Sausalito Wooden Boat Tours
Walking Tour · Downtown/Bridgeway
Verified September 2026
Sausalito Wooden Boat Tours is a private walking tour of the waterfront and houseboat docks, not a boat trip. The name refers to the wooden boats and historic vessels you pass along the way. It's led by local artist and author Victoria Colella, who wrote the Sausalito Wooden Boat Tour guidebook that the walk is built on. Expect a theatrical, story-driven afternoon that mixes waterfront history, art, and music, closer to an hour with an entertaining neighbor than a museum lecture. It works well as an alternative to the Historical Society's downtown tour, especially for a group that wants a private outing and a longer pace.
What To Expect
Two private tours are offered. The 2-hour Historic Houseboat Tour focuses on the floating-home community, while the 3-hour Classic Tour covers more of the waterfront and, per outside listings, takes in the Gantry Crane Trail in the World War II shipyards, local art studios, and the Wooden Boat Center. Both need a minimum of six people, and third-party listings cap groups at 15. Tours are booked in advance with the operator or through partner sites such as Viator and Tripadvisor, never on a walk-up basis. Third-party listings describe sales as final with no refunds, so confirm the cancellation terms when you book. Walkers should have moderate fitness, since the Classic route covers roughly three miles. Children need to be accompanied by an adult, and listings say it isn't wheelchair accessible. Water and layers are worth carrying, because Sausalito's fog and wind change fast. Snacks and light refreshments are reportedly included. The operator also sells self-guided guidebooks, and runs team-building treasure hunts for groups of 15 or more.
Getting There
Listings give two meeting spots in downtown Sausalito: near Mike's Bikes at 1 Gate 6 Rd, or in front of Books by the Bay at 100 Bay St. The operator confirms which one applies when you book. Both are a short walk from the ferry landing, so a ferry from San Francisco works well. If you drive, the tour includes free parking and a ride back to your car afterward, according to outside listings, so ask about it when you reserve.
Good To Know
Despite the name, this is a walking tour, not a boat ride — it's led by local artist and author Victoria Colella and mixes waterfront history with storytelling, art, and music rather than a straight recitation of facts.
Our Take
Best for a group of friends or a family reunion that wants one guide's full attention. If you're traveling as a couple or solo, the Historical Society tour is the easier fit, since you can buy a single ticket. Bring comfortable shoes for the Classic route.