Overnight weekend voyages aboard The Robert Gray tugboat

Enjoy a trip on The Robert Gray, a tugboat that can carry 12 passengers, 6 crew, is 120 feet and had three decks. This is the only tour that explores San Francisco’s maritime history, past and present.

The Maritime History Tour provides a unique opportunity for Bay residents and tourists to learn about the geography and history of San Francisco’s Bay.

The tour starts from Pier 38 and heads to Suisun Bay where the Gray anchors overnight beside the mothballed Reserve Fleet. The impressive sight of over 300 ships in moonlight and early morning light is a special opportunity for photographers. Mid-morning the Gray makes its way to Mare Island and guests will tour the various facilities there. From there, passengers can choose to depart (or pick up the tour) via Vallejo’s Baylink ferry.

Next port of call is in Richardson’s Bay at the Army Corp. of Engineers dock for the night. Passengers are given a tour of the Bay model and Marin’s Shipyard exhibit on the premises. Sunday morning is spent cruising past Angel Island to Richmond to explore the former site of the Kaiser Shipyards at Marina Bay, the birthplace of "Rosie the Riveter." The exploration continues to Oakland’s inner harbor to visit AmNav tugboat operations, a division of Foss Maritime. The cruise continues around Alameda to the USS Hornet where guests tour this famous aircraft carrier for the remaining afternoon, returning in the early evening to Pier 38 to disembark.

The steel-hulled motor vessel The Robert Gray was built for the United States Army Corps of Engineers in 1936. The vessel is scheduled for cruises to Alaska’s Inside Passage in 2003. Accommodations include six charming cabins (12 guests double occupancy) and capacity to sleep 6 to 8 crew. The cuisine served will be the freshest local produce and seafood.

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