The Sailing Catamaran, Close Up
The Golden Gate Bridge Catamaran Cruise is a 90-minute sail from Pier 39, Gate J, on a catamaran that passes Alcatraz and goes under the Golden Gate Bridge. It is the only one of the three cruises under sail, the only one with a live crew instead of a handset, and the only one that is not suitable for wheelchair users.
What happens, in order
Gate J is at the water end of Pier 39, next to the sea-lion viewing area, at 2 Beach Street. Wear shoes you can move about in; the deck is not a floor. No pets, no smoking, and no luggage or large bags, because there is nowhere to put them.
- Board at Gate J. The crew hands out a printed navigation guide to the landmarks.
- The boat motors out of the marina and the crew raises the sails once clear of the piers.
- It sails past Alcatraz Island.
- It crosses toward the bridge and passes under the deck. You can stand on the canvas trampoline nets between the hulls here, or in the protected viewing areas if the wind is up.
- On the way back, passengers may take a turn at the helm with the captain. The crew takes photos.
- Sails down, back to Gate J. The trip is 90 minutes.
Snacks, soft drinks, beer and wine are sold at the cabin bar. Outside food and drink are not allowed.
Included
- 90-minute sailing trip from Pier 39
- Live crew and captain, English
- Printed navigation guide to the landmarks
- A turn at the helm, if you want one
- Photos taken by the crew
Not included
- Food and drink (sold at the cabin bar)
- Outside food or drink
- Space for luggage or large bags
What works
- Under sail, so the crossing is quiet once the engine is off
- A crew you can ask questions, and a printed guide
- The trampoline nets put you closer to the water than any deck
- Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
Worth knowing
- Not suitable for wheelchair users
- English only
- The Golden Gate strait is windy and the boat heels; not for anyone who dislikes a moving deck
- No bags, no pets, no outside drinks
Who it suits, and who should pick something else
Book this if you want to be on the water rather than looking at it through a window, if you would rather talk to a skipper than listen to a recording, and if you are fine in English. Paolo, Patricia and Marcel all mention the wind in the sails; the strait is built for it.
If anyone in your group uses a wheelchair or wants commentary in another language, the one-hour bay cruise from Pier 43½ has both. If you want to stand on the deck of the bridge instead of sailing under it, the Sausalito bike tour crosses it. The free option, walking, costs nothing and takes about the same time each way.
What passengers mention
Paolo from Italy had strong wind and called it ideal sailing conditions, with a good crew and skipper. Marcel from Germany names the hosts, Saby and Chad, and the moment of passing under the bridge. Nancy from the US sailed this route twenty years ago and found the crew more interactive now. Jennifer from the US says you see all the sights, and mentions the drinks and snacks. Patricia from the US talks about the wind filling the sails.
Bring a jacket even in September. The listing says so, the crew will say so, and the wind through the strait is why the sails work. The what to wear page is written for the deck of the bridge, and it applies twice over on a trampoline net.
Two alternatives
Under the bridgeSan Francisco: Golden Gate Bay Cruise (1-hour)
Across by bikeSan Francisco: Golden Gate Bridge and Sausalito Cycling Tour
Frequently asked questions
Is the catamaran cruise wheelchair accessible?
No. The listing says it is not suitable for wheelchair users. Both motor cruises from Pier 43½ are accessible; start with the bay cruise. The east sidewalk of the bridge is also open to wheelchairs and mobility devices.
Can I bring my own food or drink aboard?
No. Outside food and drink are not allowed; snacks, soft drinks, beer and wine are sold at the cabin bar. Large bags and luggage are not allowed either, so leave them at the hotel. Pier 39 and the Wharf have plenty to eat before and after.
Where is Gate J?
At the far end of Pier 39, next to the sea-lion viewing area, address 2 Beach Street. It is a short walk from Pier 43½, where the other two cruises leave, and from the bike-tour meeting points on Taylor and Leavenworth Streets.