Sailing San Francisco

(62 reviews)

Come aboard and find out for yourselves!…read more Very knowledgeable, professional, attentive and fun crew, and you'll experience breathtaking SF views and make lifelong memories. Full bar so Let's Go

We went out with Captain Larry, 1st mate Carliane, and 2nd mate Sofia this past Saturday and had…read morethe most amazing experience. The crew was professional, knowledgeable, friendly, and engaging. The weather couldn't have been better as about 30 of us motored around the SF Bay. Stellar 360 views of the area, whale sightings, and even got a glimpse of the famous troll on the underside of the Bay Bridge. A 5 star afternoon which none of us will soon forget. I know Frank was smiling down upon us! Thanks again, John Reilly

Captain San Francisco Sailing Charters

(82 reviews)

Josh is a great teacher and has everything you need to learn how to wing foil. The location is…read moregreat and the boat with radio headsets works perfectly. Josh was able to squeeze us in right after another lesson and we went right up until sunset. It was really fun and a great experience and I really learned a lot and got up on foil and feel it was a huge day of progress that will help me become a good rider.

Josh is a real find if you are wanting to learn how to wing foil. He's got five amazing ingredients…read morethat come together: 1. He has a boat. When you are learning, you'll most likely get blown down wind but he will be right by your side ready to bring you back. 2. He has a launching point out of Paradise Cay which is as good a wing foiling location as you could hope for. 3. He's a great foiler himself so he knows what he's talking about. 4. He's a great teacher. And the walkie-talkie communication allows him to keep giving you guidance while you are out on the water. 5. He's super nice, cool and enthusiastic. A relaxed, fun dude and it's a pleasure to spend time on the water with him. Working with Josh exponentially accelerates the learning curve. I highly recommend having Josh guide you in your wing for healing journey.

Lovely Martha

4.4

(118 reviews)

Purchased two Half-Day tickets as a gift for my boyfriend's birthday! Both him and I had never…read morefished and we needed an experience that was a bit more hands on. We boarded the boat at 5:30am and departed exactly at 6am after they checked all of our fishing licenses (so make sure you buy yours online prior to the trip). The captain and deck hands were extremely patient and non-judgmental. The bait was constantly replaced and the deck hands always helped if the hooks got tangled. We were allowed to bring our small Yeti with breakfast and drinks. There is a restroom in the boat which is kept clean and accessible. I caught a large striped bass in which I was able to get cleaned and cut to take home! The views of the city were beautiful and the surrounding areas like Alcatraz and Angel Island. For sure will be planning another trip soon

Can't say enough nice things about this experience. Had a group of 7 boys for a birthday party and…read morehalf had never fished before. Mike, Bubba and Willy made sure they had an excellent time. Perfect balance of teaching the kids and taking over when they know the kid isn't strong enough to handle the fish. Those salmon and bonitos can really give you a workout. Mike knows the waterways and where to go to optimize the chances of catching. His passion is obvious, and it's nice to go out with someone who is a 4th generation fisherman. Even the kids who got seasick ended the day with full bags of fish and smiles on their faces. Factor in $25-30 for parking. Hey, it's SF. Will return!

SF Bay Adventures

4.7

(98 reviews)

We had an amazing experience booking the Schooner Freda B Jazz Night last week. The weather was…read moreperfect, and the crew was friendly, even wishing my sister and me happy birthday since we booked it for our special day. I highly recommend it. It was my first time on a sailboat, and the views were absolutely gorgeous. It was worth the price. Thanks to the great crew for a memorable night--our birthday celebration was truly special.

We enjoyed our second sail on The Schooner Freda B out of Sausalito tonight. It was a perfectly…read morewonderful sunset sail on SF Bay. Previously, we took the Freda B on the Wildlife Morning Sail in 2024, which was also fantastic. What makes the Freda B special is the crew. The vessel itself is gorgeous--even the "head" is great! From the moment you board and are greeted by the crew, you know you're in good hands. The safety instructions are thorough, and the crew immediately puts you at ease before setting off. Whether you have a clear night or a little fog (like tonight), the skies are beautiful, the Golden Gate Bridge is magical, and San Francisco twinkles in the distance. The crew meets your every need with kindness, excellent service, and genuine interest in you as a passenger. They're also an interesting bunch--just ask them about themselves! Hot (chocolate!) and cold beverages are available for purchase, including adult beverages. For out of towners...Wear and bring layers. Jacket + sweater/fleece, long pants, beanie hat, gloves if you have them. Blankets available onboard. This is SF Bay 12 months a year - always chilly and the sail is worth every layer of clothing. We celebrated my birthday tonight, and it was perfect. Thank you!

