living on a sailboat in san diego

The Best Liveaboard Marinas In California

If you are one of the lucky few who have the opportunity to live aboard your boat the opportunities are limitless.

Very few people in this day and age can afford to live on their boat. Be it because of the cost or because their job limits them to somewhere specific, finding a way to live and work full time from a marina can be difficult.

If you do manage to get the balance right and you have the money, a job that fits, and the seafaring knowhow to live aboard a boat then you are in luck. The world is your oyster.

So now, the only question remaining is where do you want to live? It doesn’t need to be near where you live now. It doesn’t even need to be in the same country.

Perhaps, now is the time to set sail to waters anew and see what the world has to offer. Or, perhaps you are looking for stability. A good economy, good weather, high-quality marinas, and a laid back way of life. That means California might be the place for you. Here are some of the best liveaboard marinas in California.

Table of contents

‍ Why might someone want to live aboard their boat in California?

California is one of the best states to live in. This is for a few reasons. Primarily though, the economy and the weather. The weather especially plays a big part if you are planning on living aboard your boat. California only gets about 33 days of rain a year. Or, less than once a week. If you are living on your boat then the above deck areas account for a very large percentage of your space. If you are forced to live below deck because of constant rain, you are essentially losing half of your home. This isn’t an issue in California. California is a very liberal state. Weed is legalized, it has a very young and diverse population, and its economy is booming. Whether or not all of those things can be seen as good is purely subjective. California is also home to some incredible sporting opportunities. Especially hiking.

What are some things to consider when living aboard your boat in California?

California is great. There is so much to do. Typically, you hear that about most places. Of course, there are lots of things do everywhere. California takes that to a whole other level though. This is even more apparent in Los Angeles. The advantage of living somewhere with huge youth culture is that there are always activities popping up. When combined with the extreme wealth of the state this is kicked into overdrive. Rock climbing, tennis, gyms, swimming pools, skate parks, hiking, bars, restaurants, sporting events. Anything you can think of. This is good for not only you but your visitors. If you are looking for somewhere cool for the grandkids to visit, California may be the one for you.

California, especially cities like Los Angeles, is very liberal. In every sense of the word. Whether or not this is right for you can depend on a lot on your personality. Your political leanings should not dictate where you feel comfortable living. That being said, Los Angeles is perhaps the most leftwing city in the country. This is neither good nor bad, just something that should be noted. If you are against the recreational use of marijuana, then California isn’t the state for you. Conversely, maybe legalized cannabis products might make California the exact right state for you. That’s up to your personal preference.

The weather can be seen as either good or bad. Some people like rain, some don’t. Additionally, the temperature can be seen as a good thing or a bad thing depending on the kind of climate you feel comfortable in. Since California is a pretty hot state, there is AC everywhere. So escaping the heat isn’t all that hard. You may want to consider installing some kind of climate control on your boat. A small USB fan might not be enough in the summer months. You could always cool off in the water though.

Once you have decided whether or not California is the state for you, its time to consider where precisely you might like to live. Living in San Diego is very different than living in San Francisco. There is a lot to consider from city to city, not to mention the individual marinas. Renting a marina slip is often just as much of a commitment as renting an apartment. So making sure you pick the right one is a big decision. Sure, you can rent from a week to week base without a contract but you lose renter’s rights and it is more expensive. Most marinas will offer better rates for long term agreements. The security is better for both of you.

What are the qualities of a good marina?

Good is very subjective. For one person, a good marina might be one that costs as little as possible. For someone else, it could be a marina that has a huge array of amenities. Next, you want to consider the location. Do you want to live in Los Angeles or somewhere a little quieter like San Diego? Or perhaps you want to live somewhere a little more upmarket like San Franciso because of your job. Here are some of the most important things to consider when choosing your marina:

Good amenities:

Amenities matter. Perhaps more than most other things. If you are going to be living on your boat, you are extremely limited when it comes to space. For example, if you live in an apartment you might have a washer and dryer. This isn’t possible on a boat. Unless you are living on a yacht. If your marina doesn’t provide washers and dryers you are going to be forced to lug your dirty laundry around town with you. If you don’t have a car, this is going to be a nightmare.

The location of the marina also matters. How close you are to the city center might play a role in whether the location is right for you. For example, if you are going to be very far away from any kind of mall or grocery store you will need to rely on Uber, taxis, or public transport to do your shopping. Some marinas even have a small grocery store on sight (this is quite rare though). If you are expecting to work, but not from your boat, you need to be within reasonable proximity to your job. Transit time can take a lot longer in Los Angeles than in San Diego.

Having a marina that makes you feel safe is so important. Boats are not secure, by nature, having lots of locks on a boat is not ideal. Imagine locking yourself out of your boat at sea? That’s a death sentence. So, how secure is the marina? Does it have high fences? Lots of CCTV cameras? All of these things factor into your peace of mind. Additionally, a strong show of force makes the marina look like a hassle. If robbing your boat looks like an impossible task, no one is going to even attempt it. Remember, all of your belongings are on your boat. When you are living on your boat you may not have many belongings to start with (limited space).

Having a reliable internet connection is a necessity. Whether you rely on it for work or not. Without it, you are going to be bored. Very bored. There isn’t an awful lot to do on a boat. You cant store many things to do, like books to read, there is no room to move around and do things you are pretty limited in space. So, what can you do? Fish. Sunbathe. Or watch tv. There isn’t much chance of getting cable television, you will be relying on wifi far more than you do now. If you cant stream shows, movies, and sports over the internet then you arent going to be able to watch them at all. Some marinas provide wifi and some allow cabled installations. Otherwise, you might want to just rely on the hotspot of your phone. If that’s the case, how good is the cell service at your marina? You can check this in person or by using a cell coverage website easily found from google.

Since moving around is so limited, you may find yourself starting to lose whatever fitness level you had. If a marina provides a gym, you may want to bump that one to the top of the list. A gym membership is important for remaining fit and healthy. Without one, you may start to struggle. If your marina doesn’t include a gym, you are going to need to buy a membership somewhere else. This can increase your cost of living substantially. You also need to consider the convenience factor. If you are having to travel to and from the gym this can cost you even more money. Or take even more time. There are only so many hours in the day, going to the gym could take an hour if it is on-site or 3 if you have to travel outwards.

Price matters. The first way that price matters is, of course, your budget. How much can you truly afford to pay per month for the lease of your marina slip? If you have a strict budget that you need to stick to that is going to limit your options substantially. If you are lucky enough that the price doesn’t matter all that much then you have many more options. Price is almost entirely tied into location. Far more than it is tied into its amenities. Finding a marina that has everything you need and then finding a job after is probably the best way to go. If you can work from home (your boat) then this is a whole lot easier. A lot of marinas charge based on the size of your boat, not just per marina slip. If this is the case you need to consider the footage of your boat. If you have a smaller boat, you will have less space but can afford a better marina. The trade-off is a matter of preference.

What are the best liveaboard marinas in California?

California is a huge state. With a very, very, long coastline. This means there are endless marinas up and down the state. Which one is best for you can be tricky to pin down. If you use the list of above criteria to help you find what you are looking for in a marina, next comes picking the marina itself. This list of marinas covers the three main cities for sailing in California . Los Angeles, San Diego, and San Francisco:

Los Angeles

• Marina Del Ray Marina
• Marina Harbor Anchorage
• Portofino Marina
• California Yacht Marina
• Rainbow Harbor and Marina
• Port Royal Marina A California Yacht Marina
• Peter’s Landing Marina
• Cabrillo Way Marina
• Point Loma Marina
• Harbor Island West Marina
• Intrepid Landing
• Safe Harbor Cabrillo Isle
• Sunroad Resort Marina
• Sun Harbor Marina Point Loma
• Shelter Island Marina
• SeaWorld Marina
• Marina Village
• Marina Cortez

San Francisco

• Treasure Island Yacht Harbor
• Marina Bay Yacht Harbor
• South Beach Harbor Marina
• Schoon Maker Point Marina
• Emery Cove Yacht Harbor
• Ballena Isle Marina

Hopefully, you now have a pretty good idea of whether or not California is the state for you. There are so many great places to live aboard your sailboat in the United States. California is certainly up there with the best of them.

What matters most is probably price. Living in California is certainly not cheap, but you get what you pay for. Good weather, great food, decent sports teams, and endless activities. If you are unsure about moving there full time, why not spend your next vacation docked at one of the marinas there? It can give you a little sample of what your life could be like if you eventually pull the trigger on the move. If you work from home, then why not? The world is your oyster!

