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
Curtis J
VerifiedDecember 2, 2023 • Stayed at: APA07, Loop: Aquatic Park Cove San Francisco Maritime NHP
Spectacular place to anchor within San Francisco. It's always a bit rolly and a flopper stopper makes for a nicer stay. Also a soft bridle is recommended as the current and wind and cause your anchor chain to rub against the hull. A beautiful location if your prepared for it. Always be alert for swimmers and have someone as a spotter to make eye contact and let them know you see them. All the swimmers we’ve met a talked to are great folks.
Richard V
VerifiedNovember 6, 2023 • Stayed at: APA09, Loop: Aquatic Park Cove San Francisco Maritime NHP
A nice anchorage with excellent ground holding, and easy dinghy to shore access through the NPS gated entrance at the Hyde Street Pier. Close to Ghirardelli Square, Fisherman’s Wharf, and many other San Francisco tourist attractions.
Michael C
VerifiedSeptember 21, 2023 • Stayed at: APA08, Loop: Aquatic Park Cove San Francisco Maritime NHP
Great spot in downtown San Francisco at a great price!!
Katia G
VerifiedAugust 28, 2023 • Stayed at: APA07, Loop: Aquatic Park Cove San Francisco Maritime NHP
Aquatic Park Cove is a lovely place to anchor in the heart of San Francisco. From here you can hop on public transit or rent a hike to visit the city. Fun to watch all the swimmers and check out the Maritime Museum. Staff are helpful and make you feel welcome.
Nick A
VerifiedDecember 2, 2022 • Stayed at: APA02, Loop: Aquatic Park Cove San Francisco Maritime NHP
Safe, beautiful. If only there was some way to dinghy to shore or to a dock for a couple of hours though.
Rosalyne B
VerifiedNovember 24, 2022 • Stayed at: APA01, Loop: Aquatic Park Cove San Francisco Maritime NHP
Good knowledgeable staff. Fun place. Great displays. Super spot for a visiting sailboat
Thanks to everyone
william w
VerifiedOctober 25, 2022 • Stayed at: APA07, Loop: Aquatic Park Cove San Francisco Maritime NHP
Had a great time. Nice anchorage. Upon entering Aquatic Park Cove San Francisco there was a sign instructing boats to call park manager on VHF channel 83a. Manager was not available on VHF (it was a Monday at 1pm). Sign also had phone number to call but there was no answer. Finally had to find internet and get permit that way. Where was the ranger.
You guys need to either be available at the contacts listed on the sign or change the sign and remove those contact instructions.
Deborah T
VerifiedOctober 17, 2022 • Stayed at: APA03, Loop: Aquatic Park Cove San Francisco Maritime NHP
Good holding and beautiful sites.
Tom G
VerifiedOctober 17, 2022 • Stayed at: APA01, Loop: Aquatic Park Cove San Francisco Maritime NHP
Had a fantastic trip anchoring was easy in the national park patrol boat was excellent to have out there…
Daniel S
VerifiedOctober 16, 2022 • Stayed at: APA07, Loop: Aquatic Park Cove San Francisco Maritime NHP
Great place to experience Fleet Week
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.
