The Best Way to Cruise the Bay

Create memorable experiences cruising San Francisco Bay on our premium charter vessel, perfect for birthdays, corporate events, and special celebrations.

The places you'll go

Book your cruise today

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Questions? See our FAQ’s below.

Picture it

safety
equipment

cabin

bluetooth
speaker system

coolers

captain
& crew

spacious
deck

restroom

easy
location

safety
equipment

bluetooth
speaker system

captain
& crew

restroom

cabin

coolers

spacious
deck

easy
location

FAQs

Where are you located / where do we meet the boat?

You’ll meet us at 286 Jefferson Street, Berth 1, at Fisherman’s Wharf. Look for the boat named “Gold Rush” – that’s your charter vessel. You’ll receive a detailed email with directions and additional meeting information after booking.

Yes, DJs are welcome on board! We have power available for DJ equipment, but you’ll need to bring a 10-foot extension cord. Remember that DJs count toward your passenger limit of 49 people.

Our boat can safely accommodate up to 49 passengers total. This includes everyone in your party, including any DJ or entertainers you bring. We strictly follow Coast Guard capacity regulations for your safety.

Our most popular route takes you to see the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz Island, Bay Bridge, Ferry Building, and the historic waterfront before returning to Fisherman’s Wharf. We can customize the route for your specific group if you have special requests. All routes are subject to weather and safety conditions.

Yes, you’re welcome to bring food, drinks, and alcohol aboard. There are no restrictions on what types of food or beverages you can bring. Just make sure everything is properly secured during the trip.

Yes, we have a Bluetooth-enabled speaker system on board. You can connect your phone or device wirelessly to play music. We don’t have cable connections, so Bluetooth is your only option.

You can board the boat 15 minutes before your scheduled departure time. This gives you enough time to get settled and prepare any decorations or setup. Please don’t arrive earlier, as the boat may not be ready.

Yes, decorations are allowed, but you cannot use tape, glue, or any adhesives. Everything must be tied down securely with string, rope, or clips. This protects our boat and ensures decorations don’t blow away.

Our standard trip is 2 hours, which covers our most popular route. Longer trips can be arranged if our schedule allows, for an additional fee. Most guests find the 2-hour trip to be the perfect length.

Dress in layers because you’ll experience different weather conditions on the water. It can be windy and much cooler than on land, even on warm days. Bring a jacket or sweater, and wear comfortable, non-slip shoes.

Yes, we have coolers available for your use. You’ll need to bring your own ice to keep items cold. Our coolers will help maintain the temperature of items that are already chilled.
Yes, there is one unisex restroom on board. It’s available for all passengers throughout the trip. Please be considerate of others when using the facilities.

Yes, our boat is annually inspected and certified by the U.S. Coast Guard. All required safety equipment is on board and regularly maintained. We meet or exceed all federal safety requirements at all times.

We require a credit card deposit that is charged upfront when you make your reservation. You can cancel without any fees if you do so more than 45 days before your trip, and you’ll receive a full refund. Cancellations within 45 days of your trip will result in forfeiture of the full fare.

If the captain determines that weather conditions are unsafe for your trip, we will reschedule at no charge. Your payment will automatically transfer to your new reservation date. Safety is our top priority, and the captain’s decision is final.

We recommend taking motion sickness medication 30 minutes before departure if you’re prone to seasickness. The bay is generally calm, but some people are more sensitive to motion. If you’re concerned about seasickness, consider bringing your own remedies or consulting with your doctor beforehand.

Limited street parking is available near Fisherman’s Wharf, but it fills up quickly, especially on weekends. We recommend using public transportation or ride-sharing services when possible. Paid parking lots are available within walking distance.

Three five-star customer reviews are displayed under the heading "Reviews!" Each review card highlights a guest's positive experience with Fisherman's Wharf Departures and exciting San Francisco Bay Cruises, sharing names, dates, and enthusiastic comments.
Three 5-star customer reviews praising Golden Gate Bridge Tours, with positive comments about the crew, trip organization, and overall experience, shown on an orange background. Fisherman's Wharf Departures and Private Charters are also highlighted.