Best of luck finding the right marina for you and happy sailing!

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Daniel Wade

I've personally had thousands of questions about sailing and sailboats over the years. As I learn and experience sailing, and the community, I share the answers that work and make sense to me, here on Life of Sailing.

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Living on a Boat in California: What you Need to Know (Best Liveaboard Marinas, Costs, etc)

Living aboard your sailboat in California is probably the dream of your life. Or, a target you want to accomplish and then head to another marina or state. In any case, you want to know more information about life aboard in California. There’s no doubting that the liveaboard lifestyle can appeal to a wide range of people, both boaters and non-boaters. California is also a favorite place by many sailors and some of its marinas are preferred for the liveaboard life. With California’s housing crisis, many people have been scurrying to find alternate housing options. Some of them accept living on a boat rather than departing the state in pursuit of a more modest dwelling. So, keep reading in order to know more information about liveaboard life in California!

Introduction: Liveaboard Life in California

In general, living aboard a boat entails a simpler existence. It forces you to put your life on a diet. You place a greater emphasis on the fundamentals, whereas you are less concerned with material possessions. The necessity of downsizing forces one to go in that path. Moreover, it’s a more intimate way of life. You are aware of whatever anyone is doing, especially if you have kids. However, this isn’t always an advantage for the liveaboard life but it can be depending on your perspective. You can definitely tell the other person’s moods, manner, and more about what was going on in their life.

Being able to live comfortably aboard a boat necessitates having enough space. A wise person once stated that a boat shrinks by one foot every day, especially at sea. While this is an overstatement, boats definitely appear to be getting smaller over time. As a result, I advise choosing a boat that you will not outgrow rapidly, perhaps one size larger than the type you believe will suffice. It’s not supposed to be a camping trip, but it is about living comfortably and having enough space. A common question concerning most people about liveaboard life is if liveaboard slips are available and how much they cost. For instance, within Marina del Rey, there are around 15 different anchorages, each with its own set of norms and rules, including living aboard. Some don’t allow it at all, while others have a minimum size requirement, such as 35 feet.

Each marina has its own set of regulations and offers a variety of amenities such as pools, community areas, and parking. When it comes to living aboard, yacht clubs are a popular alternative. Note that the marinas normally charge an additional fee of around 50% for the liveaboard privilege, which helps to offset the increased energy, water, and other costs.

Generally, California is one of the most desirable places to reside . There are several causes for this. California is one of the most entertaining states in the country. Weed is legal, the population is youthful and diverse, and the economy is doing great. Moreover, there are many activities for sports and nature lovers as well as many marinas to choose from. The economy and the weather are the two most important factors.

And, if you plan to live aboard your boat, the weather is very important. This is because there are only about 33 days of rainfall in California each year. In other words, less than once a week. If you live on your boat, the exterior spaces make up a significant portion of your living space. You are effectively losing half of your home if you are forced to live below deck due to inclement weather. In California, this isn’t an issue.

>>Also Read: Best Boating Destinations in California

Costs of Living Aboard in California

California, particularly Los Angeles, is a liberal state. However, your personality and preferences will play a big role in determining whether or not this is right for you . Note that your political beliefs should not determine where you choose to live. Los Angeles, on the other hand, is arguably the most left-wing metropolis in the country. This is neither good nor bad; it is simply something to be aware of. Furthermore, depending on the type of climate you choose, the temperature might be viewed as a positive or negative factor.

It’s time to think about where you’d like to reside once you’ve determined whether or not California is the state for you. For example, San Diego is significantly different from San Francisco in terms of lifestyle. There’s a lot to think about when comparing cities, much alone specific marinas. Renting a marina slip is similar to renting an apartment in terms of commitment. As a result, ensuring you choose the proper one is crucial. You can rent on a weekly basis without a contract, but you will lose your renter’s rights and it will be more expensive. Most marinas will give you a better deal if you sign a long-term contract. Both of you will benefit from the increased security.

The most important costs about the liveaboard life are slip fees, boat insurance, boat mortgage payments, gas, waste management, food, and water. Determining and sticking to a budget is the most effective strategy to control spending. Boat insurance can be as expensive as home insurance, depending on the size and value of the vessel. Because you won’t be heating, cooling, or lighting as much room, property taxes and electricity will be lower. You’ll almost certainly save money on waste management, gas, and water. Maintenance is an area where prices skyrocket. Marine parts and labor are typically more expensive than their domestic counterparts, sometimes by as much as 20%. Keep in mind that slip fees vary considerably depending on the county you will choose to live in.

Best Liveaboard Marinas in California

Liveaboard Marinas in Northern California:

• Safe Harbor Loch Lomond, San Rafael
• Eureka Public Marina, Eureka
• Vallejo Municipal Marina, Vallejo
• Safe Harbor Ballena Isle, Alameda
• Grand Marina, Alameda
• Antioch Marina, Antioch
• Safe Harbor Emeryville, Emeryville
• Napa Valley Yacht Club, Napa Valley
• Tiki Lagoon Resort & Marina, Stockton
• Stockton Downtown Marina
• Owl Harbobr Marina, Isleton
• Delta Bay Marina, Isleton
• Suisun City Marina
• Westpoint Harbor, Redwood City
• Glen Cove Marina
• Stan’s Yolo Marina, Clarksburg

Liveaboard Marinas in Southern California:

• Redondo Beach Marina
• Ventura West Marina
• Safe Harbor Ventura Isle
• Oceans West Marina, Ventura
• Half Moon Marina, San Diego
• Sun Harbor Marina, San Diego
• Harbor Island West Marina, San Diego
• Safe Harbor Cabrillo Isle, San Diego
• Santa Barbara Harbor, Los Angeles
• Marina Harbor Anchorage, Marina Del Rey
• Alamitos Bay Marina, Long Beach
• Shoreline Marina, Long Beach
• California Yacht Marina – Chula Vista
• Loews Crown Isle Marina
• Avalon Harbor, Santa Catalina Island
• Belle Isle Marina, Georgetown
• Vue Marina, Newport Beach
• Seabridge Marina, Oxnard
• Safe Harbor Anacapa Isle, Oxnard
• The Marina at Dana Point
• California Yacht Marina, Cabrillo Marina, San Pedro
• California Yacht Marina, Port Royal Marina, Redondo Beach
• Island Yacht Anchorage, Wilmington
• Cerritos Yacht Anchorage, Wilmington

>>Also Read: Is it Dangerous to Sail from California to Hawaii?

Liveaboard Lifestyle in California

In general, it is rewarding to live on the ocean. You have the freedom to travel, a community living at the docks, and a simple lifestyle to follow. Of course, living on a boat comes with its own set of difficulties. Rain and wind, for example, might pose some difficulties. Also, it’s possible that your next-door neighbor is less-than-ideal at times. It could be difficult if you’re next to someone who is loud or has an untidy boat. Most boating communities, on the other hand, are made up of people who are friendly, respectful of one another’s privacy, and collegial. For instance, the marinas in Ventura Harbor are quite welcoming to liveaboards, giving them a sense of a real boating community. Many liveaboards also have access to the Channel Islands National Park in the west and the mountains in the east.

Being a liveaboard helps to reduce the clutter that is common in land-based dwellings. It’s much simpler on a boat. You realize you don’t require much of the extra belongings you think you need. As a result, you’ll have more money to spend on other things. Outside of the country, you can do a lot of traveling. Living aboard a boat necessitates a willingness to let up material possessions. Learning to live tiny is the most difficult change, but it is also the most liberating, as dock parties, dinners, and events are all prevalent among most Californian marinas. You form friendships with folks you’ll meet during dinner with others.

Most liveaboards state that maintaining a boat can be difficult in California, but that with patience and hard effort, many concerns can be resolved. Everything has a learning curve to it. I don’t think you need to know much about boats to do it; all you need to do is be at ease with yourself and recognize that this isn’t a house; it’s different, and you just have to go with the flow.

The monthly costs of being a liveaboard might vary from one liveaboard to another. A liveaboard who lives aboard a 40-foot sailboat in a marina with a $20 per foot slip fee would pay the marina $800 per month. Electricity, bottom cleaning, topside cleaning, sewage, maintenance, insurance, and taxes are other important costs. These charges could increase monthly living expenses by $500 to $600 or more. Payments on the vessel, if any, are another potential monthly expense.

