Winter Yacht Charters on San Francisco Bay
The Bay in Winter Is a Well-Kept Secret
One of the best-kept secrets about San Francisco Bay is how wonderful boating can be in winter. While summer brings our famous fog, chilly afternoon winds, and cold marine air, winter often gives us something quite different. Between rain days, we usually have days of brilliant sunshine, remarkably clear skies, and calm water. Without those strong summer winds, sitting on the deck in the sunshine can actually feel warmer than it does in July.
Some of the most beautiful days on San Francisco Bay happen when everyone else thinks boating season is over.
Warm Cabins, Hot Chocolate, Hot Toddies, and Winter Bay Magic
A Little Extra Indulgence Comes with Every Winter Charter
- Onboard cabin heating
- Warm lap blankets when the evening air arrvies
- Hot chocolate, tea, and coffee (real cream and non-dairy options)
- Lindt truffles
- Mixes for Irish coffees, hot toddies, and mulled wine (you bring the spirits or wine)
- Water, sodas, sparkling water, and specialty non-alcoholic drinks
- Espresso machine on select boats
- All the service wear you need for eating and drinking
- Champagne buckets, wine coolers, and ice
- Sunscreen and lip balm gift packs
- Coloring books for the kids
- Bring your own food and alcohol, with never a corkage fee
- Just about any special request
We love making winter charters feel like a special occasion, even when you’re simply gathering a few friends for an afternoon on the Bay. We’ve stocked our yachts with the comforts and thoughtful extras that make it easy to settle in, enjoy yourselves, and stay a little longer to watch the city light up. Everything is ready when you step aboard, so your time can be spent enjoying the experience rather than organizing it.
Winter often brings brilliant blue skies, clear air, and beautiful cruising weather. As the sun sets and the evening air cools, our heated cabins offer a warm, comfortable place to gather while you enjoy the sparkling San Francisco skyline and illuminated bridges. Or wrap up in a blanket on deck with a hot drink and watch the city come alive with lights.
You’re welcome to bring your favorite food and beverages, and we provide the serving essentials you’ll need aboard. If you’re planning a celebration, we can help arrange catering, festive decorations, specialty cocktails, and other personal touches. We love taking care of the details that make your time on the Bay especially enjoyable.
Winter Brings a Wildlife Spectacle to San Francisco Bay
Winter is an exciting time for wildlife. Thousands of gray whales migrate along our coast on their way to the warm breeding lagoons of Mexico, while Pacific herring return to the Bay to spawn, attracting hungry sea lions, harbor seals, and flocks of diving seabirds. You might spot harbor porpoises near the Golden Gate or watch pelicans and cormorants diving into a school of fish. Every cruise offers something different, and after all these years on the Bay, we still get excited when nature puts on a show. It’s a wonderful season to discover how alive our Bay is in winter.
Why Winter Can Feel Warmer Than July on The Bay
You can be shivering in the fog on a July afternoon and sitting comfortably in the sunshine on a beautiful December or January day. Why? In summer, strong northwesterly winds bring cold, deep ocean water to the surface, creating the conditions for our famous coastal fog. Meanwhile, the hot Central Valley draws cool marine air through the Golden Gate, bringing those brisk afternoon winds that can make summer boating surprisingly chilly.
In winter, the inland valleys cool, the summer sea breezes weaken, and coastal upwelling decreases. Between Pacific storms, high-pressure weather systems can bring wonderfully clear skies, lighter winds, and brilliant sunshine. Without the summer fog and wind, those sunny winter afternoons feel remarkably warm on the water.
Our Winter Ready Charter Fleet
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it cold on the Bay in winter?
Less than most people expect. Winter brings some of San Francisco’s best weather, with daytime highs often in the high 50s to low 60s. The summer fog is mostly gone, so instead of gray, chilly days you get bright winter sun and clear views across the Bay, without the summer crowds. Once the sun goes down, temperatures drop into the 40s, so bring a warm jacket and layers for an evening cruise. The cabins are heated, and we provide lap blankets. If it rains, your Peace of Mind Rain Check lets you reschedule.
Where can we cruise to?
The Bay is yours to decide. Tell us what you’d like to see, whether that’s the Golden Gate, Alcatraz, the San Francisco cityfront, Angel Island, or Sausalito, and your captain will plan the most comfortable and scenic route for the day’s conditions. If you’re not sure, leave it to us. We know where the Bay is at its best.
What happens if it’s a stormy day?
Every charter comes with our Peace of Mind Rain Check. We watch the weather for you and reach out if the forecast looks wrong. If we decide the weather isn’t right, you take a rain check and reschedule for any day you like, with no time limit.
Read about our Peace of Mind Rain Check
When are winter charters available?
November through February, seven days a week.
Can we bring our own food and drinks?
Yes, and there’s never a corkage fee. We can also recommend caterers and menus that work well on a boat.
Can we charter for New Year’s Eve?
Yes. We offer private New Year’s Eve charters to watch the San Francisco fireworks from the Bay.
Explore New Year’s Eve Fireworks Charters