Blue & Gold Fleet Blog

4th of July Fireworks Cruise

2010-06-16T08:02:00.000-07:00

When I was a child, every Independence Day, my whole family would gather at my aunt’s house for a barbeque. All the kids would swim and play games during the day, but the real fun came as it started to get dark. We would begin the night by lighting sparklers and mini fireworks in the driveway while our parents loaded the cars with blankets, folding chairs and thermos’s filled with my aunt’s delicious hot chocolate. Then we were off to watch the big time fireworks! Do you know where we watched them from? The REI parking lot right off of highway 101. Expecting something a little more magical maybe? I certainly was.

Fortunately, Blue & Gold Fleet offers the perfect solution for those families seeking out the best place to view fireworks, on the annual 4th of July Fireworks Cruise! Enjoy the show from the best view on the Bay with the gorgeous city skyline as the backdrop. I know that I would have been thrilled as a child to learn that we would not only get to see the fireworks but also get to ride on a BOAT. (Ah the simpler times)... So spend your holiday with us, here at PIER 39, sailing onboard Blue & Gold Fleet.

First cruise departs at 8:00pm from Pier 41.
Non-alcoholic cruise departs at 8:15pm from PIER 39.
Boarding will begin 30 min prior to departure. No outside beverages allowed. Snacks and drinks can be purchased onboard. Cash bar only.

Sunday, July 4, 2010 - 8:00p

Pier 39, San Francisco, CA

Pricing:

Advance purchase - Adults: $52.00, Child (5-11): $42.00,

Day-of purchase - Adults: $60.00, Child (5-11): $50.00

Phone: (415) 705-8200

http://www.blueandgoldfleet.com/Special/index.cfm#c2

Don't get stuck viewing your fireworks from a parking lot on the side of the freeway...

Angel Island LIVE

2010-06-11T09:42:00.000-07:00

Every weekend until the end of July, Angel Island is hosting a series of live summer concerts! The series begins tomorrow, June 12, with The California Honeydrops, performing live from 2pm – 5pm on the Cantina Deck overlooking Ayala Cove. Aside from the great entertainment, cold beer and delicious oysters will be available from their partners at Lagunitas Brewing Co. and Hog Island Oyster Co.

For complete concert listing, click this link: http://www.angelisland.com/Documents/Angel_Island_LIVE2010.pdf

For Angel Island ferry schedule and fares, click this link:
http://www.blueandgoldfleet.com/UserFiles/File/AngelIslandNo.pdf

Catch the ferry and sail on over to Angel Island this weekend!

Two More Tiburon Festivals!

2010-05-24T10:48:00.000-07:00

The town of Tiburon has two more noteworthy festivals coming up!

Fathers, take note! Looking for a way to spend Father’s Day doing something you actually want to do? Have the family take you to the Tiburon Classic Car Show! For the very affordable price of FREE, view numerous rare and beautiful classic cars against the picturesque backdrop of San Francisco Bay. After the daytime Classic Car Show festivities, the evening celebrations begin as the cars parade around downtown Main Street. Coupons will be provided by local merchants for drinking, eating and shopping. Why not make a whole day out of it! This surely will be an experience Dad will treasure more than another tie, don’t you think?

Festival Details

Event Title: The Ultimate Father’s Day Weekend: Tiburon Classic Car Show

Neighborhood: Tiburon, CA

Ticket Price: FREE!

Event Date: 6/19/10

Time: 11am-9pm

Street address: Shoreline Park/Tiburon Waterfront Park, Tiburon, CA (Paradise Drive – near ferry landing)

Transportation: From San Francisco, the Blue & Gold Fleet Ferry, departing Pier 41 and the SF Ferry building

Phone number: 415-297-2615

Email: tomaoneill@comcast.net

Website: http://www.tiburonclassiccarshow.org

The next festival takes place in August. The 2010 Tiburon Art Festival brings together the beauty of its surroundings with the best local, American and International Artists, showcasing art from both established and new up and coming artists. Residents in San Francisco can hop onboard a Blue & Gold Fleet ferry at either Pier 41 or the San Francisco Ferry building for easy access to the festival. Aside from taking in all the beautiful and unique artwork from 64 jury-selected artists, enjoy live music, gourmet food and drinks, and even special art and entertainment for the kids!

Festival Details

Event Title: Tiburon Art Festival 2010

Neighborhood: Tiburon, CA

Event Start Date: 8/28/10

End Date: 8/29/10

Time: 11-6pm

Street Address: Historic Ark Row, Tiburon CA 94920

Phone Number: 415-435-5633

For more info: http://tiburonartfestival.homestead.com

Artist application deadline June 14th. To apply: http://tiburonartfestival.homestead.com

May is the Month for Wine!

