FAQs
- Where do I pick up my tickets?
- What do I need to bring to claim my tickets?
- I left my confirmation information in the hotel or at home. What should I do?
- What time do I need to arrive for my tour?
- What happens if I miss my tour?
- Can I change my tour time on the day of the tour?
- When do tickets expire?
- Where are the restrooms at the piers?
- Are there restrooms on the boats?
- Are the boats handicap-accessible?
- Are the restrooms on the boats handicap-accessible?
- Are animals allowed on Blue & Gold Fleet vessels?
- Where is the Lost & Found? How do I find it?
- Is there food on the boats?
- Are the boats covered?
- What is the size and capacity of the boats?
- Does Blue & Gold Fleet do whale watching tours?
- Does Blue & Gold Fleet go to Alcatraz Island?
- Do you pick up from hotels?
- How do I get to Pier 41 and PIER 39?
- I don't drive. Is there public transportation to Pier 41 and PIER 39?
- Where can I park my vehicle?
- Do you validate parking?
- I was double charged for my tickets. How do I get my money back?
- Can you recommend hotels and lodging?
- Do you have information on San Francisco?
- What is Blue & Gold Fleet’s environmental commitment?
- What is Blue & Gold Fleet's commitment to promoting education?
RocketBoat FAQs
- Where can I buy tickets and how long are they good for?
- I bought my tickets online. Where do I pick them up?
- How long is the ride?
- How old and tall do I have to be to ride the boat?
- Are my tickets good for a particular date and time?
- I want to sit in the front of the boat. How can I be sure to get those seats?
- Will I get wet on RocketBoat?
- Is there a bathroom onboard?
- How should I dress?
- Can I bring a stroller onboard?
- Can I bring my food or drink onboard?
- Does RocketBoat operate everyday?
- What do I do if the departure I am waiting for is cancelled or if the boat isn't running?
- Is the ride scary?
- Is it fun?
Where do I pick up my tickets?
Tickets purchased in advance on the web can be picked up at the Self-Service Kiosk attached to the east-side of the Blue & Gold Fleet Box Office located at PIER 39. Tickets for groups of 15 or more will be held at the Group Services Window.
What do I need to bring to claim my tickets?
To claim pre-purchased tickets, please print-out the confirmation page and bring it with you along with the credit card used to purchase your tickets.
I left my confirmation information in the hotel or at home. What should I do?
If you do not have a print-out of your confirmation with you, you must go to the Blue & Gold Fleet Box Office located at PIER 39 to pick-up your tickets. You will need to present the credit card used to purchase the tickets and a valid photo ID.
What time do I need to arrive for my tour?
It is recommended that guests arrive at least 15 minutes prior to the scheduled departure of their tour during fall/winter tour seasons. It is recommended for guests to arrive at least 25-30 minutes prior to their scheduled tours during the spring/summer tour seasons. An additional 5-10 minutes are requested if special attention is required.
What happens if I miss my tour?
For the Bay Cruise Adventure, Angel Island Ferry, Trolley Hop Tour, Motorized Cable Car Tour and other ferry services including Alameda, Oakland, Sausalito, Tiburon and Vallejo, tickets may be used for the next available departure.
For Land/Motorcoach tours including City Tour of San Francisco, Muir Woods Tour, Monterey Carmel Tour, Sonoma Napa Wine Country Tour and Yosemite National Park Tours, tickets are only valid for the specified departure time and date on the tickets. No refund or exchange is available.
Can I change my tour time on the day of the tour?
Tickets and tour time changes are subject to availability and at the discretion of Blue & Gold Fleet Box Offices.
When do tickets expire?
For the Bay Cruise Adventure, RocketBoat, Escape from the Rock, Angel Island Ferry, Trolley Hop Tour, Motorized Cable Car Tour and other ferry services including Alameda, Oakland, Sausalito, Tiburon and Vallejo, tickets are valid for six (6) months. Tickets for these services can be used any day for any departure starting on the date printed on the ticket and expire six months after the pre-printed date. No refunds or exchanges available.
