Visitor Information

As you and your family plan your next visit, know that Blue & Gold Fleet is happy and ready to welcome you aboard.

Blue & Gold Fleet has been the premier provider of ferry and water excursion on San Francisco Bay for over 45 years.

Let our mascot Bayley the Bay Bear be your tour planner whether you’re visiting for the first time, on holiday, or spending the day at PIER 39 with your family and friends.

We offer the famous one-hour San Francisco Bay Cruise, the 90-minute Escape from the Rock Cruise around Alcatraz Island,  Sunset Cruise, and RocketBoat.  For schedule information, click here.

We also offer Special Events cruises such as the San Francisco 4^th of July Fireworks Cruise and Fleet Week Air Show Cruise.  Please check our website 60-days before event date for information or click here.

• San Francisco Bay Cruise (60-Minutes) – You haven’t experienced San Francisco until you’ve taken our Bay Cruise. Take advantage of prime photo opportunities with unobstructed views in every direction. Our most popular cruise for 45+ years will have you sailing underneath the majestic Golden Gate Bridge, past the famous PIER 39 sea lions, around mysterious Alcatraz Island and along San Francisco’s historic waterfront, revealing the city’s fascinating skyline.
  *A free multi-language audio tour is now available in ten languages: English, Spanish, Mandarin, Italian, French, Japanese, Korean, German, Portuguese and Taiwanese. Download the Blue & Gold Fleet audio tour from your Wi-Fi enabled device to access the tour.
• Escape from the Rock Cruise (90-Minutes) – Blue & Gold Fleet’s 90-minute Escape from the Rock cruise takes you under the majestic Golden Gate Bridge and past Angel Island State Park before heading towards The Rock. And although we do not land on Alcatraz, you’ll get the opportunity to see the prison from every angle as we circle the mysterious island. Hear intriguing stories about Alcatraz escape attempts by Al Capone, Billy Cook the Killer, Clyde Johnson and many others, giving you a clear picture of what life was like in this maximum-security prison when it was the most feared institution in the American penal system.
  *A free multi-language audio tour is now available in ten languages: English, Spanish, Mandarin, Italian, French, Japanese, Korean, German, Portuguese and Taiwanese. Download the Blue & Gold Fleet audio tour from your Wi-Fi enabled device to access the tour.
• Sunset Cruise (90-Minutes) – This 90-minute cruise starting at dusk will take you from PIER 39 and past many San Francisco icons including the famous California Sea Lions and the Golden Gate Bridge. This tour substitutes the informative audio tour found on our other cruises with fun and relaxing music to help you take in the views. As the sun sets on the San Francisco Bay and the lights come up in the city, you’ll take in many Bay Area sights as we pass Angel Island, Sausalito and Tiburon in the distance and then an up-close view of the world-famous Alcatraz Island.  There is no better seat on the Bay to see one of the most beautiful cities in the world turn on its lights.

• RocketBoat (30-Minutes) – Our newest thrill ride starting Summer 2025.  With a sleek design built for speed and style, RocketBoat will bring you an unforgettable splash of adventure! The whirlwind 30-minute ride cruises past the PIER 39 sea lions, the iconic San Francisco waterfront, and the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge.
• Sausalito Ferry (30-Minutes One-way) – Step aboard the Sausalito Ferry for a smooth, comfortable ride to this delightful community just across the Bay. The city of Sausalito offers the charm of a quaint Mediterranean seaside village tucked amongst the hills of Marin County.  Meander the narrow streets, browse through art galleries and shops, and dine at some of the best restaurants in the Bay Area, all the while enjoying stunning views of San Francisco.
• San Francisco 4^th of July Fireworks Cruise – Make unforgettable memories on Independence Day aboard a Blue & Gold Fleet 4th of July Cruise! Enjoy a trip around the San Francisco Bay with views of the Golden Gate and Bay Bridges, Alcatraz Island and the city skyline before settling in for the City & County of San Francisco’s spectacular fireworks show!  The best seats for Independence Day are on the Bay!
• Fleet Week Air Show Cruise – Blue & Gold Fleet wants to give you a front row view for all the action from the best seats on the Bay!  View the Fleet Week Air Show up close on board our Fleet Week Air Show Cruise.
• Gift Cards – Purchase a Blue & Gold Fleet Gift Card as a gift for family and friends.  Gift Card is redeemable for all Blue & Gold Fleet tickets.  Check website for information and make a purchase, www.blueandgoldfleet.com/gift-cards/

