Frequently Asked Questions: Fishing Charters, Boat Tours, Swims and Memorials on San Francisco Bay

Cancellation is free up to 7 days before your trip, for every trip type: you get a full refund or a new date. Cancellations within 7 days of the trip are not refunded. If Captain Molly cancels for weather or safety, you get a full refund or a new date. Full terms are on the terms page.

Yes. Trips are paid in full when you book online, by card or Venmo. There is no deposit.

Up to 6 passengers on boat tours, swims and memorials, and up to 4 anglers on fishing charters. Everyone aboard counts toward the limit, children included.

Hyde Street Harbor, 2951 Hyde St, San Francisco, at Fisherman's Wharf (directions). When you arrive, text Captain Molly from the bench; please don't walk down to the boat on your own.

Layers and a windproof jacket, even in summer: the Bay is cold and windy on the water. Wear non-slip, closed-toe shoes and bring a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen. The pilot house is heated.

Yes, bring what you like to eat, and there's a microwave aboard. It's an alcohol-free boat unless you arrange a celebration toast with Captain Molly ahead of time, like a birthday toast.

Everyone reacts differently. If you're prone to it, ask your doctor ahead of time. Over-the-counter meclizine (Bonine) or dimenhydrinate (Dramamine) works best taken about 2 hours before the trip, not after you feel ill (CDC). On board, watch the horizon, stay in the fresh air and skip alcohol.

As long as it is safe, we go. Captain Molly makes the go/no-go call, and if she cancels for weather you get a full refund or a new date.

Tips are optional and never expected. If you'd like to tip, 20% is customary on San Francisco Bay charters, given to Captain Molly on the day. Tips aren't part of the online booking.

We're sorry, but Miss Molly is not wheelchair accessible.

Yes. Every angler 16 or older needs a California sport fishing license. Buy it online before your trip from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife license site. One-day licenses are available.

Prices are for the whole boat, up to 4 anglers: a 3-hour catch-and-release trip is $740, a half day (4 hours) $1,440, a full day (8 hours) $2,160, the Farallon Islands $2,280 and a salmon day $2,400. The shared half day is $400 per angler. See all fishing charters.

No. Rods, reels, tackle, downriggers and bait are provided on every trip, with all safety equipment. You're welcome to bring a favorite rod.

Your California fishing license, lunch (there's a microwave aboard), drinks, sunscreen, a hat, a warm windproof jacket, a camera and a cooler for your catch. Bottled water and soda are provided. First time? Read your first fishing charter on San Francisco Bay.

Yes. We fillet and bag your catch, except salmon, which California doesn't allow to be filleted aboard in ocean waters. Bring a cooler and you can leave it on the dock for the fish while we're out.

It depends on the season: salmon, halibut, striped bass, sharks, sturgeon, rockfish and lingcod, in the Bay or the ocean. We don't run crab trips. See what you can catch on San Francisco Bay, month by month.

Catch and release is always an option. Every shark we catch is released. The 3-hour catch-and-release trip is built around it.

Most days start at 6:00 AM. A half day usually finishes between 11:30 AM and noon, a full day between 3:30 and 4:00 PM. Afternoon and later starts are available on some trips.

Private tours are $350 an hour for the whole boat, up to 6 guests: the 3-hour whale watching tour is $1,050. Prices are per boat, not per person. See all private boat tours.

Yes. Families are welcome, and children count toward the 6-guest limit.

Fireworks cruises can be arranged. Ask Captain Molly about your date.

Yes. Captain Molly pilots a private escort boat for Alcatraz crossings, Bridge to Bridge, the Angel Island swim and marathon training: setting your line against the current, watching Vessel Traffic Services and shipping, making the go/no-go call on fog and wind, and carrying your gear, coach and warm-up kit. See the swim escort boat page.

Prices are per boat, not per swimmer: Alcatraz $550, Bridge to Bridge $700, the Angel Island swim $1,080, and marathon training $350 an hour. Paid in full when you book.

Six people in total, in any mix: swimmers, a coach, an official observer, a kayaker or family.

When Captain Molly judges it unsafe. Fog too thick to keep the swimmer and the shipping traffic in view, steep chop or wind against the tide, smoky air and heavy ship traffic are the usual reasons. She can also end a swim early if the swimmer falls well behind the plan or misses the tide window. If Captain Molly calls it off, you get a full refund or a new date.

Before: arrive swim-ready, swimsuit or wetsuit, two pairs of goggles and anti-fog, sunblock, lanolin-free anti-chafe, a GPS watch, lights for dark swims, and a labeled feed bag for swims over 2 hours. After: a parka, warm sweats, beanie, socks, warm shoes, gloves, hand warmers, a warm drink, water and a snack.

$700 for the whole boat and captain, for up to 6 guests, with no per-person charge. Captain Molly can also scatter the ashes on your behalf at the same price. See ash scattering at sea.

Yes, with a permit. In the Bay, scattering must be at least 500 yards from shore. Offshore, the EPA permit applies at least 3 nautical miles out. Captain Molly files the paperwork. More in the guide to scattering ashes in San Francisco Bay.

Yes. Ashes and anything biodegradable, such as loose flowers, may go into the water, and readings, music, an officiant and religious ceremonies are welcome.

Yes, for up to 6 guests, and living pets are welcome aboard. See pet ash scattering at sea.

They never expire. The person you give it to books their own date online with the code in the certificate, which is delivered by email. Buy a gift certificate.