What a fun day with Bay Breeze Charters!
My significant other's birthday swung by this year and I thought, what better way to spend the day then in the SF Bay? We arrived in sunny Sausalito on a beautiful Saturday afternoon to take a 2-hour sunset cruise. Captain Pam checked off names on the sailing reservation sheet, and directed us to our large-yet-cozy 51ft boat, "Glory Days" where we were greeted by First Mate Clay. After a quick overview of safety, off we went.
We were accompanied by a nice group of people, which included a group of sorority sisters from Wisconsin circa 1960, who were pretty much the only people on the ship with a personality. Others acted like they were being dragged out to the sea to jump overboard, some just enjoyed the views, and a few others went in the cabin below for some relief from sea sickness. It was a really mixed crowd, but as with most group outings with strangers, most keep to themselves, and you just enjoy the company you have along for the ride.
Captain Pam and Clay were very informative about what to expect and were very nice and calm. They were careful to tell us to watch our heads when adjusting the sails, did a little ship-talk, and Clay delivered drinks to everyone on board. We were lucky enough to snag the most comfortable seats on the boats, which unfortunately were cushions atop the coolers holding the drinks. While we had to get up a few times while Clay got drinks for the passengers, it was still worth having a nice stable seat in the rear of the boat and something soft to sit on.
The boat cruised along the bay with Alcatraz and the San Francisco skyline in the distance, and we collectively opted to take some rougher waters so that we could head over to the Golden Gate Bridge and made a pass under it. We did and it was so much fun, despite the choppy water and wind. Oddly enough, I managed to find excitement in the fact that the boat was dipping about 45 degrees in one direction, as Liz Z. mentioned, and that did come as a bit of a surprise, but was fine. Pam and Clay did advise up not to walk around for the time being and to hold on to stable parts of the boat. Bridge walkers waved from above and we watched cars driving by from below. The sun setting in the distance was the highlight of the evening, and the views were absolutely breathtaking! I have a new appreciation for the beauty of the Bay Area landscape, and there was no better way to take it in than on the water with the fresh air, away from the cars, the smog and noise of the city.
I had done a cruise like this before so I was prepared for the weather, but it was nice that there were a few blankets available for anyone who was chilly. There were a few snacks available as well. That being said, bring a very warm jacket, sunglasses, hat, and a blanket for your legs if you want to enjoy an evening cruise. The alternative can be very, very cold and miserable on the water but if you're bundled, you can focus on the views and have a great time! Leave your shorts at home.
A nice part of your ticket purchase is the complimentary soft drink, beer or wine, though I'd recommend staying away from the alcohol if you know you're headed for rough water.
The previous cruise I'd taken a few years ago sailed out of Pier 39, but it's not worth mentioning in comparison to this route out of Sausalito. I think anyone would agree that a view of the Golden Gate far surpasses any view of the Bay Bridge. I purchased a Groupon deal, and it was well worth the $40 for the two of us to sail considering the incredible views of the Golden Gate Bridge, of San Francisco, and Alcatraz. Even arriving back in Sausalito at the end of the night was somewhat enchanting, as the hills were sprinkled with lights and you could see the stars during twilight.
If there was a single reason to not give a five star review, it was that I think the crew could have better warned the passengers of what to expect with the choppy waters beforehand, before we left. We were told to hold on because the waters would be choppy, but I don't recall hearing anything about the boat tipping to the side so much. If you've never boated before, you would probably be a bit frightened by the boat tipping at such an extreme angle. You do have a responsibility to pay attention to the crew and read through the website for pretty thorough information if you have any concerns, but I think this could also have been briefly mentioned earlier on to be sure everyone was prepared for it. I could understand someone feeling panicked if they were unaware that the boat was going to do that. That aside, pay attention to the crew's instructions and you'll have a great time.
If you're looking for something different to do, grab your camera and your coats, and sail away at sunset. You'll love it! read more