Blue & Gold Fleet: San Francisco Bay Adventures
Experience San Francisco Bay with iconic cruises, Alcatraz tours, and convenient ferry services from the Bay Area's largest fleet.
The Blue & Gold Fleet has been a fixture on San Francisco Bay since 1979, offering a variety of ways to experience the city from the water. Starting with just three vessels offering pleasure cruises from Pier 39, the fleet has grown to become the largest ferry transportation provider in the Bay Area. Today, Blue & Gold Fleet operates a diverse fleet of vessels, offering a range of services. Their signature San Francisco Bay Cruise Adventure is a one-hour narrated tour that sails past the famous sea lions at Pier 39, under the Golden Gate Bridge, and around Alcatraz Island. For a more in-depth experience, the Escape from the Rock Cruise provides a 90-minute journey around Alcatraz, complete with chilling tales of escape attempts and life on The Rock. Beyond tours, Blue & Gold Fleet also provides essential commuter ferry services, connecting San Francisco with various points around the Bay. Whether you're a tourist seeking breathtaking views or a local commuter, the Blue & Gold Fleet offers a reliable and scenic way to travel. Multi-language audio tours are available on the San Francisco Bay Cruise and Escape from the Rock cruises in nine languages.
Local tips
- Purchase tickets online in advance, especially during peak season, to guarantee your spot on the cruise or ferry.
- Arrive early to secure a good seat with optimal views, particularly for the Bay Cruise and Escape from the Rock tours.
- Bring a jacket or sweater, as it can get chilly on the Bay, even on sunny days.
- Take advantage of the multi-language audio tours available on select cruises for a more immersive experience.
- Check the Blue & Gold Fleet website for special events, seasonal cruises, and charter options for a unique experience.
A brief summary to Blue & Gold Fleet
- Pier 41, San Francisco, Fisherman's Wharf, CA, 94133, US
- +1415-705-8200
- Visit website
- Monday 10 am-6:15 pm
- Tuesday 10 am-6:15 pm
- Wednesday 10 am-6:15 pm
- Thursday 10 am-6:15 pm
- Friday 10 am-6:15 pm
- Saturday 10 am-6:15 pm
- Sunday 10 am-6:15 pm
Getting There
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Public Transport
From downtown San Francisco, several public transportation options will get you to Pier 41. The F Market & Wharves light rail line stops at Jefferson St & Powell St, a short walk from the pier. Several bus lines, including the 8, 39, and 49, also stop near Pier 41. A single ride on Muni (bus or light rail) costs $3. Alternatively, a short ferry ride from the Ferry Building to Pier 41 is available on weekends only. Check the SF Bay Ferry website for the schedule and fares.
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Taxi/Ride-Share
Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft provide a direct and convenient way to reach Pier 41. From downtown San Francisco, a taxi ride typically costs $15-19 and takes approximately 6 minutes. Note that prices may vary depending on traffic and demand.
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Walking
If you're near the Fisherman's Wharf area, walking to Pier 41 is a pleasant option. From Pier 39, it's a short stroll along the Embarcadero. From Union Square, it's approximately a 2.7-mile walk that should take under an hour.
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Driving
If driving, approach Pier 41 via the Embarcadero. Parking is available in the Pier 39 garage across the street from Pier 41, but it can be expensive and busy. Expect to pay around $10 per hour. Several other parking lots are located within walking distance of Fisherman's Wharf, with hourly rates ranging from $15 to $40. Booking a spot in advance through SpotHero or a similar service is recommended, especially during peak season.
