Port of Oakland free harbor tours return next month

April 21, 2025

Tickets available April 28 for popular boat tours running through October 2025

Oakland, Calif. – April 21, 2025: The Port of Oakland is offering this year’s free harbor tours to the public from May to October 2025. It is a unique opportunity to see the Port’s shipping operations up close while enjoying a sunset cruise along the Oakland Estuary and San Francisco Bay.

“These tours are a great opportunity for the community to better understand the Port’s major role in the regional economy,” said Port of Oakland Chief Engagement Officer Matt Davis. “Seeing iconic giant container cranes and huge ships provides a rare glimpse into the inner workings of the Port as seen from the water. It brings to life just a few of the nearly 100,000 local jobs that the Port supports locally.”

The first harbor tour is a few weeks away and sets sail on Friday, May 9 at 6:45 p.m. Guests will experience an insider’s take on Oakland Seaport activities and sail alongside large container ships and the Port’s marine terminals.

Port staff will provide live, 90-minute narrated tours that offer educational background about Port history, operations, and the Port’s clean and green plan for zero-emissions.

The cruise departs from the Oakland Ferry Terminal located at the foot of Clay Street in Jack London Square, one Friday evening each month (see schedule below).

Tickets for the first harbor tour (May 9) will be released on the Port’s website at 8:00 p.m. on April 28. For the rest of the tour season, tickets will be available at 8:00 p.m. on specific dates before the tours and granted on a first-come, first-served basis.

The tours have become so popular that the free tickets often run out within the first few minutes of the online registration going live, so be sure to register sharply at 8:00 p.m. Each tour accommodates approximately 250 passengers.

Click HERE to get more information about the tours and how to register for tickets.

Here is the complete upcoming free harbor tour schedule:

May 9, 2025 (First cruise)
6:45 pm – 8:15 pm
90-minute cruise
(*Registration: April 28, 8:00 pm)

June 6, 2025
6:45 pm – 8:15 pm
90-minute cruise
(*Registration: May 27, 8:00 pm)

July 11, 2025
6:45 pm – 8:15 pm
90-minute cruise
(*Registration: June 30, 8:00 pm)

August 8, 2025
6:45 pm – 8:15 pm
90-minute cruise
(*Registration: July 28, 8:00 pm)

September 12, 2025
5:30 pm – 7:00 pm
90-minute cruise
(*Registration: September 2, 8:00 pm)

October 17, 2025 (Last cruise)
5:30 pm – 7:00 pm
90-minute cruise
(*Registration: October 6, 8:00 pm)

Many of the Oakland Seaport’s expansive maritime operations are best viewed from the water. Guests will also enjoy the spectacular San Francisco and Oakland skylines as the sun sets.

About the Port of Oakland

The Port of Oakland generates vital economic activity, community benefits and environmental innovation, as the Port decarbonizes its operations for a cleaner and greener future. Along with its partners, the Port supports 98,345 jobs in the region and $174 billion in annual economic activity. The Port oversees Oakland Airport (OAK), the Oakland Seaport and nearly 20 miles of waterfront including Jack London Square, and a publicly owned utility. The Port of Oakland is Everyone’s Port! Connect with the Port of Oakland and Oakland Airport through Facebook and Twitter, or with the Port on LinkedIn, YouTube, and at www.portofoakland.com.