Adventure Cat Sailing Charters

I found a recommendation for this sail in an online "avoid the tourist trap" article. After reading other reviews, I decided it was worth the time and money to give it a try - and I was not disappointed. Before we left the dock we were given a safety talk by the captain. Then, throughout the sail, he and the deck hands were very friendly and helpful, answering questions, pointing out good places to position yourself, taking pictures of groups, etc. When we left Pier 39 it was gray, cloudy, windy and cool, yet the 'cat cut through the choppy water quite nicely, simply porpoising up and down as it neatly moved ahead. First we went around Alcatraz Island, slowing to take it all in, then picked up speed and headed for the Golden Gate Bridge. Again the cat slowed for the bridge, then passed under the span to get very close to a beach on the marine highlands, where there were rocks active with pelicans and cormorants flying around and diving for food, and campers in the woods an on the shoreline. I got some great pictures. Coming back under the bridge the sun broke through and the winds eased, giving great views of various city skyline highlights, the Fisherman's Wharf piers and the Oakland Bay Bridge off in the distance. Along the way we encountered sail and kite surfers, sea lions, other small boats, large container ships, etc. I thought it was a perfect way to see the Bay Area, and would definitely do it again. At the last minute a friend came with me; she lives outside of San Francisco but had never taken this tour before - she is now recommending it to her friends and family. Definitely worthwhile, especially if you like being on the water - just do it!

The Adventure Cat experience was my absolute favorite of my whole trip. You have the option of the Day Cruise or the Sunset Cruise. My advice is to spend the extra $15 for the Sunset Cruise. It is WORTH it. Me and my boyfriend went in the middle of October, which I heard is the best time of year for San Francisco weather. The staff and captain are very friendly and interactive. And there's a BAR! I prefer the Catamaran to any fancy Yacht cruise any day. It is more intimate and quiet and you can hear the ocean as well as see it beneath your feet. The ocean wasn't too choppy and the sunset was so beautiful, everyone could not stop starring at all the colors. I got some awesome photos. It was the best 1 1/2 hrs I had in SF and totally worth it. I would say that it is fun for everyone, not just couples (families, friends, groups, etc.). Would definitely book it again when we are back in town. It is truly a hidden gem that I'm glad I found.

This is the third time I have taken an out of towner on the adventure cat and It is a great and affordable way to get out on the bay! The crew this time seemed a bit too cool for school. Previously the guides talked to us a little about sites we where about to embarc upon. These guys said as little as possiable and the behaved down right crabby? I wanted to say -Dude try sitting in an office all day pointing and clicking your life away Why such much attitude? how can they not like their jobs? None of the guests even knew there drinks available until they saw mine. I really felt like a tourist annoying the locals. This was a far different experience from the the previous 2 x's I took my out of town guests. The rest of the passengers probably did not notice their aloofness, because they sail ride it self is so beautiful. The blonde guy with the full beard was happy and personable. Mari Pellegrino

The cruise was wonderful. I went on the 1pm cruise and the fog burned off as we were approaching the Golden Gate Bridge. It was smooth but windy. Probably should bring a jacket, though the jackets provided were sufficient. The crew was friendly and helpful.

The weather was ideal and we had a FANTASTIC time. Would highly recommend it! We want to do it again.

Well it was rather foggy when we went out so I was a bit disappointed. However it didn't matter - no sunset but it was so lovely and quiet out on the water. Only 4 people showed up for the cruise that day so we had the boat to ourselves pretty much! Good views of Alcatraz, Sausalito, Angel Island and of course under the Golden Gate was cool! Drinks were OK and food - chips, salsa, nuts, bread, artichoke dip, veggie tray were OK also. A lovely experience - I love sailing!

Even better than we expected -- exceeded our expectations!! We ended up being the only two people on the cruise maybe because it was close to the end of their season, and it made it even more special for us. It still would have been great even with others on the cruise. We are so glad they did not cancel our trip but allowed us the privilege of going. Could not think of a better way to see a harbor view of San Francisco and Alcatraz. The crew(Drew and Hanz) were awesome! We would highly recommend the experience and can't wait to go again if we are in San Francisco.

We got together for a birthday and it was the best way to see the City, Alcatraz and Golden Gate. Food and drink were functional. But the views....amazing!

Weather is obviously the big risk in signing up for something like this. We went on 10/10/09 (our 5-year anniversary), and it was a cold, cloudy night. Yes, we saw a lot of great things, took some great photos and the sail was quite exhilarating. Overall, a worthwhile activity. But it was a little colder and breezier than you might want, and the visibility was a little limited. There's obviously nothing you can do about the weather, but it does factor into the enjoyment a little. On the plus side, Adventure Cat did provide good warm jackets if you're warm clothes weren't enough. And the cocktails and appetizers were good. On the minus side, it would have been nice to hear some info about what we were seeing from the captain and crew over the speakers, instead of hearing the breezy, Caribbean music (which seemed a little out of place on this brisk night).

A friend of mine and I took my 6 year old for a sunset cruise last weekend and had a great time! Yes, it was windy, foggy and chilly, but nothing that a heap of microfleece, a thick jacket, and a tight hat (windy) can't overcome, and it was still beautiful. I agree with a previous writer that it is nice to take in the sights, relax, have a beer, and watch your kid roll around on the big nets at the front of the cat (sorry, no nautical lingo to dazzle you with). Just be an attentive parent, and everyone will have fun. Also--I very much enjoyed the smooth ride of the catamaran! I usually take sailing tours which leave me a little queasy, but the cat pretty much skims the surface, so no seasickness. There is a big inside area to hide in if you find the open bay is too much action for you, conveniently, that's where the bar is! Definately worth the 45 dollars. Have fun!

I highly recommend this boating adventure. My visit to SF was just me and my BF and we were looking to take a boat ride that was not overcrowded. This was perfect. We sailed around Alcatraz and under the Golden Gate Bridge. It was cold so be prepared... The crew was friendly, knowledgable and entertaining... Best part of my vacation!

My brother and I enjoyed this trip so much more than a standard bay cruise. It was a sailboat, pontoon, small and intimate and also served delicious appetizers and wine. What more could you ask? The scenery was glorious and we passed Alcatraz and under the Golden Gate returning at sundown to the lights of San Francisco. A definite must to anyone coming. LOVED IT !!!!

My kids and I had a great time sailing under the bridge on the Adventure Cat2. It was breezy and brisk and I wished I had worn a wind breaker, but the sailing was exciting. Our skipper tacked very close to the north tower and then it was amazing to look up at the bridge as we sailed under and tacked again near a small beach outside the Gate. An added treat was the Blue Angels flying overhead (it was Fleet Week in SF) and at one point 4 fighter jets flew in formation just 50 feet above our mast, a spectacular finale! I would recommend this cruise as a unique way to see the Bay.

Our family has very little experience with sailing or being on the ocean, but Adventure Cat made this an easy and fun way to explore the water. We thoroughly enjoyed the magnificent views from the boat and the delicious hors d'oeuvres that were provided. The rest of the group in the tour were very friendly. We had time to visit but also had time to ourselves on the boat just enjoying the end of the day with a glorious sunset. Highly recommend taking time to explore the Pier 39 shops afterward and have a late dinner at Louis Italian restaurant.

Very nice cruise around the bay. Smooth sailing the whole way, beautiful day on the water. Crew members were very helpful and friendly. Next time I will definitely try the sunset cruise.