A Napa Valley Boat Cruise From San Francisco
Cross the bay by ferry and continue to wine country — the closest thing to sailing to Napa.
Ask About a Wine Country CruiseThe Ferry to Vallejo
The most practical Napa Valley boat cruise from San Francisco is not a tour at all but the public ferry. The San Francisco Bay Ferry Vallejo route links the downtown San Francisco Ferry Building with Vallejo, on San Pablo Bay at the mouth of the Napa River, and continues to Mare Island. The crossing takes about an hour and passes the city skyline, the Bay Bridge and the islands of the bay.
Departs
Downtown San Francisco Ferry Building, daily, with a fuller weekday timetable.
Arrives
Vallejo Ferry Terminal, about 60 minutes later; Mare Island about 15 minutes beyond.
Onward to Napa
A short drive north from Vallejo by taxi, rideshare, rental car or a pre-arranged transfer.
Making a Day of It
- Take an early ferry, transfer to Napa, and spend the day at tasting rooms or downtown.
- Book a driver or a small-group tour for the wineries rather than driving yourself.
- Return on an evening ferry, or stay the night in Napa and continue to a cruise or flight next day.
- Check the ferry timetable before planning; weekend service is lighter.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a Napa Valley boat cruise from San Francisco?
There is no direct boat to the town of Napa, but the public San Francisco Bay Ferry crosses the bay to Vallejo, where the Napa River meets San Pablo Bay. The trip takes about an hour; Napa is a short drive on from Vallejo.
Where does the Vallejo ferry leave from in San Francisco?
From the downtown San Francisco Ferry Building terminal. Service runs every day, with more departures on weekdays. Check the current schedule before you go.
Are there wine tasting boats on San Francisco Bay?
Sightseeing, dinner and charter boats sail the bay, some with wine on board. They stay on the bay rather than going to Napa.
Before or After a Cruise From San Francisco
Many travelers combine the ferry with a cruise. If your ship sails from San Francisco, spend two or three nights in Napa first, return by ferry or road, and board refreshed. For a city night before sailing, see San Francisco hotels. The Golden Gate National Recreation Area protects much of the bay’s shoreline and is worth a visit while you are in the city.
Our cruise advisors at Mister Cruise can arrange the cruise, the Napa nights and transfers as one booking.
Seeing the Bay From the Water
The ferry is transport, but it doubles as an inexpensive bay sightseeing trip. Sit outside on the way north for views of the Bay Bridge, Treasure Island and Angel Island; on the evening return, the city skyline lights up ahead. Sightseeing boats from the San Francisco waterfront offer narrated loops under the Golden Gate Bridge and around Alcatraz, which some travelers add on the day they arrive.
Pair Napa With a San Francisco Cruise
Tell us your sailing and we will plan the wine-country nights around it.
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