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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 Sept. 11 at exactly 8 p.m. (PDT) for the Sept. 15 tour date. It will open again on Oct. 2 at 8 p.m. (PDT) for the Oct. 13 tour date.  Tickets usually sell out within minutes due to FREE boat tour's popularity. You may wish to come to the registration table on the day of the tour about 30 minutes prior 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 will I see exactly on the harbor tour?
The Port of Oakland’s 90-minute guided 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. Then, the boat returns to Jack London Square. The live narration will give visitors the opportunity to learn about the global economic impact of the Port’s seaport operations. They will see up-close the Port’s iconic container cranes, megaships, and dockworkers.

May I bring food and drinks to 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. Since we are a government agency, we are not permitted to have alcohol 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 or third decks. The bathrooms are all wheelchair accessible.

Are service dogs allowed on the boat?
Yes, certified service dogs are allowed on the boat. Dogs must be on a leash at all times, and they are the responsibility of the owner. Comfort animals are not allowed on the boat.