Best Places To Dock Your Boat In San Diego Bay

San Diego Bay is a boating haven, attracting enthusiasts from across the world. The bay offers year-round sunshine, sandy beaches, and calm waters, making it an ideal location for docking your boat. With dozens of marinas to choose from, boat owners can select a spot based on their preferences for location, amenities, and price. From the popular Point Loma Marina to the quiet south end of the bay, there are many options for both short-term and long-term docking.

Short and long-term docking options

San Diego Bay is a boating haven, offering year-round sunshine and minimal rain. There are dozens of marinas in and around the bay, with options for both short- and long-term docking.

Short-term docking options

Short-term docking is available at the Harbor Island West Marina, which is located at the west end of Harbor Island, just minutes from the Pacific Ocean. They offer a full-service fuel dock, a restaurant and deli, and laundry facilities. Daily guest rates are $2 per foot per night, regardless of vessel size, with a three-night minimum.

For a more budget-friendly option, the Shelter Island Guest Docks offer 26 slips for recreational vessels up to 65 feet in length. Vessels can stay for up to 15 days within a 40-day period, at a rate of $1.27 per lineal foot per day.

Long-term docking options

For long-term docking, the Point Loma Marina offers daily and monthly rental options. Their guest rate ranges from $1.75-$2.25 per foot per night, plus electricity rates. Monthly rentals start at about $900 per month and can go up to $2000 or more, depending on the size of your vessel.

Another option for long-term docking is Intrepid Landing on Shelter Island, which offers great views of the San Diego skyline and access to amenities like laundry facilities and storage units. Monthly rates range from $750 to $1900, depending on the size of your boat, with additional electricity fees.

Dock and Dine Options

For those looking to combine docking and dining, there are several restaurants in San Diego that offer docks for their guests. These include Fathom, Bali Hai, Mitch's Seafood, and Point Loma Seafood, among others. Most of these docks operate on a first-come, first-served basis, so it's recommended to arrive early, especially during prime eating times.

Docking and dining

San Diego Bay is a boating haven, attracting enthusiasts from across the globe. With its year-round good weather, sandy beaches, and sparkling waters, it's a great place to dock your boat and enjoy a meal.

Where to Dock and Dine

The bay offers a variety of dining options, from quiet anchorages to bustling marinas. Here are some top spots to consider:

• Vessel: Part of the Kona Kai Resort, Vessel offers two areas on Dock A for guest slips. It's first-come, first-served, so plan your arrival time accordingly.
• Fathom: While primarily a fishing dock, Fathom has free slips available while you dine. No reservations are required, making it a convenient option.
• Bali Hai: This restaurant offers a private dock that can accommodate up to six boats, depending on their size. It's another first-come, first-served spot, so arrive early to secure your space.
• Mitch's Seafood and Point Loma Seafood: Sun Road Marina's guest dock at this location can accommodate four to six boats. There is a two-hour limit, so it's perfect for a quick bite.
• Jimmy's Famous American Tavern: For a taste of classic American fare, head to Jimmy's, which offers two slips at the Point Loma Marina. As always, these are first-come, first-served.
• Island Prime and C Level: For a more upscale dining experience, make reservations in advance for docking at Sunroad Marina. It's a great option if you're looking for a more relaxed evening.
• Miguel's Cocina: Located at Portside Pier, Miguel's Cocina offers four free spaces right in front of the restaurant. No reservations are needed, so you can simply sail up and enjoy.
• Tequila Bar & Grille: Dock at the Marriott Marquis Marina for access to this lively dining spot. You can also walk to The Headquarters for a variety of dining options. Reservations are required, and they offer overnight docking.
• Joe's Crab Shack: If you're craving seafood, Joe's Crab Shack is a great choice, with two slips available for boats up to 40 feet. Be sure to check your draft and tide before arriving, as it can be shallow.
• Il Fornaio: Located at Coronado Ferry Landing, Il Fornaio offers a free public dock with a four-hour limit. No reservations are needed, making it a convenient spot for a spontaneous meal.

Additional Docking Options

Aside from dining, there are plenty of other docking options around San Diego Bay. Here are a few more to consider:

• Point Loma Marina: A popular choice for both short-term and long-term docking, offering daily and monthly rates. They are a Certified Clean Marina with a range of amenities nearby.
• Harbor Island West Marina: Located at the west end of Harbor Island, this marina offers 620 slips for boats ranging from 21 to 100 feet in length. You'll find a full-service fuel dock, a restaurant, a pool, and laundry facilities here.
• Intrepid Landing: This newer dock on Shelter Island offers stunning views of the San Diego skyline and is just a short distance from the bay. It provides amenities like laundry facilities and remodeled bathrooms.
• Shelter Island Guest Docks: Managed by the Port of San Diego, these guest docks can accommodate recreational vessels up to 65 feet in length. Vessels can stay for up to 15 days within a 40-day period. Reservations are required, and slips are rented at a daily rate.

Temporary anchorage areas

San Diego Bay has several temporary anchorage areas for boats. Most anchorages are by permit only and are available for 72-hour periods. Permits must be obtained at least one day in advance and require a valid ID and vessel registration. Most permits are issued without a fee online by the San Diego Unified Port District or from the Harbor Police Mooring Office during regular business hours from 0800 –1600 hours Monday to Friday.

