Fabulous Ferryboat on San Francisco Bay

Top rated by guests
Outdoor dining
Private kitchen
Six burner Wolf Stove with built in grill. For easy to serious cooks.
Private kitchen
Entryway and front deck
review stars
9.7Outstanding
(131 Ratings)
Staying at the Yellow Ferry was a unique, wonderful experience with great amenities, stunning views, and a sense of calm. The houseboat community, wildlife, and nearby attractions made our stay memorable.
From real guest reviews summarized by AI
Don't miss out! Price and availability may change
9.7 / 10.0
Outstanding(131 Ratings)

Docked boat in Belvedere Tiburon, CA

6 guests · 3 bedrooms · 2 baths

Reasons to book

Guests love it hereGuests give this property a top rating
Top-tier experienceA high end property in this area
Book with confidenceWe partner with the top travel sites so you know you're getting a great deal on the perfect rental

About this docked boat rental

As seen on Netflix "Worlds Most Amazing Vacation Rentals" S1 E3. https://www.netflix.com/watch/81108261?source=35

One of the world's most spectacular homes is now available as a vacation rental. This is the American equivalent of renting a castle in Spain or an ancient stone villa in Tuscany. Yet with the luxury and conveniences of a five star hotel.

The SS City of Seattle (Yellow Ferry) was originally launched in 1888. She is the oldest surviving ferryboat on the West Coast. The Ferry combines luxury and convenience in a spectacular and memorable setting. Surrounded by open water, she is simply the best houseboat in the best berth. Suitable for couples, or families, the Yellow Ferry offers the vacation experience of a lifetime.

The rental suite on the Yellow Ferry is over 2,500 square feet. One enters the Ferry into an open great room that is over 1,000 square ft, but divided into separate areas for dining and lounging. Surrounded by floor to ceiling windows looking out to the bay, the main room is both spacious and intimate. The original deck consists of three-inch thick, virgin Douglas Fir, inlaid with Teak. You will quickly find there is a timeless and soothing quality to being surrounded by 120 year old wooden timbers and beams.

Off the living room is huge solarium, surrounded by glass doors. Here you can sit or dine feeling like you are perched over the water, looking at panoramic views of the Bay, the sailboats and Mt. Tamalpais. The solarium is connected the living room via four large sliding doors, which can be opened all the way to make it an extension of the living room.

The carpeted master bedroom features a new, California King bed. Water level views allow you a birds eye connection with the egrets, mallards and harbor seals. Large walk-in closets add to the feeling of luxury. The expansive master bathroom also has bay views and and a tub and walk-in shower.

Down below, the other two bedrooms also have views right above waterline, where seals and waterfowl can swim up and eyeball you.

The kitchen has been remodeled with an extraordinary Wolf six-burner range, with a gas grill and huge oven. The set up is perfect for gourmet meals or reheating your leftovers from one of the many excellent local restaurants. The kitchen is abundantly stocked with all the necessary pots, pans, utensils and appliances. There is a full table setting for 10 and uncharacteristically for a rental, all the knives have been freshly sharpened.

The float containing all watercraft is right off the back deck, providing easy access to the three kayaks and three stand-up paddle boards.

The Ferry is conveniently located between the natural beauty of the northern coast and the cosmopolitan charms of San Francisco. You can attend almost any event in the City and be home at the Ferry before you would find a parking place in San Francisco. A small library adjacent to the kitchen is stocked with books and tip and local attractions,

There are an infinite variety of diversions to be found within a 30 minute drive of the boat. But often the best thing to do is simply sit by the bay with a good book, occasionally looking up to see the harbor seals or migrating waterfowl.

The Ferry is owned by the same couple who own the harbor. We live on the Ferry in a completely separate unit with its own entrance and can be there to assist with any of your questions.

Please be aware that when then you stay on a houseboat, you are a guest in a close knit community of fellow houseboaters. These home owners have chosen to live on the water because of a shared love of nature and a considerate community. It is essential that you respect the community rights to peace and privacy and conduct your residency the same way you would expect from a next-door neighbor. It is absolutely critical that you read the rules and regulations that will be linked when you book. If you have trouble finding the rules and regulations, please confirm with me and I will send you the PDF separately.

Also, the entire ferry is 8,000 square feet. We could not find our keys in our own 2,600 sf side, so we could never imagine filling that kind of room. Therefore be aware we live next door, separated by relatively sound proof walls. There is also a full harbor shop down below that serves the maintenance of the marina, which we also own.

As a final note, the Ferry is not available for birthday parties, cocktail parties, weddings, business retreats, or other large gatherings. We tried that from time to time and it is just too crazy and takes a toll on our home.


Amenities at Fabulous Ferryboat on San Francisco Bay

Non-smoking
No pets allowed
Family friendly

Map of Belvedere Tiburon, CA


Ratings and reviews

9.7 / 10.0
Outstanding(131 Ratings)
review starsSummary of reviews
Staying at the Yellow Ferry was a unique, wonderful experience with great amenities, stunning views, and a sense of calm. The houseboat community, wildlife, and nearby attractions made our stay memorable.
From real guest reviews summarized by AI
10.0 / 10.0Outstanding·Nov 2025
Great communication throughout with the host. The Big Yellow Ferry is loaded with charm, beautifully cared for and in a setting in Sausalito on the San Francisco Bay that can’t be beat. The views, the abundant natural light, the friendly vibes in the lovely harbor and the fabulous nearby dining options all added up to a 10/10 experience. We hope to return soon! Thank you!
10.0 / 10.0Outstanding·Nov 2025
Spectacular location! Extremely spacious.
10.0 / 10.0Outstanding·Oct 2025
Awesome place to stay. Hopefully we get the opportunity to stay again.
5.0 / 10.0·Oct 2021
Thoroughly enjoyed this houseboat. All the comforts of home right on the water. Whenever we’re in SF we’ll be staying here!

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FAQs

Is parking included with this docked boat?

Parking is not specified as an available amenity at Fabulous Ferryboat on San Francisco Bay. For more information, we encourage you to contact the property about where to park.

Is there a pool at this docked boat?

We didn’t find pool listed as an amenity for this docked boat. It may be worth double checking if a pool is important for your stay.

Is Fabulous Ferryboat on San Francisco Bay pet friendly?

Unfortunately, this docked boat is not pet-friendly. Try searching again and filter for "Pets Allowed"

What amenities are available at Fabulous Ferryboat on San Francisco Bay?

We found 3 amenities for this rental. This includes non-smoking, no pets allowed, and family friendly.


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