatory of Flowers, Japanese Tea Garden and the de Young Museum, or enjoy the long hiking trails, bike paths, lakes, waterfalls, windmills and much more.

If you stay on the bus for the full tour, you can see all major sites of San Francisco within 2 hours, but with your flexible 1-day ticket you are free to explore the city on your own pace and hop on and off the bus as often as you like. The tour guides or audio commentary provide fun and informative insights about San Francisco while you enjoy the most amazing views from the open top deck of the Double Decker bus.

San Francisco Bay Cruise
The 60-minute Bay Cruise is the most popular water tour in San Francisco. Heading towards the Pacific Ocean, there are breathtaking views of the San Francisco skyline, including Fisherman's Wharf and Aquatic Park, Fort Mason, the Marina District, Pacific Heights, Crissy Fields and the Presidio.

Sail underneath the Golden Gate Bridge and get close to Alcatraz Island for great photo opportunities. The audio guide provides fun and useful information about San Francisco in various languages while you cruise through the San Francisco Bay. Learn about the city’s fascinating history and enjoy the magnificent views from the water.

Included / Excluded
  • 1-Day Hop-On Hop-Off City Tour
  • San Francisco Bay Cruise
  • Multilingual audio commentary
  • Tips and gratuities
  • Food and beverages
  • Hotel pick up
Accessibility
  • Stroller Accessible
  • Infants required to sit on laps
  • Travellers easily arrive and depart on public transport
Commentary

Audio : English, Spanish, French, German, Italian, Portuguese

Important Information
Know Before You Book
  • Ticket can be used on the same day or two consecutive days
  • Free audio tours in various languages on bus and boat
  • Bay Cruise takes approx. 60 minutes
Know Before You Go
  • The bus and boat tours are first come first serve
  • Carry a jacket as it can get cold on the bus and boat
  • Mobile voucher accepted
Cancellation

Cancellation Cutoff: 24 hours

Cancellation Notes: Free cancellation up to 24 hours prior to departure.

Options and Pricing

San Francisco Tour by Bus and Boat RETAIL PRICE
Adult (13 - 99 years) $89.99
Child (3 - 12 years) $84.99
FAQ

What are the operating hours for the bus tour?

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The buses operate daily, every 20-30 mins between 10:00am and 5:00pm.

Where do I board the Bay Cruise?

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The Bay Cruise departs either from Pier 41 or Pier 39. You will receive the specific departure location and further information once you redeem your voucher at 99 Jefferson Street (at the corner of Mason St.)

What are the office operating hours?

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Our office is open daily from 09:00am to 5:00pm (depending on the season)

What are the departure times for the Bay Cruise?

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Departure times for the Bay Cruise vary according to season. In general there are approx. 4-5 departures per day during the week and approx. 8 departures during the weekend.

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Basic Information
  • Duration: 1 day - 2 days
  • Trip difficulty: Easy
  • API Providers: Ventrata
  • Magpie ID: DGBNSH
  • Currency: USD
  • Language: English
  • Booking Cutoff: 0 hours
  • Timezone: America/Los_Angeles
  • Category: Tours & Sightseeing
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