There are four anchorages within San Diego Bay that are popularly used. La Playa Cove (A-1) is a weekend-only anchorage located between the Southwestern and San Diego Yacht Clubs in the Shelter Island Basin. A permit is required, and vessels must have holding tanks. There are two anchorages at Glorietta Bay. The first, A-5, requires a permit and is open 7 days a week with anchoring up to 72 hours. The second anchorage area is a special 72-hour anchorage that is open only for special events and requires a special permit. The Cruiser Anchorage (A-9) is for 'out-of-town' boats only and is located south of the Coast Guard Station, east of Harbor Island. A permit must be obtained in person, and a boat inspection is required.

There are also transient mooring balls available for boats up to 65 feet in length. These are on a first-come, first-served basis and are good for a maximum of 30 days in a 45-day period. Mediterranean Moorings are also available for transient vessels up to 50 feet in length for up to 30 days.

In addition to these designated anchorages, the general day-use anchorage grounds include all the navigable waters of the harbor except cable and pipeline areas, special anchorages, and Naval Restricted Areas. Vessels anchoring in these areas must not obstruct the approaches to the wharves in the harbor.

Docking costs

The cost of docking your boat in San Diego depends on several factors, including the location, duration of your stay, and size of your vessel. Here is a detailed breakdown of the docking costs in the area:

Point Loma Marina

Point Loma Marina is a popular choice for boat owners, offering both long-term and short-term storage options. Their daily rates are variable, ranging from $1.75 to $2.25 per foot per night, plus electricity charges. For monthly rentals, prices start at $900 and can go upwards of $2000, depending on the size of your boat. They also offer additional amenities, such as restaurants and boatyards nearby.

Harbor Island West Marina

Located at the west end of Harbor Island, this marina provides easy access to the bay and the Pacific Ocean. With 620 slips available, they can accommodate boats ranging from 21 to 100 feet in length. Their monthly rental rates start from $450 and can go up to $1000 or more, depending on the boat size and chosen amenities. For daily guests, they have a three-night minimum stay policy, and the guest rate is a standard $2 per foot per night.

Intrepid Landing

Intrepid Landing, situated on Shelter Island, offers stunning views of the San Diego skyline and is just a short distance from the bay. They provide amenities like laundry facilities, storage units, and remodelled bathrooms with showers. Monthly rates at this location depend on the size of your boat and can range from $750 to $1900, excluding electricity fees.

Shelter Island Guest Docks

The Port of San Diego maintains a guest dock facility at Shelter Island, accommodating recreational vessels up to 65 feet in length. The slips are rented at $1.27 per lineal foot per day, with a maximum stay of 15 days within a 40-day period. Water and 30 Amp shore power connections are included with each slip.

Private Docks

Private docks are also available for rent in the San Diego area, with rates varying depending on the location and amenities offered. For example, a private dock in Newport Beach, California, is listed at $4675 per month or $150 per night, while another private dock in the same area is listed at $9000 per month or $450 per night. These prices often include access to additional features like pools and calm, deep water.

Docking safety regulations

Docking your boat in San Diego Bay requires adhering to specific safety regulations to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all. Here are some essential instructions to follow:

Speed Limits:

• Observe the general vessel speed limit of 5 miles per hour within 100 feet of a swimmer or surfer and within 200 feet of a beach frequented by swimmers.
• Maintain a speed limit of 5 miles per hour or less within 1,000 feet of the oceanfront coastline of San Diego.
• In Mission Bay, the speed limit from sunset to sunrise is 5 miles per hour.
• Certain areas in Mission Bay have designated speed limits of 5 miles per hour or less at all times, including within 100 feet of the shore, within 100 feet of another vessel, and wherever buoys indicate a 5-mile-per-hour limit.

Age Restrictions:

• No person under the age of twelve (12) is permitted to operate a motorized vessel with more than fifteen (15) horsepower.
• Children aged twelve (12) to sixteen (16) must be accompanied by an individual eighteen (18) years or older onboard when operating such a vessel.

Equipment Requirements:

• Ensure your boat is equipped with the necessary safety gear, including one throwable flotation device, one wearable flotation device for each person onboard, and a marine-type fire extinguisher for motorboats of a closed hull construction.
• If you plan to operate your boat after sunset, ensure it has navigation lights.
• Carry a sound-producing device, a visual distress signal, and appropriate registration documents, numbers, and stickers.

Beaching and Anchoring:

• Beaching vessels are permitted in many parts of Mission Bay, except in designated swim areas or waterski takeoff and landing areas. The north end of Fiesta Island is closed to beaching.
• Beaching is prohibited along the oceanfront, except at the La Jolla Shores boat launch in La Playa.
• For overnight anchoring in Mission Bay, Mariners Basin is the only permitted location, with a stay limited to 72 hours. Long-term moorings are available for a fee.

Special Use Areas:

• Mission Bay has designated activity zones, including swimming areas, open speed areas, 5 mph areas, and special use areas for personal watercraft and waterskiing.
• Pay close attention to posted signs in these special use areas, as certain beach areas have specific rules, such as the four waterski takeoff and landing zones that are exclusively for active participants in waterskiing.

Reservation and Permits:

• The Port of San Diego offers temporary anchorage areas, including anchorages and guest docks, through an online reservation service.
• Anchorages have a maximum reservation period of 72 hours, and you must wait 24 hours before applying for another permit.
• Guest docks allow stays of up to 15 days in a 40-day period and are located at the southwestern end of Shelter Island.
• As of January 1, 2018, operators of any motorized vessel on California waterways, including San Diego Bay, must have a California Boater Card, which requires passing a boating safety examination.

Frequently asked questions