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 Arriving to the Ferry building by smschley
You have two choices on where you want to arrive to. The first is the Ferry building which is next to the Embarcadero and the start of Market Street. The second jump-off point is at Pier 39, which has become an attraction on its own and is also next to Fisherman’s Warf. The Ferry leaves from a variety of sites to get to San Francisco. From the East Bay side you can leave from the city of Alameda or from Jack London Square in Oakland.
The cruise across the bay to San Francisco takes about 20 minutes from Alameda and 30 minutes from Jack London Square. You can also use the ferry to take you right to Giants' SBC Park to catch a ballgame. A round trip ticket is about $11 but it’s a pretty cheap way of getting there and touring the bay at the same time. You can buy your ticket right on board. There’s a little table there with someone selling tickets
If you’re a bit hungry or thirst, the Ferry also offers beverage service (beer, wine, sodas, coffee), and a snack bar with fresh pastries. If you want you can also bring a bike on board, but SF is not a great place to ride one as far as I’m concerned. If you want to jump-off at the Ferry building and explore downtown, you can always take a bus to Fisherman’s’ Warf. The ticket you buy also has a stub on it for a free bus ride. With a roundtrip ticket you get two tickets, one to leave from the boat and one to return. Leave a Comment Directions: For those with disabilities, all boats are accessible to riders with disabilities and provide a wheelchair accessible restroom. available on the first and second decksWebsite: www.eastbayferry.com
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 Cruise Around the Bay like the
Mythbusters! by machomikemd, 4 more photos
An easy and convenient way to get on the Bay is to take one of the many Bay Cruises offered by either Blue and Gold or the Red and White Fleet (877-855-5506 or www.redandwhite.com). Bay Cruises involve a one-hour trip to nowhere, usually consisting of a loop in the direction of the Golden Gate Bridge and back to Fishermen’s Wharf, from which all Bay Cruises depart and return. Audio guides are available in many languages. The cost for both companies is $18.00 for adults, $14.00 for seniors and $10.00 for children 11 and under. Phone: (415) 705-8200Directions: Pier 38, San Francisco, CA 94133Website: www.blueandgoldfleet.com/ Other Contact: Fax: (415)705-5429
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When you come to San Francisco, you really should get out on the water somehow. Most people do this via the Alcatraz tour. But another option is the Bay Cruise tour run by the Blue & Gold Fleet, who are the same people who do the Alcatraz trip. The trip takes a little over an hour and leaves from Pier 41 (next to the dreaded Pier 39). Most people take this cruise because they didn't make reservations on the Alcatraz tour and were out of luck. Let this be a lesson.
A very hokey (but actually pretty informative) recording features "Captain Nemo" spinning yarns about the City as you pull away from the dock and head out along the waterfront towards the Golden Gate Bridge. You pass within feet of the famous Pier 39 sea lions as you leave. The waves become choppier and the winds pick up as the looming bridge gets closer... and closer... and closer! Soon you are right underneath it(!), staring up at the underbelly of this modern marvel. After a few minutes the boat then cuts over to Alcatraz and does a slow pass close to the shore. From there it's back to the dock.
There's some advantages and disadvantages to taking this ride versus the Alcatraz trip. On the plus side, you won't usually need to get tickets in advance (remember, if you want to do Alcatraz, you'll NEED to call and make reservations AT LEAST a day in advance and sometimes more). It's a short ride - you can park, get tix, do the ride, and leave in about 2 hours - good if you have things to do or get seasick easily. And the Alcatraz tour doesn't go under the bridge.
On the downside, it's a bit pricey- $21 for adults. If you're more than a few people, I would call and inquire about group rates. And if you're more than, say,10 people, I would seriously look into chartering a private boat for a few hours. B&G also offers some combo tours as well that include the bay cruise. And I'm pretty sure that some of the many combo cards (where you get admission to several museums and tours for a flat fee) include it as well. Check the website or call SF tourist info. Leave a Comment
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 Ferry tour departing the Pier by jadedmuse
I love this tour-cruise because if you're dressed appropriately (and that means a good jacket and maybe even a hat, depending on how cold or rainy it might be and also what time of the day you go), it is exhilarating. I can smell the salt water and hear the splash of the waves even now in my memory....in one hour, you'll glide past Fisherman's Wharf and Pier 39, past Angel Island (aka the "Ellis Island of the West" and a historical destination of its own today), around Alcatraz, by Sausalito, and under the Golden Gate Bridge. The narrative points out specific landmarks and reknown areas of import all the while.
I highly recommend this tour!
Cost: around $20 for adult. Leave a Comment
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 City view from the boat by MarvintheMartian
I bought the City Pass which included a one hour cruise.
The cruise gives you good views of the city and takes you under the Golden Gate Bridge and back around Alcatraz Island. There is a running commentry onboard which is interesting, but if you're not interested just walk away from the speakers! Leave a Comment Directions: Buy your ticket from Pier 41. It's about $6-7 or included with a voucher from the city pass.
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 by Mandy23
We got aboard of the "Eureka" and "C.A. Thayer".
Eureka
Is a side-wheel ferry built in 1890 and originally used for trains, later served passengers and cars.
Entrance fee: $5 Leave a Comment Directions: Located at the west end of San Francisco's Fisherman's Wharf.
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 Tropic of Cancer by Geisha_Girl
The menu included Filet mignon, Rack of Lamb (curry style), salmon, stuffed chicken, even lasagna made the cut. Leave a Comment
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 No rush to get in while
enjoying the blue skies by Geisha_Girl
If you're going to take a Hornblower cruise, be sure to have your "Pier Location" correct for where you board your boat.
We saw a few folks stand in line for a long period of time, only to find out once they reach the front that their boat was departing from an entirely different pier!
Check and double check with your confirmation slip before your event takes place!
Also, the reservationists say the dress code is semi-formal or business casual (i.e. NO jeans). However, we saw many folks dressed as if they just finished a canoe trip or just came from a camping trip. Plenty of jeans and many casual dressers.
Not sure how the company can "strictly enforce" the dress code on someone who just paid them $166 !
So wear what you're most comfortable in when you go on the cruise. Leave a Comment
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 On the Good Ship Lemon
Drop by Geisha_Girl
We're bright and shiny for our 3 hour tour......our 3 hour tour...... Leave a Comment Phone: 1.800.On.The.BayDirections: You board the boats at various ports, depending on which event you choose: Pier 3 Pier 33 Pier 38 Pier 40 Berkeley MarinaWebsite: www.Hornblower.com
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Tiburon is a great ferry ride. It's less tourist-y than Sausalito. Very quiet and peaceful. I would rent a bike and take the ferry across then tour the area by bike. A great restaurant that I highly recommend is Guaymas. It's on the pier as you get off the ferry. A little pricey but worth it. The food and views are amazing. Leave a Comment
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