Sausalito to Angel Island: Ferry Schedules & What to Do Once You Arrive

While Sausalito is a destination in its own right, many people who visit Sausalito want to explore other parts of the North Bay while they’re in the area. Maybe that means a very busy day trip to Sausalito and beyond, or includes an overnight stay in Sausalito. In either case, some of the most popular places people want to visit in addition to Sausalito include Alcatraz, Muir Woods, and Angel Island.

In this post, I’ll cover all you need to know about going from Sausalito to Angel Island – plus what to do once you get there, and the ferry schedules to ensure you don’t get stuck on the island overnight.

Angel Island is actually the reason that I ended up moving to Sausalito; my husband and I spent a day on Angel Island and began shopping for boats. We found our Sausalito houseboat and knew it was the right move for us. So be warned: you might love Sausalito and Angel Island so much that you end up relocating here!

If you want to know all the essentials about visiting Angel Island from Sausalito, read on. You’ll discover your transportation options, the various ferry schedules between Sausalito and Angel Island, and what to do on Angel Island while you’re there.

Sausalito is the traditional lands of the Graton Rancheria, Miwok, and Me-Wuk (Coast Miwok) peoples. With respect, I make a formal land acknowledgment, extending my appreciation to the past and present stewards of these lands. To learn more, I invite you to explore Native Land.

This post was originally published in January 2022, and was updated most recently in August 2023.

​​How to Get from Sausalito to Angel Island

A day trip to Angel Island is pretty common among locals and tourists who visit the Bay Area. There are a few ways to get to the stunning island depending on where you are. 

If you’re staying in Sausalito, there’s no direct connection from Sausalito to Angel Island. However, you can depart from Tiburon or San Francisco – both the town and city offer regular ferry services to Angel Island. 

So, if you choose to visit Angel Island from Tiburon, you’ll first take the ferry to Tiburon Ferry Terminal and then take the ferry to Angel Island Ferry Terminal. Angel Island-Tiburon Ferry, a family-run company, operates services from Tiburon to Angel Island throughout the year. The ride is in charge of Captain Maggie and takes ten to fifteen minutes. As a heads up, if you decide to take the bus or drive from Sausalito to Tiburon, finding the Tiburon ferry boarding point and parking can be a little tricky so I suggest you get there 45 minutes before the ferry leaves. 

The second way to visit Angel Island from Sausalito is from San Francisco via Blue & Gold Fleet. The company has ferries to Angel Island. Similar to the previous option, the ride takes ten to fifteen minutes. To get to the Blue & Gold Fleet meeting point, you’ll need to take the bus to Pier 41, where you’ll catch the ferry to Angel Island. You can choose to disembark in Sausalito on your way back rather than continuing back to San Francisco.

Angel Island Ferry Schedule & Tickets

In this section, you can find the ferry schedules each company currently runs, plus the fares they charge. I’ve also included where and how you can acquire tickets. However, always check their websites for further updates regarding their services. 

Angel Island-Tiburon Ferry (from Tiburon)

So, as I explained before, taking the ferry from Tiburon is one of the alternatives to get from Sausalito to Angel Island. In this section, you’ll find a complete guide with their Angel Island Ferry schedule and a few details you should consider before booking this company. 

Cost-wise, the Angel Island Ferry ticket includes both the ferry ride cost and the admission fee for Angel Island State Park. They also sell one-way tickets. All you have to do is tell a crew member to adjust the price. The ticket prices vary depending on the age of the visitor; here’s a list of the company’s current fares for a round trip: 

• Adults (ages 13 -64) $17.40
• Seniors (ages 65+) $16.20
• Children (ages 6 – 12) $15.20
• Small Children (ages 3 – 5) $6.00
• Toddlers (ages 2 and under) Free*
• Bicycles $1.00

Due to the pandemic, the company is working with advanced reservations only, and you can book your tickets via their website. It can be busy, especially on certain weekends, so I advise you to book your ticket with time. Their schedules vary by season and have reduced service in the winter.

Current Schedule

In the late summer in the Bay Area, the Angel Island ferry is running (almost) every day, with extra time slots on weekends. After September 10, 2023, there is no ferry service on Mondays or Tuesdays.

Honestly, the best way to get a sense of the very confusing schedule is to check their website.

Depart Tiburon	Arrive Angel Island	Depart Angel Island	Arrive Tiburon
10:00 am	10:10 am	10:20 am	10:30 am
11:00 am	11:10 am	11:20 am	11:30 am
1:00 pm	1:10 pm	1:20 pm	1:30 pm
2:00 pm*	2:10 pm	2:20 pm	2:30 pm
3:00 pm*†	3:10 pm	3:20 pm	3:30 pm
4:00 pm*	4:10 pm	4:20 pm	4:30 pm
5:00 pm*‡	5:10 pm	5:20 pm	5:30 pm

*Weekends only in August/September, †Campers only weekdays in August/September, ‡Campers only, weekends in August/September

Blue & Gold Fleet (from San Francisco)

Those who go to Angel Island from San Francisco will notice that it is further from Angel Island and that ferry services are a little more expensive than from Tiburon pier. I’ve curated a list with the fares and a timetable for you to check the options they offer. 

