Bay Sailing Charter from Pier 39

The bay sailing charter from Pier 39 is a catamaran sail on San Francisco Bay departing from the West Marina at Pier 39 in Fisherman's Wharf, San Francisco, California. The operator is Adventure Cat Sailing Charters, which runs day and sunset sails of roughly 1.5 to 2 hours. The route heads out past the sea lions that haul out near Pier 39, passes Alcatraz Island, and continues toward the Golden Gate Bridge, giving passengers views of the skyline, Angel Island and the Marin Headlands depending on conditions. The activity is passive sailing, so no experience, special fitness or prior training is required. Passengers need only be able to step aboard and sit on the deck or netting, and children are usually welcome, though age and weight rules should be confirmed with the operator. Safety equipment such as life jackets is carried aboard, and the crew gives a safety briefing before departure that covers life jackets, movement on deck and emergency procedures. The vessel is a licensed charter boat, and the bay is monitored by the US Coast Guard, which provides the primary rescue and evacuation support for the area. Passengers should bring layers because the bay is windy and cool even in summer, along with sunglasses and a motion-sickness remedy if they are prone to seasickness. The best season is April to October, though fog in summer can reduce views of the bridge, while autumn often brings clearer skies. Visitors should avoid days with small craft advisories or very strong wind, when sailings may be cancelled or changed. Day and sunset sails cost about $60 to $90 per adult, and current rates should be confirmed with the operator. Because Pier 39 is one of the city's busiest visitor areas, the sail combines easily with a visit to the sea lions, the waterfront restaurants and the nearby Alcatraz ferry. Sunset departures are popular and tend to sell out, so booking ahead during the peak summer and autumn months is sensible.