San Diego is a world class destination for boaters of all breeds. The strong warm breezes provide phenomenal sailing conditions, and the sheltered bays are amazing places to cruise the by the skyline, or even dock up for a drink and a bite. Boating along the gorgeous coastline to San Francisco, you can spot marine wildlife that will blow your mind, watch the sunset over the Pacific and find some of the best sport fishing in the country. Whether you stay inside the protected bays or head off the coast for a bigger adventure, you’ll find yourself addicted to the natural beauty of this place.
Cruising California – San Diego to San Francisco
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- Estimated Mileage: 0
Kona Kai Marina
San Diego, CA
619-224-7547HIGHLIGHTS
This is an easy channel to enter but stay in the channel. The Zuniga jetty is south of the channel and is partially submerged at any tide. Go past Ballast Point and the submarine base to Shelter Island. If entering from Mexico (or further south) you are required to stop at the Harbor Police / Customs dock. Phone in customs clearance is not allowed in San Diego. After clearing in the next marina on your starboard side is Kona Kai Marina.
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- Estimated Mileage: 78
Catalina Mooring Service
Catalina Island, CA
310-510-4253HIGHLIGHTS
Catalina Island is gorgeous and has three bays, Avalon and Isthmus on the east side and Catalina (Cat) Harbor on the west. There are no docks for transiting yachts at any of these harbors, there are moorings available on a first come first serve basis.
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- Estimated Mileage: 44
Esprit Marina
Marina Del Rey, CA
310-591-2475HIGHLIGHTS
As close to downtown L.A. as is possible to get by boat. Enter via the south side of the breakwater. Channel is subject to shoaling, contact Harbor Patrol to check depth if you draw over 61/2 feet. There are several marinas to choose from.
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- Estimated Mileage: 46
Channel Islands Harbor Marina
Oxnard, CA
805-984-7780HIGHLIGHTS
Today, the islands that the Chumash first settled are part of Channel Islands National Park, in Santa Barbara, Calif., which itself is encompassed by the Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary, a preserve that stretches from Point Conception south toward Oxnard. The national park is made up of five islands: San Miguel, Santa Rosa, Santa Cruz, Anacapa, and Santa Barbara. Each of the islands offer a unique boating experience that includes hiking, diving, kayaking, bird and whale watching, fishing, and even camping should you want to bring a tent and stay ashore for the night.
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- Estimated Mileage: 111
Port San Luis Harbor
Avila Beach, CA
805-595-5400 ext:14HIGHLIGHTS
An easy to enter, large roadstead, semi protected. This is a good stopping place to rest up after rounding Point Conception.
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- Estimated Mileage: 15
Morro Bay Marina
Morro Bay, CA
805-772-8085HIGHLIGHTS
Beware of entering this area in high seas. Morro Bay is a nice quaint small town.
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- Estimated Mileage: 104
Breakwater Cove Marina
Monterey, CA
831-373-7857 ext 10HIGHLIGHTS
Home of the famous aquarium.
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- Estimated Mileage: 67
Pillar Point Harbor
Half Moon Bay, CA
650-726-5727HIGHLIGHTS
Beautiful double breakwaters protecting a large bay. You will see the giant antenna from a distance. Inner harbor has some transient moorage but outer harbor has good holding ground and is very protected if you decide to anchor.
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- Estimated Mileage: 23
Pier 39 Marina
San Francisco, CA
415-705-5436HIGHLIGHTS
One of the best destinations and coming under the Golden Gate Bridge is truly memorable. Strong currents, lots of chop, high winds are features of this great, huge bay. If you want to stay outside of the city just to the north is Sausalito with Schoonmaker Point marina (415-331-1550) having only large boat transient slips on the Bay. They can take yachts greater than 150 feet with up to 10-foot draft.