catamaran ride san francisco

AUDIO TOUR AVAILABLE

SAN FRANCISCO'S BEST WAY TO EXPERIENCE THE BAY

Risk free booking with our free 24 hr cancellation policy.

Sail with us and experience the beauty of San Francisco right from the water (bring your camera, these views are too good to miss!). Our spacious catamarans take guests on a stable, safe ride combining the exhilaration of fresh air and waves on our deck with the protection and outstanding views from our covered cabin.

Whether you’re looking for something the whole family can enjoy or a romantic evening out for two, your sail on Adventure Cat is sure to be a memorable highlight. See some of the Bay’s most popular attractions up close and personal as we sail around Alcatraz Island, directly underneath the Golden Gate Bridge and head back admiring the city’s famed skyline – it’s quite a sight! Catch a glimpse of marine wildlife including pelicans, sea lions, dolphins, and even the occasional whale. Our sailing excursions are consistently rated among the top five things to do in San Francisco, and our thousands of happy guests can testify.

Rated 4.8 out of 5 stars

Wind - the original "zero-emission" transportation

# of other similar capacity sailing catamaran tours on SF Bay

DAILY SAILS

Experience the Bay from the best viewpoint! For an hour and a half, you'll be treated to fantastic views of Alcatraz Island, the city skyline and the Golden Gate Bridge.

SUNSET SAIL

Want to see the San Francisco Bay as the sun sets over the Pacific Ocean? Our 1.5-hour Sunset Sail is for those who want a serene, romantic experience.

Private Charters - Work Team Events

Private charters allow you to enjoy a longer sail on the Bay, plenty of space all to yourselves, and a departure time that suits you! It’s the perfect way to celebrate your day, on the Bay!

4th of July

See San Francisco’s spectacular annual display of fireworks from the best place to watch—on the water, right below the action.

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Privacy Overview

Adventure Cat Sailing Charters

Sail with Adventure Cat and experience the beauty of San Francisco right from the water. (Bring your camera. These views are too good to miss!) Our spacious catamarans take guests on a stable, safe ride combining the exhilaration of fresh air and waves on our deck with the protection and outstanding views from our covered cabin.

Whether you’re looking for something the whole family can enjoy or a romantic evening out for two, your sail on Adventure Cat is sure to be a memorable highlight. See some of the Bay’s most popular attractions up close and personal as we sail around Alcatraz Island, directly underneath the Golden Gate Bridge and head back, admiring the city’s famed skyline. It’s quite a sight! Catch a glimpse of marine wildlife including pelicans, sea lions, dolphins and even the occasional whale. Our sailing excursions are consistently rated among the top five things to do in San Francisco, as our thousands of happy guests can testify.

Adventure Cat offers three daily trips. Office/Customer Service is open 9am – 7pm. Free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure. Private charters are available (includes food/beverage service).

ADVENTURECAT.COM 415.777.1630 or 1.800.498.4228

• 415-331-0444 | [email protected]
• Vessels by Capacity
• Schooner Freda B
• Adventure Cat 1

Adventure Cat 2

• California Spirit
• Diamond Seas
• Evening Star
• Five Stars Yacht
• Just Dreaming
• Matthew Turner
• Outer Limits
• USS Potomac
• Marine Film, Production & Safety
• Memorials & Ash Scatterings on SF Bay
• Yacht Charters on SF Bay

Private Event Packages

• Public Sailing Tickets
• Sailing on SF Bay
• Team Building & Leadership Retreats
• Weddings on SF Bay
• About SF Bay Adventures

Happenings on the Bay

• Restaurants in Sausalito

USCG posted capacities may be temporarily decreased due to Covid-19 physical distancing requirements.

Adventure Cat 2 is a custom-built, large capacity catamaran.   Catamarans  or “cats” were originally developed by the Austronesian peoples and differ from almost all other boats in their distinctive design; two hulls. This innovation allows for a remarkably smooth sailing experience.

Adventure Cat 2 is a stable vessel for sailing the San Francisco Bay. She is certified by the US Coast Guard to carry up to 90 guests. She has an enclosed main salon making her nice for touring the San Francisco Bay in any weather. Fitted with two “trampolines” on the bow, guests can get very close to the water from the safety of the deck.