I Sail SF

(4 reviews)

We had such a great time with Captain Chris! He was such a great tour guide and taught us so much…read moreabout the city! Would recommend for any group looking to see SF from the water!

Amazing experience on the bay today! Captain Chris listens to what you want to do on the water and…read morecreates the best plan so you see and do what you want. Would highly recommend I Sail SF!

Captain Kirk's San Francisco Sailing

(691 reviews)

Sailing the bay with Captain Kirk was the highlight of our weekend! We went under the Golden Gate,…read morepassed the pier 39 area, over to McCovey cove (Giants ballpark) and then right by Alcatraz on our way back to Sausalito. Knowledge of sailing and of the Bay Area was excellent. Would definitely recommend to first timers, as we were, even though we've lived in Northern California our whole life.

Rod and Nancy were our captain and crew. They did an excellent job. If you are looking for a…read moreprivate boat excursion in the San Francisco Bay, this is your place.

Ashes Scattering Circle of Remembrance

(4 reviews)

Thank you for taking care of the family yesterday. As always, you do a great job of serving a…read moregrieving family. You are prompt and courteous

I gladly recommend Riptide Charters…read more It was my friend's last wish to have her ashes scattered at sea in front of her favorite beach in Half Moon Bay - Miramar Beach. I did some research online and found Riptide Charters - Captain William Smith. Captain Smitty has been offering his scattering service for decades and he holds all the necessary licensing. His vessel Riptide is conveniently located at Pillar Point Harbor at H dock, easily accessible and there's free parking at the harbor. I gave him a call and everything was smooth sailing from there. I got the necessary permit from the funeral home, and we just had the ash scattering this past Sunday. It was very dignified and memorable and I would like to thank Captain Smitty and his crew for their professionalism. Next to a great turnout of the organizational part of the scattering, we had great weather that day as well! Thank you!

Marquis Charters

(8 reviews)

Everything about Marquis Charters was first class. Captain Dave has EXCELLENT communication…read morethrough the planning, and the voyage. The crew were all friendly and real pros as well. When we charter again in the SF Bay, we will defintely use Captain Dave and Marquis Charters again!!

Marquis Charters was the best experience of our trip. The owner and the crew were professional,…read moreexperienced and so knowledgeable. We will never forget our sail and we have Marquis Charters to thank!

Argo Sport Fishing & Charter Boat

(81 reviews)

Absolutely incredible salmon fishing experience with Craig on the Argo. We got limits of massive…read moresalmon and couldn't be happier! We did much better than other boats in the fleet as well. Boat: clean, comfortable, spacious, with perfect fishing setup on deck. Captain: knowledgeable, experienced, and very fun to talk to. Perfect day for our group of 6, and very reasonably priced too when compared to other options. Can't recommend the Argo enough!

Hands down, the best captain and boat in the Bay area! I won't go out on any other boat, always…read morehave so much fun! I highly recommend, let capt. CRAIG know, Mark sent you his way.

Blue Heron Boathouse

4.2

(440 reviews)

•$$

Came here for a jazz show inside of the boathouse, it was epic! We got to sit by the lake for a few…read moreminutes before the show started and watch some really cool birds fly around. Then, the jazz and ambiance of the room was perfect. A hot summer day made it feel like I was truly in Louisiana. Good prices for drinks and a great community around the jazz scene. Highly recommend!

Had a blast paddle boating. Surprisingly, we didn't have trouble finding parking even though it was…read morea sunny Saturday. A bit of a long line to get your boat - if you have a group, you can have someone line up to pay and someone else line up for the actual boat which helps speed it up. Really fun time overall!

Chinatown YMCA

4.2

(141 reviews)

I have been to this YMCA before and the activiitie the I took was Swimming Lesson which was a long…read moretime ago during when I was in High School.... And this year I did another fun Activity which was volunteering at the ŸMĈÀ with my Fŕìèñð Ðàvìð 朋友 Péngyǒu Dà wèi & His Sister Ada & Her Friend 我的朋友大卫和他的妹妹艾达 Wǒ de péngyǒu dà wèi hé tā de mèimei ài dáat at the ŸMĆÃ 5K 10k Řãćê!!!!! And Coolest That We All Got Was Taking A ŸMĆÀ Ÿèàŕ Òf Ťĥè Ŕàìť 5Ƙ & 10Ƙ Ŕàćê Mèďàĺ We also got a Fŕèê ŸMĈÃ 5ƙ 10ķ Ť Śĥìŕť just for Volunteering At The ŸMĆÃ 5ķ 10ƙ Ŕàčè!!!!! If you Ÿéĺpēřs & Ÿëľpèťťèŝ like Volunteering for a 5ķ 10ƙ Ŕãćé Try going to the ŸMĆÃ it's a fun activity to do!!!!!

