Events at Forbes Island
Forbes Island can be yours for your next special event.
Right in the heart of San Francisco Bay, it is the perfect destination for a truly memorable event and dining experience.
Imagine a 40 foot lighthouse, giant lush palm trees, spectacular views, white sand patios, an underwater dining room, Tahiti bamboo lounge, neighboring sea lions, all on a floating island.
Experience one of the most fascinating, unique and original places in all of San Francisco both above and below the water.
The most unforgettable experiences are those which are truly unique.
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Character Beyond Comparison
Originally built in Sausalito, California as a private floating paradise, Forbes Island has been a landmark of the San Francisco Bay Area for over 20 years. Featured on Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous, That’s Incredible, Evening Magazine and by Al Roker on the Food Network, the unique design and impeccable craftsmanship of the island has fascinated people for years.
Visiting Forbes Island
Located in the San Francisco Bay, afloat between Piers 39 and 41, Forbes Island is only accessible via our Private Shuttle Boat. Visitors are escorted from Pier 39’s “H” Dock for a 3 minute ride over the placid waters of “Sea Lion Harbor” to an enchanted nautical setting, with architecture inspired by the tropics and Jules Verne’s 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea. Fantasy events and dining on a floating island oasis.
A Memorable Experience
Savor culinary sensations in one of the many dining rooms, each offering their own unique character and charm. Enjoy a glass of wine on “cigar friendly” white sand patios, with the sights and sounds of native sea lions. Climb to the top of the Forbes Island Lighthouse and experience sweeping views of the San Francisco waterfront, Coit Tower, Alcatraz Island and the Golden Gate Bridge. Create the memories of a lifetime in this one-of-a-kind venue.
An Event to Remember
When it comes time for us to gather for our most memorable events the location should be as special as the occasion. The sophisticated, yet informal atmosphere of Forbes Island is ideal for creating the perfect fantasy experience for your next special event. This one-of-a-kind location is sure to haven your guests and create treasured memories.
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Enchanting Culinary Delights in an Amazing Atmosphere
The neoclassical menu offers a modern twist on timeless recipes which have been enjoyed for years. From Pan Roasted Salmon with a Ginger Lime Crème Sauce to a Filet Mignon in a Truffled Bordelaise Demi-Glace, Forbes Island provides fine cuisine of the highest caliber. Welcome guests with delectable passed hors d’oeuvres and beautiful appetizer displays. Gourmet entrees are followed by sinfully delicious homemade desserts, such as a slice of Valrhona Chocolate Mousse Cake Chantilly or a Seasonal Fruit Crisp.
The Wine List & Spirits
The culinary experience is complemented by a full bar with a large selection of wines and spirits. Wines at Forbes Island are stored deep below the water’s surface in the underwater wine cellar. Forbes Island offers a wonderful wine selection from California and France, many are from big name wineries, and some wines are made by boutique wineries that have been carefully selected. The full bar has a wonderful selection of cordials, tequilas, cognacs, and several single-malt scotches from the Highlands, Speyside, and Islay.
A Wealth of Zones
Below the surface of the island is a catacomb of underwater chambers, featuring the Main Dining Salon with an elegant fireplace, underwater portholes and a full bar. Beyond you will find the Master Stateroom, a professional kitchen, and the underwater wine cellar. This fascinating environment is the perfect setting for a truly unique and entertaining experience. All inside the World’s only Floating Island!
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Three Separate Rooms or the Entire Island for your Next Special Event
Topside Rooms
The Sea Lion Room – This room offers waterfront views of San Francisco, complete with a private wine bar and fireplace. It is the ideal setting for smaller size parties or for a sunset wine reception with passed hors d’ oeuvres before dining beneath the water. Seating capacity 18 people.
Tahiti Lounge – The Tahiti Lounge is reminiscent of a Polynesian setting under the shade of lush palm trees. This banquet room boasts stellar views of the San Francisco Bay amidst the sounds of a gentle waterfall. It is often used as a dance floor during some of the island’s festive events. Seating capacity 25 people.
