RocketBoat

Many vessels prowl San Francisco Bay, especially on sunny weekend days, from sailboats and commuter ferries to bay-cruise catamarans and container ships. But none are even remotely like the RocketBoat.

Fast? Sure, it hits a top speed of 50 mph. But better than fast, it’s FUN in ALL CAPS. It’s the only boat on the bay that doesn’t actually go somewhere and the captain flaunts this distinction by doing lots of weaving, swerving and U-turn “donuts,” much of it around the bay’s slower, purpose-driven boats. And the entire half-hour, open-air ride is accompanied by a loud, classic rock-and-roll soundtrack, except for a couple of stops when the fun-loving (it’s a prerequisite) crew chief rattles off some San Francisco trivia between jokes.

Because of its speed, you get to see plenty despite the wild, weaving ride, with the captain typically zipping beneath the Bay Bridge, and past the Giants ballpark, Treasure Island and Alcatraz before returning to Pier 39’s west marina. You don’t even have to feel guilty taking this nautical rollercoaster ride because the 70-foot, 127-passenger aluminum boat is powered by biodiesel fuel.

Now a few words of warning: Don’t eat a big lunch just before boarding. Do buckle your seatbelt. Do expect to get to make physical contact with your seatmates before it’s over. And don’t sit in the back of the boat, especially on the outermost seats, if you want to stay dry. The ride can be enjoyed by almost anyone, but pregnant women are advised to skip it and kids under 40 inches tall are not allowed on the boat.

The RocketBoat takes off hourly from 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. every day in June, July and August and Wednesday to Sunday in May, September and October.

HelloSanFrancisco tip: Paying $9 more per person lets you also take the Blue & Gold Bay Cruise to the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz and back any time within six months after your RocketBoat ride. Blue & Gold also operates Angel Island excursions and motorcoach sightseeing tours (click here).
 

- by Bob Cooper, San Francisco Reporter for HelloMetro  (Click to leave a message)

Bob Cooper

Bob Cooper is a full-time freelance writer (www.bob-cooper.com) who writes about travel, outdoor sports and health. He is a monthly contributor to Runner's World and has written recent articles for other national magazines such as Continental, Ladies' Home Journal and Inc.