Ferry tours of the Bay are an absolutely fantastic way to appreciate our dramatic coastline and crystal-blue waters, but at $15-35 a head, they add up quickly. From now through March 10, 2010, the Angel Island-Tiburon Ferry offers a boat ride with all the gorgeousness at a much friendlier price: a mere $5.
Here’s the deal: Hop aboard the ferry at the Tiburon dock, take a ride out to Angel Island and then ride back. If you stay onboard (rather than getting off at Angel Island) until the boat returns to Tiburon, your trip is a mere $5 for everyone age 5 and older (kids under 5 sail free). Tell the boat operator you’re there for Captain Maggie’s Special, named after Maggie McDonogh, owner of the family-fun ferry company. You’ll get million-dollar scenery for half the price of a movie.
The round-trip from Tiburon to Angel Island and back takes about a half-hour; don’t forget to bundle up, because the combination of wind and sea-spray can freeze you right to the bone. But the visuals are unforgettable. The Tiburon dock is at 21 Main Street (at Lecante Drive), Tiburon; ferries leave hourly on weekends and twice a day on weekdays; for a schedule of departures or more information call 415-435-2131 or visit angelislandferry.com.