The Room Beneath the Water
The Main Dining Salon – Nestled in the core of the island, beneath the water’s surface. Tableside underwater portholes offer the occasional sighting of native fish. The giant cobblestone fireplace and diverse collection of nautifacts lend a grand, yet intimate appeal. Seating capacity 68 people.
Typical flow of a Private Island Event at Forbes Island
Your guests board our private shuttle boat the “Island Queen” and embark on a quick excursion across Sea Lion Harbor. Shortly thereafter they arrive at Forbes Island and are greeted by the wait staff with champagne, wines, and passed hors d’ oeuvres in the Sea Lion Room.
After enjoying the topside of Forbes Island, touring the lighthouse and soaking in the sunset and magnificent views, they adjourn to the Main Dining Salon for a wonderfully prepared 3-course gourmet meal. After enjoying a delightful dessert the full bar at Forbes Island has a vast array of Ports, Dessert Wines, Cordials and Single-Malt Scotches for them to choose from.
If your group is so festive they can move upstairs and dance the night away on the authentic island style wood plank dance floor of the Tahiti Room.
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After your guests take another walk to the top of the lighthouse to enjoy the view they disembark for the mainland. The options for enjoyment are unlimited and the memories are endless.
The Forbes Island Crew and Facility
Forbes Island is the perfect setting for your next corporate or social event. Forbes Island is one of San Francisco’s premier event venues and the professional staff’s experience and full-service facility ensures a successful and memorable event. Forbes Island prides itself in presenting the finest food prepared in a classic manner and served with gracious attention to detail. Exceeding your expectations is Forbes Island’s greatest reward.
Forbes Island is available 7 days a week for private parties, weddings, corporate functions and more. Forbes Island is open to the public for fine dining Wednesday through Sunday at 5pm. Contact Forbes Island
Pier 39, #205 San Francisco, CA 94133 Reservations (415) 951-4900 Event Coordinator – (415) 450-8411 Fax (415) 951-0105
To make reservations for your next special event or for more information contact Forbes Island Events.
(415) 450-8411 or events@forbesisland.com For more information and pictures, please visit us online at www.forbesisland.com
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Directions to Forbes Island
Please follow these 5 easy steps: 1. Park in Pier 39's Parking Garage. (We Validate Parking) 2. Cross Embarcadero & go to "H" Dock (Left of Pier 39 or on the North Side). “H” dock is the first dock on the left of Pier 39 right when you arrive at the water’s edge. “H” dock is directly below the pedestrian overpass. 3. Use the grey courtesy phone to call our Private Shuttle Boat. 4. Take a quick excursion through Sea Lion Harbor to the Island aboard our shuttle boat. 5. In just a few minutes you arrive at Forbes Island.
Reviews
San Francisco Chronicle – “One of the best places to enjoy a meal in the most unique environment.”
Wall Street Journal - "The dining salon is paneled in polished woods, brass antique lamps reflecting in a profusion of mirrors and underwater ports to view the fish... the effect is pure fantasy (or perhaps Fantastic Island).”
Sunset Magazine -"Dining on Forbes Island is like spending an evening in a good friend’s home; you will be warmed by the fireplace in the underwater dining room.”
Narsai David (KCBS 740 AM) – “I can’t get over the charm of this place. The menu is really appealing. We had half rack of lamb, organic pan-roasted salmon; that was absolutely delicious. It has a separate bar area and three separate dining rooms – great for private parties.”
tablehopper – “There are some above-water private rooms, like the sea lion room and the Tahiti room, if you’re seeking a groovy private party location.”
Hooman Khalili (The Sarah & No Name Morning Show Alice 97.3 FM) – “It is a great place to take a date or out-of-town guest.”
Lifestyles of the Rich & Famous - "We've visited many personal paradises around the world, but none like the amazing Forbes Island."
Contra Costa Times - "Dining on Forbes Island within the glass walled Tahiti Room or below deck, oozing intimate, nautical elegance."