It is very strict here. They have 30 days cancellation policy. Even though my dad joined this past…read moreSaturday 4/25 and only went once and then asked to cancel 4/29, they charged 1 month through his insurance. His knee hurts after exercising so decided not to continue. He gave me his card but the registration person said cannot share card even though he canceled and not using it. His picture showed up when I tried to sign in with the card. The facility here is also not good compared to Fitness SF. Adult membership is $91 and Senior is $81 so not much of a discount even though his is paid for by Kaiser. They have free resistance band workout every other Wednesday at the Union Square plaza at 8am. It's a free class and the instructor is nice.

The Olympic Club

4.3

(80 reviews)

I love this place! Great place for weddings. My husband is…read morepart of this club and god! We love this location, good customer service, food, great service! The hotel there is also amazing 100% recommend! And if you are having dinner there get the prime rib!

Would give 0 stars if I could. I had high hopes because I'm a member at Los Angeles athletic club…read more. I thought because this place had more history. It would be a nice venue, but couldn't be further from the truth. Firstly, every one of the staff members was rude and standoffish, I think this must be the only place to work out near downtown San Francisco because it was so overcrowded..Restaurant wait was long, and good luck waiting for your check. Complete attitude of indifference. Seems that all they care about is turning beds and jacking up their membership numbers. They literally turned off my room key before I even checked out, all my luggage was upstairs still. Didn't apologize or offer to get the lubgage. Do NOT recommend

24th Street Mini Park

(24 reviews)

Beautiful little park- I was awed by the murals that covered the walls, the lovely flora, and the…read moreornate snake statue that kids could climb on. There's a splash pad area, a see-saw, and a saucer swing swing and that's really it, but it's impressive what they've done with a thin space between buildings- it's really a gorgeous little oasis from the street. There's a shaded area with picnic tables as well. No bathrooms

I remember this place being sketchy when I was growing up, pretty sure it was a community garden…read morethat was maintained by the neighborhood until it got the funding it needed to open as a park. My nephew and cousin saw this park from the window of Roosevelt's Tamale Parlor and asked if we could go there after we got ice-cream. Sure, why not? So we walk over and have a seat while these pre-teens I'm with are swinging and giggling like little kids. It's nice to see them enjoying the weather outside and physical activity instead of their phones.

Strawberry Hill

See more unrecommended reviews

(119 reviews)

Strawberry Hill is an island in the middle of Blue Heron Lake, with bridge access from the…read moresurrounding trails. Its peak features a spacious lookout point with giant logs, greenery, a few picnic tables, and views of the city and landscape partially blocked by trees but still lovely. There were just a couple visitors up there with their dogs during my recent midweek hike up this hill. The incline from ground level is minimal with multiple paths and staircases available for convenience, and it's just a couple minutes walk from the top of Huntington Falls. Combined with the entirety of what this place has to offer (waterfalls, picturesque lake, adorable waterbirds, trails allowing for a peaceful stroll with loved ones, pedal boat rentals on the lake), it's a pretty great spot, one of many awesome landmarks at Golden Gate Park.

Why is Golden Gate Park so beautiful…read more I chanced onto Strawberry Hills while looking for GG Park waterfall(s). Strawberry Hills gives a nice overview of the lake beneath as you walk up the hill. At the top, you get a pretty overlook of SF city. Image attached below. Definitely check out Strawberry Hills when you're in GG Park. And, if also chasing for waterfalls, definitely check out "Rainbow Falls". It is very beautiful as well.

Aquatic Park Cove

4.4

(158 reviews)

Came here during a nice San Francisco sunny afternoon to watch the Sunset. There was a good crowd…read moreof people doing the same. Lots of stadium seating to just hang out and enjoy the area. Always a great spot.

The Dolphin Club swims here - and so do swimmers from YPAC Presidio who want to practice open water…read moreswimming. On select Sundays they step into the 50 degree water in wetsuits and confidently start towards their goal, Alcatraz. I asked the kids if they ever got bumped by a shark and they giggled, agreeing, "No, but most times we go out, seals want to play and swim under and nose us, it's funny." Located adjacent to the Maritime Museum, just down the steps to the water's edge.

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Kimi D.

