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San Francisco, formally the City and County of San Francisco, is the central hub of Northern California. Covering an area of about 46.89 square miles, it is the second most populated region at the north end of the San Francisco Peninsula in the San Francisco Bay Area. The water sports in San Francisco are breathtakingly invigorating.

Top 12 Water Sports In San Francisco

We’ve shortlisted 12 fun and adventurous water sports in San Francisco one can indulge in. If you’re an adrenaline junkie, keep reading:

1. City Kayak

City Kayak

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It’s the only kayak outfitter in San Francisco. It offers trips and rentals for beginners as well as experts. Set in the downtown area they offer tours of the area. On the tour you get to see the Bay Bridge, the Embarcadero, AT&T Park and Mission Bay. Surely. This experience will be one of the highlights of your trip. They also offer 2 hour session surf-ski rental pack. Leasing a surfski requires taking an introductory class to the sport. The metered road stopping and guest parking spots are easily available during weekdays. The inflatable kayaks or SUPs make your trek less demanding and therefore easy to use. They fit in your vehicle or on your pontoon.

Location: 40 Pier, San Francisco, CA 94107, USA
Google rating: 4.5

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2. SF Boat Support

SF Boat Support

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They offer private luxury fishing charters and “world class sailing” for up to ten fishermen. Their sailors will take you to the best fishing areas, so that you can catch salmon or other fishes. Turn up at the Bay for a two hour Sunset Cruise. You will see the most renowned San Francisco landmarks. The Escape from Alcatraz is another sporting event you must witness. Two thousand of the world's best triathletes dive into the San Francisco Bay from ferry boats and swim 1.5 miles as they navigate their own way through all the ship traffic.

Location: San Francisco, CA, USA
Google rating: 5

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3. Adventurous Sports

Adventurous Sports

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Sarah Cooper, the founder of this establishment, used her degree in physics and computer science to pioneer unique, innovative methods to build really great slope skis that will not only serve as amusement but also accelerate growth through learning. She searched for inventive techniques to enable individuals to utilize front line innovation at their own pace and in their own style. It begins with the inventive endless slope ski deck. They assign the best-in-class educators who tailor sessions to a customer's capacities, qualities, and snow history.

Location: 650 Florida St l, San Francisco, CA 94110, USA
Google rating: 5

4. The San Francisco Sailing Company

The San Francisco Sailing Company

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The San Francisco Sailing Company was made to fill a need that exists in San Francisco. They are a fun company offering cruises and charter services. They pride themselves on giving the most flexible and personal sailboat charters in San Francisco. They have captains on board who navigate the yacht. They can show you incredible sights of the bay area and also take you where you please. Their boats accommodate around 36 passengers and can thus be hired for either private excursions or for social gathering.

Location: Pier 39, Beach St, San Francisco, CA 94133, USA
Google rating: 4.7

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5. San Francisco Kayak & Adventures

San Francisco Kayak & Adventures

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Their priority is customer satisfaction, which is evident in how they cater to their diverse needs. “Regardless of whether it's a guided kayaking experience for two or an individual kayaking experience, the Gift of Adventure is a special and welcome present for anybody!” They also take groups of strangers for team building hiking and kayaking adventures “to improve group motivation and productivity”, by their own admission.

Location: Greenbrae, CA, USA
Google rating: 3.9


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6. AC Sailing SF, Inc.

AC Sailing SF, Inc.

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For “The America’s Cup Sailing Experience on San Francisco Bay”, book their charter services. Available for solo travelers and private parties; they also offer gift certificates if you ever feel like surprising a near and dear one. With the crew pass, you can board their USA 76 for a more wholesome experience riding through the Pacific Ocean.

Location: Pier 39, Gate B, 2 Beach St, San Francisco, CA 94133, United States
Google rating: 4.6

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7. TnS Xtreme Water Sports

TnS Xtreme Water Sports

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Numerous expert mariners have discovered their beginnings at TnS Xtreme Water Sports. In the event that you feel like riding a snowboard, skateboard or just want to aim for the sky, hoverboarding is the "extreme" sport that your adrenaline needs. You can also try your hand by flying solo on their hydro jet packs and glide through the ocean waters in their “xtreme jet kayaks. Anyone over the age of 14 can enjoy these kayaks which travel at a speed of 35mph.

Location: 500 Terry A Francois Blvd, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
Google rating: 5

8. California Windsurfing

California Windsurfing

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Regardless of the season, California Windsurfing has the ideal water experience for you. They offer their services for windsurfing, pedal boats, stand up paddle boards, kayaking and many other such activities. They are located at the edge of Beautiful Foster City, south of the Leo J. Ryan Park. They are centrally located and can be conveniently accessed.