For Land/Motorcoach tours including City Tour of San Francisco, Muir Woods Tour, Monterey Carmel Tour, Sonoma Napa Wine Country Tour and Yosemite National Park Tours, tickets are only valid for the specified departure time and date on the tickets. No refunds or exchanges are available.
Where are the restrooms at the piers?
Restrooms are conveniently located underneath the NFL/College Shop inside PIER 39 just past the elevator. More restrooms are located inside PIER 39 throughout the pier.
Are there restrooms on the boats?
Yes, all boats have restrooms with the exception of RocketBoat.
Are the boats handicap-accessible?
At Blue and Gold Fleet every customer is important. We recognize that we have passengers with special needs who require accessible facilities in order to fully utilize our service and we are in the process of upgrading and re-evaluating all of our services to better accomodate these passengers. We conduct ongoing training sessions for our crews to ensure our cusomters with special needs receive the service they deserve. Although the "work is in progress," we are striving to provide opportunities for people with special needs to conveniently access and use our facilities and vessels.
We have facilities at PIER 39 and Pier 41 in the heart of Fisherman's Wharf in San Francisco. There is a five-story, 900 space parking garage 1/2 a block away from our facility that contains 19 handicap spaces, 8 of which are on the first floor. The garage has two elevators and an accessbile pedestrian bridge located on the thrid floor that leads to PIER 39. Our primary ticket booth is located in PIER 39's west marina just 50 feet from two of our boarding gates. The other two boarding gates are approximately 200 yards away. The ticket booth window has a minimim 32" clearance.
Our four foot wide ramps leading onto the vessels vary in steepness depending on the tide level. While boarding can be difficult during low tide, our crewmembers are always available to assist guests with boarding. With prior notification we can make arrangements to use our ADA compliant vessels and gangway for boarding and disembarking.
Our fleet is comprised of eight vessels that vary widels in age and design. Accessibility for passengers with special needs in consequently very dependent on the age and renovation status of the vessel. Seven of our vessels have enclosed main decks that are wheelchair accessible. However, open air exterior portions of these vessels are only accessible by stairs. All seven vessels have accessible restroom facilities however wheelchair tie-downs are not currently available. Our eighth vessel, the Bay Rocket is an open air thrill ride that has a 40" height restriction and is not wheelchair accessible. With prior arrangements we will work with customers with special needs. Please contract our office at 415-773-1188.
Blue and Gold Fleet also operates vessels for the cities of Alameda, Oakland and Vallejo. If you need information on the Alameda Oakland Ferry please visit www.eastbayferry.com. If you would like information on the Vallejo/Baylink service please visit www.baylinkferry.com.
Back to top
Are the restrooms on the boats handicap-accessible?
Yes, there is one handicap-accessible stall in each of the male and female restrooms on all boats.
Are animals allowed on Blue & Gold Fleet vessels?
Special assistance animals and animals in hand held carriers are allowed on Vallejo Baylink Ferry Service and Alameda Oakland Ferry Service vessels. Only service animals are allowed on Angel Island. Blue & Gold Fleet allows animals on its Bay Cruises, Sausalito and Tiburon ferries but the owners remain wholly responsible for the animal and must keep it on a leash at all times.
Where is the Lost & Found? How do I find it?
Please contact a Blue & Gold Fleet Guest Services Representative in a yellow uniform. They will best be able to assist you with locating a lost item if the item was found.
Is there food on the boats?
Yes, there are snack bars on all boats that sell a variety of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages such as water, sodas and juices. Also available are hot dogs, chips and other snack foods.
Are the boats covered?
Blue and Gold Fleet boats provide indoor as well as outdoor seating, except the RocketBoat which has no indoor seating. Indoor seating is covered with weather-proof windows with protection against wind, rain and salt water. Outdoor seating is available in designated, safe sections of the boats.
What is the size and capacity of the boats?
The capacities of the boats vary with the type of vessel. The maximum capacity of Blue & Gold Fleet boats range from 300 to 787 passengers.
Does Blue & Gold Fleet do whale watching tours?
No, Blue & Gold Fleet does not provide whale-watching tours.
