Sail San Francisco Bay Aboard The Alma

Published Date

April 25, 2019

The Alma underway on San Francisco Bay/NPS

Looking down upon San Francisco Bay is one way to take in the sweep of that iconic body of water, but riding its surface in a wind-powered ship offers a decidedly more personal connection with the bay. And from early June to late November you can find your way aboard the scow schooner Alma to gain that experience.

The schooner docks at San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park, where the ship was lovingly restored. Beginning June 8 and continuing until November 23, three-hour tours of the bay will set sail on select Fridays and Saturdays from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Tickets run $40 for adults, $30 for folks 62 and older, and $20 for kids age 6-15. Under 5 are free with paying adults. You can reserve a ticket athttps://go.usa.gov/x5k7m. Visit that site and enter “San Francisco Maritime” in the search box, or call 1-877-444-6777. Limited spaces may be available at the Hyde Street Pier ticket booth on sailing days, 9:30 a.m.-noon.

On these Alma family sailing adventures passengers can choose to join the crew in hauling lines and raising sail, or just relax and enjoy the ride. During the three-hour program, a National Park Service ranger spins tales of San Francisco’s rich maritime history: of Native Americans, Spanish explorers, bridge building, the Gold Rush, Alcatraz and Angel Islands, the infamous Barbary Coast (where sailors were shanghaied into long ocean voyages), and more. Built near Hunters Point, on the San Francisco Bay shoreline, and now the last of her kind, Alma offers a unique, hands-on National Park Service learning experience.

Sailing fine print:

Boarding is at 12:30 p.m., departing Hyde Street Pier at 1 p.m. Be prepared for cold, wind, spray, and bright sun. Life jackets and flotation devices are provided. Bring water (no alcohol permitted), snacks, hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, layers of clothing, closed toe “active’ footwear (no high heels), camera, binoculars, and a sense of adventure. Trips may be cancelled due to weather, or other safety concerns, at discretion of the captain.

Located at the west end of Fisherman’s Wharf, San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park includes a fleet of historic ships, visitor center, maritime museum, maritime research center, and the Aquatic Park Historic District.

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Submitted by Chris Murphy on April 25, 2019 - 6:42am.

A friend and myself boarded the Alma in 1994 at pier in Martini'sVille

and hitch a ride back with Capten Jack and HIS crew @ HE actually let us both have approximately 1/2 hour each to steer it !! A very cool experience

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