• Private Events – Charters
  If you would like to host a private event on our vessel, please contact our Special Events department for a quote, www.blueandgoldfleet.com/private-events/or call 415.705.8203.
• Group reservations – For groups 15 people or more – Please contact our Group Sales department for group rate information and group reservation. Email [email protected] or call 415.705.8214.
• Packaged Tours – Guests can package our Bay Cruise and Escape from the Rock Cruise with other attractions that are right in our area at a discounted price.
  Options Include:
  Bay Cruise & Aquarium of the Bay at PIER 39
  Bay Cruise or Escape from the Rock Cruise & 7D or Flyer at PIER 39
  Bay Cruise or Escape from the Rock Cruise & Double Decker Big Bus Tour
  Visit www.blueandgoldfleet.com/buy-tickets/ for more information.

• Online Purchase – Guests can purchase tickets on our website, with the option to print-at-home or use their cell phones to display their tickets. A QR code will be generated as your ticket when your order is complete.
• Box Office Purchase – Guests can also purchase tickets on site at our Blue & Gold Fleet Box Office, located at the West Marina of PIER 39 (between PIER 39 & PIER 41). We accept all major credit cards or cash.  No personal checks accepted.
• Self Service Kiosk is also available at our Box Office.
  Language assistance provided by the Kiosk are English, Japanese, Korean, Thai, Traditional Chinese.
  Payment accepted at the kiosk are MasterCard, AMEX, VISA, PayPal, Alipay, WeChat Pay, JCB, UnionPay, Google Pay, Apple Pay, NETS, PayMe, Samsung Pay.
• Timed Reservations are available for our San Francisco Bay Cruise, Escape from the Rock Cruise, Sunset Cruise, and RocketBoat thrill ride. Departure location is behind our Box Office. Please arrive at least 15-minutes prior to departure time.
• San Francisco Bay Cruise & Escape from the Rock Cruise – Guests can download the Blue & Gold Fleet audio narration from the Mobile App Store to listen to the narration in foreign languages.  Ten different languages are available.