The Pros and Cons of the Liveaboard Life in California

Moving onboard can be a time-consuming procedure. You have to get rid of everything that won’t fit aboard the boat. This is because you intend to travel for a few years and don’t want to worry about storing your belongings. You might don’t care for the marina’s position as much as others, but the amenities and the community fulfill your needs and preferences. Other times you might really like the location but the marina doesn’t offer cheap slip fees or adequate amenities.

Being a liveaboard does have its drawbacks, however, the precise drawbacks differ from boater to boater. Being a liveaboard can be less expensive than living in a land-based home or apartment. But, the cost of living on a sailboat is ultimately determined by marina fees and the kind, size, and condition of the boat. For example, it’s not easy to find a liveaboard slip at any of the Port of Los Angeles marinas. Living aboard a boat is limited to 5% of available spots at each marina by the Port of Los Angeles. On the other hand, those who choose to live near the Cerritos Channel and the Port of Los Angeles’ East Basin will discover a unique blend of charm and challenges.

Another advantage of the liveaboard life is that you’re always on the water and aware of the weather conditions. Liveaboards may also choose specific marinas in order to make friendships, get away from the hustle and bustle, or just to change their way of living. A very important consideration for liveaboards is safety and security in the marina they choose to live in. Liveaboards detect if a boat is taking on water or if there is a boat that doesn’t belong here because they go by the marina every day. Liveaboards will notify the Port Police if they notice suspicious activity in their marina or the surrounding region because they are familiar with the area.

These are some of the most important questions you have to ask yourself. Is this the right way of life for me? Can I afford to properly maintain and repair my boat? Will I be able to work on board or from the marina of my choice? Is the marina where I want to live offering liveaboard slips right now? How long should I expect to have to wait to become a licensed liveaboard? Is my boat large enough for a family to live on? Will my family be at ease onboard? Will we be ready if something goes wrong with our boat, such as a costly repair or irreversible damage?

For individuals hoping for a quick resolution to their problem of high rent, living on a boat may cause more problems than it solves. Ocean enthusiasts with boating experience (or a desire to gain experience) and a desire to be a part of a close community – as well as patience and a willingness to be open-minded during the process of applying for liveaboard status – will find this a gratifying experience.

Permits and Prices in Certain California Marinas

Note that in all of Long Beach’s marinas, up to 230 liveaboards are permitted. Shoreline Marina in downtown Long Beach has the most liveaboards, with three vessels in Rainbow Harbor/Marina also serving as primary residences (3.5 percent of slip count). Avalon Harbor is home to a small number of boats, who enjoy active summers and occasionally stormy winters. Only a few liveaboard licenses are available on the central Orange County coast, and liveaboards are only allowed on the city’s offshore moorings. A liveaboard may occupy no more than 7% of all offshore moorings in Newport Harbor, according to city regulation. A couple of liveaboards can be found at Sunset Aquatic Park in Huntington Harbour.

Note that the cost of a liveaboard slip in Wilmington is generally lower than that of a marina in Long Beach or San Pedro. The Port of Los Angeles exclusively admits liveaboards for safety and security reasons. Only a few marina managers are liveaboards, and no marina owners dwell at these marinas.

Orange County’s southernmost harbor is in Dana Point Marina. To receive a liveaboard permit in Dana Point, a potential tenant must meet specific standards and pay the required rent and cost. For example, a liveaboard vessel has at least 140 square feet of usable area for one person and an extra 40 square feet for each tenant. The charge for a liveaboard is 40% of the basic slip rate. So, the owner of a 35-footer, the smallest boat allowed in a liveaboard spot, would pay $622 in rent plus $248.80 in liveaboard fees, in Dana Harbor. Liveaboards are also authorized in Redondo Beach and Marina del Rey; however, at Redondo Beach’s King Harbor Marina, liveaboards are not permitted to be near to or across from one another.

Owning the Right Boat, Being in the Right Place

Boats are costly, sometimes exceeding the average cost of a home in the United States, particularly if they meet the criteria for liveaboard status in some marinas. Aside from routine upkeep, persons interested in becoming liveaboards must choose the type of boat that will best meet their needs. Most marinas will have minimum boat size requirements for liveaboard status: it might be as small as a 25-footer or as large as a 30 or 35-footer, depending on the marina. Everything depends on the marina.

There are several trawlers and other boat designs available today that would make living onboard comparable to living in a floating condo, but those boats may come at a cost. If you buy a used boat for a low price, keep in mind that it may require a lot of maintenance. New boats that provide the comfort that some are looking for could cost more than $100,000, with some of the newer vessels costing significantly more than the typical home price. The size of the vessel may also be determined by the number of people living onboard. For example, for a single person, 25-foot vessels are preferable, however for a family of two or more, scaling up may be more convenient.

If you’re thinking of living on a boat, consider saving up enough money to get a newer boat. Spend a few hundred dollars on a marine surveyor once you’ve found the one you want. Like this, there will be no surprises down the road.

Every marina will have its own process for applying for liveaboard status. Some are run by municipalities, while others are run for profit by private companies. Depending on the popularity of the location, municipally-owned harbors will often have a significantly lower restriction or percentage of liveaboards. Note that in order to get a slip, you’ll usually have to wait a lengthy time.

One thing to keep in mind while deciding whether or not a liveaboard is good for you or your family is that while you own the boat, you do not own the boat slip. The marina is essentially renting the slip, which implies there may be an increase in slip rental prices at times. While owning a home provides equity, the value of a boat may depreciate over time. With slip payments, a boat payment (if you don’t own the boat outright), maintenance costs, and so on, living aboard a boat might be comparable to Southern California’s median rental expenses. In other words, living aboard is by no means a cheap or simple alternative.

Living on a Boat in California – The Bottom Line

Hopefully, you now have a solid idea of whether California is the right place for you. In the United States, there are a plethora of wonderful spots to live aboard your sailboat. And, California is unquestionably one of the best states in the country. However, prices can be really expensive. California is not cheap to live in, but you get what you pay for. Good weather, delicious food, and a plethora of activities. If you’re not sure if you want to live there full-time, spend your next holiday anchored at one of the marinas in order to get a grasp of things. It can offer you a taste of what your life might be like if you decide to go ahead and make the move.

So, are you interested in becoming a liveaboard in California? Many marinas provide detailed information to boaters regarding some of the factors involved, such as monthly rates and amenities available. Some marinas have quotas or other restrictions on how many liveaboards are allowed. Make sure to check each harbor’s or marina’s website to see if liveaboards are permitted. What are the rules for liveaboard tenants? Is there a liveaboard slips waiting list? What is the cost of a liveaboard? Also, ask about parking, security, restrooms, showers, communal areas, WiFi access, and proximity to restaurants, freeways, and shopping.

I wish that this article was helpful to your research about living aboard your sailboat in a Californian marina or harbor. Wish you all safe & pleasant voyages!

Peter is the editor of Better Sailing. He has sailed for countless hours and has maintained his own boats and sailboats for years. After years of trial and error, he decided to start this website to share the knowledge.

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Floating Homes: The life of Southern California’s liveaboards

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA — The lifestyle of a liveaboard comes with certain romanticisms, most of which have nothing to do with Sonny Crockett ’s life aboard St. Vitus Dance . Living aboard a boat is not as simple as being on a floating home, as the “Miami Vice” television series might have suggested.

Many liveaboards who spoke with The Log for this story often find living on the water to be rewarding. Common perks include freedom to travel, communal living at the docks and simplicity in lifestyle.

Below is a sampling of a few liveaboards The Log connected with between Santa Barbara and San Diego. Does your liveaboard experience resemble the perspectives shared by these vessel dwellers? Are you ready to take the jump and live on the water?

Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara Harbor is unique in permitting a handful of houseboats to complement the 113 allowable liveaboards. At least one person has experienced residing in a houseboat and as a liveaboard at Southern California’s northernmost harbor.

“It was a fantasy of mine,” said Helene Webb, a former Santa Barbara Harbor Commissioner. “I grew up in Florida and I’d go to the marinas and see the boats and thought, ‘it’d be so cool to live on a boat.’”

Webb currently lives on one of four houseboats permitted in Santa Barbara Harbor. She was also a liveaboard there.

The liveaboard lifestyle became a reality for Webb when she moved from New York City to Los Angeles, where she spent time living aboard a vessel in Marina del Rey. She eventually fell in love with Santa Barbara and took up residence at the city-owned harbor.

“I love watching the sunrises, the sunsets, you’re close to nature,” Webb said of her attraction to the liveaboard lifestyle, adding her experiences living aboard have far exceeded her expectations.