Location: 650 Shell Blvd, Foster City, CA 94404, USA
Google rating: 4.4

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9. Adventure Cat Sailing Charters

Adventure Cat Sailing Charters

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Sail with them and experience the excellence of San Francisco. Do not forget your cameras for it’d be criminal to not capture these vista for eternity. Their open sailboats take visitors on a steady, safe ride allowing them to take in some pure and fresh. See a portion of the Bay's most prevalent attractions up close as you cruise around Alcatraz Island, under the Golden Gate Bridge and head back after admiring the city's picturesque horizon.

Location: Pier 39, San Francisco, CA 94133, USA
Google rating: 4.9

10. Any Water Sports

Any Water Sports

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They are a PADI 5-Star Instructor Development Center that has been offering scuba classes and rentals for water sports in USA for 30 years. They also take you on underwater excursions to offer a glimpse into the magical world and of the ocean in order to experience its wildlife and vegetation first hand. You can even become an instructor after enhancing your skills with their classes.

Location: 1344 Saratoga Ave, San Jose, CA 95129, USA
Google rating: 4.8

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11. Bay Voyager San Francisco Boat Tour

Bay Voyager San Francisco Boat Tour

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They have been ranked as the number one San Francisco Bay Tour by TripAdvisor. They have a variety of tours such as the Twilight Cruise, Touch of Gold and Alcatraz Combo Tour, all of which are conveniently priced, somewhere in the range of a INR 7000/-. Make sure to check out their services if you get the opportunity.

Location: 2 Pier 39 Concourse Gate C, San Francisco, CA 94133, United States
Google rating: 4.8

12. 101 Surf Sports Redwood City

101 Surf Sports Redwood City

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Their goal is to build a community of people that enjoy the ocean in all its glory just as much as they do. Situated in San Rafael, Ca, they are a sporting goods retailer that rents water sports equipment for activities like surfing, surf skiing, kiteboarding, outrigger canoe, paddleboarding and so on. They also have their own blog where they write about famous water sporting events.

Location: 101 Westpoint Harbor Road, Redwood City, CA 94063, USA
Google rating: 4.9

Further Read: 9 Best Food Festivals In San Francisco Which Will Be Paradise For Every Indulgent Foodie!

Water sports are not only riveting but they also help you sharpen your motor skills, making you attentive. Throw into the mix a splendid view of the city of San Francisco, and you’ve got the most wholesome experience you could’ve ever asked for. Book your ticket to USA and make sure to indulge in these incredible water sports in San Francisco.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Water Sports In San Francisco

What is San Francisco known for?

San Francisco is not popular for its iconic Golden Gate Bridge, cable cars, rolling hills, pleasant summers and a vibrant mix of architecture and landmarks.

Which is the best time to visit San Francisco?

If you wish to enjoy fewer crowds and pleasant weather, September to November is the best time to visit San Francisco.

Which are the places to visit in San Francisco?

Some of the most fascinating places to visit in San Francisco are:
1. The Golden Gate Bridge
2. Alcatraz Island
3. Chinatown
4. Twin Peaks
5. Fisherman’s Wharf

What is there to do in San Francisco?

Some of the most amazing things to do in San Francisco are:
1. Go for a walk across the Golden Gate Bridge
2. Take a ride on a cable car
3. Go for a picnic at Presidio
4. Experience the eccentric culture of Chinatown
5. Go to Alcatraz Island at night

Which are the most famous water sports in San Francisco?

A few of the popular water sports that you can enjoy in San Francisco are:
1. Kiteboarding
2. Cage Diving
3. Windsurfing
4. Open Water Swimming
5. Big Wave Surfing at Mavericks

Are water sports in San Francisco suitable for kids below 15 years?

Whale watching, cruise tours, and kayaking are a few activities that you enjoy with your kids below 15 years of age. But make sure that you are under constant supervision and have a lifeguard or trained professional around.

Which are the best places for surfing in San Francisco?

Some of the best surfing spots in San Francisco are:
1. Bolinas
2. Cronkhite
3. Fort Point
4. Lindeman Beach
5. Ocean Beach.

Are the waters in San Francisco safe to swim?

Most regions of San Francisco are safe for swimming and waddling but areas such as North California are not very suitable for swimming as the waters are cold and often treacherous, with undertows, rip currents, and great white sharks.


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Category: San Francisco, USA, Water Activities, Water Parks

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