5 years ago

When I read the Yelp reviews on Capt. John of the "Temptation," I scarcely recognize the description of Capt. John compared to my wretched cruise with him in June 2021. My husband and I took our out-of-town Granddaughter and her spouse for a cruise on the "Temptation" before they headed home. At first, Capt. John engaged in the usual pleasantry, asking our names, where we came from, and our work life. He explained that he was Russian, which he later changed to Siberia, and that he came to the States at an early age. My husband (Caucasian, retired CFO and me, a third generation Asian American) are from a North Bay town; our granddaughter (Caucasian, Fulbright Scholar, and a Phd candidate) from the East, and her spouse (an engineer with a Fortune Five Hundred Company) originally from Syria. Capt John did not seem to be interested in asking me my background (retired attorney), which I passed as a matter of no consequence at that time. Then the devious questions came: What do you think of the "new Syrian president?" [the subtext being are you for Assad or the leader of the opposition forces] And only to our grandson, "Are you under age for drinking?" [the subtext being are you Muslin?] Never mind, that "no hard alcohol" is permitted on board. To our fault, we did bring onboard one banana which we kept in a small cooler. When my grandson retrieved the banana from the cooler, Capt John yanked the banana from my grandson's hand and threw it with great force overboard and shouting, "Do you have other bananas in the cooler? Do you have other bananas?!!!" as he sought to look into the cooler. Capt. John was shouting through out this episode, "It's in my email!!!" "It's in my email!!!" and glaring at all of us. We were stunned with the degree of his rage. I immediately apologized profusely to no avail as he kept on shouting, "It's in my email!!!" It's in my email!!" Capt. John did not accept my apology. We deemed it an honest mistake and by no means did we intend to mock his superstition. With that, my family and I fell back in silence from Capt. John. My grandson withdrew from any further interaction with Capt. John and wished to avoid any political confrontation with him. Then it was my turn to be the subject of Capt. John's scorn and wrath. Our plan was to sail underneath the Golden Gate, but the winds and currents were very strong and after an hour of tacking with little progress to achieve our goal, I suggested that we change course. Rather than to be amenable to a change, Capt John began to berate me with, "You cannot do this!!! You should have told me before we left!!! You have to make up your mind!!!" I informed him that we would be happy to pay extra for a change in course. Whew! I attempted to salvage the cruise with pleasantry but was quickly cut short with condescending remarks. After learning that Capt. John engaged in yacht racing, I asked whether he crewed [as opposed to piloting]. My question apparently followed a statement that I did not hear that he crewed for another yacht, so Capt John rudely responded, "I already told you I crew" with a look of utter contempt. I gave it one more try to save the day we were passing Alcatraz by asking when did the Native Americans occupy Alcatraz, to which he gestured with a disgusted look at me, by pointing to a graffiti on one of the prison wall, "1970." When my granddaughter asked about the price of homes in the Bay Area, Capt. John pointed to the Tiburon homes and advised they cost millions and millions. He then pointed to the Richmond area and advised that one could purchase a home for approximately $200k but would need to carry a machine gun and buy a dog. So for $600, I was subject to anti-Asian abuse; my Syrian grandson was subject to scorn by a Russian/American; and Richmond and BLM were consigned negatively, and Capt John still kept his Rolex watch. read more

Chris M.

13 years ago

I brought my 18 yr old grandson to San Francisco, at his request, for his Senior Trip with Nona. We were in the City for 5 wonderful days and nights, and did and saw many of the "tourist" experiences, and also enjoyed many excursions that are known only to locals, but the most frequent request I got from Andrew, my grandson, was to go sailing on The Bay. I made him believe that sailing was something I would have to do on another trip, in fact, I made several excuses to him, leading away from his request, all the while emailing back and forth to Capt John Yelda of The Temptation, to make it happen as a big surprise for Andrew. . . .it worked! When Uber dropped us off near The Yacht Club, Andrew got the biggest smile on when he suddenly figured out what we were going to do. Even though I could have invited 4 more guests, I chose for our sail to be just The Captain, Andrew and myself. . . .could not have been more perfect! Capt John was so kind, and so knowledgeable that it was the best 2 hours of learning, both about sailing and the Bay, that could be imagined! (The 68 degree weather helped also!) the Temptation is beautiful, so well-kept, it is as though it is brand new. Capt John was the perfect Host, very hospitable, and very professional. He made every attempt possible to teach Andrew a bit about the art of sailing, and included him in several "tasks" it takes to sail so effortlessly. He basically talked us thru the 2 hours, giving us history of all the beautiful buildings and bridges we enjoyed viewing along our trip. At one point, Capt John asked us to be quiet, that he could hear dolphins close-by. . .of course, we didn't hear anything, but, off the stern of the Temptation, was a dolphin playing near the boat. We so enjoyed basking in the sun, and watching the dolphin play! All I can say is if you are contemplating a sail on The Bay, contact Captain John, and you will be planning a repeat sail as soon as possible. I found the Captain was professional, paid attention to our safety, and gave my grandson and I a memory we will never forget! Thank You, Captain John! read more

Abbi M.