The natural diversity surrounding Santa Barbara Harbor and community feel on the docks helps make living aboard a vessel a pleasurable experience, Webb said.

Another major perk Webb and other liveaboards identify with is privacy.

“You know people on the dock for years and you see them, [but] most of the time you don’t go on their boats. To go onto a boat you have to be invited. I like that, people respect that privacy because [boats] are real small spaces,” Webb said.

There are some challenges to living aboard a boat, of course. Webb pointed out rain and windy weather can cause some challenges. Sometimes your neighbor might be less-than-ideal.

“If you’re next to someone who is loud, or has an unkempt boat, that could be a challenge,” Webb said.

Overall, though, Webb said she enjoys the Santa Barbara Harbor community, adding people are personable, respectful of privacy and collegial.

Ventura Harbo r

The marinas in Ventura Harbor are rather friendly to liveaboards, providing a sense of community. Many liveaboards also enjoy access to the Channel Islands National Park to the west and mountains to the east.

Tony Porter, a liveaboard in Ventura Harbor, has observed some families living aboard boats where his vessel is docked.

“There are families with children and I see how those kids are really happy and safe playing around. There aren’t many communities you can do that in,” Porter said. “It’s a little like I imagine the kind of life when people lived in villages used to live.”

Tony Alcock first lived aboard a boat in the 1970s and returned to the lifestyle again a couple years ago. He wrote a book about living aboard a boat entitled “Life at the End of a Rope;” the book is expected to be available online and at bookstores in March.

“It’s a lovely life. It’s very safe and people look out for each other. We all share the same problems and challenges,” Alcock said.

John Howard, who has lived aboard for about 30 years, said being a liveaboard is “enriching.”

“My backyard is millions of square miles. It’s the Pacific Ocean, and we’re four or five docklines away from exploring that,” Howard said. “We get together and cook, we go out to wineries and wine taste, and we sometimes work together.”

Kevin, who requested to be cited by first name only for this story, has lived aboard a boat with his family for more than four years. He said being a liveaboard helps minimize clutter often found in homes on land.

“On a boat it’s simple. You realize you don’t need a lot of the extra junk. That in turn saves you money for other stuff,” Kevin said. “We do a lot of traveling outside of the country.”

Living aboard a vessel means being okay with downsizing on material goods, according to Mary Lee Huber.

“The biggest transition is learning to live small, [but] it is also incredibly freeing,” Huber said, adding dock parties, dinner dates and “buddy boating” are common phenomena among Ventura’s liveaboards.

“There are dock parties when the weather is nice. People come out onto the dock and mingle. Everyone brings a snack,” Huber said. “You make relationships with people you’re going to go to dinner with other couples. There are times you might go with other people on your boat or have two boats go out at a time to the islands and spend a weekend.”

Maintaining a vessel can be challenging, each liveaboard stated, but with patience and work many issues can be solved.

“There’s a learning curve to everything,” Kevin said. “I don’t think you have to know a lot about boats to do it, you just have to be comfortable with yourself and realize it’s not a house, it’s different, and just go with the flow.”

Monthly costs associated with being a liveaboard can vary from resident to resident, according to Alcock. Living aboard a 40-foot vessel in a marina where the slip fee is $20 per foot means a liveaboard would pay $800 per month to the marina. Other costs include electricity, sewage pumpout, bottom cleaning, topside cleaning, maintenance, insurance and taxes. These costs could add another $500 to $600 or more per month to living expenses. Another potential monthly expense: payments, if any, on the vessel.

San Diego County

Randy Sysol has lived aboard a 55-foot trawler at National City’s Pier 32 Marina with his wife and son for about four years. Transitioning from a land residence to one on the water was not easy, he said.

“The process of moving aboard was painstaking as we sold our home of 16 years and divested ourselves of anything that did not fit on the boat. “We did this as we were planning on travelling for a couple of years and didn’t want to be worried about storage of ‘stuff,’” Sysol explained.

He continued the relative newness of Pier 32 Marina makes it an ideal location for liveaboards.

“[The marina] has tons of amenities and a good liveaboard community. We like the pool in the summer and the jacuzzi anytime. We don’t particularly like the location of the marina as much as others but the amenities certainly make up for the long run out of the bay,” Sysol said. “The liveaboards here are a friendly group, looking out for one another as well as having occasional parties and potlucks. It’s been a welcoming place to live; lots of dogs, too.”

Being a liveaboard does come with a few pitfalls, Sysol observed, though specific shortcomings obviously vary from boater to boater.

One San Diego boater said being a liveaboard could be cheaper than living in a land-based house or apartment, but the affordability of residing in a recreational vessel ultimately depends on marina rates and boat’s type, size and quality.

Los Angeles and Orange counties 

Donna Ethington has lived aboard a boat for decades and currently makes port in Wilmington, which is home to Island Yacht Anchorage, Cerritos Yacht Anchorage, Lighthouse Yacht Landing, Pacific Yacht Landing, California Yacht Marina and Holiday Harbor.

Finding a liveaboard slip at any of the Port of Los Angeles marinas is no easy task. The Port of L.A. limits living aboard a vessel to 5 percent of available slips at each marina.

Those who do decide to live along the Cerritos Channel and adjacent the Port of L.A.’s East Basin will find a unique blend of charm and challenges, Ethington said.

“You have a lot of different reasons why people move in [to any of the port’s marinas]. It’s kind of a vacation atmosphere. You’re always on the water and in touch with the weather,” Ethington said, adding liveaboards also live in San Pedro or Wilmington for camaraderie, solitude, or they may be in between residences. “I’m totally fascinated with the port. I think a lot of people are. It is a really good environment.”

Liveaboard slip rates in Wilmington are generally competitive and more affordable than marinas in Long Beach or San Pedro, Ellington said.

Challenges include frequent ship traffic, industrial noise and air pollution.

Ethington added liveaboards in San Pedro and Wilmington play a unique role in watching over local marinas.

“The only reason the Port of L.A. allows any liveaboards is for safety and security. No marina owners live in these marinas and only a few of the marina managers are liveaboards,” Ethington said. Because they walk by the same boats every day, liveaboards notice if a boat is taking on water, or if there’s a boat that doesn’t belong here. Because they’re familiar with the surroundings, liveaboards will call the Port Police if there’re unusual activities in their marina or in the area, and many of us have had valuable CERT and USCG training.”

Neighboring Long Beach allows up to 230 liveaboards, or 7.8 percent of slips, in all of its marinas, according to the city’s marine operations manager, Elvira Hallinan. Shoreline Marina in downtown Long Beach has the highest number of liveaboards in the city, with 169 slips (10.5 percent of the clip count) assigned to those living aboard a vessel; Alamitos Bay is home to 58 liveaboard slips (4.5 percent of slip count) while three vessels at Rainbow Harbor/Marina double as a primary residence (3.5 percent of slip count).

A handful of boaters call their respective vessels home at Avalon Harbor, where liveaboards experience busy summers and potentially tumultuous winters.

“There are a select few and hardy individuals that not only choose to live in Avalon but choose to live in Avalon Harbor,” Avalon Harbormaster Brian Bray said. “While the summers are busy and full of activities, the winter can be quiet, peaceful and sometimes stormy. Avalon Harbor is not considered a ‘safe’ harbor and can be a dangerous place during the winter adverse weather conditions, especially during Northeastern wind events.”

Winter weather is just one of a few considerations liveaboards should take into account before taking residence on a mooring in Avalon Harbor. Boaters planning to stay in the harbor for two weeks or longer must fill out a long-term vessel application and meet the city’s insurance requirements. Moorings are also privately owned, which, according to Bray, means liveaboards might have to change mooring locations on a daily basis.

“They may also be moved outside of Avalon Harbor to a mooring in one of the outer coves, Descanso Bay or Hamilton Cove,” Bray added.

Access to amenities is yet another factor liveaboards should think about before claiming a mooring in Avalon for two weeks or longer.

“Shoreside facilities, like groceries, public showers, restrooms and laundry, are available in Avalon. However the facilities are not available in a single location as in other harbors, and are spread throughout the town,” Bray said. “None are inaccessible, though, as Avalon is a small town with these facilities generally located within a six-block-by-two-block area.”

Current mooring fees range from $31 to $126 per night depending upon length of the vessel; all vessels there are also required to have a working head and be dye-tabbed to insure compliance with the harbor’s no discharge policy.

