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. Afternoon on the Island

    What is it about tiny islands in the middle of lakes? There’s something that just draws you in. It’s even more fun when getting there is half the adventure because you have to reach it by canoe, kayak, paddleboat, or a ranger-guided boat tour!

    View
  2. Golden Gate's Blue Heron

    Golden Gate Park’s Blue Heron Lake is home to birds of many feathers, turtles lounging on rocks, visitors from afar, and locals who love this urban oasis in San Francisco. Try the "Boats and Breakfast" rowboat or pedal boat deal.

    View
  3. This Is Paradise

    Granite mountain-scape, superb sunset views, crystal lakes, and shoreline campsites … the trip to Paradise Lake in Tahoe National Forest lives up to its idyllic name.

    View
  4. Aloha from California

    Say Aloha without leaving California with a 7-mile out-and-back hiking adventure to Lake Aloha in El Dorado National Forest. You can also camp here, a premier place for stargazing.

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories
  1. Walking the Los Angeles River Trail Through Frogtown

    Frogtown Strutter’s Stroll

    Don’t go dismissing the Los Angeles River as merely a 51-mile concrete channel. It’s a genuine urban artery that links real neighborhoods, and its riverside bike/ped paths endear i

    View
  2. Coming Up Roses

    Looking to spice up your hiking life? Give your partner a rose—Mount Rose! The 10-mile out-and-back peak hike goes up to one of the grandest views in all of Lake Tahoe. Get ready f

    View
  3. Underground Garden

    Looking to escape the summer heat? Head to Fresno and discover its cool secret: the Forestiere Underground Gardens–an enchanting garden and architecture oasis like no other.

    View
  4. Sequoia Re-opens Crystal Cave

    Step inside Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Park's hidden world by visiting the newly re-opened Crystal Cave—the only cave in the parks open to the public. Closed for four years, this rare marble karst cavern is welcoming visitors once again, but only through the summer season!

    View