Blue & Gold Fleet departs from San Francisco’s Pier 41, next to Pier 39. Another thing to consider is that finding paid parking near the pier is harder than in Tiburon. You can purchase your Angel Island ferry tickets online or at their ticket window at Pier 39. The good news is that you can use the ticket on any trip within 90 days of purchase. 

Unlike the Angel Island-Tiburon Ferry, Blue & Gold Fleet sells round-trip tickets only. As for the prices, here’s a list to calculate how much you’d spend on their ferry ride: 

• Adults  $14.00 
• Youth  (5-18) $7.00 
• Seniors (65 and older)  $7.00 
• Disabled $7.00 

Current Weekday Schedule

Depart San Francisco	Arrive Angel Island	Depart Angel Island	Arrive San Francisco
9:20 am	9:50 am	10:05 am	10:35 am
10:55 am	11:25 am	11:35 am	12:35 pm
2:15 pm	2:45 pm	3:00 pm	3:30 pm
3:40 pm	4:25 pm	4:40 pm	5:10 pm

Current Weekend Schedule

Depart San Francisco	Arrive Angel Island	Depart Angel Island	Arrive San Francisco
9:25 am (C)	9:55 am	10:05 am	10:55 am
11:10 am (C)	11:40 am	11:50 am	12:20 pm
1:55 pm (C)	2:45 pm	3:00 pm	3:30pm
3:45 pm (B)	4:30 pm	4:45 pm	5:15pm

Letter refers to the appropriate gate at the San Francisco Ferry Terminal.

Remember, it varies by season. So, always check their website for updates. 

What to Do on a Day Trip to Angel Island from Sausalito 

People flock from Sausalito to Angel Island for a reason, and that’s the fantastic activities the island offers. Besides being a natural treasure, Angel Island has the most interesting history, excellent hikes, and spectacular views of the bay!

Take a Hike up Mt. Livermore

Angel Island offers lovely hikes for all ages and fitness levels. However, if you’re up for a challenge, the hike to the top of Mt. Livermore is a must-do. The mountain is the island’s highest point at 788 feet. The hike takes 2 to 2.5 hours and is one of the best ways to enjoy panoramic views of the Bay Area.

Circle the Island by Bike/Segway on the Perimeter Road

If hiking isn’t your cup of tea, you can rent a bike (or bring your own) and circle the Island. It’s an excellent way to reach hidden areas of the island and in less time. You can ride your bicycle only on the paved Perimeter Road on the dirt Fire Road Loop encircles the island. 

Angel Island also offers Segway tours– the first such tour to operate in a California State Park. It’s a less demanding option for people who have difficulty engaging in outdoor activities or can’t stand the heat during warmer months. 

Visit the Visitor Center

The Visitor Center is your gateway to the island’s history. Located in Ayala Cove, it served as a bachelor officers’ quarters. Today, it offers a self-guided tour of the island and its history, plus a viewing room that shows two twenty-minute films, one about the history and natural beauty of the island and the other about the island’s part in immigration history.

Take a Tram Tour to Historic Sites on the Island

The Tram Tour is an excellent option for first-time visitors. It takes you on a one-hour ride around the island while sharing every tiny detail of its historical and cultural past. The Tram Tour stops by several historic sites, such as the United States Immigration Station. It also stops at Battery Ledyard, one of the best photo opportunities in the bay area. 

Take a Guided Tour at the Historic Sites Themselves

Angel Island is home to many historical sites, like Camp Reynolds, Nike Site, and Ft. McDowell. While the Tram Tour gives you a panoramic view of each one, you can choose to visit each site on its own and explore them fully. Some are harder to reach than others, so make sure you plan ahead how long it’ll take you to visit these sites and still make it on time to catch the ferry back home. 

Enjoy and Photograph 360° Views of the San Francisco Bay

Angel Island’s landscapes and views make a fantastic backdrop to practice and improve your skills if you’re into outdoor photography. You can take your camera to one of the trails to capture the beauty of the flora and fauna, or climb to the top of Mt. Livermore and photograph the Bay in all its glory. 

Grab a Bite at the Cafe or Cantina

After wandering around the island, take a seat and recharge your batteries at The Angel Island Café and Cantina. The lovely venue has live music, delicious food, an excellent wine list, and stunning views of the bay. You can snag a table outside to enjoy beautiful views of Ayala Cove and the Tiburon coastline. 

As you can see, there’s lots to do on Angel Islands – and it’s definitely worth making the trip from Sausalito to Angel Island for a day trip or overnight camping adventure. Do you have questions about visiting Angel Island from Sausalito? Let me know in the comments.