Ferry Building Line Debuts

Recreational ferry service is now available from the Ferry Building. The newly minted Ferry Building Line, an offshoot of waterfront stalwart the Red & White Fleet, has scheduled three 90-minute cruises weekdays with four on weekends for the summer season. The Ferry Building Line is the first to offer such service from the Ferry Building.

Published: June, 2006

90-minute narrated cruises available from Ferry Building

Recreational ferry service is now available from the Ferry Building. The newly minted Ferry Building Line, an offshoot of waterfront stalwart the Red & White Fleet, has scheduled three 90-minute cruises weekdays with four on weekends for the summer season. The Ferry Building Line is the first to offer such service from the Ferry Building.

The new service also stands out for its length and route. The Ferry Building Line cruises run 90 minutes, as compared to 60 minutes for cruises departing from Fishermen’s Wharf. The new route consists of a lazy loop southward from the Ferry Building, past AT&T Park, east around Treasure Island and a slide by Alcatraz Island on the return leg. Bay cruises from Fishermen’s Wharf, by contrast, draw a bead on the Golden Gate Bridge and then it’s a run home to the stable.

The Ferry Building Line boasts audio narrations featuring state-of-the-art equipment and slickly produced programming. Passengers may choose from three titles focused on architecture, Native-American history and natural history. The programs are timed to coincide with the boat’s position.

The move indicates that the Ferry Building, three years after re-opening, remains white-hot.

Recreational ferry service, including bay cruises and trips to Alcatraz, are a bulwark of San Francisco’s largest business -- tourism. Industry leaders, already roiled by the unexpected loss of the gargantuan Alcatraz contract by the Blue and Gold Fleet, will no doubt be watching Ferry Building Lines closely.

Tickets for the Ferry Building Line are also available at the Bay Crossings Ferry Building retail outlet. For more information visit www.ferrybuildingline.com or call (415) 901.5253.

11AM - 12:30PM

1PM - 2:30PM

3PM - 4:30PM

11AM -12:30PM

1PM - 2:30PM

3PM - 4:30PM

5PM - 6:30PM

Mon., Tue. no scheduled cruises

May 28, July 2, Sept. 3,

5 - 6:30PM

The Ferry Building Line departure gate (E) is located on the water, along the Embarcadero at the east end of Market St.

Tickets are $39 for adults (12 years and over), $26 for children (5-11), free for children 4 and under. There is a snack bar aboard offering gourmet light foods, wine, beer and sodas.

Greatest Hits of the Bay: The new Ferry Building Line offers three excellent audio tours, using state-of-the-art equipment that is timed to the progress of the boat.

• Architecture Tour

– Audio in English, German, Spanish and Japanese

San Francisco’s architectural experience and how natural disasters, politics and the people of the Bay Area have changed their incredible landscape. Picaresque insights into the construction of the new eastern span of the Bay Bridge, renovation of San Francisco’s Ferry Building, the building of San Francisco Giants Ball Park, Coit Tower, the Transamerica Building and more.

– Audio in English

Relives history of local Native American tribes like the Ohlone and the Miwok, who first sailed these majestic waters in Tule Canoes, honoring the beauty of the region. An overview of the culture, history, and sounds of San Francisco Bay, following the story of a Native American family along with news on efforts being made by Native American descendants and their supporters to preserve the languages, cultures and history of their people.