Best Places in SF Bay to See Fireworks by Boat | Modern Sailing

Best Places in SF Bay to See Fireworks by Boat

Updated June 21, 2023

 

Sailors - wouldn't you love to wow friends and family with an extraordinary 4th of July fireworks experience without the crowds, traffic, and parking hassles? The most unique and unforgettable way to see the fireworks and share the dazzling spectacle with loved ones is aboard a sailboat - of course!

To celebrate freedom over the 4th of July weekend with the freedom of sailing, begin planning now. Below, the find essential information you'll need to lay the foundations for a fun holiday on San Francisco Bay.

 

Best Places in San Francisco Bay to See Fireworks by Sailboat

Sausalito will have a fireworks show in the vicinity of Gabrielson Park beginning at around 9:15 PM. There’s plenty of room to anchor and good holding in Richardson Bay. Launch location is designated by the blue and red star on the chart. Be sure to give the barge a wide berth.


San Francisco will have two synchronous fireworks displays, launched from a pair of barges, beginning at approximately 9:30 PM. See image below for barge locations, designated by the stars on the chart.


If you’re qualified to sail at night (ASA 104, Bareboat Cruising and/or Night Sailing Clinic certified), you can cruise the Central Bay or along the waterfront during the show, but be prepared for the challenge of navigating among other boats in the dark. If you’d prefer to anchor and relax in Aquatic Park, visit the Aquatic Park page on the National Park website to learn the ins and outs.

Best Places to Anchor in San Francisco Bay Overnight

The anchorages closest to the San Francisco fireworks shows are Aquatic Park, McCovey Cove, and Clipper Cove. Clipper Cove is a calm anchorage with a shallow, tricky entrance - plan your entrance and exit for high tide. Richardson Bay is also a peaceful place to spend the night. Do not anchor at China Cove (north side of Angel Island) due to underwater hazards that can lead to boat damage or anchor loss.

If you want an amazing up-close view of the fireworks but you’re not rated for night sailing, set your anchor in Richardson Bay before sunset and spend the night there.

Paradise Cove on the east side of the Tiburon Peninsula is also an option, but is the furthest from the shows.

Multi-day Charter Discounts

Take Friday off and make it an extended holiday weekend - and a perfect opportunity to experience a refreshing overnight charter with your friends and family! Anytime you book a boat for two or more consecutive days, you’ll receive a 10% discount off the total charter rate. For 3 or more days, the discount is 15%!

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Photo Credit: Xiyu Zhang on Unsplash.com (@imxiyuzhang)

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    WE LOVED IT! The whole team was so honored and thankful. Thanks so much for all of your team's hard work and excellence in organizing our party. Of the 22 of us, only 4 had ever been sailing and not in the Bay. The guys had an incredible experience, the skippers were all really great, allowing each of us to be at the wheel. They were kind and empowering. Plus the weather and wind were perfect! It was definitely one of the top 3 experiences that we have shared as leaders in the past 5 + years. We couldn't have asked for a better day!

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    The class was terrific. I know you must get many compliments about your sailing instructors...But I must tell you that Robert is outstanding. Having taught SCUBA, I really appreciate the way he is so sensitive to all on board, dealing with each so well, knowing quickly their strengths and weaknesses making each feel special and cared for.

  • Trudy Flores

    Captain Jeff Cathers is really cool. I had such a great time on the Farallones Day Trip. It was actually my very best day of 2020. Thank you so much for coordinating the trip.

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