Photos of SF Bay Tours:
SF Explorer Cruise | Golden Gate Bay Cruise.
Updated April 2008: The Ferry Building Line cruise is now the San Francisco Explorer Cruise and departs from Pier 43-1/2. This profile was written prior to the name change. The content of the tour is the same.
Artist David Hockney once said that he didn't simply paint swimming pools. He was interested in the water's surface -- how the stillness or movement of the water changed the appearance of the painted blue lines beneath.
Recently, while taking the Ferry Building Line Cruise [edit: now the San Francisco Explorer Cruise] around San Francisco Bay, I thought about Hockney's pool as I watched pelicans break the water's surface like vertical torpedoes. I took the tour to enjoy the history and the audio commentary. And there I was, contemplating pop art in pelicans.
That experience encapsulated what I like about the cruise. It's multi-faceted -- enhanced by whatever happens that day, whatever observations are unique to your voyage on the Bay.
About the Cruise
Begun in 2006 by Red and White Fleet, the Ferry Building Line [edit: now the San Francisco Explorer Cruise is a 90-minute tour of the Bay with a digital audio guide. You have a choice of three commentaries in several languages. The topics:
- San Francisco Architecture
- Natural History
- The Native American Experience
The Ferry Building Line uses the vessel Harbor King -- the same Harbor King featured in the film "The Birdman of Alcatraz." Harbor King was completely remodeled in 2006 for Red and White cruises.
As the cruise departs, audio tours sync up with the sights and landmarks along the way. You're free to stick with one tour, or switch between the channels to catch a bit of each one. My travel partner and I decided that we'd each listen to one of the tours and split the informational difference over dinner later that evening.
My curiosity got the best of me, however, and I found myself dialing between the commentaries. My 90 minutes became a hybrid tour that covered a discussion of early Ohlone communication, the Yerba Buena lighthouse, and the historical bounty of otters and whales in San Francisco Bay. Once in a while, I just took off my headset, sipped my beverage, and watched the pelicans dive.
Self-Guided Audio
The self-guided aspect is an asset on this tour, since the commentary is informative and engaging. I asked Tom Escher, Owner of Red and White Fleet, about using programmed audio versus a human guide. Consistency was one of the features he remarked upon, in addition to the flexibility of having, essentially, three tours in one.
After taking a well-known tour in another city -- with a novice guide who actually referred to Napoleon as "Napoleon -- or some other jerk like that" -- I can appreciate the elegance of consistency.
The audio and voice are pleasant. The operation of the player is simple, but if you have any difficulties, the staff is attentive and helpful. During our cruise, a crew member checked with all passengers to make sure the equipment was working properly.
For Locals or Visitors
For visitors or locals, the Ferry Building Line is a great way to learn a bit more about San Francisco while enjoying the amenities of a cruise. If you like being on the water but you don't own a boat, a cruise like this offers a way to take a planned or spontaneous trip away from the city -- for an hour or two. Tickets are valid for 90 days after purchase.
The audio/historical component of the tour adds a vivid, cultural dimension to the trip. Ninety minutes on board allows for a thorough narrative on each subject. It also makes for a comfortable solitary excursion . . . if you're in the mood to enjoy some mist off the Bay, by yourself.
All Red and White Fleet cruises sell refreshments on board, including beverages (alcoholic and non-alcoholic) as well as snacks.
The Ferry Building Line Cruise [edit: now San Francisco Explorer Cruise] is a tour I recommend and one I would take again, especially if I have out-of-town guests.
Visitors should be aware that weather can change rapidly on the Bay and layering is always the best clothing option.
Other Red and White Cruises
Red and White Fleet offers two other regular cruises, the Golden Gate Bay Cruise and the California Sunset Cruise.
See photos of Golden Gate Bay Cruise
The Golden Gate Bay cruise is a one-hour tour, taking passengers from Pier 43-1/2 at Fisherman's Wharf, under the Golden Gate Bridge, to Angel Island, then back around Alcatraz. This Cruise offers multilingual, historical commentary on audio.
The California Sunset Cruise is the longest of the tours -- two hours. A light buffet from Boudin catering is available on board. The Sunset Cruise, as the name implies, takes place at sunset and cruises past Alcatraz, around Angel Island, and along the shorelines of Tiburon and Sausalito.
All Red and White Fleet vessels are available for personal charter. See Red and White's charter page for more details.
About Red and White Fleet
Red and White Fleet is a local, family-owned business with a shipping pedigree going back to 1892. Owner Tom Escher is the grandson of Thomas Crowley, the company's founder. Crowley's history in San Francisco shipping is a long and colorful one, starting with a single Whitehall rowboat, then becoming a fleet of commercial and passenger transport.
Red and White Fleet today is a small company, with four passenger vessels used for the three cruises and for special events (such as 4th of July and Fleet Week cruises).
Red and White Fleet uses B20 (a 20 percent biodiesel fuel) and has a stated commitment to sustainability to supporting local communities.
Red and White Cruise Details
Both the Ferry Building Line and the Golden Gate Bay Cruises sail year round. The California Sunset Cruise sails from April to October.
- Sailing Routes
- San Francisco Explorer Cruise Information
- Golden Gate Bay Cruise Information
- California Sunset Cruise Information
Red and White Fleet: Harbor King | Harbor Queen | Harbor Princess | Royal Prince
Location
Cruises depart from Pier 43-1/2 (foot of Taylor)
See information and photos of San Francisco Fisherman's Wharf