San Francisco Bay Sailing Destination: Aquatic Park

Aquatic Park- While Gas Light is a little too big to take advantage of this epic location. We at Bay Lights Charters realize that our audience is full of sailors who own their own boat and are always on the hunt for new and scenic places to explore. It is in this spirit that we have added fun destinations to our blogs.

Along our San Francisco waterfront are many treasures, both shoreside and water oriented. For the sailboater, there is one that stands out above the rest for pure scenery and a little adventure has thrown in! Aquatic Park Cove is that place.

Located between Fort Mason and Fisherman's Wharf, Aquatic Park offers day use anchoring with no permit necessary, or overnight anchor stays for 5 nights maximum with a written permit.

Only non-motorized vessels, or sailboats 40' or less with an auxiliary engine are allowed inside the cove. To anchor for day-use in Aquatic Park, you must contact the harbormaster on VHF channel 83A, or call 415 298-8826. For overnight anchoring, calling the number in advance is necessary. You may also visit their website at Aquatic Park Cove - San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park (U.S. National Park Service) Here, you will find a link to a form that must be filled out and sent back prior to an overnight stay.

This is a fantastic place to go "drop the hook" and enjoy views of the Golden Gate, Hyde Street Pier and the central Bay. What a nice place to spend a night! A peaceful anchorage in the heart of the SF waterfront.

Enjoy the city solitude or a kayak to get to shore for a walk to wonderful hot spots such as the famous Buena Vista Cafe for an Irish Coffee. Ghirardelli Square is only a few minutes walk away as is Fisherman's Wharf and the many shops at Pier 39. Your only concern is to have a proper anchor and ground tackle since there are no moorings or docks in the cove. Anchor bow only since you will want your boat to swing with others inside the relatively small anchorage. It is first to come - first served and on popular holidays or Fleet Week events it will be crowded. There will be swimmers frequenting the waters, so keep a proper look out! Otherwise, Aquatic Park is a gem to visit. With a little planning, you will feel like you have had a 'golden getaway'.