Fleet Week Blue Angels Cruise in Oakland, CA

Come aboard the historic USS Potomac on Thursday, October 9, 2025 for special front-row seats on the bay to watch the US Navy Blue Angels practice their spectacular aerial maneuvers, rehearsing in the San Francisco Bay airspace in preparation for the weekend Fleet Week air shows.

While Blue Angels fans from across the bay converge on hills, rooftops and all along the waterfront, you will be on the Potomac for Thursday's practice as the US Navy F/A-18 Super Hornets roar overhead or nearby, often so close you can see the pilots inside, flying in tight formations between the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz.

The Blue Angels pilots are some of the best in the world. Their precision flight demonstrations showcase the professionalism, excellence and teamwork of today's Navy and Marine Corps flying units. They are not to be missed, and there's no better place to enjoy their show than from the decks of the historic USS Potomac!

Departure and Return

This cruise departs on time from 540 Water Street, Oakland, at Jack London Square at 1 p.m. and returns at approximately 4 p.m.

The cruise in the bay will depart on time and will not be affected by government shutdowns, air show cancellations or changes, overcast skies, or any other reasons beyond the Potomac's control.

**The Blue Angels practice time is not announced to the public in advance but historically occurs between 12 noon and 5 p.m. Potomac has no control over the Blue Angels flight times but, regardless, will still offer a three-hour cruise while cruising on San Francisco Bay.

Food and Drink

Lunch will be served about 1:30 p.m. (details still to be determined.) There will be a vegetarian option but unfortunately we are not able to accommodate other special dietary needs. If you need to bring your own food to accommodate your special needs, we unfortunately are not able to offer a price adjustment to your ticket.

Beer and wine will be available for purchase. Dispensed water, coffee, and tea will also be available at no charge. If you wish, a small donation for these beverages is always appreciated to support Potomac's student cruises fund.

Cancellation

Individual cancellations for this cruise will only be accepted for full refund through September 29, 2025. After that date, due to catering, crew and operational commitments, cancellations and no-shows are non-refundable.

For Groups of 10 or more: As of August 8, 2025, a new cancellation policy is in effect for new bookings and rebookings for groups of 10 or more. For these groups, no refunds are available after 30 days from the original date of purchase or within 30 days of the departure date, whichever is applicable and in effect.

Notes on Accessibility:

The Presidential Yacht USS Potomac is a historically preserved vessel. As such, it does not fully comply with the facility access standards of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

Due to its 1930s-era design, the ship does have some limitations for those with mobility challenges: Wheelchair access is limited to the main deck area only. Here, the maximum wheelchair width (outside of wheel to outside of wheel) is 25 inches.

Walkers and canes are often successfully used aboard Potomac. Please note, however, that upper and lower decks are accessed by narrow, steep but short stairways with handrails on both sides. There is no operable elevator. The individual using walkers and canes will need to determine for themselves if they can safely utilize the stairs to further explore the ship.

On-board restrooms are small with narrow doorways and stalls. Accessible restrooms are available at the Port of Oakland ferry landing next to the Potomac.

Due to our insurance limitations, USS Potomac docents and crew are not allowed to provide physical assistance to mobility challenged individuals; including lifting occupied wheelchairs over obstacles.

A Nonprofit Organization

The USS Potomac Association is a non-profit 501(c) 3 charitable organization dedicated to preserving, protecting, and sharing with the public this National Historic Landmark and amazing historic treasure. With the exception of one full-time administrator, part-time ship keepers and a seasonal professional crew, the organization operates almost entirely by volunteers.

Every dollar of your ticket helps support this historic ship's restoration, preservation, and maintenance.

Donations are absolutely critical to our ability to keep Potomac in top shape for the general public and local schoolchildren. If you wish to help, a donation box will be on the gangway as you exit the ship following the cruise and we hope you will be inclined to drop something in! Thank you! We appreciate it very much!

Please note: Beginning March 26, 2025 a 2% banking credit card transaction fee is added to your ticket purchase.