Sail San Francisco Bay Aboard The Alma
The Alma is underway in the San Francisco Bay / NPS
Views of San Francisco Bay are one way to enjoy the sweep of this iconic body of water, but cruising its surface in a wind-powered ship provides a much more personal connection with the bay. And from the beginning of June to the end of November, you can find your way aboard the scow schooner Alma to gain this experience.
The schooner docks in the San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park, where the ship has been lovingly restored. From June 8th to November 23rd, three-hour tours through the bay will set sail on selected Fridays and Saturdays from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Tickets are $ 40 for adults, $ 30 for those ages 62 and older, and $ 20 for children ages 6-15. Children under 5 are free with paying adults. You can reserve a ticket athttps://go.usa.gov/x5k7m. Visit this website and type “San Francisco Maritime” in the search box or call 1-877-444-6777. Limited spaces may be available at the Hyde Street Pier ticket office on sailing days from 9:30 am to 12:00 pm.
On these sailing adventures by the Alma family, passengers can choose whether they want to pull lines and raise sails with the crew, or just relax and enjoy the ride. During the three-hour program, a National Park Service ranger tells stories about the rich maritime history of San Francisco: about Indians, Spanish explorers, bridge building, gold rush, Alcatraz and Angel Islands, the infamous Barbary Coast (which sailors were drawn into, long sea voyages) and more. Built near Hunters Point on the San Francisco Bay coast, Alma is now the last of its kind. It offers a unique, hands-on learning experience for the National Park Service.
Small print sailing:
Boarding is at 12:30 PM and Hyde Street Pier is at 1:00 PM. Be prepared for the cold, wind, spray, and bright sun. Life jackets and swimming aids are available. Bring water (no alcohol allowed), snacks, hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, layers of clothing, closed toe shoes (no high heels), camera, binoculars and a sense of adventure. Trips may be canceled at the discretion of the captain due to weather conditions or other safety concerns.
The San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park is located on the west end of Fisherman’s Wharf and includes a fleet of historic ships, a visitor center, a maritime museum, a marine research center, and the Aquatic Park Historic District.