9 years ago

Capt. John was very fast at responding back to me when I inquired about dates to book a charter on his website. He e-mailed me all the important information and several sailing time options almost immediately. I was skeptical at first because I needed to give Capt. John my credit card info in order to reserve the charter. There isn't a place on the website to do so, so I called instead to get a feel for it. I talked with his wife Karen who was wonderful. I gave them my information feeling safe doing so to hold the spot, and they just ran the card as pending. I understand why they need to do this, so if you don't show up and didn't call ahead they still get paid. I even saved some money because I pain in cash the day of the charter and they never used my credit card info. The day of the sail the weather wasn't cooperating and it was very foggy and misty out. John called me and asked if I still wanted to go. He said he would be more than happy to still take us out but it might not be as good of an experience and he offered some other times that week to re-schedule. We decided to re-schedule and I'm very happy we did. The weather was beautiful when we went out and he sailed us right under the Golden Gate Bridge. We even saw some proposes and sea lions swimming in the bay! You can tell that sailing is John's passion and he truly loves sharing it with others. I definitely recommend this charter for both his flexibility, honesty, and sailing knowledge. Thanks again John and Karen! read more

B. O.

17 years ago

My interest in sailing was piqued by a forum thread on a site I frequent. Searching craigslist.com landed me at John's Sailing San Francisco web site and business. The professionalism and quality of his seamanship came across even with the web site. Even with less than 48 hours remaining before the weekend day class he had scheduled, John was very welcoming of a last minute addition to the group. The class and excursion was nothing less than fantastic. John started everyone off with basic theory, safety and general rules of the sea. Immediate hands-on experience was given on his brand new, beautiful boat as we motored to Angel Island. After eating lunch and enjoying the warmth and sunshine, we cast off again for pure sailing lessons. Tacking, trimming, communicating and awareness were all stressed on the water, with John proving to be a capable, calm, patient and excellent teacher. It was a full day class that even ran longer than scheduled, but John was never anything but happy to share his experience and boat with newcomers. His dedication and professional approach left me very satisfied with the day on the Bay, and has inspired further sailing education and experience. Obviously, highly (highly) recommended! read more

Emma S.

9 years ago

I had a wonderful experience with Captain John and can't recommend him enough! I booked a sail around the Bay as a surprise activity for my group of friends who were visiting San Francisco for the first time. After making an inquiry online, Captain John's lovely and helpful wife Karen gave me a call to walk me through the logistics and details to make sure I had everything ready for the big day. Then, the day of the sail, Captain John proactively reached out to let me know that rain was in the forecast. He suggested we move the time of the sail to avoid the bad weather, which I greatly appreciated. My friends and I met Captain John at the earlier time he suggested and had a terrific sail to Alcatraz and under the Golden Gate Bride. My friends were amazed, and it was the best introduction to the Bay Area! We brought some wine and snacks on board, and Captain John was friendly, accommodating, and an expert on Bay Area history and facts. We learned a lot, had a great time and saw some beautiful sights (including porpoises!). All in all, it was a fantastic day and I would highly recommend Captain John's services for anyone looking to have a memorable experience in this beautiful part of the world. read more

Lisa N.

9 years ago

The best way to see the Golden Gate Bridge! Book a charter with Captain John and enjoy a beautiful experience away from crowds. We took a family of six for a 10:00 - 1:00 p.m. tour in July. The winds were lighter in the morning which makes for a relaxing sail. Captain John explained when we booked that this can be the coolest time of the year (due to the brisk breeze) so we dressed warmly with multiple layers, stocking caps, and hoodies. We were very comfortable. I appreciated every layer when on the breezier Pacific side of the bridge and sitting in the shade of the sail. Later, on a run with the sun shining, the jackets came off. We saw a whale, two porpoises, and a couple of seals! Captain John, himself, is a great guy with a combination of professionalism and personality. The free parking right at the marina is worth a lot. We are sailors ourselves and appreciate the value of an experienced captain and a quality boat in the challenging currents of the bay. Of all the attractions of our trip to California (including Disney and Sequoia), for me this was the highlight! read more

Michael R.

13 years ago

We celebrated my wife's birthday sailing San Francisco Bay with Captain John Yelda aboard his boat. She has sailed these waters many time before and was familiar with the routes from The Marina, Golden Gate Bridge to Sausalito and back; it was a wonderful experience and capped a prefect day. Our "crew" of 4 included our 9 year son. This was his first sailing experience and made a wonderful memory as well for him that he will always cherish. Captain John was professional, friendly and a well seasoned commander. The boat is well equipped and we felt very safe and comfortable during our entire sail. I have been on larger boats in the past in Maui, Florida, Maryland and elsewhere but this experience was very relaxing and calm; as well as a few moments when we caught full sail and were able to experience thrill of the splash of salty water in our faces and racing several knots into the winds. It was a blast! We look forward to future sailing with Captain John and highly recommend him for the first timer or experienced salty dog! read more

N W.

