FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Please read the following information carefully.
Where do your cruises depart from?
Our San Francisco cruises depart from Pier 43½, located on Fisherman’s Wharf at the foot of Taylor Street. For directions, click here.
When should I be at the departure location?
Please always arrive at least 15 minutes before the scheduled departure time, we otherwise can’t guarantee available space. We are unable to accommodate late arrivals.
Do I need to make reservations for your cruises?
No. Reservations are recommended, but not necessary for groups of less than 15 passengers. You can purchase tickets online at www.redandwhite.com, by phone (415) 673-2900 or directly at the boarding location.
How can I pay for tickets?
Online and phone reservations can be made by credit card. At the cruise piers, tickets can be purchased with cash, credit card, and travelers checks. Personal checks are not accepted.
Prices are per person, unless otherwise specified. All transactions are in US Dollars. All prices and availability are subject to change without notice. Tour prices or availability is not confirmed until full payment is received and confirmation provided.
If the authorization on the credit card provided is declined, we will attempt to notify you by email at the email address you provided. The reservation will be cancelled and will need to be rebooked depending on availability.
I booked a Red and White Fleet cruise through a third party. What do I have to do?
If you booked your Red and White Fleet cruise through a third party, such as Expedia or Viator, please make sure to bring your printed tour voucher. This voucher is your proof of payment. Without this voucher, we will not be able to issue tickets for you.
Do your rates include tips and gratuities?
Yes. Red and White Fleet’s rates for San Francisco Cruises include all taxes, gratuities, fees, and Personal Audio. Of course, you are welcome to tip staff members for excellent service.
Are your tickets refundable?
No. Red and White Fleet’s tickets are non-refundable. For your convenience, tickets for the Golden Gate Bay Cruise, SF Explorer Cruise, Pier 45 Combo, and Trolley Hop are valid for 90 days from purchase. All other tickets are valid only for the date and time of the event booked. It is your responsibility to be at the designated tour location on the correct date and time.
Do you offer tours in foreign languages?
Yes. The Red and White Fleet offers the only bay cruise in San Francisco with multilingual Personal Audio sets. You can enjoy the Golden Gate Bay Cruise® in English, Español, Français,
Deutsch, Português, 
,
, русский, ภาษาไทย, हिन्दी, and Italiano.
Can I rent a boat for an event?
Yes. The Red and White Fleet allows you to rent vessels for private and corporate events. For more information visit our Charters page.
What will the weather be like?
For current weather conditions, please visit www.weather.com and search for ZIP code 94133.
Will my tour be cancelled if the weather is bad?
On the rare occasion that a cruise has to be canceled due to unsafe weather conditions, you can simply enjoy the next available cruise.
What clothing should I wear?
San Francisco has many microclimates with frequent weather changes. We recommend that you dress in layers or bring a jacket.
What is your policy on smoking?
California Law prohibits smoking in vehicles, public buildings, bars and restaurants. Smoking is not permitted on Red and White Fleet’s tours or while waiting in line. We kindly request that all passengers comply.
Can we bring food aboard your cruises?
Yes. Red and White Fleet’s vessels are equipped with snack bars, offering non-alcoholic and alcoholic beverages, snacks, and light luncheons for sale. You may also bring your own food.
Are your California Sunset Cruise and seasonal event cruise buffets full meals?
No. The buffets aboard our California Sunset Cruise and seasonal event cruises are hearty, but do not constitute a full meal. We offer light buffets in an informal setting, generally with more food than one could eat. Our buffets do not include hot food. Guests serve themselves, and either enjoy their meal seated, or while strolling aboard the vessel. Please be considerate of other guests when serving yourself.
Do you go to Alcatraz?
No. The Red and White Fleet does not land at Alcatraz. We do, however, offer cruises around Alcatraz Island. The Golden Gate Bay Cruise and SF Explorer Cruise slowly sail along Alcatraz Island to provide amazing views and Personal Audio. For evening views of the Rock, come aboard the California Sunset Cruise.
Do you offer ferry service to Sausalito, Tiburon, or Angel Island?
No. For ferry service and transit questions, please call the Bay Area Travel Guide at 511 or visit www.511.org.
Are your vessels wheel chair accessible?
The enclosed main decks of all four vessels are wheel chair accessible. However, only the Harbor Queen and Harbor Princess have wheelchair accessible restroom facilities.
Important: the ramps leading onto and off the vessels vary in steepness depending on tide levels. While our crew will make every attempt to assist guests, boarding can be difficult particularly during low tide. To view daily tide conditions, please click here. With prior notification we can make arrangements to use our ADA compliant vessel and gangway for boarding and disembarking.