Adventure Cat 2 is a fun and fast way to sail on the famous SF Bay. She is a great choice for transport to an Angel Island outing, corporate off-sites, big birthday parties, nautical weddings, anniversaries, picnics,  sunset cruises , Blue Angels, fireworks, wedding receptions, SF Giants baseball games in McCovey Cove, large memorials at sea and more.

This vessel’s homeport is in San Francisco at the historic Pier 39. Upon departure from the dock, Adventure Cat 2 cruises by Alcatraz Island as she travels the San Francisco waterfront. This gives guests a lovely view of the city and Golden Gate Bridge. The colony of sea lions at Pier 39 is another great draw.

In-house catering and self-catering are both available aboard this cat. No outside beverages are allowed without approval and per bottle corkage applies to wine.

There is a two-hour minimum on weekdays and a three-hour minimum on weekends.

Please email or call us at  415.331.0444 to find out more! 

65’ Custom Built Sailing Catamaran

Pier 39 San Francisco

Alternate Boarding

Sausalito, East Bay, Angel Island

89 passengers

STARTING RATE

By Arrangement

All the planning for a perfect nautical adventure on the San Francisco Bay is already done for you. Check out our all-inclusive packages, including Angel Island and SF Giants in McCovey Cove.

Sailing on the San Francisco Bay

The San Francisco Bay is a world-class sailing destination. From chartering a boat for a private event to reserving tickets for a sunset tour, there’s something for everyone!

Team-building & Leadership Retreats

Grab your team and get out on the San Francisco Bay for an unforgettable company outing. Unplug and spend some quality time with your co-workers, with offsite experiences for teams of all sizes.

Yacht Charters on San Francisco Bay

Cruise the San Francisco Bay aboard a local motor yacht. Casual to full service events are available for all price ranges. Step aboard today!

Stay up-to-date on the latest maritime news around the San Francisco Bay. Whale sightings, regattas, nature reports, holidays and more!

Public Sails on SF Bay

Come aboard one of our weekly excursions, including eco-sails, sunsets and holiday fireworks cruises. Our ticketed events are a favorite for guests of all ages!

Memorials & Ash Scatterings

SF Bay Adventures has helped guests with celebration of life services on the SF Bay since 1988. Let our experienced team assist you in carrying out your loved one’s final wishes.

Marine Film, Production & Safety

SF Bay Adventures has been at the helm of marine film and photography projects on the San Francisco Bay for over 30 years. Safety services include small boats for swims, races and other special events.

Weddings on the San Francisco Bay

Say “I do” on San Francisco Bay! Select an all-inclusive wedding package or completely customize your special day. Our experienced staff is standing by to help you plan the perfect nautical wedding.

Angel Island

Some of the best and most diverse views of the Bay Area are found while hiking or meandering on Angel Island. Accessible only by boat or ferry Angel Island is located just off of the Marin County mainland. The island is a National History Landmark as it was used as an immigration station.

Whale Watching, Wildlife & Ecology

San Francisco Bay is uniquely located just inland of the Pacific Ocean. Marine Mammals, Birds and Wildlife are attracted to the protected waters that lay just inside and beyond the famous Golden Gate Bridge. The Bay’s brackish waters are hospitable for life from both the ocean and rivers.

Sunset Cruise on the SF Bay

Nothing compares to a sunset on the famous San Francisco Bay. Enjoy golden hour aboard a private sail, motor yacht charter or public ticketed cruise. SF Bay Adventures offers every price level for a magical experience on the water.

SF Bay Sunset Cruise

An SF Bay sunset cruise is the ultimate Bay Area experience! See the most iconic sights from the very special vantage of the water. Famous landmarks like the Golden Gate Bridge , Alcatraz Island, Crissy Field, Fort Mason, the Bay Bridge, Mount Tamalpais, Angel Island and more are shown in their best light; the golden hour – all while enjoying an unforgettable sunset.

An SF Bay sunset cruise is the perfect way to liven up your weekend. It’s an ideal mix of luxury and adventure! Choose an intimate private charter for a San Francisco sunset cruise on the charming, all wood Grand Banks, Cimba . Or get a fun group together and come aboard a classic tall ship like the Schooner Freda B . Another wonderful way to get out on the Bay is always a Public sails !

Sunset Sail on San Francisco Bay- Friday Nights

Marine Wildlife and Ecology 2024 – Sail under the Golden Gate Bridge

Cinco de Mayo 2024 Afternoon Sail on San Francisco Bay

 Tours

Take a trip starting in the San Francisco Bay, out under the San Francisco Bridge, and out into the wide open Pacific. These trips are excellent ways to escape for a day out into the open blue.

