If you go to San Francisco, you will end up at the Bay. It’s inevitable. That’s where all the tourist attractions are: Golden Gate Bridge, Fisherman’s Wharf, Alcatraz, etc.
The bay is probably the most beautiful part of San Francisco and also what makes it so unique in climate. It has the bay on one side, and the ocean of the other. Truly inspiring. And what better way to see the bay and the city then with a short Bay Cruise?
It’s simply a must. No trip to Frisco is complete without a cruise on the bay.
This article is about the options you have when you decide to take your cruise. The first option is the most obvious. Right at Pier 39, there is the dock for the Blue and Gold Fleet. This company does heavy advertising and is the licensed company for Alcatraz tours. They also offer several bay cruises. At about $40 per person. That’s a little steep for a one hour boat ride. Luckily there are a couple cheaper alternatives.
The first alternative is a private boat. From Pier 39, if you walk towards Fisherman’s Wharf, and then pass it, you will come to a small area where several boats are docked. These boats are owned by private individuals and several of them offer bay cruises for as low at $10 per person. If you have a large group, you can even negotiate a lower price. One a slow day, your group might be the only ones on the tour, making it really cool. These boats travel the same routes as the tour boats but at a cheaper price. Make sure you ask if there will be blankets and shade. It gets really chilly on the bay. So keep your ears covered.
Your next alternative is to take the Ferry. The Ferry from San Francisco to Sausalito takes almost the same route as the bay cruise boats. Except that it is one way. But it’s only about $9 per trip. So for $20 you can go back and forth. The Ferry’s leave from Embarcadero Station and have several trips every day.
For a truly great day, you can rent bikes near Pier 39, bike across the Golden Gate Bridge to Sausalito, and come back on the Ferry. They allow bikes as well. This, way you get the best of both worlds. And you see more then just one place while you take your own sweet time. You experience Pier 39 and Sausalito, you get to see the amazing view from the Golden Gate Bridge, and you get to take the ferry and witness the beauty of the bay first hand. All for less then the price of a bay cruise. Plus, you get some great exercise!
Mrs. Kamadia is currently traveling the country while working as a travel nurse. Most of her expenses are paid for and she only works 3 days a week. To learn how visit her travel nursing website.