• Sunset Cruise – No narration available.  Music will be played on the cruise

• RocketBoat – Our highspeed thrill ride with no narration.
  Passengers must be at least 48-Inches or taller to ride.  More information at www.rocketboatsf.com.
• Sausalito ferry tickets can be used on any date up to one year after purchase.
  Guests can use ticket to depart either from Pier 41 or from Sausalito.
  Guests can also purchase tickets on board the boat for departures from Sausalito.
  You will need to purchase 2 one-way tickets for a Round-Trip.
  All Sausalito tickets are available to use on any of our scheduled departures.
  Bikes are permitted on the Sausalito ferry.  We operate on a first come, first served basis.
  Please arrive at least 15-minutes prior to your desired departure.  This service is free of charge.
• Third-Party Tickets – Guests who book tickets with a third-party reseller should make sure there is a scannable QR Code for entry and a time specific departure.
• Third-Party Vouchers – If you purchased tickets through a third party/outside vendor that issues vouchers, please bring voucher to the box office for assistance.
• Special Events Cruise
  4^th of July Fireworks Cruise – Check HERE 60-days before event date for pricing and schedule information.
  Fleet Week Air Show Cruise – Check HERE 60-days before event date for pricing and schedule information.
• CityPASS ticket holders – CityPASS guests have the option to book their timed departure online through CityPASS App or stop by the box office for a reserved time. Present your CityPASS at the PIER 39 box office ticket window to obtain a boarding pass. Please arrive at least 15-minutes before desired departure time. Learn more here.
• Packaged Tours:
  Bay Cruise & Aquarium of the Bay at PIER 39 – Guest will pick timed tickets for our cruise and visit Aquarium of the Bay with the same confirmation.
  Bay Cruise or Escape from the Rock Cruise & 7D or Flyer at PIER 39 – Guest will pick timed tickets for our cruise and visit either 7D or Flyer to schedule a tour.
  Bay Cruise or Escape from the Rock Cruise & Double Decker Big Bus Tour – Guest will pick timed tickets for our cruise and visit Big Bus tour office to schedule the bus tour.  Big Bus tour office is located one block from our location.
• Need to Reschedule or Cancel your tickets:
  Direct Purchase – If you purchased tickets for an upcoming cruise on our website, you can manage your booking and modify the date or departure time of your tickets from your email confirmation or through the Blue & Gold Fleet APP.  For a cancellation request please contact our Guest Service Department for assistance at 415.705.8200 or email us at [email protected].
  Third-Party Purchase – If you purchased tickets through our 3rd party ticket selling partners, please reach out to them for further assistance.

The Blue & Gold Fleet Box Office at PIER 39 is open 7 days a week from 10:00am until dusk.

The Box Office is located near Gate 3 and 4, at the PIER 39 West Marina.

By Car:

If you are using a GPS Navigation System, input: PIER 39, San Francisco, CA 94133.

From the South Bay:

Take Highway 101 North to Highway 80 East.
Exit at 4th Street.
Stay left onto Bryant Street (get in right lane).
Stay on Bryant Street to The Embarcadero.
Turn left onto The Embarcadero (get into right lane).
Straight to PIER 39 (2 1/2 miles).

From the North Bay:

Take Highway 101 South across the Golden Gate Bridge Pass through the Toll Plaza and stay to your left.
Take Lombard Street Exit (on right side).
Follow Lombard Street to Van Ness Avenue.
Take a left onto Van Ness Avenue (stay right).
Follow Van Ness Avenue to Bay Street (about three blocks).
Turn right onto Bay Street and follow it until it runs into The Embarcadero.
Turn left onto The Embarcadero. You will see PIER 39 on right side of the street.

From the East Bay:

Take Interstate 80 West across the Bay Bridge.
Take Fremont Exit (on right side).
Stay in far right lane.
Turn left on Folsom Street.
Follow Folsom to The Embarcadero.
Turn left onto The Embarcadero.
Straight to PIER 39 (approx. 2 miles).

Public Transportation:

For public transit information, please visit SFMTA website for bus, street cars, and cable car routes to PIER 39.

Ferry Transportation:

Please visit the San Francisco Bay Ferry website at www.sanfranciscobayferry.com.

For service to and from: Harbor Bay, Main Street Alameda, Oakland, Richmond, Seaplane Lagoon, South San Francisco, Vallejo, Oracle Park (for San Francisco Giants games and special events) and Chase Center (for Golden State Warriors and Valkyries games and special events).

Blue & Gold Fleet is located at PIER 39. The PIER 39 Entrance Plaza features a passenger and taxi-loading zone. PIER 39 also has convenient visitor parking in the PIER 39 Parking Garage, located directly across the street from PIER 39. The PIER 39 Garage is open 24-hours a day, seven days a week. The garage clearance is 6 feet, 8 inches high.

Blue & Gold Fleet Bay Cruise vessels and Sausalito Ferry provide indoor as well as outdoor seating. Indoor seating is covered with weatherproof windows with protection against wind, rain and salt water. Outdoor seating is available in designated safe sections of the boats.

RocketBoat vessels are open-air and do not include covered seating.  For more information, visit www.rocketboatsf.com.