11 years ago

My adult children and I surprised my husband on his 60th birthday with a private sailing cruise in the bay with Captain John. It was truly a wonderful and relaxing experience! Not only did we enjoy sunny skies and great weather in early April, but Captain John was also very easy going and flexible with where we wanted to sail. We sailed for 4 hours; around Alcatraz and Angel Island, up into Tiburon harbor and then out under the Golden Gate Bridge. Ever watchful for wildlife, Captain John pointed out dolphins and sea lions along the way. He's very friendly and was willing to answer questions about his sailing experiences and give insights into the various landmarks along the way, but was also respectful of our intimate family celebration. His beautiful sailing boat is in pristine condition and he mans it solo with professionalism and ease. His prices were also very affordable and he is willing, if desired to give instruction on the basics of sailing. We highly recommend his sailing experience and hope to do this again! read more

Eileen S.

10 years ago

It was a delight sailing with Captain Yelda yesterday! He's quick to respond to inquiries and suggests additional dates and times when he's booked up. The wait was well worth it. He's masterful at the helm, friendly, engaging and answered all our sailing questions. He asked us where we wanted to go and made it happened! Our mixed group (two newbies and two somewhat experienced sailors) decided to head over Sausalito, under the Golden Gate, around Alcatraz and then back. The day was gorgeous with plenty of wind. We had a wonderful time and look forward to our next sail. Parking is plentiful near his marina and the local yacht club has restrooms available before and after sailing which is a great plus. It's easy to understand why he's so popular. Advise booking two-three weeks in advance to make sure he's available for date/time you want to book. Eileen S. read more

Craig R.

17 years ago

My wife and another couple were looking for a day to spend on the water, but didn't really know where to go. We found Captain John's website and read the reviews about him and his beautiful 37' Sailboat, the "Temptation" (which isn't just a random name...it is GORGEOUS!). We compared his boat to other charters and for the price and quality of the boat and seamanship, Sailing San Francisco was by far the best choice. We were taught basic sailing and were taken around Angel Island into the port of Tiburon and ate lunch at Sam's cafe. We continued out of the Golden Gate where we took a million pictures (it looks so much different from below) and then back to port in San Francisco, near the palace of Fine Arts. Time passed quickly, but was worth every minute. I will definitely come back to take another adventure around the bay w/ Captain John and the Temptation. read more

Nancy P.

11 years ago

This the first time my husband & I sailed with John. The trip was booked as a surprise for my husband's 70th birthday. Hours were spent on researching which sailing company to book with & I kept going back to his website. Booking with John just seemed right. It seemed that John was a true professional. Booking with John did not disappoint. It was a beautiful SF day. He met us on time in his beautifully kept yacht. My husband was surprised and was allowed to sail for the better part of our 3 hour trip. After going under the Golden Gate bridge we went to Sausalito before heading back to the dock. John was most accommodating the entire time assuring that we had all that we needed to be comfortable. There is no question that we would bypass all other companies for future trips and just book with John. Enough good cannot be said about the whole experience. read more

Liz L.

11 years ago

My boyfriend booked sailing with Captain John this past November when I came to visit him in San Francisco. It was easily the most memorable part of our trip! Captain John's boat is beautiful and scrupulously well-kept. Captain John himself is extremely cordial, easy to talk to and very accommodating. He sailed us around Alcatraz and the Golden Gate Bridge, and he was very kind to snap photos for us whenever a good photo opportunity presented. He is obviously used to taking pictures for his passengers and capturing the perfect shot... they all turned out gorgeous! After the sail we even got to enjoy a few drinks with the captain. He provided an unforgettable, personal experience that we are still talking about months later. We hope to sail with you again, Captain John! Thanks for showing us so much hospitality on our first big outing in San Francisco. read more

Mike S.

13 years ago

We were invited to go sailing in the bay for our friends birthday. There were 6 of us on board. John got us on and out of the marina in no time. He asked us which way we wanted to go and we chose the ballpark, past all the Americas Cup boats and areas. It was a pleasant slow cruise. On the return, as we got to the point of the city at the bay and the wind picked up John put up the jib. WOW!!!! We were flying through the bay leaning left and right as he tacked. I had never been sailing and this is what I was looking for. Never had a moment of doubt as John was obviously in complete control. This guy can flat out sail. Throughout the day he answered all our questions and was a lot of fun. I highly recommend this adventure. Thanks John! read more

Whitney C.

