Golden Gate Whale Watch
Spot humpbacks and gray whales near the Golden Gate on a family-friendly 2.5–3 hour cruise
From$125/ person
Search all experiences
Discover what we've curated for you
Spot humpbacks and gray whales near the Golden Gate on a family-friendly 2.5–3 hour cruise
Discover what we've curated for you
2.5–3 hrs
Boat cruise, Life jackets
Cruise the San Francisco Bay and just beyond the Golden Gate Bridge in search of humpback and gray whales. Enjoy city views and diverse marine life aboard a comfortable 65-foot catamaran.
Trips run rain or shine and may be canceled for severe weather. Children of all ages are welcome. Boarding requires four steps; restrooms are not wheelchair accessible.
What kind of whales and marine life have been sighted recently?
Humpbacks in spring and summer; gray whales in winter and spring, plus seals, sea lions, porpoises and seabirds.
Do I have to purchase tickets in advance?
Advance purchase is required and trips often sell out quickly.
What happens in the event of bad weather?
Trips run rain or shine. In severe weather, the tour may be canceled and you can refund or reschedule depending on availability.
Are children allowed?
Yes, children of all ages are welcome on board.
Do your trips depart on time?
Yes, departures are prompt. Please arrive 30 minutes early for check-in.
How close up can we view whales?
Views are from at least 300 ft, following federal whale watching guidelines. Wildlife is not touched, swum with, or fed.
How long is the trip?
About 2.5–3 hours depending on weather conditions.
Will I get off of the boat at any point?
No, you remain on board for the entire excursion.
Which boat will I be on?
The 65-foot catamaran Kitty Kat, or an equivalent vessel if substituted.
Are there restrooms on the boat?
Yes, there is a gender-neutral restroom.
Are pets allowed on board?
Only service animals are permitted.
Can I bring my own food and beverages?
Yes. You may bring food and non-alcoholic drinks; beer and wine are allowed, hard alcohol is not.
How should I dress?
Dress warmly in layers with a waterproof jacket and sturdy closed-toed shoes.
Cancel up to 48 hours before the tour; less than 48 hours is nonrefundable but may be rescheduled subject to availability. Trips may run in light rain; the captain may cancel up to one hour before departure in severe or unsafe conditions. If the operator cancels, you may receive a refund.
Pier 39, just off The Embarcadero (San Francisco, CA)
San Francisco's whale watching scene gets real here: wildlife spotting is never guaranteed, and you might spend four or five hours on the water without seeing a single whale. The good news? The crew genuinely tries hard to find them, with knowledgeable naturalists and even whale-sniffing dogs aboard to help track marine life. When conditions align, guests report incredible encounters with humpback whales feeding, sometimes spotting multiple whales or following individual ones like the well-known "Starfish" for extended periods. The company offers a complimentary makeup tour if you don't spot whales, which shows they stand behind the experience. Captain Mike, Captain Joe, and guides like Mandy, Katie, and Nicole earn consistent praise for their expertise and passion. The boats are smaller and intimate, though seating can be limited, especially in protected indoor areas. Trips often venture 20+ miles offshore and pass under the Golden Gate Bridge for stunning views. Even on unsuccessful whale days, you'll likely see harbor porpoises, seals, and abundant seabirds. January can be tricky for whale season, so timing matters. The crew's dedication to marine life safety, including notifying the Coast Guard about whale locations, demonstrates their professionalism and conservation commitment.
Amazing experience, the team was super friendly and competent, highly recommend. They did their absolute best to find a whale (even though the season can be a bit tricky in January) and they managed to find a Humpback for us 😍
Anna Heidecker
January 10, 2026
Amazing experience, the team was super friendly and competent, highly recommend. They did their absolute best to find a whale (even though the season can be a bit tricky in January) and they managed to find a Humpback for us 😍
Anna Heidecker
January 10, 2026