Yes.  Wi-Fi is available on Blue & Gold Fleet Bay Cruise vessels.  Guests can download the Blue & Gold Fleet audio narration through the Mobile App Store to listen to the narration in 10 different languages.

Yes, there are snack bars on all Bay Cruise vessels and Sausalito Ferry boats that sell a variety of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages such as water, sodas and juices. Chips, chocolate and other snack foods are also available.

RocketBoat vessels do not have snack bars or allow onboard food and drinks.

The Bay Cruise vessels and Sausalito Ferry have restrooms aboard.

RocketBoat vessels do not have on-board restrooms.

Passenger safety is our number one priority.  Blue & Gold Fleet sail under rules and regulations set forth by the United States Coast Guard.  All vessels will have life vests readily available in case of an emergency, which is often checked by the Coast Guard.       Life vests are offered during an emergency only, and not during an excursion.  Please follow the Captain and Crews instructions during an emergency.

Passengers on all tours, except the RocketBoat, can walk around the vessel during your voyage.  Please use handrails and be cautious when moving around the vessel.

Our fleet is comprised of seven vessels that vary widely in design. Accessibility for passengers with special needs is consequently very dependent on the vessel.

• All Bay Cruise Vessels and Sausalito Ferry boats are wheelchair accessible and have assessable restrooms. However, wheelchairs can only access the main deck which houses the bar, the restrooms and wide-open interior deck and viewing spaces. The upper decks can only be accessed by stairs thus wheelchairs cannot access the upper exterior decks.
• Due to the small size and limited space, RocketBoat vessels are not wheelchair accessible.

Blueandgoldfleet.com has a feature on all pages where visitors can make accessibility adjustments to best utilize the website and view these adjustments in 10 different languages. Should you have questions or encounter an issue accessing blueandgoldfleet.com, please contact the Blue & Gold Fleet Administration Office at 415.705.8200, Monday – Friday between the hours of 8:30am – 4:30pm or email [email protected].

Bikes are permitted on the Sausalito ferry. We operate on a first come, first serve basis. Please arrive at least 15-minutes prior to your desired departure. This service is free of charge.

Strollers are allowed on all our vessels; except for the RocketBoat.

Dogs and other animals are allowed on the Blue & Gold Fleet Cruise vessels. The owner remains wholly responsible for the animal and must always keep it on a leash or in an approved carrier while on board. Failure of the owner to control an animal is grounds for removal of the animal and passenger responsible for the animal. The Captain may refuse service if appropriate.

No animals are allowed on the RocketBoat.

For San Francisco Bay Ferry’s dog and animals policies please Click here.

Yes! Tickets can be purchased in person at the Blue & Gold Fleet Box Office at PIER 39.

The Blue & Gold Fleet Box Office at PIER 39 is open 7 days a week from 10:00am until dusk. The Box Office is near Gate 3 & 4 at the PIER 39 West Marina.

Payment accepted at Box Office are cash and major credit cards. No personal checks.

Self Service Kiosk is also available at our Box Office.  Payment accepted at the kiosk are MasterCard, AMEX, VISA, PayPal, Alipay, WeChat Pay, JCB, UnionPay, Google Pay, Apple Pay, NETS, PayMe, Samsung Pay.

Clipper Cards are not accepted on any Blue & Gold Fleet service.

Blue & Gold Fleet no longer accepts Golden Gate Ferry tickets, as of February 7, 2025.

Clipper Cards are accepted on all SF Bay Ferry Services (except for Oracle Park and Chase Center).

Blue & Gold Fleet does not provide ferry service to Alcatraz Island. Blue & Gold Fleet’s Escape from the Rock Cruise is a 90-minute fact-filled adventure cruise that sails under the Golden Gate Bridge and then circles Alcatraz Island, while passengers hear dark secrets and unique stories about life on the Rock.