13 years ago

Sailing with Captain John was the perfect way to round out our San Francisco/Bay Area vacation. Having lived in Berkeley for four years, it's always a pleasure coming back to visit and experiencing old favorites and new adventures alike. I've recommended this sailing experience to all of my friends. You're able to be as involved as you'd like when sailing - from "I want to learn as much as possible" to "Sit back, relax, and enjoy the incredible scenery". On top of everything else, you can bring snacks, wine, beer, etc if you'd like - Capt. John really allows you to enjoy yourself and experience the sailing adventure as if if were your everyday charmed life. Nothing to complain about! (One tip: wear sunscreen, no matter the temperature!) read more

Brent J.

13 years ago

Wow. John is super easy to deal with and was very accommodating on our trip. Our group of 4 did a late afternoon sail in the Bay. Out to the Golden Gate, a nice sail by Alcatraz then on to a city view cruise. The grand finale was a short cruise through McCovey Cove. One of my customers was a life long Giants fan and we brought him out for the game that night. His reaction to our trip was ... .well priceless! The boat itself is pristine. John has a few rules about do's and dont's but you understand why when you see his boat. It is cared for and clean, inside and out. This was my first event with John but we will be back! Thanks John! read more

Kirk A.

10 years ago

My wife and I had a two hour tour with Captain John on May 14. It was fabulous. San Francisco Bay is such a gorgeous setting and can get quite busy. But we knew we were in good hands with Captain John. He has Coast Guard experience, has raced sailboats all over the world, and has been sailing all his life. (That also makes for some very interesting conversation). His 37' Catalina is a beautiful boat. His home port- The Golden Gate Yacht Club- is first class. And his music play list rocks! We won't visit San Francisco again without including a sailing trip with Captain John. Would love to go to the Farallon Islands. read more

Rich R.

14 years ago

For my families recent trip to San Francisco, we decided to see the city from a different perspective and booked a sail boat cruise with Capt. John. Our 3 hour cruise with Capt. John was a fantastic experience from the initial greetings to the final tie up. He's very good at what he does and the Temptation is a beautiful and fun boat to sail on. The enthusiasm and experience of Capt. John was evident from the start and the trip was a memorable experience for our entire family and was the highlight of the trip. When I go back to the SF area I will definitely contact Capt. John and sail with him again. read more

Wylie D.

14 years ago

Captain John took our party of two couples for a three-hour sail on the bay and out under the Golden Gate Bridge. The weather was perfect. John skillfully handled the boat, taking us past Sausalito, Belvedere, Tiberon, and Angel Isand. John provided interesting commentary without being "over talkative." An interesting highlight was a close up pass by an America's Cup boat out for trials near the Golden Gate. I can comfortably recommend Captain John as a competent, congenial charter operator. The boat, Temptation, was clean and well equipped. The sail was a highlight of our visit to San Francisco. read more

P R.

7 years ago

Captain John and his wife ruined my coming from out of town sailing booking trip. After twice confirming with them on the date, they then canceled because we were a group of women. Once asked what we were sailing for, I told them a group of women in business getting together and that we would have a photographer shooting our tour. They assumed we were partying. That was not the case at all. Then I booked through Onboat which happened to book Captain John for our trip and once they got the info that it was a group of women, they again canceled and I lost money on my booking! Buyer beware for sexist. read more

Jimmy D.

9 years ago

I reserved a charter with Captain John for my girlfriend's birthday this past April. We are from Texas and were visiting Napa as well as San Francisco for the first time. I thought this would be a great way to surprise her and get a close up of the Golden Gate Bridge. It didn't disappoint. Captain John is a professional and a great host. I recommend you charter a sail boat ride with him whether it's for a special occasion or if you're looking for a different experience. The views of the city, bridge and surrounding area from the bay were beautiful. Great experience! read more

Sailing San Francisco - boating - Updated August 2026

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The San Francisco Sailing Company

4.1

(274 reviews)

I found The San Francisco Sailing Company by chance. There's a kiosk tucked between a fruit stand…read moreand a jewelry shop. The man that helped me was patient, friendly and even cared to ask what type of experience I was looking for. He recommended TSFSC and said it was a more authentic sailing experience, which is what I wanted. I met the crew at 1 PM, they took us to the boat and gave us a quick tutorial. The package offers 2 beers, which was a nice touch. The crew did a great job at allowing the experience to be very relaxing. I will come back!

We took friends from out of town on a 90 minute sail. The crew was great, everything was in good…read morecondition and professional. Everyone said they enjoyed it and were glad we went. Definitely follow the advice to bring layers. We had a beautiful sunny day but the wind out on the bay was still cold! Luckily they had blankets for some guests who were not prepared for the variety of temperatures we enjoyed that day.

