Harbor Tours
Harbor Tours
About Our Free Harbor Tours
The Port of Oakland is pleased to sponsor free harbor tours from May through October 2026 on a Red and White ferry boat. Each tour will last approximately 90 minutes. Visitors will learn about the Port, its operations, and the economic and jobs impact on the region. Harbor tours provide a unique vantage point because the Port’s marine terminals can be viewed from the water. The excursions are a great way to see how the Oakland Seaport works.
What can I do at the Port?
Not sure who to contact or have a general question? Use our contact form to route your request
Harbor Tour 2026 Schedule
- May 15, 2026 (First cruise)
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6:45 pm – 8:15 pm
90-minute cruise - Registration will open on Tuesday, May 5 at 8pm (PDT).
- June 12, 2026
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6:45 pm – 8:15 pm
90-minute cruise - Registration will open on Tuesday, June 2 at 8 pm (PDT).
- July 10, 2026
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6:45 pm – 8:15 pm
90-minute cruise - Registration will open on Tuesday, June 30 at 8 pm (PDT).
- August 14, 2026
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6:45 pm – 8:15 pm
90-minute cruise - Registration will open on Tuesday, August 4 at 8 pm (PDT).
- September 25, 2026
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5:30 pm – 7:00 pm
90-minute cruise - Registration will open on Tuesday, September 15 at 8 pm (PDT).
- October 16, 2026 (Last cruise)
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5:30 pm – 7:00 pm
90-minute cruise - Registration will open on Tuesday, October 6 at 8 pm (PDT).
The FREE tickets go quickly and are usually reserved within the first few minutes of the online registration going live.
Boarding will take place at the Oakland Jack London Terminal (Ferry Dock) at 10 Clay St. (at the corner of Water Street) in Jack London Square, Oakland, California. There are nearby parking lots (There is a fee to park.)
How to Get Tickets
Online registration will open on Tueday, May 5, 2026 at 8 pm (PDT) for the May 15, 2026 tour. Each person may reserve up to four (4) tickets per boat tour.
Registration is on a first-come, first-served basis until all available tickets are reserved. The Port reserves the right to make the ultimate decision as to how to issue boarding passes. Please note that due to popular demand, these free tickets are usually all taken within minutes. We do not accept telephone reservations.
If you are not able to reserve harbor tour tickets, you can attempt a walk-in. Just show up 30 minutes prior to the tour and ask to be placed on our waiting list. On harbor tours in years past, we have accepted some of the people on the waiting list. There is no guarantee for getting on the harbor tour as a walk-in; however, there are plenty of other fun things to do in Jack London Square should you “miss the boat.”
NOTE: The registration link for the first tour of the 2026 season scheduled for Friday, May 15, 2026 will not go live until Tuesday, May 5 at exactly 8 pm. We do not take advance registration for tours.
FAQ's
Are there ID requirements or an age limit to enter the event?
You must present an Eventbrite boarding pass (paper or electronic) at the registration table prior to boarding. There is no age limit. Anyone under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
What are my parking options at the event?
Jack London Square Washington Street Garage located at 101 Washington St., Oakland, CA 94607 or street parking. The Port of Oakland does NOT validate for parking.
When does boarding begin?
Boarding begins 15 minutes prior to departure. All passengers must be on the vessel 5 minutes prior to departure. We will NOT hold the vessel for late arrivals. Please plan your time accordingly.
Is my registration/ticket transferable?
Yes, a ticket is transferable. Please update registration information prior to the date of departure, by emailing [email protected].
Do I have to bring my ticket to the event?
Yes. Each passenger MUST present a boarding pass (electronic or printed) prior to departure.
When does registration open? Is there a standby list?
Online registration will open on Tuesday, May 5, 2026, at 8 pm (PDT) for the May 15, 2026 tour. Available tickets are usually all reserved within minutes due to the FREE boat tour’s popularity. You may wish to come to the registration table on the tour date 30 minutes prior to the start time and place your name on the standby list if you were not able to get a ticket online. This does not guarantee that you will be able to board. We pull from the list according to the number of no-shows on a first come, first served basis. On previous harbor tours, we have accepted some of the people on the waiting list.
What exactly will I see on the harbor tour?
The Port of Oakland’s 90-minute live narrated harbor tours take guests into the Oakland middle and outer harbors. The boat goes under the western span of the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge near Yerba Buena Island and returns to Jack London Square.
May I bring food and drinks on the tour?
Food and drinks are not allowed to be brought on the boat. If you wish to purchase light snacks and non-alcoholic drinks, you may buy them on the boat. The tour boat has a concession stand. Alcohol is not permitted on the boat.
Are the boats wheelchair accessible?
The boats are wheelchair accessible on the main level. The boat is not wheelchair accessible on the second and third decks. The bathrooms are all wheelchair accessible.
Are service dogs allowed on the boat?
Yes, certified service animals are allowed on the boat. Service animals must be on a leash and under control at all times, and they are the responsibility of the owner. No other animals are allowed on the boat.