Step aboard the Angel Island–Tiburon Ferry and let a third-generation local crew share the magic of San Francisco Bay. A swift 15-minute crossing delivers you to the sweeping trails and historic sites of Angel Island, while specia...
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Review summary
This family-owned operation has been running for five generations, and that local touch shows in the consistently positive experiences travelers report. The ferries run reliably and on time, offering a pleasant way to explore the Bay with drinks and snacks available onboard. Parking in Tiburon can be tricky, so plan to arrive early and walk a few blocks from nearby lots, but once you're aboard, you'll find a well-maintained vessel with friendly staff who clearly know these waters. Beyond the standard Angel Island runs, they offer specialized wildlife tours and sunset cruises under the Golden Gate Bridge that get particular praise for their scenery and photo opportunities. One reviewer noted that while you might see whales or porpoises, the real draw is the stunning bay views and the crew's willingness to slow down for wildlife sightings. The rides can get a bit bumpy and wet depending on conditions, but most travelers find it part of the authentic bay experience. A few suggest comparing with other ferry options if you're purely looking for transportation, but for a memorable outing with excellent coastal perspectives, this local operator delivers.
What people are saying
This review is specifically for the Wildlife Tour of the Bay Area, and not for the general ferry service that goes to Angel Island. This tour takes place on the Tamalpais vessel, not the general ferry. First of all, believe what you read about nearby parking being somewhat of a challenge in Tiburon, but within a five minute walk to the ferry terminal there are plenty of lots. I suggest parking across from Woodland Market, and behind Bank of America, and pay for three hours ($2.50 an hour). Give yourself some extra time to walk a few blocks to the terminal. Also, mind your speed in Tiburon, and remember street parking is only two hours. Tiburon's police department is well funded and very well staffed. The vessel Tamalpais, which is the wildlife tour vessel, does not have a topside observation deck, so ignore what people have advised about "getting in line early" to get the best spot topside. They are talking about the general ferry service. There really is no need at all to worry about getting a good seat or a good view on the Tam. Just head inside until they leave the dock, (so you are not in the crew's way on the narrow passages along the railing) then wander outside and find a spot along the rail to watch the scenery. Stand on the bow or port (left) side for sunny city views on the way out of Tiburon. You can gather along the rails upstairs or on the main deck all the way around the ship. If you want to sit, you're pretty much going to be inside. Standing aft (back) is the roughest ride, but the view is great. The exhaust is vented underwater, so it's not as bad aft as it can be on the ferries. They do serve alcohol and other beverages, but no food except bags of chips. If you are hungry you can grab something from Woodland's deli. Or just eat before you get to Tiburon. It's only a 90 minute excursion. The village of Tiburon has lots of posh little eateries and shops, if that's your scene. As far as the tour goes, it's a fairly straightforward run under and past the Golden Gate Bridge, where you'll hang out for a few minutes, then right back to Tiburon. You might see some whales or porpoises, you might not. You will see great views of both sides of and underneath the bridge, a great SF skyline view, and distant Alcatraz views. You will not go near Alcatraz or Angel Island, so don't be mislead just because Angel Island is in the company name. Overall, it's a fun boat ride and the vessel is well run and well maintained. It's worth the extra money and scheduling restrictions because you do go out beyond the golden gate. Other than that, honestly, if you want to get put onto the bay easily, you can just take any of the ferries around the bay for far less money and more flexibility in terms of the schedule. The difference is the crew will announce if they see wildlife, and will slow down to let passengers watch the scene. It's on a schedule but not so destination-oriented as a ferry. It was a fun time just being on the water and would be something I'd do again when playing tour director to out of town guests.
Mark Powers
October 5, 2025
This review is specifically for the Wildlife Tour of the Bay Area, and not for the general ferry service that goes to Angel Island. This tour takes place on the Tamalpais vessel, not the general ferry. First of all, believe what you read about nearby parking being somewhat of a challenge in Tiburon, but within a five minute walk to the ferry terminal there are plenty of lots. I suggest parking across from Woodland Market, and behind Bank of America, and pay for three hours ($2.50 an hour). Give yourself some extra time to walk a few blocks to the terminal. Also, mind your speed in Tiburon, and remember street parking is only two hours. Tiburon's police department is well funded and very well staffed. The vessel Tamalpais, which is the wildlife tour vessel, does not have a topside observation deck, so ignore what people have advised about "getting in line early" to get the best spot topside. They are talking about the general ferry service. There really is no need at all to worry about getting a good seat or a good view on the Tam. Just head inside until they leave the dock, (so you are not in the crew's way on the narrow passages along the railing) then wander outside and find a spot along the rail to watch the scenery. Stand on the bow or port (left) side for sunny city views on the way out of Tiburon. You can gather along the rails upstairs or on the main deck all the way around the ship. If you want to sit, you're pretty much going to be inside. Standing aft (back) is the roughest ride, but the view is great. The exhaust is vented underwater, so it's not as bad aft as it can be on the ferries. They do serve alcohol and other beverages, but no food except bags of chips. If you are hungry you can grab something from Woodland's deli. Or just eat before you get to Tiburon. It's only a 90 minute excursion. The village of Tiburon has lots of posh little eateries and shops, if that's your scene. As far as the tour goes, it's a fairly straightforward run under and past the Golden Gate Bridge, where you'll hang out for a few minutes, then right back to Tiburon. You might see some whales or porpoises, you might not. You will see great views of both sides of and underneath the bridge, a great SF skyline view, and distant Alcatraz views. You will not go near Alcatraz or Angel Island, so don't be mislead just because Angel Island is in the company name. Overall, it's a fun boat ride and the vessel is well run and well maintained. It's worth the extra money and scheduling restrictions because you do go out beyond the golden gate. Other than that, honestly, if you want to get put onto the bay easily, you can just take any of the ferries around the bay for far less money and more flexibility in terms of the schedule. The difference is the crew will announce if they see wildlife, and will slow down to let passengers watch the scene. It's on a schedule but not so destination-oriented as a ferry. It was a fun time just being on the water and would be something I'd do again when playing tour director to out of town guests.
Mark Powers
October 5, 2025