We do not provide lunch or dinner cruises.  We recommend visiting PIER 39 (right next to our location) for a full complement of restaurants and bars to host your party.  Please visit pier39.com/dining/ for more information.

We do not provide a “booze cruise”, however, our Bay Cruise vessels and Sausalito boats have a bar on board.  You can purchase alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks during your excursion.  Our Sunset Cruise is also available with a full bar.

We do provide the Sunset Cruise. This cruise is offered usually starting in the Spring through the early Fall Season. Check HERE for the schedule information.

We do not provide a Night Cruise as the visitor’s attractions such as the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz Island are not suitable for sightseeing at night.

Yes, you can charter our boat to host a private event. You can customize the event theme of your preference.

For more information, please visit www.blueandgoldfleet.com/private-events/

Yes, for groups of 15 people or more please contact our Group Sales department for group rate information and group reservation.  Email [email protected]or call 415.705.8214.

Yes, you can purchase Gift Cards directly on our website, www.blueandgoldfleet.com/gift-cards/.  Just choose the amount you prefer and provide recipient’s email address and the Gift Cards will automatically be sent to them.

We recommend comfortable and warm clothing while taking the cruise.  Weather conditions can change quickly on the Bay.  An extra coat or jacket is recommended to bring along on the cruise.

The best time to go on a cruise is around midday, between 1-4pm when the sun is out and weather is perfect. However, due to guest preference and popularity, the boat can be crowded.

Other departure times to consider avoiding the crowd are late morning or late afternoon.

We have timed ticketing for our San Francisco Bay Cruise, Escape from the Rock Cruise, Sunset Cruise and RocketBoat. If you miss your scheduled time, we will do our best to get you on the next available departure. Stop by the Box Office to talk to a Blue & Gold Fleet representative about possibilities.

For Sausalito ferry, tickets may be used for the next available departure.

For San Francisco Bay Ferry / WETA services, please contact them directly – sanfranciscobayferry.com.

Our cruise will sail rain or shine.  There are outdoor and indoor areas on our cruise.  The only time we cancel our cruise is during severe weather when the captain sees that it is unsafe for crews and passengers.

It can get foggy out on the San Francisco Bay at times.  If you’re taking the cruise and cannot see the Golden Gate Bridge due to the fog, please check in with our Box Office or contact Guest Service for assistance.  We can offer you the same cruise on a nicer day so you will see the attractions and will not miss out during your visit.

Our customer service team and our box office staff will assist with your tickets.

• We can change your tickets to another date/departure time.
• If you purchase your tickets on our website, you can request a refund.
• For purchases through a third-party, you can initiate a refund directly through that website.

We recommend comfortable and warm clothing while taking the cruise.  Weather conditions can change quickly on the Bay.  An extra coat or jacket is recommended to bring along on the cruise.

Our goal is to provide guests with a very comfortable ride on our sightseeing Bay Cruise, Escape from the Rock Cruise, Sunset Cruise and Sausalito ferry.  However, ocean conditions out in the San Francisco Bay can be choppy especially on windy days.  The Captain will make safety announcement as the boat approaches rough waves.  Although it is rare for passengers to get seasickness those that are prone should consult with a doctor before getting on the boat.

The capacity is 200 passengers for our smallest vessel and can get to 300+ passengers on a mid-size to larger-size vessel.

Capacity for the RocketBoat is 40 passengers.

We can accommodate passengers 99.5% of the time since we have frequent departures throughout the day.  There are times when we’re busy and our boats will be crowded, which usually happens during major holiday weekends or nice weather days.

Yes! Bundle a San Francisco Bay Cruise with 3 more top San Francisco attractions and save up to 46% with San Francisco CityPASS® Visit the attractions at your own pace, in any order, over 9-days. One easy purchaseand mobile ticket delivery saves you time and money. LEARN MORE.

Here are a few helpful resources: sftravel.com and fishermanswharf.org.

Please visit San Francisco Travel Association’s website: sftravel.com.