 Corporate Charters

Treat your team to an afternoon or evening on the San Francisco bay. Whether you're looking to impress clients, build camaraderie with your team, or just hang out and relax, the Cat Ballou is perfect for any occasion.

Details at a glance

When you charter Cat Ballou, your party is the only one on the catamaran.

The maximum number of guests, including children, is twelve.

Board and drop off in Sausalito, at Schoonmaker Marina.

Certification

The Cat Ballou is a U.S. Coast Guard certified vessel. She is inspected annually, from top to bottom to ensure the safety of all passengers.

Our clients who took to the seas

Testimonials

Check out our 4.5 star rating on Yelp .

Sailing with Chuck is a true pleasure. His wisdom in life and in business are clear in everything he does. His passion for sailing makes the experience of sharing time with him on the water one that is impactful and unforgettable. Cat Ballou is an amazing ship and will redefine what sailing feels like for new and experienced sailors alike. This is an experience not to be missed!

Chuck is an incredible sailor and businessman. I've worked with Chuck in the insurance business and have sailed with him many times. He has a genuine passion for sailing and has sailed for many years. You won't find a better person to sail with or to do business with.

As the owner of Cat Ballou Sailing, Chuck exemplifies his position and provides a unique experience that can not be easily replicated. His knowledge of his ship is second to none, which directly translates to an incredibly rewarding experience for first-time and seasoned sailors alike. If you have the the opportunity, I strongly recommend calling on Chuck for his Team Building expertise as well.

Cat Ballou and Chuck provided our company with organized, thoughtful and well executed events. Because of his background in management training and sailing Chuck was able to provide a full days activities for our management team and clients that ranged from business and management training, team-building, great food and very pleasant days of sailing. I highly recommend Cat Ballou for company off-sites and client activities.

Chuck exemplifies the meaning of competence, confidence and professionalism. You sail comfortably, safely, in style; have the best times and learn more every time. Yeah, that good.

Boat particulars

Cat Ballou is spacious comfortable boat, with room to stretch out. She will accommodate you in style and grace. She is capable of great speed but is at her best cruising in the low teens.

Captain Chuck Longanecker

Captain Chuck, a U.S. Coast Guard Master with a 50 ton rating, bought the Cat Ballou in St. Martin in 1998. Then, with family and friends he sailed her back to San Francisco through the Panama Canal. It was an adventure of a lifetime. Cat Ballou is his 8th sailboat.

Captain Ken Peterson

Captain Ken, a U.S. Coast Guard Captain. With over 35 years of sailing experience, Ken is the boat's pilot when we're underway.

Donald Simpson

Donald Simpson is the a First Mate on Cat Ballou. He has a bachelors degree in accounting, and chucked the cubicle for a life at sea. Sailing and baseball are his passions. Kenny and Donald work together to keep Cat Ballou bristol, and provide world class service to our guests.

Start planning your adventure

The Cat Ballou is a popular boat and fills up fast. It's best to make reservations up to two weeks in advance if possible.

Magical Sailing Adventure

Located in the heart of Silicon Valley in Redwood City, BluReverie Catamaran is just minutes from tech headquarters with easy access from all South Bay locations.

Whether a day sail , lunch , dinner , or weekend escape , BluReverie can be the ideal team outing, special occasions celebration, or mini-excursion with friends and family. 

Magical Adventure

Right here, in your backyard

Immerse in a whole new experience, without getting on a flight.

Our 3-Day excursion  will let you experience the  San Francisco Bay like never before.

OVERNIGHT ESCAPE, ON A LUXURY YACHT

one of A kind

Experience what it's like to spend overnight on a yacht at an island.

We love it, and that's what makes us excited to share.

book your journey today

San Francisco Catamaran Adventure

This San Francisco tour delivers fantastic views of Alcatraz Island, the city skyline, the Golden Gate bridge and the Pacific Ocean from the deck of a luxurious catamaran.

This San Francisco tour delivers fantastic views of Alcatraz Island, the city skyline, the Golden Gate bridge and the Pacific Ocean from the deck of a luxurious catamaran. Enjoy exhilaration on deck or come into the cabin to enjoy the sights of San Francisco Bay. An audio tour navigation about San Francisco’s landmarks is available in seven languages.