Does Blue & Gold Fleet go to Alcatraz Island?
Blue & Gold Fleet does not provide ferry service to Alcatraz Island. For reservation, ticket or schedule information visit the National Park Service's website. Blue & Gold Fleet’s ESCAPE FROM THE ROCK tour is a 90-minute fact-filled adventure cruise that sails under the Golden Gate Bridge and then circles Alcatraz while passengers hear dark secrets and unique stories about life on the Rock. Murder, mayhem and mobsters. Come join the fun. Buy tickets now.
Do you pick up from hotels?
No, Blue & Gold Fleet does not offer hotel pick ups. All motorcoach tours depart from Pier 43 ½.
How do I get to Pier 41 and PIER 39?
For general driving directions to Pier 41 and PIER 39, please click Map & Directions.
I don't drive. Is there public transportation to Pier 41 and PIER 39?
Yes, there are plenty of alternatives for getting to Pier 41 and PIER 39.
The "F Market & Wharves" trolley runs along Market St. Downtown San Francisco, along The Embarcadero and stops directly in front of PIER 39. For more information regarding San Francisco Municipal System, please visit website www.sfmuni.com.
For information regarding San Francisco public transit, please visit 511.org.
Coming from outside of San Francisco, ferries are available through Blue & Gold Fleet from Vallejo, Alameda, Oakland, Sausalito and Tiburon on a daily basis. Please click on "Ferries" for more information.
BART is also available from outside of San Francisco. Please visit www.bart.gov for more details on routes, locations and times.
Where can I park my vehicle?
There are several parking garages and lots around the area. The closest is the PIER 39 Parking Garage across the street from our location with more than 1000 parking spaces. Other parking locations are located at the Academy of Art College and Pier 43 ½.
Do you validate parking?
No, Blue & Gold Fleet does not validate parking; however, any full-service restaurants located on PIER 39 will validate parking for the PIER 39 Parking Garage. Restaurant patrons who dine at one of PIER 39's full-service restaurants receive one hour free validated parking at lunch and two hours free validated parking after 6 pm for dinner.
I was double charged for my tickets. How do I get my money back?
If you already inquired about the double charge with the Credit Card Company and/or bank, no additional action is necessary. Your Credit Card Company and/or bank will contact Blue & Gold Fleet on your behalf.
If you have not approached your Credit Card Company and/or bank yet, please fax a copy of your order confirmation, a copy of your credit card statement and a letter of concerns to 415.705.5429. Missing information will delay the inquiry process.
Can you recommend hotels and lodging?
Here are a few helpful resources:
OnlyInSanFrancisco.com
VisitFishermansWharf.com
FishermansWharfHotels.net
Do you have information on San Francisco?
Please visit the San Francisco Convention & Visitor's Bureau web site.
What is Blue & Gold Fleet’s environmental commitment?
Blue & Gold Fleet operates the largest fleet of biodiesel ferries and tour boats on San Francisco Bay. We are committed to minimizing our impact on the environment by reducing our waste stream and continually monitoring our operations.
Our Pier 41 marine terminal Pier 9 maintenance facilities were the first marine facilities in San Francisco certified Clean and Green by the city and county Department of the Environment. Some of our environmental accomplishments are:
• Blue & Gold Fleet (B&G) recycles more than 100,000 pounds of cardboard, 32,000 pounds of paper, and 5000 gallons of oil each year. B&G also recycles batteries, light tubes, wood, plastic, glass, rubber, and electronic equipment.
• B&G partners with the Marine Mammal Center to protect one of the largest sea lion haul-outs in California, the PIER 39 west marina, designated the #1 environmentally sensitive site within San Francisco Bay.
• B&G uses environmentally preferred soy based inks on its tickets, brochures, and business cards. As a member of the Recycled Paper Coalition, B&G purchases paper products that are manufactured with a content of 20 to 35% recycled paper.
• B&G practices environmental materials management, dematerialization, resource conservation, and product take-back whenever feasible in its procurement practices.
