Airport, San Francisco, CA (SFO-San Francisco Intl.)
46 min drive
Rooms & beds
3 bedrooms (sleeps 6)
Bedroom 1
1 King Bed
Bedroom 2
1 Queen Bed
Bedroom 3
1 Double Bed
2 bathrooms
Bathroom 1
Bathtub · Bidet · Toilet · Shower only
Bathroom 2
Toilet · Shower only
Spaces
Deck or patio
Kitchen
Balcony
Dining area
About this property
Fabulous Ferryboat on San Francisco Bay
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.
Add dates for prices
Have a question?
AI iconBetaBeta
Get instant answers with AI powered search of property information and reviews.
Similar properties
Sausalito Floating Gem: A Charming Stay by the Bay
Downtown
Sausalito Floating Gem: A Charming Stay by the Bay
The Ferry is large, but it is an historic home and should not be confused with an event space. Please do not not expect to host large parties.
The floors are made of Douglis Fir and are relatively soft. Please do not wear sharp shoes or drag any of the furniture. Also the roof is off limits.
Please respect the peace and quiet of the neighbors in the Harbor.
Important information
You need to know
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios and terraces, which may not be suitable for children; if you have any concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm that they can accommodate you in a suitable room
San Francisco Bay Model Visitor Center - 2 min drive - 1.8 km
Schoonmaker Beach - 3 min drive - 2.1 km
Golden Gate Bridge - 6 min drive - 6.4 km
Getting around
Richmond Transit Center - 21 min drive
San Francisco International Airport (SFO) - 53 min drive
Restaurants
McDonald's - 3 min drive
Good Earth Natural Foods - 3 min drive
Equator Coffees & Teas - 3 min drive
Starbucks - 14 min walk
The Junction - 3 min drive
Frequently asked questions
Is Fabulous Ferryboat on San Francisco Bay pet-friendly?
No, pets are not allowed at this property.
How much does it cost to stay at Fabulous Ferryboat on San Francisco Bay?
As of 8 April 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Fabulous Ferryboat on San Francisco Bay on 28 July 2026 start from NZ$992, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.
How much is parking at Fabulous Ferryboat on San Francisco Bay?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at Fabulous Ferryboat on San Francisco Bay?
Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.
What time is check-out at Fabulous Ferryboat on San Francisco Bay?
Checkout is at 11:00 AM.
Where is Fabulous Ferryboat on San Francisco Bay located?
Situated on the waterfront, this houseboat is within 6 miles (10 km) of Golden Gate National Recreation Area, Presidio of San Francisco and Mount Tamalpais State Park. Bay Area Discovery Museum and Larkspur Ferry Terminal are also within 6 miles (10 km).
Reviews
9.8
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Our family loved staying in the Big Yellow Ferry. There were plenty of spaces for people to hang out. The decor was both attractive and comfortable. The kitchen had an amazing stove and lots of pots and pans. Beds were comfortable. And the marina area was just pretty. We highly recommend this place.
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!
It was a real treat to be on a converted car ferry. The space was amazing, the views of Richardson Bay were amazing, and the location was perfect for the things we wanted to do.
We loved the yellow boat! Plenty of room for 6 of us, comfy beds and everything needed to cook if needed. We stayed almost a week so grateful there were plenty of towels and other household type stuff there for the entire stay. And of course the views were the best!
Fantastic! Best views, spacious, bedrooms downstairs, quiet, art community, creative, other houseboats interesting, sea lion, birds, crabs, great kitchen, solarium, kayaks, paddle boards and a neighborhood cat. Easy to get into San Francisco, but why leave the Yellow Ferry? We would stay again. My 80 th with family
I've long known about the amazing Sausalito houseboats bit it was such a treat to get to stay in one!! And this place was so lovely for its art and books and comfort as well. It felt like a true home, not a cheaply-furnished vacation rental. What a find!!
The Yellow Ferry was the perfect location to spend a few days of family time with my adult children. We were able to explore San Francisco & Mt. Tam /Muir Woods which were just 20 minutes away.
This property is pricey, but worth every penny if you can splurge. We are a family of four and stayed 5 nights. It was easy in/out for daily activities. Easy parking. Smooth check-in and out. Awesome kitchen, which we happily used. Can’t think of a single issue during our stay. The property is showing some signs of aging, but we felt like it added to the charm. We highly recommend this property and would consider staying here again if we make it back to the Bay Area.
The ferry boat was a very unique and wonderful place to stay for a visit. It had everything we needed, was comfortable and clean and close to Muir Woods and to the ferries to San Francisco. Unfortunately, we only had a few days there, but wish we had been able to stay longer. Mornings and evenings were especially peaceful with the calm water, beautiful sky and the activity of the water burds.
We enjoyed the yellow ferry, it was well stocked. It was our first stay on a houseboat. The views were beautiful. If I had any suggestions it would be to update some things such as the towels in the upstairs bathroom (they had bleach stains). The blanket in the bedroom with the full bed looked dirty (spots on it). It could use an update on the interior furniture, throw pillows, etc
Words can not express how cool it was to stay on this very special houseboat for a week. The view from the houseboat overlooking the bay is magical-sunrise and moonrise and everything in between. The houseboat is very spacious, well-appointed and provided me and my adult children with a memory of a lifetime. I hope to get back there someday soon!
Robin K.
Stayed 6 nights in Oct 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 5 November 2024
What a lovely comment. We look forward to seeing you again. Chris and Izzi
Amazing stay on the iconic Yellow Ferry in Sausalito.
I booked the Yellow Ferry for a friend's 40th birthday celebration. The place is amazing and the host makes every effort to make the stay as perfect as possible. There were five of us and there is plenty of space for all. Everyone had a great time and this was a very memorable trip. Can't wait to do it again.
Oh what fun - staying on the Yellow Ferry was a dream come true. We loved the houseboat community, the tides, the wildlife, and the scenery. The boat was very comfortable and well appointed (and a little dated.) And, we would return!
Very unique, comfortable property in a beautiful, peaceful bay with easy access to great seafood, hiking, town of Sausalito or to the city. About a15 minutes drive and we were parked at Pier 39. Had seals swimming near by every day and owners even provided binoculars for watching the wildlife. Really enjoyed our stay, and would definitely do it again
Shane W.
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2022
About the host
Hosted by Chris or Nate Tellis
The Tellis family adopted the City of Seattle in 1956, when we discovered her beached and abandoned along the Vallejo estuary. We brought her back to Sausalito, fixed her up, and in various configurations we have been living here for the past 55 years. The boat is now owned and maintained by Chris Tellis and Isabella Kirkland who live at the other end the boat. Both of us have careers in the arts and environment. We love living on the water and are delighted to be able to share this magical setting with others from around the world.
Why they chose this property
I have lived on the Sausalito waterfront since 1953. There is no place like Sausalito and southern Marin Couty. Even after seven years on the East Coast and two years in London and various other watering holes, I could not imagine living anywhere else. The Bay Area provides the perfect synthesis of intellectual stimulation and sybaritic diversion. I love New York, Europe and Asia, but in the end I would always want to come back to the water here in Sausalito, Chris Tellis
What makes this property unique
Living on an majestic ship, surrounded by history and beautiful wood, watching the sailboats, the harbor seals, the pelicans and migrating birds, there is nothing like this anywhere else. With the quiet of the Ferry, you feel you are miles away, yet just out the window is a water wonderland and a short drive away is one of the world's great cities. It is astonishing that a place can feel so removed yet be so close to a cultural epicenter.