Port of Oakland free, summer harbor tours return next month

The Port of Oakland is offering this year’s free harbor tours to the public from May to October 2024. It’s a unique opportunity to see the Port’s shipping operations up close while enjoying a sunset cruise along the Oakland Estuary and San Francisco Bay.

“These tours are an important opportunity to strengthen our ties with the community,” said Port of Oakland Social Responsibility Director Amy Tharpe. “Seeing giant container cranes and huge ships up close is not only exciting, but it also brings to life how the Port is a vibrant contributor to our region supporting more than 98,000 jobs.”

The first harbor tour is a few weeks away and sets sail on Friday, May 10 at 6:45 p.m. Guests will experience an insider’s take on Oakland Seaport activities and sail alongside large container ships and the Port’s marine terminals.

Port staff will provide live, 90-minute narrated tours that offer educational background about Port history, operations, and the Port's clean and green plan for zero-emissions.

The cruise departs from the Oakland Ferry Terminal located at the foot of Clay Street in Jack London Square, one Friday evening each month (see schedule below).

Tickets for the first harbor tour (May 10) will be released on the Port’s web site, at 8 p.m. on April 29. For the rest of the tour season, tickets will be released during the first Monday of the month, at 8 p.m. and granted on a first come, first-served basis.

The tours have become so popular that tickets often run out within the first hour of being released. Each tour accommodates approximately 230 passengers.

Click HERE to get more information about the tours and register for tickets.

Here is the complete upcoming free harbor tour schedule:

May 10, 2024 (First cruise)

6:45 pm – 8:15 pm

90-minute cruise

(*Registration: April 29, 8:00 pm)

June 14, 2024

6:45 pm – 8:15 pm

90-minute cruise

July 12, 2024

6:45 pm – 8:15 pm

90-minute cruise

August 16, 2024

6:45 pm – 8:15 pm

90-minute cruise

September 13, 2024

5:30 pm – 7:00 pm

90-minute cruise

October 18, 2024 (Last cruise)

5:30 pm – 7:00 pm

90-minute cruise

Many of the Oakland Seaport’s expansive maritime operations are best viewed from the water. Guests will also enjoy the spectacular San Francisco and Oakland skylines as the sun sets.