Our History

Family owned and operated since 1959,
the Angel Island – Tiburon Ferry Company has a rich local history.

“Smell the sea and feel the sky. Let your soul and spirit fly.”

– Van Morrison

1930

"SAMMY THE SKIFFMAN"

This photo from 1930 shows five dories being pulled by a single cylinder vessel known as a “one-lunger” operateed by Sam McDonogh II. Sam McDonough II was fondly referred to as “Sammy the Skiffman.” Sam took vacationers who arrived in Tiburon by train or ferry on fishing excursions. For $0.25 you would receive bait, tackle, and be towed to the fishing grounds. Additionally, sam McDonogh II started a launch rental where he transported supplies and personnel for the military stationed on Angel Island. At one point, he was the only civilian authorized to go to Angel Island.

1936

AID TO GOLDEN GATE BRIDGE CONSTRUCTION

Sam McDonogh II, father of Milton McDonogh, was crucial to the construction of the Golden Gate Bridge often ferrying workers between the two towers. This photo, taken in 1936, shows Sam McDonogh (far left), Milton McDonogh (middle) and Uncle Jerry on the scaffold of the Golden Gate Bridge.

1940's

THE ARK

This photo shows “The Ark” on the left which would later become the offices for the Angel Island Tiburon Ferry. The structure on the right was known as Williamson garage.

1950's

OUR FOUNDER

Milton McDonogh founded the Angel Island Tiburon Ferry. A man of incredible dedication, he rarely ever took time off from his business which was his passion.

1960's

AITF IS BORN

Milton named his first official vessel the "Gaycin" after his little nieces, Gail and Cindy. So, with the Gaycin, the Angel Island Ferry Service was born. On that first day, Milton made a total of $7.

The Margherita was one gondola type vessel used to ferry passengers from Tiburon to Angel Island. The boat was originally used as a safari boat at the local amusement park Marine World Africa USA located in nearby Vallejo.

1975

THE GREEN CLOUD

Milton oversaw the design and construction of the Angel Island, pictured here, which was launched in April of 1975. At the time of this photo, the vessel was green with silver trim. The boat would come to be lovingly termed “The Green Cloud” until it took on a different and current color scheme seen today. This boat has been taking thousands of happy visitors to Angel Island ever since.

TIBURON BOAT CAPTAIN

Milton McDonogh operating the Gaycin on a return trip to Tiburon.

1995

MOTHER NATURE'S FURY

Powerful winter storms slammed the California coast on December 11th and 12th, 1995, damaging the dock and entry gate of the Tamalpais and Angel Island Ferry.

2008

ANGEL ISLAND FIRE

During the fire, the Angel Island and Captain Maggie McDonogh would ferry over 1,200 firefighters to and from the Island. Without the efforts of the Angel Island Tiburon Ferry, the west garrison on the island would have been lost along with a host of other historical buildings and resources.

2020

COVID-19!

WHEW! WHAT A CRAZY YEAR OF CLOSURES AND SO MANY RULES AND REGULATIONS!
Thank you to all our patrons and the Bay Area community for your support during COVID and all these years, we couldn't have done it with out you.

2023

GOING ZERO EMISSION!

ANGEL ISLAND FERRY TO BECOME THE FIRST ZERO EMISSION FERRY IN CALIFORNIA!
While this transition is still in progress, we are working hard to complete our retrofit of our vessel the Angel Island to a zero emission electric ferry. There are many moving pieces and we appreciate everyone's support.