Aquatic Park Cove, Black Point Overnight Anchoring, Sailing Vessels only (auxiliary engine OK)

Overview

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.

Recreation

The Cove offers aquatic opportunities to many park users such as kayakers, paddle boarders, rowers, as well as open water swimming in a semi-protected environment.Facilities

Overnight Use: A reservation serves as your permit to bring a sailing vessel (auxiliary engine OK) and anchor overnight in the cove. There are no dinghy docks or boathouse facilities. Access to the shore is island-style beach landing. Visitors are asked not to secure dinghies to historic lamp posts but to use wooden pilings adjacent to the Dolphin Club for this purpose (see map). Once ashore, visitors can enjoy a well-maintained soft sand beach near a relaxing grassy park perfect for picnics and panoramic views of San Francisco Bay immediately south of iconic Alcatraz Island & Angel Island. Restrooms and open outdoor showers are available on park property during the park's regular business hours.