2010-04-21T14:26:00.000-07:00

The month of May is the kickoff of festival season! Two upcoming fabulous wine festivals around the Bay particularly peak our interest. No, it is not just because we provide Bay Area residents with ferry service to these particular places (although that certainly is a plus!) but both support important community causes. Besides experiencing the delight of sampling tasty food and wine, good karma points for all who attend!

Our first festival favorite, the Angel Island Wine Festival, is occurring on May 1, 2010 from 12:00pm - 3:30 pm. In an effort to help save Angel Island from closure due to the state budget deficit, Vino Moda is holding a Wine Festival right on the Island. Their goal is to reintroduce the natural beauty and historical significance of Angel Island, while attracting more locals and visitors from abroad. Purchase tickets here today http://vinomoda.com/event/angel-island-wine-festival/.

Our next festival favorite is the 27th annual Tiburon Wine Festival. On May 15, 2010 from 1:00 – 4:00pm, visitors can experience wine tastings from world-renowned wineries, delicious food and live entertainment. Proceeds go to funding Tiburon Chamber community activities and beautification projects. Tickets are available by advance purchase only, so visit http://www.tiburonwinefesti val.org/ to get yours today!

Tickets to both these events are selling fast, so don’t miss out! What better way to justify getting a little tipsy on a Saturday afternoon than supporting a good cause!

Salute!

RocketBoat is Back for Spring Break!

2010-03-22T11:23:00.000-07:00

As guests wander around the perimeters of PIER 39, they can catch the familiar glimpses of the sea lions, the large Blue & Gold Fleet Bay Cruise Boats and Alcatraz Island in the far distance. But now there is something new docked at Gate 4. A bright red, flame embellished speedboat, gently rocking in the waves, but looking as though it could explode out into the Bay at any second. What is that you may ask?

RocketBoat is BACK on the Bay and gearing up for the 2010 summer season!

The first and only of its kind to ever sail on San Francisco Bay, RocketBoat delivers thrills to those seeking adventure on the high seas. This 135 passenger vessel blasts off to reach speeds of up to 44 knots, and the captains are not shy about adding in daring twists and turns or blasting over wakes whenever they get the chance. It’s no wonder they warn: caution, you may get wet! You also may find yourself dancing along to the catchy Rock n’Roll music (whenever you aren’t holding on for dear life).

Aside from all the excitement, live narration and spectacular views make this one tour not to miss. Loved by kids and adults alike, it provides a unique outlook of the Bay and the beautiful San Francisco skyline.

RocketBoat will be running on a special pre-season Spring Break schedule from March 26 – April 11. The official season starts on May 1.

A Little History of the Bay's Finest Fleet!

2010-03-11T11:39:00.000-08:00

Blue & Gold Fleet, the Bay Area's premier provider of Bay Cruise, RocketBoat, ferry service, and motorcoach tours, is located at PIER 39 in San Francisco.

In 1979, founder Roger Murphy commissioned a boat to be built by the Nichols Brothers Boat Builders, inc. in Freeland, Washington. This large, 400 passenger vessel was christened the "Oski" and became the first Bay Cruise and charter boat to be docked in the West Marina of the popular San Francisco attraction PIER 39. Two more vessels were added soon after, and Blue & Gold Fleet soon established itself as a dominate water tour provider in the Bay.

Blue & Gold Fleet expanded into the ferry market in 1991. It obtained the Alameda/Oakland commuter ferry service to San Francisco under contract with the City of Alameda and the Port of Oakland. In 1994 it also acquired the commuter ferry service between San Francisco and Vallejo, under an exclusive contract with the City of Vallejo.

In 1997, Blue & Gold Fleet acquired a majority of the assets of Crowley Maritime’s Red & White Fleet, making it the largest ferry and land tour transportation provider serving San Francisco Bay’s commuters, residents and visitors.
Blue & Gold Fleet’s newest addition is RocketBoat, a high-speed, turbulent speedboat ride that blasts guests off on a wild ride around the Bay. This 30-minute tour provides a unique and exciting way to tour the Bay, and is perfect for those guests seeking a little extra thrill!

Since the beginning, company pride and loyalty are important characteristics recognized among employees, contributing greatly to the Fleet’s success. Blue & Gold Fleet has always taken a special interest in the personal growth and leadership development of its personnel, and to this day, a majority of Blue & Gold Fleet captains began as deckhands and worked their way up the ladder.

Today, Blue & Gold Fleet is known globally for their outstanding customer service and attraction appeal. By adding special holiday cruises, commuter appreciation days, offering family discount packages, and a variety of combination tours with attractions in and around Fisherman’s Wharf, Blue & Gold Fleet is continually growing, looking for new ways to improve services and provide the best customer service and satisfaction.