Tickets go on sale to the general public May 18th

Experience world-renowned Tall Ships first hand this summer as they sail under the Golden Gate Bridge for four days of history, entertainment and festivities for young and old. The Festival of Sail is a FREE family event enlivening the San Francisco waterfront with the grandeur and majesty of Tall Ships in port. For those who want to enhance the experience, our Ship Boarding, Excursion, and Parade of Sail programs offer the additional opportunity to explore, learn and imagine the world of maritime past. And don't forget to enroll all the kids in Pirate Academy!

Receive a free boarding pass! Become a member of the San Francisco Maritime National Park Association

Access to any of these programs can be purchased online by clicking on the appropriate links below (beginning May 18th). No refunds or exchanges on any purchases, and all sales are final.

SHIP BOARDING:

Thursday, July 24 - Sunday, July 27 from 10:00am to 6:00pm.

HOW IT WORKS:

Festival of Sail San Francisco is divided into 3 unique Villages, showcasing the Environmental, Educational, and International aspects of our Maritime history. Each Village will include five to seven Tall Ships and other interesting vessels offering daily boarding and ship tours. Timed Tickets for boarding ships within a Village are available to anyone with a Boarding Wristband for that Village. You may purchase wristbands in advance for each day you plan to attend, and for each Village you plan to visit.

To purchase your tickets, just follow these four steps: (Tickets go on sale to the general public May 18th)

STEP 1 - Choose Your Wristbands (one per person):

  • Village Pass is valid for boarding Tall Ships in one Village on your day of choice and is $10. Just choose your Village and your day.
  • All Village Pass is valid for access to the ships at all three Villages for a discounted price of $20. Just choose your day.

Discounts: Seniors (65 and over) receive $2 off any ticket. Children under 5 free when accompanied by an adult

All online purchases are redeemed at the Wristband Booth in the designated Village(s). You MUST print your bar-coded receipt and bring with you.

STEP 2 - Choose Your Village:

*Green Village: *International Sail Village: *Marine Education Village:

*some ship locations subject to change

STEP 3 - Choose Your Day:

Thursday July 24, Friday July 25, Saturday July 26 or Sunday July 27.
First boarding at 10am; last boarding at 5:40pm each day

THINGS TO REMEMBER:

  • Timed tickets MUST be picked up at the vessel of choice early on boarding day.
  • Timed tickets are limited to the capacity of the vessel and are on a first come, first served basis.
  • Early arrivals in each Village get the best timed tickets to the most popular ships.
  • Please arrive at the ship's boarding area 15 minutes prior to the time on your ticket.
  • There will be a brief docent-led presentation for each ship prior to boarding.
  • Wear comfortable, non-slip shoes (no open toes / high heels) and bring a jacket.
  • For more information, see our Frequently Asked Questions page.

STEP 4 - Buy wristband(s)

On sale to the general public May 18th.

EXCURSIONS:

In limited quantity and on selected days, Festival of Sail San Francisco will offer excursions for a unique sailing experience on the Bay including Bay Sails, Sunset Cruises and Mock Cannon Battles. Become a member of the San Francisco Maritime National Park Association and receive early notification on excursion tickets and other event updates.

PARADE OF SAIL:

Wednesday, July 23 at noon

The San Francisco Maritime National Park Association brings you the unique opportunity to watch and enjoy at least 12 visiting tall ships and other vessels in the beautiful San Francisco Bay during the Parade of Sail. Sights of square-rigged sails unfurled will fill the air in one of the biggest events in San Francisco. These majestic marvels of medieval engineering, from ports of call all over the world, will make their way past thousands of spectators lining Crissy Field, Marina Green, and locations all along the Embarcadero. The grand Parade of Sail will begin at Noon on July 23rd and will be led by the United States Coast Guard Cutter EAGLE. All ships will sail to the Bay Bridge before returning to their respective berths along the San Francisco waterfront.

Parade Tickets: Tickets to ride on one of the Parade of Sail vessels will go on sale soon. Become a member of the San Francisco Maritime National Park Association and receive early notification on Parade of Sail tickets and other event updates.

Thanks for Joining Us at Festival of Sail 2008!