Sailboats hugging the waters off the Bay Bridge (Courtesy of @getmyboat)
4 San Francisco Boat Charters for Fleet Week 2019
09 October 2019
Sailboats hugging the waters off the Bay Bridge (Courtesy of @getmyboat)
Every year come October, the Bay Area braces for the thundering flybys of the Blue Angels—who will be buzzing by this Friday, October 11th through Sunday, October 13th. What better vantage point to view the fireworks shows, fighter-jet acrobatics, and other naval shenanigans than from the bow of your very own seagoing vessel?
Here's how to make sure you can rent a boat for Fleet Week.
Think of Boatsetter as Airbnb meets Bass Pro Shops. Fish harborside, cruise the bay, and toast to Fleet Week from your rented yacht of choice. Better yet, you can choose a charter with a captain, in case a seasoned commander doesn't exist among your inner circle. Reservations (starting at $250 per half-day) can be made in advance or same-day, and most Bay Area rentals can host six or more people. // boatsetter.com
Whether you'd like to calmly cruise around the Bay atop a sailboat or charge toward the open ocean in a powerboat, Passage Nautical has a charter to suit your fancy, with skipper and crew available for an additional fee. Reservations (starting at $200 per half-day charter) can be booked as late as the day before your outing, depending on availability, with a max of 12 people allowed per reservation. // 423 Water St. (Oakland), passagenautical.com
Much like Boatsetter, this person-to-person rental service removes the middleman and gets you on the water ASAP. From paddle boards to fishing charters (and even overnight excursions on sleep-aboard yachts), there's little you won't find available to rent for the day on GetMyBoat. But be sure you know the exact times and dates you're planning on chartering; GetMyBoat service fees are pay-by-the-hour as opposed to by the day and usually require a four hour minimum. Reservations (starting at $50 an hour) can be made in advance or same-day, with most Bay Area rentals accommodating at least six people per reservation. // getmyboat.com
This article has been updated for 2019.