Price from:
57 USD
Book your tickets for a once in a lifetime experience aboard the Kitty Kat.
In these unprecedented times we are offering an unprecedented experience. Join us back out on the water now to see humpback or gray whales!
Key Points About This Tour:
- Offered Year Round
- **2.5-3 hour tour in the San Francisco Bay and just beyond the Golden Gate Bridge**
- **Sightings include humpback whales, gray whales, harbor porpoise, California Sea Lions, harbor seals, and pelagic seabirds**
- **Enjoyable for the entire family including small children**
- **Gorgeous city views including Alcatraz and the Golden Gate Bridge**
- **Convenient times available throughout the day**
Due to the massive influx of whales we've been seeing in the Bay, we're heading out even more often! Join us aboard this exciting marine mammal wildlife trip through the San Francisco Bay! Enjoy a scenic cruise of San Francisco’s beautiful coastline and the fantastic wildlife of the Bay Area. Each trip is a unique experience - don't miss the boat!
**What Is Not Included?**
- Food and beverages are not included on this cruise. Please feel free to bring your own food and beverages with you! Keep in mind that beer and wine are allowed on board, but hard alcohol is not. There is a snack bar with limited items including water, sodas, candy bars, granola bars and chips for $2 each.
**Meeting Location**
- Pier 39, just off The Embarcadero (San Francisco, CA)
(Exact meeting location details will be provided immediately upon purchase of tickets.)
FAQs
**What kind of whales and marine life have been sighted recently?**
Yes! We are seeing whales! ---Humpback whales are typically seen in the Spring and Summer months while gray whales have been feeding in and around the San Francisco Bay in the winter and Spring months. Check out our Instagram and Facebook pages for recent sightings @SFWhaleTours. Other marine mammal sightings include Harbor Seals, Harbor Porpoise, California Sea Lions and many pelagic sea birds. Join us on board!
**Do I have to purchase tickets in advance?**
Advance purchase is required, and trips often sell out quickly. To maximize your chances of getting the day and time you prefer, please buy your tickets well in advance. Tickets can only be purchased with a Visa, Mastercard, Discover, or American Express.
**What if I want tickets for a trip in the future not listed?**
If the date you are looking for is further along than our schedule shows, please click on the "Contact SFWhaleTours" link to request a tour on a specific day.
**What happens in the event of bad weather?**
Trips will continue rain or shine. In the case of severe weather, you will be notified of the cancellation and offered to refund or reschedule to another time depending upon availability.
**Are children allowed?**
Children of all ages are welcome on board.
**Is the cruise suitable for pregnant women?**
Pregnant women should consult with their doctors before participating in any active activities. For safety reasons, we do not recommend that pregnant women attend. If you have any questions, please click on the "Contact SFWhaleTours" link to discuss further.
**Do your trips depart on time?**
Yes, our trips do depart promptly! We kindly ask that you arrive 30 minutes early for check-in. Don't miss the boat! Tickets are non-refundable less than 48 hours prior to the tour.
**How far are you from the major airports?**
We are approximately 30 minutes from San Francisco and Oakland airports depending on traffic.
**Do you guarantee whale sightings on every trip?**
Yes! If you don't see a whale your next trip is on us.
**What kind of whales will I see?**
We have seen Gray and Humpback whales throughout the year depending on the season. See our sightings report for the most recent sightings.
**How close up can we view whales?**
We will stop 300 ft. from the whales and let them come to us, following federal whale watching guidelines. We do not touch, swim with, or feed the wildlife.
**What happens if I don't see a whale or any dolphins during my trip?**
We will try our best to make sure you have a great experience on board with us, but we cannot control where the whales are at any given time. If you don't see any whales or dolphins during your trip, we kindly invite you to come back again for another trip!
**What other marine life should I expect to see?**
The other marine and wildlife include: Harbor Porpoise, Harbor Seals, California Sea Lions, California Gulls, Western Gulls, Pigeon Guillimot, Brandt's Cormorant, Double Crested Cormorant and so much more!
**How far do we have to travel to view whales?**
Our goal is to find whales in the wild. The destination depends on where the whales are feeding any given day and time.
**How long is the trip?**
The tour duration is about 2.5-3 hours depending on weather conditions.
**Will I get off of the boat at any point?**
No, you will not get off of the boat at any point during this excursion.
**Where do the trips end?**
The trips end at the same dock which they departed from.
**Which boat will I be on?**
All trips take place on the 65 foot catamaran, Kitty Kat. If the vessel is no longer available an equal vessel may be substituted.
**Will I get seasick?**
If you are prone to motion sickness, then there are a few great remedies out there to try. Please be prepared and take preventative measures after consulting with a doctor. Keep in mind that this is an intense expedition and the boat WILL stop (but you will NOT get off) which may result in some light rocking. Fortunately, our boat is one of the best out there and its modern technology helps make every trip a great ride.
**Are there restrooms on the boat?**
Yes, there is a gender neutral restroom.
**Are the boats safe?**
Safety is our number one priority! Our boat meets the current United States Coast guard regulations, and our experienced captain and crew make every effort to ensure a fun and safe adventure.
**Are there life jackets on board?**
Yes. We carry life jackets on board for all passengers.