Evening Magazine – “An undiscovered gem bobs quietly on the water.”
SF Weekly - "We began with Caesar Salad whose whole hearts of romaine garnished with parmesan, garlic croutons, vine ripe tomatoes and anchovies inspired my girlfriend to swear it was the best she'd ever had.”
Marin Independent Journal - "My Rack of Lamb was perfectly cooked with aromatic herbs that infused the meat with their delectable flavors... both of our main courses were fabulous - ones that will bring us back again to enjoy.”
The Wave Magazine – “If James Bond had a restaurant, it’d be this one. The place is a floating, tricked out, underwater mansion.”
Al Roker (Food Network) – “This is amazing! The chef has it rockin’ in the Forbes Island kitchen.” 6
Common Questions and Answers
What types of events have been held at Forbes Island before?
Wedding Receptions and Ceremonies Rehearsal Dinners and Showers Bar and Bat Mitzvahs Corporate Parties, Team Building Events and Theme Parties Birthday Parties and Anniversaries
What do I need to do to book an event at Forbes Island?
As soon as you are certain of a date for your event you want to fill out an agreement form and get us a deposit to secure the date. The deposit will be applied to your final bill.
How much will my event cost me?
That all depends on you and what you order and what the minimum requirements are for your reserved space. Please contact us for a quote of the minimum requirements for your event. We have prix fixe 3-course banquet meals starting at $39.00 per person. There are no facility fees if you are ordering from our kitchen and bar, unless you do not meet the minimum requirements, December exceptions.
How much is the service charge and sales tax?
Service charge is 18%, which is very competitive in San Francisco as many popular venues are charging 20%-22%. We are able to keep the service charge low and still attract the talented wait staff simply on the high volume of private events we do each year. San Francisco sales tax is currently 9.5% as of April 2009 and is subject to change.
Is the service charge and sales tax included on the food and beverage minimum required for private parties?
Unfortunately it is not. The food and beverage minimum are simply the island’s income for the event.
How much will my bar bill be?
We are not sure, but we can say that the average person consumes about a 1⁄2 bottle of wine (probably closer to 2/3 a bottle during December or Weddings). Some guests may drink a lot more and some may not drink any at all. What we can do to guarantee the amount you spend on your bar is to make your bar either no-host, stop serving it when you reach a certain dollar amount, serve up to a selected amount of wine bottles, or provide you with a beverage package.
Are there any other charges besides what we order in food and libations?
If you do not meet your food and beverage minimum there will be a rental fee to meet the minimum amount. Besides that we require a service charge of 18% and San Francisco sales tax.
Do you have beverage packages?
Yes, premium and well beverage packages are available only for private island events. 3-hour premium beverages packages are $40 per person (well packages are $35 per person). They can be extended for $10 per hour. Beverage packages include beer and Forbes Island red, white and sparkling wines, also includes premium names of the following liquors: tequila, scotch, brandy, whiskey, rum, vodka, and gin.
Do you have a full bar?
Yes we have several cordials, spirits, and wines to choose from. The bar upstairs in the Sea Lion Room is a beer and wine bar only, so for topside events your server will get your drinks for you from our bar in the Main Dining Salon.
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Can I bring my own wine/champagne?
Sure, we charge corkage of $20/750ml for wine and $25/750ml for champagne. We recommend only bringing that special bottle you would like to share with your guests as we have several affordable wines starting at $30 per bottle. Please do not bring wines or champagne that we already carry, i.e. Dom Perignon.
How many people can I have when the island is my private venue for the night?
The island’s capacity is approximately 100 people however we do have only 2 bathrooms and 1 full bar, so much more than that can be uncomfortable for your guests. The Main Dining Salon in the interior of the island seats 68 people, so if your group is larger than that they will not all be sitting in the same room. Final headcount required 7 days prior to your event.
Do you ever do Theme parties?
We do them all the time. We work with professionals that can throw you a great team building event, murder mystery banquet, or theme wedding.