A small number of liveaboard permits are available on the central Orange County coast, where Newport Beach Harbor Resources Manager Chris Miller said the city only permits liveaboards on its offshore moorings. City code permits no more than 7 percent of all offshore moorings in Newport Harbor to be occupied by a liveaboard.

“We currently have about 20 liveaboards that are permitted by us. Liveaboards are not permitted in front of residential homes. However, we do not control liveaboards at private commercial marinas, so I don’t have a count as to how many there are,” Miller said. “However, anecdotally, I don’t think many of the marinas in the harbor permit large number of liveaboards, if any at all, so I’m guessing the numbers are really small.”

Sunset Aquatic Park at Huntington Harbour is home to a couple liveaboards. Whether there are any liveaboards (and, if so, how many) at nearby 325-slip Peter’s Landing Marina was not readily accessible.

The Dana Point Marina Co. manages liveaboard permits at Orange County’s southernmost harbor. A prospective tenant must meet certain requirements and pay an appropriate rent and fee to obtain a liveaboard permit in Dana Point. A liveaboard vessel, for example, at least 140 square feet of livable space for one person and an additional 40 square feet for per tenant. The liveaboard fee is 40 percent of the basic slip rent. So the owner of a 35-footer, the smallest vessel allowed in a liveaboard slip at Dana Harbor, would pay $622 in rent plus $248.80 in liveaboard fees for a total rent of $870.80.

Liveaboards are also permitted at Redondo Beach and Marina del Rey; liveaboards are not permitted to be adjacent to or across from one another at Redondo Beach’s King Harbor Marina.

Are you looking to be a liveaboard? Many marinas provide boaters with extensive information about some of the elements involved, including monthly fees and amenities offered. Some marinas have quotas on how many liveaboards are permitted there or other restrictions.

Be sure to visit each harbor or marina website to find out whether liveaboards are permitted there. What restrictions apply to liveaboard tenants? Is there a wait list for a liveaboard slips? How much is the liveaboard fee? Also inquire about amenities, such as parking, security, restrooms, showers, community rooms, WiFi access, and proximity to dining, highways and shopping.

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17 thoughts on “ Floating Homes: The life of Southern California’s liveaboards ”

So, we are going to buy a boat….approx. 45-50 feet. We will use it occasionally (perhaps in July or August) for a week or so at a time…..maybe in the harbor/marina or going out for the day returning to marina at night…..is this a “live aboard”……we certainly have a home 2 hours from the marina and do not consider the boat as a live aboard but would want to stay overnight a few nights here and there…..does one pay for the fee regardless or an you do it on a weekly basis?…..looking Chula Vista or National City or Shelter Island marinas…..

At our Marina you can spend 3 nights a week & a week at a time if you are on vacation you are not charged as a live aboard

I found this information very helpful. I’m getting ready to buy or rent a liveabord. It’s always been a dream of mine. Being a recent widow and Divorce. I need a much need change. I’ve had ski boats, jets skies.and the water has Always called to me. Would like more information on a 40″ 50′ ft to lease to buy. It would be the adventure of my lifetime. Thank you.

hi dianne her I live on a houseboat in the 70′ and 80′ I live in monterey and have also live in Huntington Beach, [email protected]

All you Staycationers don’t get it!! Your pushing native Californians out of California and away from everything close to them such as family and friends.. Go somewhere else stay out of California..and leave our marinas so locals can enjoy thier home

Waaaaah “stay of of California.” “You are pushing native Californians…blah blah…” Also, “their” is not spelled correctly. I am not impressed so, maybe find something “real” to complain about.

I agree with Matt, to many people are coming to California period. They want new homes so they are building on the land that is left, I also say please go away. The environment doesn’t need you.

I am a Southern California native! I was born here !! I grew up Watching people coming from other States, polluting our Beaches, Rivers, mountains, We love our state !! Go Home and trash your own state

Yes and stay out of Wyoming with your California taxes and don’t bring your governor.

WAAAAAA STFU

Wanted to by a 40-50 ft Live aboard holiday mansion or like kind In San Diego Area wanted to buy 40-50ft

Wanted to buy

Wow, some definite territorialism going on. This land is your land, this land is my land from the California to the New York Island, etc. This land was made for you and me. Maybe, you’ll be swallowed up by the hole in your selfish tiny soul.

To be fair the song speaks of land not water. But f these naysayers

Good article, but you only pointed out the good side of liveaboard life. I am a liveaboard here in southern Cal and you failed to mention the difficulty if finding a liveaboard slip in California. I was very fortunit to get one in a record time of two years. Most of the lists that i was on were an estimated 5 to 10 years. So what do you do in the mean time? It can be very difficult try and live on your boat during the waiting time of a permanent liveaboard slip.

This is a great article. Now all I need to know is how to find a live aboard rental in the Long Beach or Wilmington area until I can save enough to buy one of my very own. Seems banks don’t like loaning money on older boats & I had my eye on one that’s too old to get a loan, so I have to save up for a little while. I’d be open to rent to own situation for the right boat. It’s just for me so I don’t need a huge yacht, no more than 45′ if it’s to purchase, and it was a Grand Mariner that I had my eye on.

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8 Best Liveaboard Marinas in California (2023 UPDATE)

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I first came to Los Angeles in 2012, I instantly realized that this is a place where I would like to own a boat and sail around the coast. One of the first marinas I encountered was Marina del Rey. Few places are like California, where you can combine high mountains, the ocean, and big cities. I instantly loved it!

Many people dream of living aboard a boat in California’s stretch of beautiful marinas. However, there are so many harbors to choose from that it’s easy to become overwhelmed. 

These are 8 of the best liveaboard marinas found in California:

• Ventura West Marina
• San Diego’s Pier 32 Marina
• Shoreline Marina
• Marina del Rey
• Avalon Harbor
• Alamitos Bay Marina
• Santa Barbara Harbor
• Newport Harbor.

California has beautiful weather and draws many travelers with its balmy, dry summers and mild winters. If you seek life on the sea, few places match the iconic California Marinas. In this article, I’ll give a more in-depth overview of each of these California marinas so you can see which one is the best fit for you.

Table of Contents

What to Look for in a Liveaboard Marina

There are several considerations to take into account when choosing the best liveaboard marinas in California. The fundamental choice has a lot to do with what boat you own and the amenities it offers. For example, if your yacht has a kitchen, laundry, and a full-kitted bathroom, you will only need an electrical hook-up to be happy.

If you want to choose the best boat for liveaboard purposes prior to choosing your ideal marina, I recommend reading about the different types of boats that are suitable for this lifestyle .

If your vessel is of the more humble kind, you will need a marina that provides:

• Access to laundromats
• Parking facilities 
• Wifi facilities
• Enclosed bathroom and shower facilities.

If your budget allows and you seek a more luxurious liveaboard experience, you could look for marinas that provide:

• Fitness centers
• Swimming pools
• Restaurants 
• Recreation areas

Other Factors in Choosing the Best Marina

• Price. The larger your boat, the more you will pay for square footage. Some marinas set their prices to encourage liveaboards or hike rentals to encourage high boat turnover.
• Community. It’s best to choose a marina with a well-established liveaboard community rather than a seasonal marina. 
• Location. You should make sure that all your needs, such as shopping and entertainment, are within reach of the marina complex, preferably within walking distance.
• Sailing Access. If you plan to sail often, you should ensure that the marina you choose does not limit sailing access through devices such as drawbridges and narrow channels. 
• Security. Security is essential if you don’t want to lose sleep over the safety of your possessions on deck. Look for marinas with private security and security access. 

Now that you know what to look for, here are our top picks for liveaboard life in sunny California!

Do you want a catamaran but are not interested in paying the expensive multihull fee then maybe these smaller catamarans could be interesting for you.

1. Ventura West Marina

Located in the greater Ventura Harbor, Ventura West Marina is one of the most popular and prized marinas to be found in the entire state of California.

One strong reason for this marina’s appeal among liveaboard enthusiasts is the sense of community. The official website for Ventura West Marina notes that the marina offers 554 slips in total, a much larger number than you’ll find in many other marinas!

The vibrant and typically fully-occupied marina can provide a light and social atmosphere that a more sheltered harbor might lack. Liveaboard family members expressed that the marina’s close quarters created a bonding experience in the Los Angeles Times.

Additionally, Ventura West Marina provides a high quality of service, with substantial amenities that few marinas can match.

Some of the services available at the marina include:

• Laundry rooms and machines
• Free parking
• Fitness & workout areas
• Mail services

Long waiting lists for the limited slips are the norm and prevent settling into the harbor. 

