Hello, Kitty Kat

Take a catamaran tour of the San Francisco bay

One of the best ways to enjoy the bay in fall is to actually get out on the water, where clear days bring clear views of the Golden Gate and a few big surprises. Book yourself onboard Captain Joe’s 65-foot catamaran, “Kitty Kat” for a smorgasbord of sightseeing and sea life. Yep, you’re on a boat!

The San Francisco Whale Tours adventure launches from Pier 39 and cruises under the Golden Gate Bridge and past Mile Rock in search of whales and other wildlife of the waters. A team of naturalists are on board to help guide the ship to the best viewing locations for seeing whales surface.

Everyone on board gets to enjoy the bay scenery and participate in the fun of trying to spy whales … “If you see a spout, shout it out!”

But it’s more than whales you’ll see—species listed during our recent trip included humpback whale, harbor porpoise, harbor seal, California sea lion, western gull, California gull, Heermann’s gull, parasitic jaeger, long-tailed jaeger, elegant tern, Caspian tern, brown pelican, Brandt’s cormorant, double-crested cormorant, pelagic cormorant, common murre.

Whale then, water you waiting for?

BONUS BLUE ANGELS: Check out the Fleet Week Blue Angels Air Show Specialty Whale Watching Tour

San Francisco Whale Tours start at $45. Because it’s a popular autumn adventure, it’s best to buy early online. Parking close to Pier 39 can be found across the street from Pier 39 in the parking garage, and there are plenty of bike parking locations along the boardwalk area.

Trending Stories NorCal

View all Stories
  1. Barbary Coast Trail medallion hike in San Francisco

    Medallion Walk SF

    The Barbary Coast Trail is a 3.8-mile historical walk and treasure hunt through San Francisco. Be on the lookout for hubcap-sized bronze medallions placed on the city sidewalks with arrows pointing you in the right direction.

    View
  2. Greater by the Dozen

    This hike is anything but a dime a dozen. The all-new "Golden Gate Dozen Trail" links 12 National Park sites on a spectacular 13-mile journey across San Francisco's coastline.

    View
  3. Inn-spiration Point!

    For more than a century, people have been hiking or mountain biking to West Point Inn for good reason. Perched at 1,785 feet on the southern slope of Mount Tamalpais, the historic inn has sweeping views from the Marin Headlands to the San Francisco skyline.

    View
  4. A Thousand Steps to Paradise

    A picture is worth a thousand words, but is a gorgeous beach in Laguna worth a thousand steps? The answer is yes, though the question is moot, because it’s only 223 steep steps down to the 400-yard stretch of sand known as 1000 Steps Beach.

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories
  1. Roaring Redwoods

    Tucked next to brilliant Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park in Santa Cruz, the folks at Roaring Camp Railroads had a bright idea: When the sun goes down, the rainbow lights come up. Sequoias at Night brings big magic to some of the tallest trees in the world.

    View
  2. There's Always To Moro!

    Looking for a rock-solid itinerary in Sequoia National Park? Pair the park's most famous viewpoint with one that's often overlooked.

    View
  3. Rancho Style

    Vicente Bluffs Reserve dazzles anytime, but during the golden hour it’s an absolute knockout. Majestic rocky bluffs, dreamy ocean views, and a picturesque lighthouse are just a few of the reasons.

    View
  4. Sponsored

    Take the Exit to the Best of the San Francisco Peninsula

    The San Francisco Peninsula is proof that some of Northern California’s greatest surprises are hiding just off Highway 101. All you have to do is take the exit.

    View