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

The anchorage was pleasant. The only thing missing was a secure dinghy area to leave the dinghy and go explore ashore.

I enjoyed my stay. when the wind is from the North East it is rolly . there are swimmers in the water early morning and late afternoon. enjoy the sound of someone playing an instrument on shore. seals swimming by . Glimmer of the City lights and seeing the towers of the Golden Gate disappear in the fog. Have a good anchor that holds in mud and resets as the tide will swing you 180 degrees. No less than 5 to1 scope of depth of water plus the height of bow off water. be mindful of others. If they drag anchor don't criticize help them out..
Enjoy this gem.
Captain Vince

Aquatic Park Cove is a gem hidden in plain sight. Easy to navigate entrance, easy anchoring with shallow but adequate depth and good holding. Proximal to useful shoreside amenities like a Pharmacy, bodega, some bars and restaurants. The only difficulty is the lack of secure dinghy parking, but with some creative effort one can find a way to get ashore. Water is a little brisk, so a wetsuit seems advisable, but lots of people do without. Check in process is easy and seamless with the recreation.gov website.

This is one of my favorite anchorages in the bay. It’s a gorgeous location with a lot to do in the area. The holding is good, but it can get quite windy there especially in the afternoons. Also, there’s a random intense swell in the cove from ships passing near the city front. I usually keep breakables stowed.

Watch for swimmers. There are a lot of them and they seem to rule the cove. I got comments from a couple different swimmers who noticed I’d been there for a few days; but I just informed them that I had a permit to anchor and all was well.

Permit booking was fast and efficient. We just spent the night at anchor and did not go ashore. It was a windy night but the holding ground is excellent sand/mud so no dragging of the anchor. It is always pleasant to view the city lights and the collection of ships and boats on the Hyde St. Pier facility. Years ago I was a sea scout based in Aquatic Park, later an adult leader of one of the units. It reminds me of old times. Not much has changed which as an oldster now is something I appreciate! We will return again soon.

hyde street pier needs a dingy dock. i make do with the beach but if we are going to pay to be there , it would be nice to have a service.

Excellent value at 10 bucks a night! You need to be comfortable doing beach landings with 1-2 foot surf however. Great public transport nearby to help you explore the whole city. Grab a Clipper card if you don't already have one.

Loved our stay on our boat overlooking Ghiardelli Square! Easy access to public transportation for exploring the city and a Trader Joes as well as a Safeway within walking distance to replenish groceries.

Be careful heading to shore though as you dodge the swimmers -- some of whom even leave the park via the same water entrance you and your boat are traversing. But thankfully they all wear brightly colored swim caps to pick them out as we traveled to shore.

We had a great time! NPS was extremely professional in greeting us (sailboat), making sure we were anchored, and keeping out the riffraff...especially personal watercraft!

It was very straightforwards to book. Both times entering through the narrow entrance we had swimmers nearby - with the strong summer winds that was scary and challenging. I think winter would be much easier. Lots of room to anchor, good holding.