Aquatic Park Cove, Black Point Overnight Anchoring, Sailing Vessels Only (auxiliary Engine Ok)

Aquatic Park is one of the best spots to anchor in the entire San Francisco Bay Area. We were the only "campers" on the one night that we stayed.

Winds and waves were light, blocked to some extent by the pier.

The major challenge is avoiding the many swimmers, but slow and cautious arrival and departure can telegraph intentions.

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Perfect place to explore city. Secure place to leave dinghy
Very friendly and welcoming staff exercise extreme care when manoeuvring as swimmers in the water

My anchorage in Aquatic Park lived up to my bucket list expectations. This was part of my dream of sailing in to San Francisco and anchoring right in the heart of the city. But the real kicker that I was not expecting was the awesome treatment from the National Park Service personnel. They were so helpful and friendly. They gave us information on how get a key to access the San Francisco City Dock ($7/day) to dock our dinghy because unfortunately there is not a dinghy dock associated with the National Park and beach landings can be difficult.

The anchorage is rolly - the swimmers are there 24/7 and most are friendly and like to chat as they swim by. There are revelers on the shore in the park at night - but that is part of the experience.

I highly recommend anchoring in Aquatic Park as part of the experience of sailing San Francisco and making sure to reach out to the Park Staff to meet them and take advantage of their hospitality and knowledge.

I highly recommend you add Aquatic Park to your cruising plans if you find yourself in San Francisco.

great place and great park wardens

Wonderful spot in a great town.

Very good, protected and secure anchorage.
Booking and payment system workmed very well.
NPS security guard was very helpful and made sure that I had access to the dinghy through the locked gate.

We really enjoyed our stay in the aquatic park. The security staff were friendly , courteous and very helpful. Being anchored in the aquatic park inspired us to get back into open water swimming. So much of SAN Francisco’s sites are in easy walking/ cycling distance. Highly recommend!

Definitely plan to arrive before sunset. The entrance is narrow, and while there are several mooring buoys to avoid (they’re obstructions, not for use), the conditions can be a bit rolly—so be prepared. Expect city life around you: music and parties on shore carrying late into the night, and swimmers up early in the morning. After all, it’s San Francisco.

At 5:30 a.m. we received an email about a swim event starting at 8:00, with boats asked to either clear the area before the event or stay put until after. It would have been nice to know the day before, but we just adjusted and made it work.

All that being said, I’d definitely stay here again. Next time, I’ll plan to arrive earlier to take better advantage of being right in the heart of San Francisco.

Fantastic location with magnificent views. Wonderful morning swims. Poor holding in soft mud, so be certain to use a Danforth or Fortress anchor. Exposed to winds so consider a riding sail or drag an anchor from the stern on extremely short scope to limit “sailing on anchor”.