Hopping on a boat is more than just a handy way to elude the bloodhounds of pesky bail bondsmen; it also reveals a side of the city that most landlubbers and deep-sea squid never see. Today's Groupon bamboozles the law and gets you a pretty sweet view in the bargain: for $12, you get an hour-long scenic bay cruise from Blue & Gold Fleet (up to a $24 value).

The friendly ferryboat and sightseeing tour folk at Blue & Gold operate their waterized sightseeing tours several times daily from their dock at Pier 39. After you embark on the navy and gold ferry boat, you'll set sail on the San Francisco Bay, cruising past the historic waterfront and taking in the spectacular city skyline, including notable landmarks such as the live sea lions on Pier 39 and the World's Smallest Ball of Twine. Tours (ranging in value from a $16 box-office price for children to a $24 box-office price for adults) are narrated, so as your eyes gorge their mouths on the endless bounty of bay beauty while looping around Alcatraz Island and sailing under the smug and glorious Golden Gate Bridge, your ears and brain will be treated to historical information, anecdotes, and the astrological signs of each place you pass. Each vessel boasts both indoor and outdoor seating, giving you an optional shelter when San Francisco's frosty summer fog blows in from the west. On-boat snacks and a bar (for additional fees) provide sustenance for the hour-long and usually kraken-free journey.

The environmentally conscious Blue & Gold operates a fleet of biodiesel-powered boats to minimize the pollution caused by bay boat blitzing. Treat out-of-town friends to an even better tour of San Francisco's finest than a high-speed car chase—or get back in touch with your hometown without the awkwardness of friending it on Facebook—with today's Groupon to Blue & Gold Fleet.

Be sure to arrive at least 25 minutes prior to departure.

Reviews

Blue & Gold Fleet has an average of four stars from more than 90 Yelpers, and TripAdvisors give it an average of four owl eyes:

• The boats are the right size, are clean, well maintained, and comfortable. The crew are [sic] friendly, yet firm and professional. Both provide a fun, relaxing, yet exciting boat ride around the Bay, with awesome-sweet-butt kicking views of San Francisco, Alcatraz Island, Marin County, the Golden Gate Bridge, and the Bay Bridge. – Mike P., Yelp
• It was a great way to see the bay from the water. Going under the Golden Gate was really neat. – Rachel M., Yelp
• Overall the cruise was a lot of fun. We sailed right next to the seals lounging on the pier docks, circled Alcatraz, and of course, went under the bridge. As a local, I can see the bridge from my window in my house so you would think i wouldn't be amazed, but there really is nothing like going underneath, especially when it's covered with an eerie blanket of fog. so cool. – CourtsterC, TripAdvisor