Those who end up on one of these waiting lists should keep other marinas in mind as their first choice might not open up for quite some time.

The cost of renting a slip is not necessarily in everyone’s price range, with slip rates varying from $273/per month to $1783/per month. 

2. San Diego’s Pier 32 Marina

If San Diego is a dream location for your liveaboard goal, it doesn’t get much better than Pier 32 Marina.

One of the first benefits of this marina worth noting is the excellent quality of its boat slips. Pier 32 Marina’s web page lists the structural features of these slips, including concrete docks, phone services, special sport fisher slips, and power meters.

Another selling point for this marina is its extensive list of boater services and amenities.  

Whether you need something simple like laundry or storage services, or something a bit more complex, like a fitness room or a pool & jacuzzi, there’s a good chance you’ll find it at Pier 32 Marina!

Sports and outdoor activities are widely available at this marina, with free bike use and basketball hoops offered to liveaboard boaters renting out one of the slips.

Events and hospitality activities are also essential characteristics of life in this marina. This category can include popular hangout locations in the area, such as the Waterfront Grill, and help with planning parties and gatherings of over 100 people.

Rates for renting one of Pier 32’s boat slips can range from $572.12/per month to $1819.35/per month. 

3. Shoreline Marina

Long Beach is a beautiful part of California for many liveaboard boaters and enthusiasts, and Shoreline Marina is one of the most exemplary examples of why that is.

Proudly home to 1,624 boat slips (with approximately ~170 of those slips rented by liveaboard vessels), this marina is a bustling and active location for liveaboard tenants who prefer to live closer to a robust urban center. According to a Long Beach government website, these slips can vary in size from 25′ to 90′.

Several outstanding amenities are available to boaters are Shoreline Marina. Here’s an incomplete list of several of these services:

• Phone services
• Security patrols
• Storage boxes

Pumpout stations are provided to liveaboard residents by the marina. These can be found at multiple docks and display instructions to help boaters use the machines. 

Offered free of charge and available 24/7, these stations are a significant convenience for those who choose to rent their vessels at Shoreline Marina.

In addition to the many amenities the marina provides, downtown Long Beach is only a short distance away. Boaters looking for a vibrant urban environment with numerous shopping, dining, and live entertainment options will be pleased with the city’s proximity to the harbor.

Public transportation is another attractive quality of Shoreline Marina. Several convenient and easy-to-use transit options exist at this location, including buses, shuttles, taxis, and freely available bicycles.

4. Marina Del Rey

One of the most popular California marina destinations for liveaboards, Marina del Rey has many advantageous qualities for a prospective tenant.

Firstly, the boat slips (of which there are 4600!) exist under the management of several smaller, individual marinas. These slips are further divided into 22 different anchorages, as described by Marina del Rey’s public website.

Some marinas may have more available slips than others, so it’s best to reach out to your desired marina’s dockmaster directly.

This variety makes it difficult to describe all of the area’s advantages, as another may not provide services offered by one marina. Nonetheless, there are some broad selling points to keep in mind.

With such a large number of boat slips, it likely comes as no surprise to you that several boating clubs have formed in Marina del Rey. If you’re interested in meeting and sharing a good time with other boaters exploring the liveaboard lifestyle, it’s hard to find a better option than this location.

Different organizations based in Marina del Rey also provide sailing classes. If you’re beginning your boating journey, these classes could be an invaluable service in getting your feet wet.

If you want to get started with sailing lessons today, I would recommend NauticEd, I find the app great when I want to do some learning while waiting in line or relaxing on my sofa. Link here.

You can find activities and events for visitors and residents in abundance here. These include fishing areas, whale-watching tours, dances, public beaches, cruises, and much more.

Those boaters interested in sampling new and exciting cuisines will appreciate the wide choice of restaurants and bars to visit. Likewise, adventurous visitors will be happy to see the vibrant nightlife scene found at Marina del Rey.

While you’ll still need to narrow down which individual marina you decide to take your boat to, Marina del Rey offers the considerable advantage of providing a little bit of something for every boater. 

For this reason, I would highly recommend it as the ideal location for beginners and less experienced liveaboard adventurers.

Can You Liveaboard in Marina Del Rey? 

Marina Del Ray promotes recreational boat users over liveaboards , and their rates are quite high for liveaboards. Liveaboards need to comply with Count Code 19.12.1110. 

The code regulates that a person cannot live on the marina longer than three days per week unless the LA County Sheriff’s Department’s Harbormaster issues a liveaboard permit. However, it is ultimately up to the local dockmasters’ discretion to accept or reject a liveaboard application. 

Becoming a good friend with the harbormaster and being a good Marina liveaboard will keep you out of a lot of trouble!

5. Avalon Harbor

In stark contrast to the “beginner-friendly” atmosphere of Marina del Rey, since its located on the Santa Catalina Island, Avalon Harbor represents an exciting and daring challenge to more experienced liveaboard boaters.

For those looking to bring their boating lifestyle to California, the critical advantage of Avalon Harbor is its plentiful options for fun and relaxation. Whether it’s fishing, swimming, or enjoying the beautiful scenery virtually unmatched by other marinas, this harbor is an exciting opportunity for liveaboard enthusiasts.

Several facilities and services are available for Avalon’s liveaboard residents. Some of the amenities provided by this location include restrooms and showers, grocery stores, and laundry machines. 

While not available in one area, these services are generally not spread out very far from each other and shouldn’t be difficult to reach.

However, there are some real dangers that one should keep in mind before choosing this harbor as their boat’s home. According to The Log, the winter months in Avalon Harbor can be stormy and pose real challenges due to the sometimes extreme wind conditions.

These adverse weather effects can create safety hazards for boaters (especially those with less experience!), so Avalon Harbor is widely considered an “unsafe” location for most liveaboard residents.

Likewise, some relatively stringent conditions are in place for boaters interested in settling in this harbor. These include an application to approve your boat for a long-term stay, as well as verifying insurance information.

Because of these hurdles, few liveaboard boaters establish themselves in Avalon. 

On the other hand, the relative seclusion, beautiful summer weather, and exciting winter months are likely to make this a fantastic choice for seasoned liveaboard lifestylists who find themselves looking for a challenge.

6. Alamitos Bay Marina

Another Long Beach marina, Alamitos Bay, is a fantastic option if you’re looking for a convenient, friendly, and fun atmosphere to drop your anchor in.

Home to 1,624 boat slips available for recreational use and boasts a highly modern and recently modified infrastructure system , as this Long Beach government web page describes. These slips range in size from 25′ to 115′ (7.62m to 35.05m), so there’s a great variety in welcomed vessels.

Many services and amenities are offered to liveaboard boaters by Alamitos Bay Marina. Here are a few benefits you’ll be able to enjoy at the marina:

• Boater parking
• Mail delivery services
• Phones and Wi-Fi
• Storage lockers
• Fuel services

When it comes to land options for those looking to venture into Long Beach city life, Alamitos Bay has you covered! Restaurants, shopping areas, equipment and hardware stores, and repair services. 

This marina also hosts several boat & yacht clubs. If socialization with other liveaboard boaters is a concern for you, these clubs will put those worries to rest for Alamitos tenants.

A 24-hour security patrol service at the marina is a notable benefit to safety-conscious residents. 

Transit options (such as public buses and taxis) that can take you into the city are also available.

7. Santa Barbara Harbor

Boaters who like to keep active and busy are sure to be highly impressed with Santa Barbara Harbor, which offers enough activities to keep one occupied for a lifetime!

Shared hobbies and pastimes enjoyed in this harbor include fishing, scuba diving, kayaking, sailing, and whale watching. Additionally, private businesses and organizations in the area provide other activities like cruises and boating lessons.

Santa Barbara’s state website also lists many land-based activities for residents to enjoy, such as fishing markets, the Santa Barbara Maritime Museum, and a wide choice of restaurants.

Regular events, festivals, and gatherings are also a hallmark of this harbor. These can feature anything from parades to seasonal markets. 

Cuisine enthusiasts will rejoice at the upcoming seafood festival, while the annual holiday Parade of Lights is sure to impress most residents.

A beautiful view is also a key selling point for many tenants who settle in at Santa Barbara Harbor. Renters have noted that watching the sunrise and sunset provides a particular satisfaction in the harbor, as does relaxing as they enjoy the scenic, breath-taking ocean view.

