Cruising San Francisco Bay Aboard Bay Voyager

 

I have logged many hours cruising San Francisco Bay. Two of my good friends live on a houseboat at Pier 39 and take us out on their wooden sailboat “Lola” and I worked for years as a bartender on a beautiful charter yacht called “Compass Rose” out of Alameda. I also have a good friend who is a ferry captain on the Blue & Gold fleet.

But, never have I experienced the Bay the way I did aboard the Bay Voyager!

Captain Charles Jennings is extremely affable and knowledgeable about the Bay, and his banana yellow rigid inflatable boat is, how shall I say, super fast!

I was invited recently to go out to test the waters with my nine-year-old daughter, Parker. It was one of those picture-perfect San Francisco days, made all the better by riding the waves on this amazing 300hp, 12-passenger vessel.

Capt’n Charles is meticulous about safety and even though it was balmy on the dock, he had all of us suit up in full waterproof jackets, pants and safety gear.

Since it was a light crew, we skipped circling Alcatraz (been there, done that) and headed out of the Golden Gate where the currents are strong and the view is unparalleled. Parker and I couldn’t wipe the perma-smiles off our faces!

We circled back, ducked under the first stretch of the Bay Bridge and took a look at the construction in progress on the second span. Here we could see the piece of the old bridge that is being taken down in pieces. An amazing sight.

Next we dipped into McCovey Cove just before game day at the San Francisco Giants’ stadium. We crossed the paths with some party boats — one already in full swing with bikini-clad ladies chugging champagne from the bottles. Good times.

During the cruise, Capt’n Charles peppered us with interesting facts about the cities (San Francisco, Oakland and Berkeley) and articulately answered all of my pesky questions.

This San Francisco Bay Tour is, by far, one of the best ways to experience the San Francisco Bay.

If You Go:

Bay Voyager
Captain Charles Jennings
Bay Voyager
Pier 39 Gate “C”
San Francisco, California 94133
(510) 542-4200

Cruising San Francisco Bay aboard Bay Voyager post and photos contributed by Lisa Crovo Dion. I was a guest of Bay Voyager Tours.