• B&G upgraded its exterior and office lighting to more efficient and environmentally sensitive fixtures. This effort will save 82,914 kilowatt hours per year.
• B&G is committed to creatively reducing our waste streams. B&G reduced bilge waste (oil and water by-product) by 50%, and eliminated its solvent-based parts cleaning altogether. B&G participates in the City of San Francisco pollution prevention source reduction program.
• B&G replaced 10 of its older two-stroke diesel engines, and 12 two-stroke diesel generators, with more efficient electronically controlled four-stroke diesel engines. This repowering program annually removes more than 300,000 pounds of nitrous oxide (NoX) and other pollutants from the air, and saves 100,000 gallons of diesel fuel per year. B&G continues to work with the California Air Resources Board to foster and implement green marine technology.
• B&G upgraded exterior and office lighting to more efficient and environmentally sensitive fixtures. This effort saves 82,914 kilowatt hours per year. B&G’s Pier 9 maintenance facility installed Green Ray Technologies’ LED fluorescent tube replacements throughout its facility in 2009 which improved lighting efficiency by 80%.
What is Blue & Gold Fleet's commitment to promoting education?
Blue & Gold Fleet strongly promotes in the importance of education among children and young adults through a variety of educational and historical cruises and ferries, highlighting every destination on San Francisco Bay from the Golden Gate Bridge to the hidden mysteries of Alcatraz Island and all the way to Vallejo’s Six Flags Discovery Kingdom. Educational Rates are available exclusively for school groups on select cruises and ferries.
Back to top
RocketBoat FAQs
Where can I buy tickets and how long are they good for?
Tickets can be purchased at the Blue & Gold Fleet box office at PIER 39 or on our website. Tickets are good for 6 months.
I bought my tickets online. Where do I pick them up?
Tickets can be picked up at the ticket kiosk at our PIER 39 box office. You will need your order confirmation number to pick up tickets at the kiosk.
How long is the ride?
30 minutes.
How old and tall do I have to be to ride the boat?
You must be 40" tall to ride RocketBoat. Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult.
Are my tickets good for a particular date and time?
No, tickets are general admission and RocketBoat boards on a first come-first served basis.
I want to sit in the front of the boat. How can I be sure to get those seats?
Your best bet is to get in line 30 - 45 minutes ahead of time.
Will I get wet on RocketBoat?
Passengers can get wet on this ride. Seats in the back of the boat are the most likely to get wet. Deckhands will provide free ponchos upon request to anyone who is concerned about getting wet. RocketBoat is not responsible for damage to personal property.
Back to top
Is there a bathroom onboard?
No there is no bathroom on RocketBoat.
How should I dress?
The weather in San Francisco can be unpredictable and occasionally it is cloudy and windy. You should bring a jacket with you in case you get cold.
Can I bring a stroller onboard?
No, items such as strollers and coolers are not allowed on the boat.
Can I bring my food or drink onboard?
Only items that can be kept in your backpack or purse are allowed on the boat. There is no eating or drinking allowed on RocketBoat.
Does RocketBoat operate every day?
No, RocketBoat only operates May through October. Between May and October, RocketBoat may occasionally cancel a departure because the conditions on the Bay may be too rough. The safety and comfort of passengers is always our first priority. Also when school is in session (e.g. May, September, October) RocketBoat operates Wednesday through Sunday (we’re closed on Mondays and Tuesdays). From June 1 through August 31 RocketBoat operates every day of the week.
What do I do if the departure I am waiting for is cancelled or if the boat isn't running?
Your ticket is good for any departure on any day. You can wait for the next departure or you can request a refund at the box office.
Is the ride scary?
RocketBoat is a highly maneuverable speedboat that makes quick, tight turns. Most people say the ride is "thrilling." Bumping and jarring may occur so passengers are required to wear seat belts. You should be in good health and free from high blood pressure, heart, back or neck problems, osteoporosis, motion sickness, or other conditions that could be aggravated by this adventure. Expectant mothers, those with osteoporosis and children under 3 years old should not ride RocketBoat.
Is it fun?
Actually, it's a B-L-A-S-T!
Back to top
|
