1. Where do the boats leave from?
All of our tours leave from Pier 39. Detailed instructions and maps will be included in your booking confirmation. You can also always visit us at our Pier 39 Boat Rides Booth and we'll be happy to point you in the right direction.
2. Do the boats have life jackets?
All of the boats we have on our site are in compliance with all U.S. Coast Guard safety standards. There’s a rigorous inspection process that commercial boats have to comply with to be licensed to carry passengers. So, yes, all of the boats have life plentiful life jackets onboard. Some of the boats don’t require you to wear them, though; it’s up to you on those vessels, and feel free to ask the captain or boat staff if you’d like to wear one.
3. Can we bring food and drinks on the boats? Can we bring alcohol?
Most boats will allow you to bring food and drinks on board (even alcohol, but check with us beforehand just in case). If you do bring food, drinks or alcohol — please be respectful of other passengers and the captains. And please don’t leave a mess behind!
4. Is it safe? What about for kids?
Yes, yes, yes. Absolutely. All of our vessels are inspected regularly by the U.S. Coast Guard to ensure that they are safe for carrying passengers. Some of the boats only allow children from the ages of 5 & up, and some of the boats allow children of literally ALL ages. The youngest passenger we’ve had on board was 2 weeks old!
5. I don’t know how to swim, is that a problem?
Yes, it’s a problem, you should learn how to swim. But to ride a tour in San Francisco, you do not need to know how to swim. In fact, boats were invented for people who don’t know how to swim. All of our vessels are fully-inspected vessels deemed by the U.S. Coast Guard as safe and fit for commercial operation for the public. Relax, your captain is here to make sure you have a fun AND safe time out on the water.
6. What if it’s raining or the city is all fogged in?
About 95% of the year’s weather permits the boats to travel safely on the bay, but for that 5% of the year, the boat companies are happy to refund your money or reschedule you for a day that works better for you.
7. Is it worth it?
Yup.
8. Are the captains licensed?
Yup.
9. Can we smoke on the boat? How about marijuana?
Out of respect for all passengers, most of the boats have a no smoking policy onboard. And as far as marijuana goes, marijuana is legal by state law in California, but since boats are regulated by the U.S. Coast Guard, which is federal, all of the boats have to enforce a zero tolerance drug policy on the boat, including marijuana. What you do before or after the excursion is up to you, but please don’t bring it on board.
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