Farallon Islands Tour: Private 8-Hour Boat Trip from San Francisco

A private day at the Farallon Islands

The Farallon Islands lie about 30 miles west of the Golden Gate Bridge, inside the Greater Farallones National Marine Sanctuary. This private tour takes up to 6 guests out and back from Hyde Street Harbor at Fisherman's Wharf in a full day, about 8 hours, leaving at first light. $2,800 for the whole boat.

You don't land: the islands are a National Wildlife Refuge, and the refuge is closed to the public. You see them from the water, and Captain Molly points out wildlife the whole way out and back.

What you'll see, by season

Seasons from the Greater Farallones sanctuary. Wildlife is never guaranteed. More on timing in the whale watching season guide.

For birders

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service describes the Farallones as the largest seabird nesting colony south of Alaska, and the world's largest colony of western gulls. Birders come for common murres, Cassin's auklets, rhinoceros auklets and tufted puffins. Nesting peaks from March to August, and the rookeries go quiet by fall.

The day

We leave Hyde Street Harbor at first light and run out under the Golden Gate Bridge into the open Pacific. Much of the 8 hours is the crossing out and back, with Captain Molly watching for whales, birds and seals along the way, and the rest is time around the islands. Miss Molly has a heated cabin and a private bathroom, which matter on a full day offshore.

Conditions and weather

This is open ocean with no shelter, and it's often rougher and colder than the Bay. Weather cancellations are occasional, not common. Captain Molly makes the go/no-go decision for safety. If she cancels for weather, you get a full refund or a new date.

Tickets and price

There are no per-person tickets. $2,800 covers the whole boat and Captain Molly for the day, for up to 6 guests (children count). With 6 aboard that's about $467 a person.

What to bring

• Warm layers, a windproof jacket, a hat and gloves
• Sunglasses and sunscreen
• Binoculars and a camera with a zoom lens
• Seasickness medicine if you might need it, taken about 2 hours before we leave (more on seasickness)
• Food and drinks for a full day

Bring your own food and soft drinks. Miss Molly is an alcohol-free boat unless you've arranged a celebration toast with Captain Molly ahead of time, like a birthday toast.

Want a shorter trip? The 3-hour private whale watching tour stays closer to the Golden Gate. The same waters also hold the Farallon lingcod and rockfish trip.

Where we meet

Hyde Street Harbor, 2951 Hyde St, at Fisherman's Wharf in San Francisco. Text Captain Molly from the bench when you arrive; don't walk to the boat on your own.

Booking and cancellation

• Book online and pay in full at booking.
• Free cancellation up to 7 days before your trip. Within 7 days there's no refund.
• If Captain Molly cancels for weather, you get a full refund or a new date.

Questions first? Use the Ask Molly button and she replies in writing within 24 hours.