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A city skyline with a boat in the foreground. 1
A boat named 'Kitty Kat' with passengers on deck, sailing on the water. 2
A humpback whale breaching near a bridge. 3
A humpback whale breaching with water splashing around its head. 4
A whale breaching the ocean surface. 5

Golden Gate Whale Watch

By San Francisco Whale Tours
9.0 out of 10
Wonderful
Free cancellation available
Price is $77 per adult
See tickets

Features

  • Free cancellation available
  • 2h 30m
  • Mobile voucher
  • Instant confirmation

Overview

Take a sightseeing cruise across San Francisco Bay and glide under the Golden Gate Bridge on this 2.5-hour whale-watching tour. Search for humpback and gray whales along with more abundant porpoises, dolphins, and harbor seals while learning about the unique history and geology of the area from a professional naturalist on board. Cruise past iconic landmarks aboard a Coast Guard–certified eco-friendly vessel with abundant cabin space and comfortable sun deck.

Activity location

  • Pier 39
    • Beach Street & The Embarcadero, Parking area
    • 94133, San Francisco, California, United States

Meeting/Redemption Point

  • Pier 39
    • Pier 39
    • 94133, San Francisco, California, United States

Check availability

9:00 AM

  • Activity duration is 2 hours and 30 minutes2h 30m
    2h 30m
  • English

9am departure for 2.5 hour whale watching during the humpback migration season in the San Francisco Bay and along the Pacific Coast.

Language options: English
Starting time: 9:00AM
Price details
$77.04 x 1 Adult$77.04
Total
Price is $77.04
Until Fri, Jul 24

What's included, what's not

  • What's includedWhat's included
    Professional guide
  • What's includedWhat's included
    Coast guard–certified vessel with professional captain and crew
  • What's includedWhat's included
    Live commentary on board
  • What's excludedWhat's excluded
    Gratuities
  • What's excludedWhat's excluded
    Food and drinks
  • What's excludedWhat's excluded
    Hotel pickup and drop-off

Know before you book

  • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
  • Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
  • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
  • Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
  • Children must be accompanied by an adult

Activity itinerary

Pier 39

  • 5m
Start your whale-watching tour from Pier 39 in San Francisco. A member of the crew will welcome you aboard the eco-friendly catamaran. With its hull design and superior engineering, the vessel offers a smooth ride across San Francisco Bay.

Angel Island State Park (Pass by)

Following a safety orientation to familiarize yourself with the boat, take in the views of Angel Island and nearby Alcatraz.

Golden Gate Bridge (Pass by)

Cruise under the Golden Gate Bridge and head out to sea, venturing 3 to 8 miles (4 to 12 km) in search of marine life. In addition to humpback and gray whales, the Bay Ares is frequented by numerous porpoises, dolphins, sharks, sea lions, and various bird populations, as explained by the onboard naturalist.

San Francisco Bay

  • 2h 30m
Dramatic cliffs and imposing rocky shorelines create a dramatic backdrop while you relax inside the heated cabin or watch for whales from the spacious deck. Learn local trivia and brush up on regional history about Native Americans, Spanish explorers, or Gold Rush immigrants.

Fisherman's Wharf

  • 1m
Returning to Pier 39, you'll find numerous eateries where you can purchase clam chowder or the famous sourdough bread of Fisherman’s Wharf.

Location

Activity location

  • LOB_ACTIVITIESLOB_ACTIVITIES
    Pier 39
    • Beach Street & The Embarcadero, Parking area
    • 94133, San Francisco, California, United States

Meeting/Redemption Point

  • PEOPLEPEOPLE
    Pier 39
    • Pier 39
    • 94133, San Francisco, California, United States

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