What’s Included

•  Sail under the Golden Gate Bridge
•  Views of Sausalito, Tiburon, Bay Bridge and Angel Island
•  90-minute catamaran sail

What’s Not Included

•  Captain’s gratuity
•  Beverages (available for purchase)
•  Outside food or beverages are not allowed

Description

For an hour and half, you’ll be treated to fantastic views of Alcatraz Island, the city skyline, the Golden Gate bridge and the Pacific Ocean. If adventure is your style, try out our deck trampolines (be warned, you may get wet!). Super-safe for families and kids – the netting allows you the exhilarating feeling of having the waves rush under your feet, and are also comfortable for just lounging in the sun. Want a break from the wind? Come inside our protected cabin, have a seat and continue to enjoy the sights of the sky and water. Soda, beer and wine are available for purchase at the cabin bar. Our sailing catamarans give a uniquely stable and quiet ride without the noise of engines—you’ll be amazed at the speed wind in your sails can give you! Pick up an audio tour (available in 7 languages) with a helpful navigation guide providing information about San Francisco’s landmarks as you sail past them. Our captain and crew are always happy to snap a photo or answer your questions about San Francisco or our catamarans—you’ll quickly learn our passion for sailing!

Things to Remember :

• Sealed beverages available on the boat, accepting  credit cards and cash.
• Arrive 30 minutes early to find parking and to locate us on  Pier 39 , Dock J, next to the sea lions.
• Bring a jacket and wear soft-soled shoes. Be sure to dress for the forecasted weather, keeping in mind that it can be several degrees cooler on the water.
• No outside beverages may be brought on board.
• Gratuity is not included.

Bay Sail 2023 Schedule

March 28 – March 31 – 1:00pm/3:30pm

April 1 –  April 9 – 1:00pm/3:30pm

April 10 – April 30 – 1:30pm/4:00pm

May 1 – May 14 – 1:30pm/4:00pm

May 15 – May 31 – 2:00pm/4:30pm

June 1 – June 30 – 2:00pm/4:30pm

July 1 – July 31 – 2:00pm/4:30pm

August 1 – August 4 – 2:00pm/4:30pm

August 5 – August 26 – 1:30pm/4:00pm

August 27 – August 31 – 1:00pm/3:30pm

September 1 – September 17 -1:00pm/3:30pm

September 18 – September 30 – 12:30pm/3:00pm

October 1 – October 4 -12:30pm/3:00pm

October 9 -October 31 -12:00/2:30pm

November 1 – November 4 – 12:00/2:30pm

November 5 – 1:00pm

November 9 – November 12 -1:00pm

November 16 – November 19 – 1:00pm

November 23 – November 26 – 1:00pm

December and January: Unavailable

Other Popular Tours

San Francisco Sunset Sail

San Francisco Sunset Sail offers a romantic and unforgettable experience along the San Francisco City skyline.

Morning Guided City Tour of San Francisco

Most complete and entertaining San Francisco city tour available. Stops to explore Golden Gate Bridge, Palace of Fine Arts, Land’s End, and Twin Peaks.

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Sail the Magnificent San Francisco Bay

Private charters.

 Just your group and the captain and crew.

Three Excellent Yachts

3 convenient locations, all trips are private charters.

Outdoor, Fresh Air, Covid-Safe Activity.

Pet friendly.

Bring your puppy sailing!

Sailing San Francisco Bay for over 25 Years

Join us for private sailing yacht charters in San Francisco Bay with an experienced captain and crew. The captains at Captain Kirk's San Francisco Sailing have many years of experience and an accumulation of over 200,000 ocean miles.

Let us show you the beauty and thrill of sailing in San Francisco Bay. Bay Wolf, Osprey, and Mahalo are professionally-maintained yachts that sail very well in all conditions.

Your journey can begin in San Francisco, Sausalito or Alameda with easy access to the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz Island, Angel Island and the San Francisco waterfront, and more. We strive to meet your desires; each trip can be as exciting, relaxing or romantic as you wish. You can actively participate in sailing the boat or simply enjoy the ride.

Spring at last! It’s time to go sailing!