However, there are some downsides when dealing with such an idyllic location. The most significant disadvantage is the relatively small number of liveaboards allowed in the area, a modest 113 vessels. 

This limited space can make residency status as a liveaboard boater in the harbor reasonably tricky to achieve. 

Nonetheless, even for a short period, those who visit Santa Barbara Harbor are sure to find themselves impressed with its bustling activity, beautiful nature, and tranquil atmosphere.

8. Newport Harbor

Lovers of Orange County and Newport Beach will be pleased with the last marina choice on my list, Newport Harbor. 

The first thing to note is that liveaboard status can be a bit tricky to attain in Newport Harbor, as city officials only allow for 7% of the harbor’s offshore moorings to be occupied by liveaboard vessels. Presently, that means only approximately ~20 liveaboard ships are currently settled in the port.

That said, those boaters who do find themselves residing in Newport Harbor have plenty of activities and services to explore.

According to Newport Beach’s official website , Newport Harbor is the largest west coast recreational harbor. Because of this, the port is practically overflowing with opportunities for fun and relaxation, including paddleboarding, cruises, hiking and cycling, nature tours, and more. 

Local cuisine is another massive appeal for many visitors and residents of the harbor, with seafood restaurants available throughout Newport Beach.

Water sports are another popular aspect of the culture in the harbor. Many residents participate in recreational activities like canoeing and kayaking, and fishing is one of the harbor’s most beloved activities for liveaboard tenants and visitors alike.

Now go out there and live your dream!

Owner of CatamaranFreedom.com. A minimalist that has lived in a caravan in Sweden, 35ft Monohull in the Bahamas, and right now in his self-built Van. He just started the next adventure, to circumnavigate the world on a Catamaran!

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Dodging the jib might be fine in your sixties and even your seventies, but it's probably not ideal much after that. Unless it is, and that's great.

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Insurance Costs

While boat insurance isn't mandated in all parts of the United States, when your sailboat is your home, you're going to want to have it insured.

Sailboat insurance is generally calculated as around 1.5% of the boat's value, so a sailboat that's worth $40,000 will cost you around $600 to insure each year, and that's a small price to pay in the scheme of things.

Marina Costs

The fee a marina charges you to use a slip varies widely around the country (and the world) so there's no good range of costs to use.

In San Diego, you'll pay around $1,000 per month in many marinas.

In Baytown, Texas you'll pay only around $250 per month for a boat between 35 and 40 feet in length.

Do the research based on your area, and watch out for additional liveaboard fees, which are common.

Scraping, Painting and Other Maintenance

Every few years, you need to get a sailboat entirely out of the water and have it thoroughly cleaned, scraped of barnacles, repainted and generally repaired and maintained. This can cost several thousand dollars, so assume $1,000 per year is a safe bet, even though it's not an annual expense.

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Unless you're able to live a very stripped-down lifestyle indeed, chances are good that you'll want to own more worldly possessions than you can store on your boat.

If you don't have friends or family around who are willing to let you stash boxes and bins of sundry goods at their homes, then you'll need to rent some storage space on land. This usually costs only between $50 to $100 per month, but everything adds up.

Water, Electricity, Fuel, Etc.

You need water to drink, bathe and cook, electricity for lights and radios and various types of fuel for heaters, stoves and (for most sailboats, anyway) for the backup engine.

Some marinas include power and water in their fees, but many don't. Do the research ahead of time and, if need be, do the math, too.

Setting Up Your Sailboat as Your Home

A sailboat offers freedom and adventure and often an affordable lifestyle, but one thing it doesn't offer is a plethora of free space. You'll be confined to a few hundred square feet of living area, with about 300 square feet serving as a decent average.

Many sailboats come with cabins that are hard to move or reconfigure, but you can still choose how you use the space.

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Bedding Down

Your bedroom on a sailboat is probably not going to serve only for sleeping. It will likely also be your office, your den and your closet.

Choose the smallest bed you can comfortably sleep in and consider a setup that allows the bed to fold out of the way or also be used as a seat.

Make sure to maximize storage space underneath the bed.

Bathroom (AKA Head)

A boat's bathroom is going to be small and cramped. Just accept that. The head is also a frequent location for the growth of mold and mildew , as it's often moist and usually closed off. 

One good way to combat these issues is to rig up the door to stay open when the bathroom isn't in use. Also consider adding a fan, a  dehumidifier  and dehumidifier refill bags .

Speaking of boat bathrooms, you'll want to be sure to use marine and RV toilet paper , which is specifically designed to break down so that it doesn't clog marine septic systems . 

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Kitchen (a.k.a. Galley)

Your boat's kitchen is probably not going to be suitable for preparing a five-course banquet for 15 people. Oh well. What you can do to maximize its useful space is get creative.

That sink need not be wasted counter space, for example. Buy or fashion a cutting board that neatly covers it for when you're prepping a large meal.

And use your fridge wisely. Any food that doesn't need cold storage can be kept in cabinets or even in another room entirely, say under the bed, for example.

Folding furniture is key when you live aboard a sailboat. It's good to have at least one or two comfortable chairs and/or a couch, but as much as possible, use furniture that folds down for storage and for easy movement.

You can use a folding chair as extra seating in the cabin, on deck or on the dock, which will become your new front yard.

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Three Great Places to Live Aboard a Sailboat

Your sailboat is your home, but where you have that home tied up matters, too. You already know to look for costs associated with the marinas of various areas, but here are three reasons to consider these three locations other than money.

When you live aboard a sailboat in Boston, you're right beside the downtown area. You can even walk from several marina locations to centers of business, commerce and culture.

So, if you want great professional opportunities or you want to enjoy an urban lifestyle while still living on a boat, Boston is a great place to consider.

If you prize consistently warm, mild weather and you don't want to deal with the hurricanes that often swirl their way across Florida, then Southern California (specifically San Diego), is a great place to live aboard a sailboat. The days are hot in the summer but the nights are cool all year round.  

Great Lakes

Living aboard a sailboat in any of the Great Lakes of North America means getting to enjoy all four of the year's seasons. Yes, it gets cold in the winter, but the fall and spring are both mild and lovely. During the warm summers, you can always take a dip.

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Is Living on a Sailboat a Good Idea?

In short, yes. Yes, it is. It just takes extra planning ahead, being ready for a contingency place to spend some time if there's a bad storm or if your boat needs repairs, and other such long-term thinking.

In taking the very long view, just know that if you plan to retire onto your boat, you'll almost surely have to move at least once more in your life, but hopefully not for a good many years.

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Living Aboard In San Diego

My Experience

Way back when I was 19 years old, I purchased a 1979 39' home-built sailing trimaran with a couple of buddies for $3,300.00.  'Triogamy' was it's name, and it lived on a mooring ball next to the Coronado bridge and Tideland's park.  Initially my friends and I used it to ram other people's boats and occasionally sail.  Eventually, though, I moved aboard with one of those friends, then he moved on and my younger brother graduated high school and moved aboard with me.  My brother and I refit much of the vessel, building out the spartan interior, re-doing the decks, re-naming her 'Liquid Silk' and doing a fair job of halting the aging process on a cold-molded plywood and fiberglass vessel.  I lived aboard for 11 years and absolutely loved it!

Day-to-Day - What it's like to live aboard

Cramped living spaces

Limited storage

Expensive maintenance (budget ~10% of the vessels value in maintenance costs per year)

Winter can be quite brisk in San Diego

It's basically a floating trailer park

Your home is a depreciating asset

Can be less expensive than living on land

Limited room for possessions

On the water all the time

Views are usually awesome!

Closer to nature

Just a step away from an awesome dinghy ride!

Costs of living aboard a boat

In a marina - ***Monthly cost of slip rent plus a liveaboard fee of typically a few hundred dollars a month. ***there is very limited availability in San Diego in marinas.  See below***

On a mooring ball - Approximately $150 USD per month.  The wharfage contract from the San Diego Mooring Company explicitly forbids living aboard, but its a very dificult rule to enforce on the open water in the mooring fields with no access cards at gates and electrical usage data to monitor.  However, the number of liveaboards is limited logistically, as a dinghy ride to the vessel is required.  

As a drifter - Priceless out by the Zuniga Jetty.  

***Availability of Liveaboard Slips in Marinas***

Shelter and Harbor Island:  There are lots of slips in the boating center of San Diego, but the waitlists for liveaboard status are years long at every marina that I've ever asked at.  Some people will sneakaboard with regular success.  Most marinas allow 2-3 nights per week aboard overnight without liveaboard status, with allowances for a couple two week stays per year.

