Steam Ferry Berkeley

The “Irreplaceable” 1898 Steam Ferryboat

While the Steam Ferry Berkeley resided in the shadow of its historic and haunted neighbor, the Star of India, there was an undeniable sense that it too harbored a haunted history. The Berkeley has seldom been subject to paranormal investigations, presenting a unique opportunity to delve into its legends.

Numerous staff members over the years have recounted peculiar occurrences aboard its decks, with some admitting discomfort when left alone. From eerie voices echoing in the night to shadowy apparitions, slamming doors, phantom footsteps, and inexplicable object movements, the reports paint a chilling picture. Will the Berkeley validate its lore?  Book your exclusive private Berkeley investigation today!

Dates

PRIVATE BOOKINGS ACCEPTED

Time

8:00 PM- 12:30 AM+/-

Location

SAN DIEGO, CA

Did you know?

scheduling

The Steam Ferry Berkeley holds immense historical significance, we collaborate closely with the maritime museum for scheduling.

We advise a minimum notice of two weeks for your requests. Rest assured, we’ll endeavor to align with your preferred date and time to the best of our ability.

When making your request, kindly furnish us with two or three preferred dates for scheduling your investigation.

Please be aware that prices and timings may fluctuate and are subject to change.

HISTORY

  • The Berkeley, an 1898 steam ferryboat with a remarkable 60-year service on San Francisco Bay, holds prestigious titles as both a California State Historic Landmark and a National Historic Landmark. Its significance is encapsulated in the word “irreplaceable.”

  • Within the ferryboat’s lower and main decks lie numerous vital exhibits and displays, among them its meticulously restored triple expansion steam engine. While no longer steam-operated, the engine enthralls visitors with its performance, aided by hydraulics and compressed air.

  • The engine room of the Berkeley stands as a global rarity. During the 1906 San Francisco earthquake, the Berkeley emerged as a hero, ferrying thousands of survivors to safety. Amidst chaos and uncertainty, her captain and crew toiled tirelessly, rescuing countless individuals from the blazing shores. Their selfless dedication saved numerous lives, even as they remained unaware of the fate of their own families.

  • In 1973, the Berkeley found a new home in San Diego, retaining its unparalleled historical and architectural significance reminiscent of the Victorian era. It stands as the quintessential example of a 19th-century ferryboat still afloat today. The Berkeley underwent a groundbreaking hull restoration in the spring of 2003, utilizing a revolutionary process expected to safeguard its hull for half a century, setting a standard for the preservation of historic iron and steel-hulled ships worldwide.

Join OCGL’s Cris August and Mike Manney aboard 1898 Steam Ferry Berkeley, as they discuss the history of the ferry and embark on an immersive investigation – brought to you by Snippet. 

Find this podcast on Spotify, Apple Music or wherever you listen to your favorite podcasts. 

See what others experienced

OCGL investigator Mike Manney is joined by YouTube paranormal influencers, Mackie and Amanda, for a Steam Ferry Berkeley investigation they will never forget.  Check it out.

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We did the San Juan Capistrano tour. What a chilling and great tour! Being able to get so close up and walk on to the properties in the tour made it great as well! We absolutely loved it! The history , stories and tips our tour guides Heather and John shared during the tour have me looking at what tour to do next with OC Ghosts and Legends and making sure we have them as our tour guides again. THANK YOU HEATHER AND JOHN!

Lydia K.

Had an excellent experience investigating with this group. Very knowledgeable, prepared and great people. Hope to do something with them again.

Kay D.

We just did a lockdown at Camino Del Rio Playhouse. The place was quite the hot bed of activity. For anyone who is going on an investigation for the first time, I would highly recommend this location. We had a mix of shadow figures, haunted objects, and unexplained phenomenon. The staff, Heather, Roger, Diane and crew, were very professional and helped facilitate the investigation by throwing out ideas on how to investigate and provided a variety of equipment to play with. I can't give enough stars to these guys! This is my second event, first being Bracken Fern Manor, can't wait for our next one.

Terri H.
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