Warning
GeneralThis location is open during the Federal government lapse in funding.
About Aquatic Park Cove, Black Point Overnight Anchoring, Sailing Vessels Only (auxiliary Engine Ok)
Number of accommodations: 12
Seasonal information
2026 Season availability
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Reviews (55)
What Guests Are Saying
Aquatic Park is praised as an exceptional anchorage spot in San Francisco Bay, offering a secure and scenic location with friendly and helpful staff. While the area is lively with swimmers and revelers, it adds to the vibrant atmosphere, and the proximity to city attractions is a major plus. Some challenges include navigating swimmers and potential rolling conditions, but overall, visitors highly recommend adding Aquatic Park to their cruising plans for a memorable experience.
What Guests Are Saying
Aquatic Park is praised as an exceptional anchorage spot in San Francisco Bay, offering a secure and scenic location with friendly and helpful staff. While the area is lively with swimmers and revelers, it adds to the vibrant atmosphere, and the proximity to city attractions is a major plus. Some challenges include navigating swimmers and potential rolling conditions, but overall, visitors highly recommend adding Aquatic Park to their cruising plans for a memorable experience.
Review Summary
Greg M
VerifiedSeptember 22, 2025 • Stayed at: APA06, Loop: Aquatic Park Cove San Francisco Maritime NHP
Best hotel room in San Francisco. Secure beach inside park gate was great place to land our kayak. Several other boats dragged anchor, we were glad to have an oversized (40 lb. for our 36’ sailboat) Danforth down which held great.
Shane B
VerifiedSeptember 19, 2025 • Stayed at: APA08, Loop: Aquatic Park Cove San Francisco Maritime NHP
I reserved three nights, I was within 24 hours of canceling those three nights so it said it charged me $10 for the cancellation fee and then it would not allow me to cancel the other two nights due to technical errors on the website! It said cannot process your cancellation at this time try again later!! What a rip off I'm still owed $20!
Brian H
VerifiedSeptember 19, 2025 • Stayed at: APA05, Loop: Aquatic Park Cove San Francisco Maritime NHP
Wonderful people, very hospitable. 2 odd things about the facility. 2 washrooms, unmarked, for gender, consequently men walking into the ladies etc., and, no access to a water supply. Both easy to fix.
Mike T
VerifiedSeptember 8, 2025 • Stayed at: APA07, Loop: Aquatic Park Cove San Francisco Maritime NHP
A little crowded on Labor day, I was paranoid all night about dragging anchor or getting tangled up with another boat. Having fixed moorings would make it easier to sleep. Otherwise, nice place to spend the night. Make sure to check in with the rangers who will let you keep your dinghy on the beach inside the locked area and let you in after hours.
Jeff F
VerifiedJanuary 27, 2025 • Stayed at: APA01, Loop: Aquatic Park Cove San Francisco Maritime NHP
Wonderful location.
rick m
VerifiedDecember 14, 2024 • Stayed at: APA06, Loop: Aquatic Park Cove San Francisco Maritime NHP
Excellent Anchorage enjoy it every year
Don C
VerifiedDecember 9, 2024 • Stayed at: APA01, Loop: Aquatic Park Cove San Francisco Maritime NHP
A great spot downtown. Some directions to a dinghy dock would be nice
Gray D
VerifiedOctober 21, 2024 • Stayed at: APA09, Loop: Aquatic Park Cove San Francisco Maritime NHP
Amazing to be able to stay at this part of the city. Such a great anchorage spot.
October 11, 2024 • Stayed at: APA09, Loop: Aquatic Park Cove San Francisco Maritime NHP
The Park Rangers and security guards were very informative and helpful. The location with its beautiful view and close proximity to the city was fantastic.
I was amazed by how many swimmers there were in the cove. They were a treat to see and very nice. I was able to talk with several of them.
I would love to return some day!
Dave
Karl H
VerifiedDecember 19, 2023 • Stayed at: APA08, Loop: Aquatic Park Cove San Francisco Maritime NHP
Aquatic Park is a beautiful destination in a beautiful city. The staff at the San Francisco Maritime National Park at the Hyde Street Pier were amazing, and we will come back for sure. We LOVED this place!
Location Aquatic Park Cove, Black Point Overnight Anchoring, Sailing Vessels Only (auxiliary Engine Ok)
Address:
San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park, Fort Mason Center, Building E, 2nd Floor
San Francisco, CA, 94123
United States
San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park is located within the city limits of San Francisco, in the Fisherman's Wharf neighborhood, on the shoreline of San Francisco Bay. Aquatic Cove overnight stays are off shore, accessible only by non-motorized watercraft.
Latitude & Longitude: 37.8089 / -122.424
Elevation: 0 feet
Policies & Rules
| Category | About |
|---|---|
| General |
Reservations. Anchoring reservations may be purchased up to six months in advance. |
| General |
Reservation-holders. Reservations are assigned to a specific visitor & vessel (CF Number). |
| General |
Sailboats with auxiliary engines only. Only sailboats with small inboard or outboard auxiliary engines are allowed in Aquatic Park Cove, San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park. Private motor-only boats are prohibited. |
| General |
Anchoring. There are no permanent fixed moorings or designated anchorage sites available to visiting vessels (the map shows suggestions only). Your reservation allows you to find available space on a first come, first serve basis. Use of the cove requires adequate anchor and proper gear. Visiting vessels will see moorings in the cove but they are not for public use. These moorings are reserved for National Park Service and Park Partner use. |
| General |
Large Vessels. All vessels over 40' in length or 8' in depth require park approval prior to entering the cove. Contact Anchor Permit Supervisor at (415) 716-1807. |
| General |
Reservation Only. Overnight (sunset to sun up) stays by visiting vessels are permitted by reservation only. |
| General |
Maximum Stay. Reservations serve as a permit for a maximum of 5 consecutive nights at a time. A break of one full week of seven (7) 24-hour consecutive hour time periods from Aquatic Park Cove is required before re-entering the Cove for overnight stays. After the 7-day break, visitors may request another reservation for permission to stay in Anchor Cove. Total overnight stays are limited to 30 nights per year. |
| General |
Maximum Number of Vessels. A maximum of 12 visiting vessels may overnight in the Cove. |
| General |
Unattended Vessels. Vessels may not be left unattended for more than six hours. |
| General |
Watch for Swimmers in the Cove. Open water swimmers use the cove on a nearly continuous basis both day and night. Vessels are advised to use extreme caution when maneuvering within the Cove at all times. |
| General |
Confirmation Email. Anchoring reservations permits may be obtained through Recreation.gov. Your confirmation email serves as your permit and is subject to verification by maritime ranger staff under the direction of the Aquatic Park Cove Harbor Master. Please bring your confirmation email with you. |
| General |
Other Requirements and Restrictions. Unless otherwise stated, these (and other) regulatory provisions apply in addition to the requirements contained in 36 CFR, Chapter 1, parts 1-7. |
| General |
Dragging anchor. vessels anchoring in the cove do so at their own risk. Should your vessel drag anchor, a commercial vessel assist/tow service should be called. When arrangements have been made, please contact NPS anchorage on marine channel 83A or call 1-415-716-1807. |
Warnings & Advisories
Warning
GeneralThis location is open during the Federal government lapse in funding.