How long will our event last?
Forbes Island usually operates in 3-hour windows. Private Island events can be arranged to last longer. Most importantly is that you let us know in advance how long you want your ideal event to last and within reason we will meet your expectations.
How long will it take to have a 3-course meal?
Usually about 1 1⁄2 to 2 hours, we can serve your meal faster or slower, we gauge the anticipation of your guests the night of the event. If you need to have a scheduled event, go to a show, or have another event to attend that evening, please let us know so we can plan to serve by a certain time.
Can we decorate for our event?
Yes, you own the room/island for your event and you can decorate to make your event more festive. Forbes Island does not allow confetti, rice or open flame candles.
Do you have a PA system (microphone)?
Yes, if it is available you are welcome to use it to make a speech to your guests.
How big is the Tahiti Room’s dance floor?
Approximately 300 square feet or 10 ft by 30 ft. Good size space for 40 or more dancers.
Do you have a stereo system?
Yes, it is piped into all our rooms. For a private island event you can bring your iPod and plug it into our system. If you have a private room you can bring a “boom box” to listen to your own music or if available you can use ours.
Can I bring a DJ or can you provide me one?
Yes, you can hire a DJ or we can provide one for you. We recommend your DJ arrives early to set-up the room and be familiar with the facility.
How long does the shuttle boat ride to the island take and when does our group catch it?
The ride is approximately 3 minutes. Even if your entire group doesn’t fit on our shuttle boat all at once, the boat runs continuously and quickly gets everyone to the party. For group events the shuttle pickups are at a prearranged time so that we know when to expect your group.
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Does the shuttle boat ride cost money?
We do not charge for the shuttle boat to Forbes Island as long as you’re a customer.
Do you validate parking?
Yes, we validate parking at Pier 39 parking garage. It is a partial validation and cost approximately $8 for up to 6 hours.
Can we just do a heavy appetizer party?
Yes you can, but if you would like more passed hors d’ oeuvres than we have on our banquet menu, prices tend to be higher per person than a traditional 3-course meals. Please call to discuss the options for a fantastic event.
Can we bring our own caterer or can you provide one for us?
Yes, you can hire your own favorite caterer for your event. Forbes Island will require a rental fee since you are not ordering from our kitchen. We can arrange to have specialty caterers come for your event that we highly recommend and have worked with in the past.
Can I rent Forbes Island for an event even if I am not having dinner served for my guests?
Yes, Forbes Island is available to rent by the hour for your special event. Call Forbes Island events with details of the event you envision to host for your guests.
Requests from us to make sure your event is special
It is a nice touch to greet your guests with a glass of wine at arrival on the island, most groups do this and we highly recommend it. If interested, please select a couple of bottles of wine so our wait staff can create this special experience for you. You can always change your wine selection after you arrive.
We offer several types of beer. If you would like to have a lot of beer ready for a private island event please choose 2 to offer. We recommend 1 golden beer (i.e. Corona, Heineken, Amstel Light) and 1 dark beer (i.e. Anchor Steam, Full Sail Pale Ale, Sierra Nevada Pale Ale).
Please give us 7 days prior notice for your banquet menu selections. Forbes Island doesn’t have the storage space available to hold food on hand longer than a couple of days, therefore we have to order our food fresh from our purveyors daily and this requires advance planning.
You must notify us of the final headcount of your guests 7 days prior to your event so we can properly set-up. Your guarantee can not be less than your original expected number of guests. Should a guarantee not be received, Forbes Island will charge for the original expected number of guests or the actual attendance, whichever is higher.
To guarantee an event, Forbes Island must receive a signed agreement and retain a deposit. Until we receive a deposit your event is unconfirmed. Sorry we do not do tentative booking.
It is very important to let us know your planned time of arrival so we are ready for your group. You can not arrive earlier, because we may not be completely set-up and ready for your group.
The Forbes Island information package is current on date of publish. We reserve the right to change any of the information in this package at any time without notice.
