3-Hour Private Sailboat Charter: San Francisco Bay

You choose the route on a boat built for comfort, not a crowded tour schedule.

A 3-hour private sailboat charter on San Francisco Bay departing from Pt. Richmond, with a captain who tailors the route to your group's interests. The boat carries up to six passengers and includes premium beverages for adults, heated interior, blankets and an onboard fridge. You sail past the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz, Pier 39 and the city waterfront, with the flexibility to adjust the course based on weather and what you want to see.

Step-by-step itinerary

Private sailboat charter on SF Bay

• Depart from Brickyard Cove, Pt. Richmond
• Sail west through Raccoon Straits
• Pass Angel Island and Tiburon
• Pass Sausalito
• Travel under Golden Gate Bridge
• Downwind sail along city front
• Pass Chrissy Field and Marina Green
• See Pier 39 sea lions
• Pass Alcatraz Island
• Return to Pt. Richmond

The experience

Three hours aboard Carmelita, a Catalina 42 sailboat, means you get the Bay without the ferry schedule or the crowded tour boat. The charter departs Pt. Richmond and heads west through Raccoon Straits with Angel Island to the south and Tiburon to the north, then passes under the Golden Gate Bridge before a downwind sail along the city front. You'll see Chrissy Field, the Marina Green, Pier 39 with its sea lions, and pass Alcatraz on the return to Pt. Richmond. The route is not fixed: Captain Christian works with your group to customize the experience based on what interests you and the conditions on the water that day.

Fall and winter bring lighter breezes to the Bay, making those seasons ideal for sailing. The boat has a heated interior and a windshield (called the Dodger) that blocks most wind and spray, plus blankets if you need them. An onboard fridge holds your supplies and water. Premium beverages are included for guests over 21, and there's room for up to six passengers, so the group stays small and the boat feels like yours alone.

The experience works best for travelers in at least moderate physical condition. The boat moves with the water and requires some stability to board and move around. Children must be at least 5 years old. Captain Christian speaks English and shares his knowledge of the Bay and sailing throughout the charter.

What’s included

• Premium beverages for adults over 21.
• heated interior cabin.
• windshield protection (the Dodger) against wind and spray.
• blankets.
• onboard fridge stocked with water and space for your supplies.
• customizable route based on your group's interests and the day's conditions.
• Captain Christian's commentary on the Bay and sailing.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day

Ages5 to 85 years

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends at a different place from where it starts.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 3 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical levelNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Private Sailboat Charter with I Sail SF on San Francisco Bay

Is this one for you?Book this charter if your group is six or fewer and you want to set your own course rather than follow a fixed itinerary. The small size and private booking mean you're not competing with other tourists for the captain's attention or the best views.

Traveler reviews

5.00★★★★★★★★★★

9 verified traveler reviews

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What does the 3-hour charter actually include?

The charter includes the sailboat, Captain Christian's expertise, premium beverages for adults over 21, heated interior, blankets, and an onboard fridge stocked with water and space for your supplies. The route itself is customizable based on your interests and the day's conditions.

Can we see Alcatraz and the Golden Gate Bridge on this charter?

Yes. The route passes under the Golden Gate Bridge on the way out and returns past Alcatraz on the way back to Pt. Richmond. You'll also see Pier 39 with its sea lions and the city waterfront from the water.

How many people can fit on the boat?

The charter accommodates up to six passengers, which keeps the group small and lets Captain Christian tailor the experience to what your group wants to see and do.

Is this charter suitable for children?

Children can join if they're at least 5 years old. The boat has a heated interior and windshield protection, and Captain Christian can adjust the route and pace based on your group's comfort level.

What's the best time of year to sail on the Bay?

Fall and winter typically bring lighter breezes to San Francisco Bay, making those seasons ideal for sailing. You can charter year-round, but the lighter winds in those months often make for a more comfortable experience on the water.