Located in Downtown, this houseboat is within a few miles (5 km) of sights such as Golden Gate Bridge and Bay Area Discovery Museum. Guestrooms at this houseboat include kitchenettes, refrigerators, and microwaves.
San Francisco Bay Model Visitor Center - 13 min walk - 0.7 miles
Getting around
Hyde St & Lombard St Stop - 14 min drive
Richmond Transit Center - 23 min drive
Oakland Intl. Airport (OAK) - 63 min drive
Restaurants
Equator Coffees - 4 min walk
Franko & Co Bakery - 11 min walk
Barrel House Tavern - 13 min walk
Fish - 3 min drive
No Name Bar - 11 min walk
About this property
Entire place
You'll have the entire house boat to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.
Perfect 1-bedroom boat in awesome Sausalito for a unique stay
Ahoy Travelers! Welcome Aboard The Darwind — Your Sausalito Floating Retreat
IMPORTANT TO KNOW BEFORE BOOKING: The Darwind does not have a bathroom (no head onboard). Guests use the clean, secure marina restrooms and showers located approximately 70 yards away. These are private-access facilities used by many liveaboards, and they are well maintained.
With that noted, welcome to your floating escape.
The Experience
The Darwind is a 28-foot sailboat resting in beautiful Richardson Bay. She’s compact, cozy, and perfect for guests looking for a unique alternative to a hotel—quiet, simple, peaceful, and connected to nature.
Ideal for:
A solo traveler
Someone working remotely with a hotspot
A creative retreat
Anyone wanting to experience “boat life” for the first time
Spring and summer in Sausalito are especially stunning, and life aboard truly offers a memorable shift in perspective.
The Space
Before booking, please note:
This is a space designed for unplugging. There is no Wi-Fi onboard. Please bring a hotspot or visit any of the excellent walkable cafés nearby.
Bathroom access: Two private-access marina restrooms/showers are nearby. Since other boats rely on them, there may be brief waits at times.
Rocking and weather: Sausalito can be windy, and the Darwind will move with the water. This is normal for life on a small sailboat, and most guests find they adjust quickly.
Boarding requires balance: You will take three steps onto the boat, and then descend a short ladder into the cabin. Take your time and use both hands.
Quiet hours begin at 10 PM. This is a respectful, peaceful marina community.
Amenities Onboard
Mini fridge
Air fryer
Water kettle
Filtered running water
French press
Dehumidifier
Fresh sheets and towels
Local and marine-themed book collection
Sit-on-top kayak for exploring Richardson Bay
Exploring Sausalito
Use the provided kayak to paddle around Richardson Bay and observe pelicans, cormorants, terns, and Sausalito’s well-known harbor seals.
Walk or bike ten minutes to downtown Sausalito for restaurants, cafés, galleries, and waterfront viewpoints.
Nearby Essentials
Laundromats: 5-minute drive
Wi-Fi cafés: 3–7-minute walk (Taste of Rome, Equator Coffee, Firehouse Coffee & Tea)
Outdoor destinations within 30 minutes: Mount Tamalpais, Stinson Beach, Tennessee Valley, Marin Headlands, Marine Mammal Center
San Francisco is a short ferry ride or drive across the Golden Gate Bridge
Parking
The marina lot has a 3-hour daytime parking limit. Many long-term boaters extend this without issue, but enforcement does occur occasionally. Residential parking is a 5-minute walk away if you prefer guaranteed long-term parking.
Guest Access
You have full access to the entire boat and the marina during your stay. Feel free to relax on the upper deck, the cockpit, or inside the cabin. You may bring a guest or two, keeping in mind the coordination and balance required to board.
The marina community is friendly, warm, and welcoming.
Fun Facts About Sausalito
Sausalito is home to one of the most historic and artistic houseboat communities on the West Coast.
During Prohibition, many boats used the Sausalito fog as cover to smuggle alcohol across the Bay.
Sausalito receives significantly more sunshine than San Francisco, thanks to its sheltered location.
Harbor seals, rays, otters, and occasional dolphins are spotted regularly in Richardson Bay.
Several films, including “Basic Instinct” and “The Lady From Shanghai,” shot scenes here.
Fun Facts About Cal T2 Sailboats
Cal sailboats have a strong reputation for stability and performance, originally designed by famed naval architect Bill Lapworth.
Many Cal models have completed major ocean passages, showing their durability.
The T2 series is known for its lightweight, responsive design—excellent for breezy coastal conditions.
Californians widely consider Cal boats to be some of the most reliable production sailboats of their era.
Final Notes
Bathroom: There is no head onboard. You will receive a private marina key; replacement cost is $300. Please keep it secure.
Access: Getting on and off the boat requires coordination and careful balance. Take your time.
