Join the next free tour on a Blue & Gold Boat July 12
The Port of Oakland [1] is sponsoring free harbor tour cruises [2] once a month through October. The 90-minute cruises aboard Blue & Gold Fleet boats are a great way to enjoy the waterway and learn about the Port, enjoy a unique vantage point of the marine terminals, and see how the Oakland Seaport works.
[3]The tours take guests into the Oakland middle and outer harbors [4]. The boat goes under the western span of the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge near Yerba Buena Island., and then, the boat returns to Jack London Square. The live narration will give visitors the opportunity to learn about the global economic impact of the Port’s seaport operations. Guests will see the Port’s iconic container cranes, mega-ships, and dockworkers up close.
Boarding takes place at the Oakland Jack London Terminal (Ferry Dock) at 10 Clay Street (at the corner of Water Street) in Jack London Square. Parking options include street parking or the Jack London Square Washington Street Garage at 101 Washington Street. Note that the Port of Oakland does not validate parking.
Online registration will open on the first Monday of each month for that month’s tour. It is not possible to register for any tour in advance for the following month. There are 230 spaces available to the public on each harbor tour, but they fill up extremely quickly and are usually gone within the first few minutes after online registration opens for the tour.
Online registration for the July 12 tour [5] opens on Monday, July 1, at 8 p.m. It’s important to be online right at 8 p.m. to have a chance at getting a ticket as soon as the registration page goes live. Signing on prior to 8 p.m. will not work, unless you refresh your link a split second after 8 p.m. to see the registration link.
You can only sign up for that month’s tour. Advance registration is not allowed for tours in the following months. Be sure to save your online boarding pass or print it out, as you will be required to present it at the registration table on the day of the cruise.
If you are unable to get a free ticket online for the tour, you may come to the registration table on the day of the tour about 30 minutes prior to boarding time to place your name on the standby list. This does not guarantee that you will be able to board. Standby boarding is based on the number of no-shows on a first-come, first-served basis.
The tour will start at 6:45 p.m. and last until 8 p.m. Boarding starts 15 minutes prior to departure. All passengers must be on the boat five minutes prior to departure. Late arrivals will not be allowed to board.
Future tours
- August 16: 6:45 p.m. – 8:15 p.m.
- September 13: 5:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
- October 18 (last cruise): 5:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
FAQs
Are there ID requirements or an age limit for entering the event?
You must present a boarding pass (paper or electronic) from your online registration at the registration table prior to boarding. There is no age limit, but anyone under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
Is my registration/ticket transferable?
Yes, a ticket is transferable. Please update registration information prior to the date of departure by emailing [email protected] [6].
May I bring food and drinks to the tour?
Food and drinks may not be brought onto the boat. If you wish to purchase light snacks and non-alcoholic drinks, you may buy them on the boat. The tour boat has a concession stand. Since the Port of Oakland is a government agency, it is not allowed to have alcohol on the boat.
Are the boats wheelchair accessible?
The boats are wheelchair accessible on the main level, but NOT on the second or third decks. Bathrooms are all wheelchair accessible.
Are service dogs allowed on the boat?
Yes, certified service dogs are allowed on the boat. They must be on a leash at all times and are the responsibility of the owner. Comfort animals are not allowed on the boat.