San Francisco Golden Gate Bay Cruise: Is It Really Worth It?

So, you’re thinking of checking out San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bay Cruise, right? The one that’s about an hour long? Well, you’ve come to the correct place. We are going to break it all down for you, see what’s really cool, what’s maybe not so cool, and help you figure out if spending your time and money on this particular adventure is actually a fantastic move. Think of this as chatting with a friend who’s already been there, done that, and is ready to give you the honest scoop.

What to Anticipate on the Bay Cruise

The Golden Gate Bay Cruise pretty much gives you exactly what it says: a view of the Golden Gate Bridge from the water. It usually lasts about 60 minutes, it can vary a bit. A great many of these cruises start near Fisherman’s Wharf, you know, that famous spot with all the sea lions? And pretty soon you are sailing into the bay. You’ll typically get a chance to see the iconic skyline, including Alcatraz Island and get incredibly close to the Golden Gate Bridge. That sight alone can be truly worth it, if you’re up for getting out on the water. Keep in mind that you are on the bay; it tends to get windy and chilly. You will want to prepare for variable weather by bringing an extra layer, since being unprepared definitely would take away some of the fun. Aboard, there usually is some kind of narration going on, giving you tidbits of info regarding the areas, and what you are looking at as you are sailing, maybe it will scratch your knowledge itch.

The Golden Gate Up Close

Okay, so getting close to the Golden Gate Bridge; it’s genuinely amazing. You’ve seen pictures, very possibly a lot of pictures, but seeing it from right there on the water is something else. This gigantic, orange, architectural… marvel! Anyway, when the fog cooperates, and it isn’t socked in, the views can be just breathtaking, yet it’s still very scenic even in the fog! It really is among those iconic moments in San Francisco, for many people. So, with any luck, the cruise boats frequently loop around the bridge, therefore allowing you to grab photos from many various angles. You are going to need that, if you really want ‘that’ perfect shot to share. Keep that camera ready!

Alcatraz Island From the Bay

Sailing past Alcatraz offers yet another compelling view, a viewpoint you really can’t get anywhere else. As you’re cruising, that famous former prison sits out in the bay. So it does have a really eerie feeling to it, especially knowing its background and its history. The narration during these trips will often highlight several facts, or, also a few legendary stories concerning the island. Maybe learning about some of the escape attempts adds a totally different layer to the experience. Just something about viewing Alcatraz from the water, makes it an incredibly fascinating element of the bay cruise.

Is It Really Worth Your Money and Time?

So, getting down to it: is the Golden Gate Bay Cruise actually worth it? If the thought of seeing spectacular views of San Francisco from the water excites you, and you’re good to spend the money, and, possibly put up with cooler temperatures, then it probably is, a very positive experience. For families, there is almost certainly something exciting in seeing such famous landmarks from the water, and the photo opportunities can be amazing. That being said, if you tend to get seasick, or genuinely are on a tight budget, it might be something that you are able to skip, or perhaps look into alternatives to get your ‘Golden Gate fix.’ Remember to account for the extra costs too. Things like parking around Fisherman’s Wharf aren’t always inexpensive. Snacks or drinks aboard can also add up a little. When deciding, weigh exactly what you hope to get from the cruise up, next to everything you will be spending.