Wi-Fi: None onboard by design. This stay is meant to be simple, peaceful, and unplugged—similar to remote backpacking, but on the water.
Carbon monoxide detector (host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property)
Smoke detector (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
Policies
Check-in
Check-in time starts at 4:00 PM
Minimum check-in age: 18
Check-out
Check-out before 12:00 PM
Special check-in instructions
An adult age 18 or older must assume all liability for the booking
You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools
Check-out instructions
The host requires you complete the following before checking out:
Remove personal items and remove leftover food and drinks
Turn off the lights and return the keys
Make sure to leave the keys on the hook.
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.
Pets
Service animals exempt from fees
Children and extra beds
Children allowed: ages 13-17
Events
No events allowed
Smoking
Smoking allowed: in designated areas
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
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation
Check-in: 4:00 PM
Check-out: 12:00 PM
Minimum check-in age: 18
We should mention
Details about charges, deposits, or other important information:
This property is managed by a private host, not a professional engaged in trade or business.
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary depending on the property's policy.
A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges, as well as a government-issued photo ID, may be required at check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in and can't be guaranteed. Certain requests may come with additional charges.
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited.
Onsite safety features include a carbon monoxide detector and a smoke detector.
Frequently asked questions
What's there to see within easy reach of this houseboat?
This houseboat is situated in Downtown, close to Golden Gate Bridge, Pier 39, and Lombard Street. Bay Area Discovery Museum is also within a driving distance of 2.5 mi.
Is there parking available at this houseboat?
No, there isn't parking available at the houseboat.
Is this houseboat adjacent to a casino?
No, this houseboat is not connected to a casino.
Is there an indoor pool at this houseboat?
No, there is no indoor pool at this houseboat.
What do couples enjoy most about Perfect 1-bedroom boat in awesome Sausalito for a unique stay?
Amenities at this houseboat that appeal to couples include a kitchenette in each accommodation with kitchenettes in some.
Are there hot tubs at Perfect 1-bedroom boat in awesome Sausalito for a unique stay?
No, there isn't a spa tub at this houseboat.
Does this houseboat offer breakfast?
No, this houseboat doesn't offer breakfast.
Does this houseboat allow pets to stay for free?
No, pets aren't allowed at this houseboat though service animals are welcome.
Does this houseboat have connecting rooms?
No, this houseboat doesn't feature connecting guestrooms.
Where is the closest airport to this houseboat?
The closest major airport to this houseboat is San Francisco Intl. Airport (SFO), which is 23.1 mi away (53 minutes by car). Another top airport is Oakland Intl. Airport (OAK), which is around 18.1 mi away.
Can I book a room with a balcony at Perfect 1-bedroom boat in awesome Sausalito for a unique stay?
No, there aren't any accommodations with balconies at Perfect 1-bedroom boat in awesome Sausalito for a unique stay.
Perfect 1-bedroom boat in awesome Sausalito for a unique stay Reviews
Reviews
10
Exceptional
All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travelers who have booked a stay with us can submit a review. We verify reviews according to our guidelines and publish all reviews, positive or negative.
Rating 10 - Excellent. 4 out of 4 reviews
10 - Excellent
4
Rating 8 - Good. 0 out of 4 reviews
8 - Good
0
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 4 reviews
6 - Okay
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Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 4 reviews
4 - Poor
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Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 4 reviews
2 - Terrible
0
9.6/10
Cleanliness
Reviews
10/10 Excellent
Michael W.
Feb 22, 2026
Liked: Cleanliness
Great host, great boat and marina, great location!
Michael W.
Stayed 4 nights in Feb 2026
10/10 Excellent
Jessica Z.
Feb 21, 2026
Liked: Cleanliness
We had a wonderful and relaxing stay on the boat. Everything was just as described and the host was so kind to accommodate our late arrival.
Jessica Z.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2026
10/10 Excellent
Elizabeth F.
Feb 16, 2026
Liked: Cleanliness
Host was very responsive and helpful during our stay! The boat was perfect, bed comfortable for a boat bed! Location was easy to find and we took a liking to one of the bathrooms. :)
Elizabeth F.
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2026
10/10 Excellent
Clay R.
Jan 25, 2026
Liked: Cleanliness
Had a wonderful time on the Darwinder! She's a lovely vessel, and was quite comfortable despite overnight temperatures in the 40s. Amenities were well selected and maintained, and would loved to have time to take The marina is an easy walk from the ferry terminals, and a number of restaurants and coffee shops. Overnight parking was not an issue, but I was ticketed once for leaving a vehicle there all day on a busy Saturday. Not surprising and relatively inexpensive, given the cost of everything else in the Bay Area!