When placid tourist cruises or pleasant kayak outings just aren't enough to please your adventure-hungry soul, try a real live open water excursion out to the Farallons … with SF Bay Whale Watching! On a clear day, these islands are just barely visible in the open ocean outside the Golden Gate. The Gulf of the Farallons National Marine Sanctuary harbors a host of sea life courtesy of the upwelling effect, El Nino, and all sort of other scientific facts that will complement your three hour, gut-wrenching ride out. Orcas, seals, puffins, pelicans, and all sorts of other fauna will make your trip more than worthwhile. Gray whales migrate past here every spring and fall, and the biggest great white sharks in the world are found off of these islands -- which is why the scientists stationed here are rumored to call their supply boat "The Dinner Plate."[link]

If you're in love with the mystery of the sea but can't quite bring yourself to actually go out on the water, head to the SF Maritime Historical Park to get your inner … pirate on. See old salts singing sea chanteys and teaching tourists how to tie a sheepshank (have you ever tied a sheepshank? It can end up being more exciting than you think). Hang out on the deck of the old square-rigger Balclutha and imagine those heady days of rounding Tierra Del Fuego on your way to the Golden Gate, wind-whipped and salt-sprayed, freezing in your tattered leather boots and fending off mutiny from the crew. Then thank the ship's mate on duty and head up the street for an Irish coffee.[link]

For a little more excitement to go with your chardonnay, Adventure Cat offers shiny catamaran cruises over the bay, under the Golden Gate bridge, and points beyond. These … cruises are not for the weak of stomach, so bring your Dramamine and your sunblock. Bay cruises are only $30 a person; sunset cruises are $45 and include complimentary hors d'oeuvres and drinks. Seeing Fleet Week from an open air catamaran is awesome; but you'll have to wait for next year and check for availability in early October.[link]

For those who prefer wielding a champagne glass rather than a paddle, Hornblower is right in your harbor. Swanky wedding cake yachts offer brunch cruises, dining cruises, … private parties, and excellent viewing platforms for fireworks and the odd thunderstorm. Be the envy of all the landlubbers who see your brightly lit seaborne fantasia gliding across the bay. Reserve online and let the big diesels do the paddling for you.[link]

If you're like us, you've always had dreams of a romantic moonlight kayak cruise, slipping between piers in the Port Of San Francisco, playing secret agent and realizing … afterwards, that, my god, you have muscles there. Luckily, City Kayak is here to fulfill all your fantasies. They have single and double kayak rentals, plus guided tours and basic kayak lessons. They cater to everyone from the novice to the hard core sea kayaker, and they also have a wide selection of gear to make your trip perfect. See wildlife, catch an out-of-the-park homer over in McCovey Cove behind the ballpark, and show off your rockin' biceps to the cute critter in the bar later.[link]

OK, give us a chance here. "The Golden Gate Ferry?" I hear you say, "Isn't that the weird little commuter thing with, like, the really tacky paint jobs and the ancient … boats?" Yes, it's a commuter ferry, and it's not exactly the QE2. But for international jetsetters on a budget, it's a great way to get from here to there, enjoy spectacular views, and most importantly: bars on board. The Larkspur Ferry also occasionally has festive to-dos like live jazz combos and classical quartets.[link]