• We are booking dates for the summer now. Get in early for best selection.
• We are getting great days out on the bay now. Fun brisk wind in the afternoon, gentle calm wind in the morning – your choice – all fun!
• We aim for “Best Day Ever” on all our trips.
• Team building, Birthdays, anniversaries, celebrations – all good reasons to sail.
• Dog friendly! Bring your puppy for a sail.
• Gift certificates available for holidays and birthdays

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Great experience sailing with Captain Kirk and crew.. great views. Great time.. a day to remember! Highly recommended

Crystal Totah 

Terrific experience sailing out of Sausalito for sunset!  Beautiful boat, engaging crew and a chance at the helm during a magnificent sunset!  How can you not love that?

Marie Gimbrone

View more of our five star reviews on YELP , TRIPADVISOR and FACEBOOK

Santa Cruz 50 - (1-20 passengers)

Length 50 ft

Sailing From: Sausalito, or San Francisco

Freedom 35 - (1-6 passengers)

Length: 35ft

Sailing From: Sausalito only

Gulf Star 50 (1-20 passengers)

Length: 50 ft

Beam: 13 ft

Sailing From: Alameda, or San Francisco

  © Captain Kirk's San Francisco Sailing, LLC 2021 San Francisco Sailing Charters

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A ride on a fast catamaran led Lindsey Vonn to join U.S. SailGP Team’s board of directors

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SAN DIEGO (AP) — Eight years after catching a ride on a fast, foiling catamaran off Manhattan, retired skiing champion Lindsey Vonn has joined the board of directors of the United States SailGP Team.

Vonn is the latest star to come aboard the rebranded American team in tech billionaire Larry Ellison’s global league.

“As a Red Bull partner for nearly two decades, I’ve had the pleasure of sailing with Red Bull and that experience engaged my interest in sailing and encouraged my decision to get involved,” Vonn said in a statement released Monday.

The United States SailGP Team was purchased in November by a group of investors from the sports, technology and entertainment worlds. They include former Alabama linebacker Dallas Turner, who was taken with the 17th overall pick by the Minnesota Vikings on Thursday in the NFL draft; actress/producer Issa Rae; founding Uber engineer Ryan McKillen; and professional sailor Mike Buckley.

“When Lindsey competed in the Olympics, our entire country tuned in; and when she won the gold medal, we all celebrated,” said McKillen, the U.S. SailGP Team co-owner and chairman. “Her success in bringing alpine skiing into mainstream sports is what SailGP has set out to accomplish for sailing. Over her career, she’s been a savvy business operator off the mountain as well. We’re fortunate to have her join the U.S SailGP Team and have her mind and experience in our boardroom.”

Vonn retired from skiing in 2019 after winning three Olympic medals, including one gold, and four overall World Cup titles. She was the first woman to win 82 World Cup races.

Vonn went sailing with then two-time defending America’s Cup champion Oracle Team USA on its foiling catamaran on the Hudson River in May 2016, the day before the start of an America’s Cup World Series regatta. She got the full experience, including hiking out and working the winches, while outfitted with a Red Bull crash helmet and other protective gear.

“The guys were so fun and so cool and I guess they don’t normally let people help, really, when they get to be a guest on the boat, so it was a really cool experience,” Vonn said that day in a video released by Oracle. She said the combination of water and speed made for “just an incredible sensation. In that sense it is like skiing. When you’re on the mountain by yourself and going fast, just you and the mountain, it’s a similar feeling.”

The catamaran Vonn sailed on was an early version of the souped-up 50-foot cats used in SailGP, which is in its fourth season. Ellison and New Zealander Russell Coutts founded SailGP after Oracle Team USA lost the 2017 America’s Cup match to Emirates Team New Zealand.

Oracle skipper Jimmy Spithill was impressed with Vonn that day.

“For her to jump on and pick it up so quickly, especially in those conditions, we were all impressed and have a lot of respect for her. She is a natural athlete,” he said then.

Spithill skippered Team USA for two-plus seasons before retiring recently from SailGP racing. He plans to launch an Italian team later this year while continuing to sail for Italy in the America’s Cup.

Also sailing that day with Vonn was Tom Slingsby, who has skippered Team Australia to the first three SailGP season championships, each coming with a $1 million prize.

Team USA is sixth in the 10-team fleet with four regattas left in Season 4, which resumes Saturday and Sunday in Bermuda. SailGP returns to New York June 22-23 and the Grand Final is July 13-14 in San Francisco, with the winner-take-all purse increased to $2 million.