**Are your boats handicapped accessible?**
Unfortunately, there are 4 steps you must take to board the boat, but if you are mobile enough our crew would be glad to assist you onto the boat with the best of their ability. The bathrooms on board are not wheelchair accessible but can be used by a passenger with limited mobility. If you'd like to make a request for any special accommodations, please click on the "Contact SFWhaleTours" link.
**Can I smoke on the boat?**
No, smoking is not permitted on board.
**Are pets allowed on board?**
We cannot allow pets on board, with the exception of service animals.
**Can I bring my own food and beverages on board?**
Yes! Please feel free to bring your own food or non-alcoholic beverages on board. Beer and wine are allowed on board, but hard alcohol is not.
**Can I bring alcohol on the cruise?**
You may bring beer or wine on the trip. Harder alcohol is discouraged because we are a family- friendly experience.
**How should I dress?**
Dress warm and in layers. Waterproof jackets are great and comfortable, sturdy shoes are a must. Depending on the weather conditions it is always a possibility that you may get wet. Please plan accordingly.
**Do you offer SFWhaleTours merchandise?**
Yes, please click on the "Contact SFWhaleTours" link for more information and merchandise will be provided on board for purchase.
**Can I purchase a gift certificate?**
Yes, gift certificates make a great gift for any occasion! If you are interested in purchasing a gift certificate, please click “Buy a Gift Card" button on the top right corner in red on our home page.
**Do you have translators for non-English speaking people?**
Trips are narrated in English, but the scenery is enough to take in even if English isn't your first language.
**Can I book a private trip?**
Yes, we do offer private charters. To inquire further, please click on the "Contact SFWhaleTours" link for more information.
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Refund/Rescheduling Policy
**Tickets may be cancelled up to 48 hours prior to the tour, tickets cancelled less than 48 hours prior to the tour cannot be refunded, but may be rescheduled depending on availability.**
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Weather Policy
**Activity may be cancelled due to severe weather.**
The activity usually runs in light rain and other moderate weather conditions, but the seller may cancel the activity up to an hour before the start time in the event of severe or unsafe weather conditions. If the seller cancels the event, ticket-holders will be offered a refund or receive a credit for a future event.
Our tours of the San Francisco Bay are great for the family, including small children! Sightings include humpback whales, harbor porpoise, California sea lions, harbor seals, and pelagic seabirds. You also enjoy gorgeous city views, including historic Alcatraz and the Golden Gate Bridge on this two and a half hour tour.
Highlights
Great for the entire family, including small children
Sightings include humpback whales, harbor porpoise, California sea lions, harbor seals, and pelagic seabirds
Great city views, including Alcatraz and the Golden Gate Bridge
Booking Notes
Check-in and Attire:
- Arrival Time: Please arrive 30 minutes early for check-in before departure.
- Boarding: Board at Gate B (located behind the Aquarium of the Bay) 30 minutes before departure. Crew will meet you 15 minutes before boarding.
- Dress Code: Wear warm layers, including a waterproof jacket, hat, gloves, and sturdy closed-toed shoes.
What to Bring:
- Essentials: Pack food, water, sunscreen, a camera, binoculars, and a blanket.
- Motion Sickness: Consider taking motion sickness medications prior if needed.
Other Tips:
- Gratuity: Tips for the hard-working crew are greatly appreciated.
Directions to Pier 39:
- From San Jose: Follow US-101 N and I-280 N to The Embarcadero.
- From Sacramento: Take I-80 W to The Embarcadero.
- From Santa Rosa: Merge onto US-101 S and follow directions to The Embarcadero.
Parking:
- Pier 39 Parking Garage: Rates and reservations available on their website.
- Street Parking: Limited availability; consider alternative parking structures in the area.
Important Notes:
- Weather: Be prepared for varying weather conditions throughout the day.
- Hydration: Stay hydrated by bringing plenty of water.
- Sea Sickness: Consider motion sickness medications and ginger candies if needed.
Enjoy a safe and unforgettable ocean adventure with us!
Cancellation Policy
#Refund/Rescheduling Policy
Tickets may be cancelled up to 48 hours prior to the tour, tickets cancelled less than 48 hours prior to the tour cannot be refunded, but may be rescheduled depending on availability
☞Policies & Important Information
→Weather
• Trips may run in light rain and moderate weather.
• The captain may cancel up to one hour before departure in severe or unsafe conditions.
• If we cancel, you may choose a refund or credit toward a future trip.
→ Children
• Children of all ages are welcome on board.
• Under 16 must travel with an adult (18+).
→ Minimum Passengers
• A minimum of 20 passengers is required to confirm a trip.
• If we don’t meet this number, the tour may be rescheduled or refunded.
→ Vessel Substitution
• In rare cases where our flagship Kitty Kat is unavailable, an equivalent vessel will be used.
→ Seating
• Our vessel has a mix of indoor and outdoor areas, and seating is not guaranteed for every passenger.
• Wildlife viewing often involves moving around the deck for the best views.
• If you have limited mobility or need to stay seated, please let our crew know — we’re happy to help.
‼️ Please keep an eye out for any upcoming emails with important tour updates.