Captain San Francisco Sailing Charters

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Just Dreaming Yacht Charters

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SF Bay Adventures

4.7

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Compass Rose Yacht Charters

(26 reviews)

We wanted a yacht charter for scattering ashes in the San Francisco Bay, specifically departing…read morefrom the Berkeley Marina. It was very easy to communicate with the owner, Eliot of Compass Rose Yacht Charter. He was willing to adjust the time of departure to our needs and it turned out perfect! Instructions were clear on where to park and our meeting place. We were greeted at the gate by a crew member and directed to the Voyager. The yacht is comfortable and clean and the cabin is spacious enough for our group of about twenty people. Captain Richard was very professional and the crew was friendly and helpful. There is a bar with coffee, tea, water and soft drinks. When we arrived at the designated scattering spot, the crew passed out flower petals to mark the site. Cheryl directed us where and how to scatter the ashes. We also brought a flower reef (created with paper tape), that was also tossed at the spot. The boat slowly circled the site several times, allowing us time for our final thoughts. Total time of our journey was about 1.5 hours, enough time for any speakers or formalities. The price was very reasonable, compared to other, more organized options. My friends and family all agreed and we highly recommend Compass Rose Yacht Charters.

Breathtaking scenic views! Second charter, wonderful and memorable worth the ride! Our adventures…read morebegan at the Berkeley Marina towards Angel Island. The captain and crew members very helpful and knowledgeable. Highly recommend the journey. Take a ride and create your own memories. Thank you, Compass Rose Yacht Charter.

Bay Lights Charters

(180 reviews)

It's my first time and the trio was super amazing we stationed from bay brings and nice boat nice…read moreatmosphere thank you !!!

The crew was amazing. They were very attentive to our needs and wishes. I had a release my Mother…read moreashes on the bay. It was a wonderful experience. I just wished we had more time to enjoy the San Francisco landscape. Beautiful

Lovely Martha

4.4

(118 reviews)

May on the Bay Charters

(10 reviews)

This is my third time sailing with May on the Bay and it certainly won't be the last. Ryan is…read morefriendly, knowledgeable, and just a joy to sail with! He pointed out wildlife and areas of interest and really went out of his way to make sure we were comfortable. The boat is clean and well-kept and Ryan is clearly an expert sailer. We couldn't have asked for a better experience.

Do yourself a favor and sail with Ryan! Six of us went and had so much fun! Ryan did a great job…read moreshowing us the sights on the Bay and explained all the proper sailboat lingo! We are excited to do it again! Ryan was the ultimate professional.

Wine By Sail

(3 reviews)

My fiance and I went on a friend's birthday day trip aboard Wine By Sail's Condesa sailboat and it…read morewas wonderful! It was my first time on a sailboat (and in the ocean - ok, the bay). The Captain: I read that Captain Clark sailed around the world in that boat, so that gave me a lot of confidence in his skills as a captain. He was personable, knowledgeable and funny (ask him to tell you the sandwich story...it's hilarious)! The Boat: Gorgeous sailboat with a nicely shaded deck (but you could easily get out into the sun around the boat's front and back sides when you wanted to lay out). The downstairs rooms, kitchen and bathroom were all clean and comfortable. I was a tad nervous about using the bathroom before I went on the boat, seeing as I had no clue what to expect, but it was clean and fine w/ running water and everything. The Food and Wine: We had delicious snacks that were easily prepared for us, and while I didn't drink too much, I really enjoyed the wine that was served. The best part, however, was the BBQ when we docked (or anchored? not sure of the proper terminology) near Angel Island with the most AMAZING view of SF, the island and bay. The atmosphere: Considering we only traveled a few short miles from SF, I literally felt so relaxed, like I had been vacationing on the Cape for a week. I really liked the rocking of the boat and the calming yet exhilarating feeling when the sails caught the wind and took off. All in all, highly recommend for the lovely experience, the skills of the captain and the great time we all had!

We (six adults and a 4 month old baby) had a super day aboard the good ship Condesa. The wind was…read moreblowing about 25 knots and the water was choppy as we crossed San Francisco Bay. Condesa is very comfortable, the pilot house offering protection from the wind and spray. One of the "crew" said, after the voyage, that she had felt safer on this voyage than on any other sailboat. We docked on the lee side of Angel Island and hiked up to a point where there is a view of Golden Gate Bridge. Back on the boat a wonderful gourmet lunch was served with well paired local wines. Captain Beek is very personable and a great raconteur. He kept the party entertained with tales of his global circumnavigation. After lunch we sailed off the dock and completed our circumnavigation of Angel Island before setting course for the city. The Wine by Sail excursion is an excellent way for a small group to experience an adventure on San Francisco Bay, with some delicious eats and drinks thrown in. Great value for money!

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