From Eve
Know before you go
Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Blue & Gold Fleet.
Local know-how to help you travel smarter and make the most of every moment.
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.
Embark on a memorable journey with the Blue & Gold Fleet, San Francisco's premier ferry and sightseeing tour operator since 1979. Offering iconic Bay cruises, Alcatraz Island tours, and convenient ferry services, it's the perfect way to experience the beauty and history of the San Francisco Bay.
Plan your visit
A brief summary to Blue & Gold Fleet
Opening times, essentials, and a few local tips gathered into one calmer, easier-to-scan planning section.
Plan your visit
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
Discover more about Blue & Gold 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.
Explore places near Blue & Gold Fleet
Getting There
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.
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.
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.
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.
A brief summary to Blue & Gold Fleet
Use Tower Bridge as your starting point for nearby food, family ideas, nightlife, and more local discoveries.
Get the app
Your all‑in‑one travel companion app
Explore expert travel guides, compare and book tours, experiences, hotels, and more—all from the palm of your hand. Download now for seamless trip planning wherever your wanderlust takes you.
More about San Francisco
Explore San Francisco: A captivating mix of iconic landmarks, diverse neighborhoods, and vibrant culture, making it a must-visit destination on the West Coast.
Tell me more about San Francisco