OutReserve

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

Warning

General

This location is open during the Federal government lapse in funding.

Aquatic Park Cove, Black Point Overnight Anchoring, Sailing Vessels Only (auxiliary Engine Ok)
Aquatic Park Cove, Black Point Overnight Anchoring, Sailing Vessels Only (auxiliary Engine Ok)
San Francisco Skyline from Aquatic Park Cove
Aquatic Park Cove, Black Point Overnight Anchoring, Sailing Vessels Only (auxiliary Engine Ok)
Boats anchored in Aquatic Park Cove

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

Aquatic Park Cove is a vibrantly urban harbor that mimics a natural anchorage and is located on the Pacific shores of one of America's great West Coast cities. San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park's Aquatic Park Cove is the small craft gateway to San Francisco. Vessels entering Aquatic Park Cove are instructed to contact the Park's permit officer on VHF marine radio channel 83A (157.175Mhz) using the call sign "Aquatic Park NPS" followed by transmission of the vessel's name. Reservations serve as a permit for visiting sailing vessels to stay overnight in the cove. Sailing vessels with auxiliary engines are authorized to use engines to maneuver at very low speed within the cove in order to safely enter, anchor, and depart the cove. Use of small outboard engine on dinghies is authorized for safe transit to and from vessel to shore only. Vessel and dinghy operators using auxuliary engines are to be aware of swimmers and wildlife at all times. Vessels or watercraft without sailing rigs whose primary design falls into the class of motorboat, speedboat, & powerboat (including jet skis), are strictly prohibited from entering or anchoring in Aquatic Park Cove.

Number of accommodations: 12

Seasonal information

2026 Season availability

Current season
Upcoming seasons
Past seasons
Closed periods
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Currently open - Jan 16 to Dec 31

Sites & Availability

12 Sites Available

Site
Price
APA01, Loop: Aquatic Park Cove San Francisco Maritime NHP
6 guests · Pet Friendly
Price not available
APA02, Loop: Aquatic Park Cove San Francisco Maritime NHP
6 guests · Pet Friendly
Price not available
APA03, Loop: Aquatic Park Cove San Francisco Maritime NHP
6 guests · Pet Friendly
Price not available
APA04, Loop: Aquatic Park Cove San Francisco Maritime NHP
6 guests · Pet Friendly
Price not available
APA05, Loop: Aquatic Park Cove San Francisco Maritime NHP
6 guests · Pet Friendly
Price not available
APA06, Loop: Aquatic Park Cove San Francisco Maritime NHP
6 guests · Pet Friendly
Price not available
APA07, Loop: Aquatic Park Cove San Francisco Maritime NHP
6 guests · Pet Friendly
Price not available
APA08, Loop: Aquatic Park Cove San Francisco Maritime NHP
6 guests · Pet Friendly
Price not available
APA09, Loop: Aquatic Park Cove San Francisco Maritime NHP
6 guests · Pet Friendly
Price not available
APA10, Loop: Aquatic Park Cove San Francisco Maritime NHP
6 guests · Pet Friendly
Price not available
APA11, Loop: Aquatic Park Cove San Francisco Maritime NHP
6 guests · Pet Friendly
Price not available
APA12, Loop: Aquatic Park Cove San Francisco Maritime NHP
6 guests · Pet Friendly
Price not available

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.

Review Summary

4.6
55 reviews
5
72.7%
40
4
18.2%
10
3
7.3%
4
2
0.0%
0
1
1.8%
1

Paul C

Verified

January 17, 2020 Stayed at: APA01, Loop: Aquatic Park Cove San Francisco Maritime NHP

5

Very good stay, excellent support from the shore staff.

Kevin N

Verified

January 17, 2020 Stayed at: APA09, Loop: Aquatic Park Cove San Francisco Maritime NHP

5

Great location in the heart of the city. Option to pay for dinghy dock access at Fisherman's pier a big plus.

Thomas K

Verified

January 15, 2020 Stayed at: APA01, Loop: Aquatic Park Cove San Francisco Maritime NHP

5

This cove is a jewel in the SF Bay Area.

doug j

Verified

December 18, 2019 Stayed at: APA12, Loop: Aquatic Park Cove San Francisco Maritime NHP

5

Well managed anchorage, can be a little rolly.

Anonymous

5

{"text"=>"A beautiful park with great views of the Golden Gate Bridge and the trolley cars.", "languageCode"=>"en"}

Google Maps

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

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

General

This location is open during the Federal government lapse in funding.

Nearby Campgrounds