Sail Taihoa
Sailing Charter · Downtown/Bridgeway
Verified September 2026
Sail Taihoa is a private sailing charter on a classic wooden boat from the 1940s, built in New Zealand from rare tropical hardwoods. It runs smaller, calmer trips than the bigger fleet operators. You book the whole boat for your group and don't share a deck with strangers. The captain is Coast Guard certified, life jackets are on board, and routes can be tailored to what your group wants to see. It's a good fit for a birthday, an anniversary, or a family that wants a quiet afternoon on the bay with the skyline in view.
What To Expect
The boat takes up to six passengers, and pricing is by the hour with a two-hour minimum, $145 an hour Monday through Thursday and $170 an hour Friday through Sunday and on holidays. A three-hour trip stays in the central bay for skyline views, four hours gets you to the Golden Gate Bridge or around Alcatraz, and a six-hour charter becomes a full Angel Island picnic sail. Food and drinks aren't provided, but you're welcome to bring your own, so pack a picnic. Bring sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, and layers, since it's cooler on the water, and a camera. Families with children have sailed aboard, and the site lists no age limit, so ask when you book. Full refunds need at least 48 hours' notice, and cancellations inside that window are charged a fee. Book online, by phone, or by email, and lock in weekends early in summer and early fall, when the wind is steadiest and dates go first.
Getting There
The boat leaves from a Sausalito dock at 100 Gate 6 Rd, in the harbor area on the north side of downtown, close to the Bay Street and Gate 6 end of the waterfront. It's about a ten- to fifteen-minute walk from the ferry landing, or a short drive. The operator confirms exact meeting details and parking when you book, so ask about both, since street parking near the docks fills up on weekends.
Good To Know
Taihoa is a classic wooden vessel from the 1940s, built in New Zealand from rare tropical hardwoods.
Our Take
Best for a group of four to six who want the bay to themselves. The four-hour Golden Gate trip is the sweet spot, long enough to get out past the bridge without a full day commitment. Split the hourly rate among friends and it's more affordable than it sounds.