Description: One of the top spots in San Francisco is Pier 39 and the San Francisco Bay. One of the best ways to view the city and the Golden Gate Bridge is by water. So if you need to get out into the bay and on the water plan to take this boat tour. Blue & Gold tours is the major water touring company and is readily available right on Pier 39. After you buy your tickets and stand in the long lines, you are ushered on a large ferry boat to tour the bay. The views of the bay are outstanding. The boat has open air seating as well as seating inside but we found the open air was refreshing and we were able to get great photos. I can't tell you how awesome it was to float under the Golden Gate Bridge and look up at its magnificence and beauty. It really shows how massive the bridge really is. The day we were at the pier was a clear day so we could see across the bay into the towns that line the opposite shore.
The boat is fairly large, so you really don't feel the waves under you and you really don't notice it because you are too busy looking at all the beauty around you. That day was sunny with a light breeze so sailboats were everywhere. The tour is narrated by the voice of a salty sea captain which is nice because it tells you the history of the area and current events of San Francisco and the surrounding waters. We were taken around Angel Island and the island of Alcatraz, the famous old prison. I'll tell you that I think that anyone could have swam that bay if they were strong enough and had a good reason, say escaping from prison. It isn't really that wide and is only a few miles from the island to shore. The old buildings of Alcatraz are a sight to behold, and what a strange feeling you get when you pass, it's almost spooky.
The hour long trip was well worth the cost (about $20) and there are different prices for different tours. It was a perfect day for a boat ride and even more perfect was the sights we saw. I would recommend this tour to anyone wanting to see something different. If you look at their website www.blueandgoldfleet.com, you will see they also offer power boat tours for those more adventurous and bus tour for those with no sea legs at all.
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