Mission Bay: Liveaboard is not allowed in Mission Bay.

Downtown: The Marriott Marina does not allow liveaboards, but that is loosely enforced.

National City & Chula Vista : Pier 32, Safe Harbor Bayfront and Safe Harbor Southbay all allow liveaboard, and typically have availability quickly if you don't look like a bum.  Last I spoke with the dockmaster at Safe Harbor Bayfront, there was a 3-6 month wait for liveaboard status.

Yacht Clubs:  Yacht clubs typically have long lists for slips and even longer for liveaboard slips.  For instance, as of August 2021, Silvergate Marina has a 7-10 year waitlist for slips and even longer for liveaboard status in those slips.  Of course, you must be a yacht club member to even get on those waitlists.

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Where to liveaboard: the best cities and marinas to live and boat.

Post by Janelle Cox - Published on 07/20/21 12:30 PM

For some, deciding on a permanent homeport will come down to location, but it’s not necessarily a matter of which places are “better” or “nicer” than others. That’s subjective. The choice you make will ultimately rely on your wants, needs, and dealbreakers. You might be looking for vibrant city life, a little southern charm, a sunny island escape, or a combination of it all.

Boston, Massachusetts

Constitution Marina: Located in Boston’s Inner Harbor, you’re just a 5-minute walk from the Boston Garden and the North Station transit line, which gives you access to the entire city, including Logan Airport and the New Encore Boston Harbor Casino and outer neighborhoods. Each summer, Constitution Marina becomes the destination of choice for boaters from around New England and beyond.

Boston Waterboat Marina: Located on historic Long Wharf in Boston Harbor, Boston Waterboat Marina is just steps from Faneuil Hall, Quincy Market, New England Aquarium, and countless world-class restaurants. Charm and spectacular views punctuate this quiet and safe marina. As the city’s oldest continually operating yachting facility, Boston Waterboat Marina prides itself on offering small-town hospitality with big city convenience. 

Newport, Rhode Island

If you’ve ever been to Newport , it’s easy to see why the “City by the Sea” is such a popular destination for boaters. This seaside community is located on the southern end of Aquidneck Island in Narragansett Bay and is known as the world’s sailing capital. Not only will you find some of the best beaches in the Northeast, but the town also has a wide array of attractions, from the historic mansions to annual music festivals and the best restaurants and bars.

Safe Harbor Newport Shipyard: In the heart of the celebrated Sailing Capital of the World, Safe Harbor Newport Shipyard surrounds the colonial captains’ homes, cozy eateries, and seaside boutiques that line the streets of downtown Newport. The international sailing community makes it the preeminent home port for the most prestigious yachting events in the world.

Bowen’s Wharf: This award-winning, first-class marina is conveniently located amidst the bustling downtown area. With shoreside activities, tours, galleries, locally-owned shops, bars, and world-class restaurants, you’re steps away from the action.

Chesapeake Bay, Maryland

Anchorage Marina: Conveniently located in Baltimore City, Anchorage Marina is just minutes from the Inner Harbor, where you’ll find restaurants, entertainment, and shopping within walking distance. By water, the Anchorage is situated on the Northwest Harbor of the Patapsco River, just one mile inside of Fort McHenry, one of many historic sites in the area.

Eastport Yacht Center: EYC is a full-service marina located near downtown Annapolis. You’re a 10-minute walk, or water taxi ride to all the historic city has to offer.

Miami, Florida

Vice City Marina: Vice City Marina is located in the heart of Downtown Miami, just two blocks from Brickell City Center. The Marina boasts the best location in Miami, with numerous hotels and restaurants within walking distance.

Sunset Harbour Yacht Club: SHYC is ideally located in the heart of South Beach, within walking distance to all of the attractions, including Lincoln Road, the Miami Beach Convention Center, the Jackie Gleason Theatre, and Ocean Drive.

Tampa/St. Petersburg, Florida

Safe Harbor Harborage Marina: The first and only full-service mega yacht port on Florida’s west coast, Harborage Marina combines meticulous personal care with easy access to boundless area attractions. Unwind by the resort-style pool, then meet up with friends for cocktails at their casual Tiki Hut or dine at one of St. Petersburg’s many fine restaurants.

Savannah, Georgia

Savannah is where southern hospitality, rich history, and city-dwelling meet. As one of the most affordable cities to live or retire on this list and beyond, it’s known for its gorgeous city parks, upcoming food scene, coastal beaches, diverse neighborhoods, and more. You can also expect a temperate climate with warm, humid summers and mild winters.

Bull River Marina: Bull River Marina is in the middle of a boating & fishing paradise. They offer sunset cruises, beach drops, and downtown Savannah tours by water. Their boater’s lounge is an excellent place to hang out.

Charleston, South Carolina

Charleston is walkable and bikeable, with quaint neighborhoods scattered throughout its 17 square miles. This historic city has it all, from the rich history and beautiful architecture to world-class restaurants, nightlife, and stunning beaches.

Safe Harbor Charleston City: Safe Harbor Charleston City is home to the famed Mega Dock, which hosts some of the most prestigious yachts in the world. As a premier boating destination, the marina’s state-of-the-art facilities and unmatched southern hospitality are merely the beginning. They also offer van drop-offs and pick-ups to downtown during operating hours.

Cooper River Marina: Just 15-minutes away from the historic downtown Charleston area, the Cooper River Marina is an excellent facility for recreational and transient boaters.

San Diego, California

Sunny San Diego is conceivably the best choice for west coast liveaboards. Not only will you find surf and sand, but you’ll find scenic nature views across some of the best hiking trails in the United States. You’re also a sail away from other hot spot destinations like Catalina, La Paz, Cabo, and more.

Sun Harbor Marina: Sun Harbor Marina is the world’s first LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certified marina. At this green marina, boaters enjoy the marina’s proximity to the Scott St. maritime district and its marine-based businesses, shops, and restaurants. This San Diego marina boasts beautiful facilities, which are well maintained using ecologically sensitive practices. Boaters also enjoy quick access to San Diego Bay and the open waters of the Pacific Ocean for boating enjoyment.

Harbor Island West Marina: Located less than a mile from the San Diego International Airport and just around the corner from the sites and activities of the beautiful Embarcadero and the action of downtown’s Gaslamp District, experience the warm, friendly community of San Diego’s Harbor Island West Marina, your gateway to the Bay. 

Half Moon Marina: Half Moon Marina is also a short drive from all of San Diego’s most popular attractions, including the Downtown Gaslamp Quarter, SeaWorld, San Diego Zoo, and San Diego’s famous beaches. Go for their summer concerts or to gain access to the San Diego Bay and the Pacific Ocean. Either way, you know you’ve landed in a special place when you come to their marina.

The Bahamas

Why you’d take up a permanent residence in the Bahamas requires little to no explanation. Made up of nearly 700 islands, the relaxed lifestyle, white sand beaches, and warm, crystal blue waters make it a dream destination and home for many.

Saint Francis Resort and Marina: Located in a very protected cove of Stocking Island, St Francis Resort and Marina is one of the best hurricane holes of The Bahamas. There is a full-service resort with a restaurant and bar on site. 

Cape Eleuthera Resort & Marina: Long favored by cruisers, sailors, divers, and anglers, the Cape Eleuthera Resort & Marina is a destination of choice for Out Island travelers.

Stay up to date with our liveaboard series and more on our blog and join the conversation on  Facebook , Twitter , and  Instagram .

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Home » Blog » Live on a boat » Living on a sailboat – Is it right for you?

Living on a sailboat – Is it right for you?

By Author Fiona McGlynn

Posted on Last updated: November 10, 2022

Living on a sailboat seems dreamy – but what are the trade offs?

How would your life look if you didn’t have to pay rent? Would you quit your day job, become an artist or writer, sail the world? I did all these things and living on a sailboat is what made it possible. If you’re tired of grinding it out 9-5 to pay exorbitant rent, moving onto a sailboat may be your ticket to freedom. But, before you tell your overbearing boss to shove it, there are 7 things you should know.

Already know you want to live on a sailboat? Check out our  FREE 6-part series that shows you how to become a liveaboard .

1. Pay little to no rent!

You might be surprised to know that the cost of living on a sailboat full time is very low. In boat land we call rent “moorage” cost – it’s essentially the amount you pay per month to keep your boat somewhere. Moorage costs will vary based on the amenities being offered (think laundry, power hookup, internet, etc.) To give you an idea of the costs, here are some examples of liveaboard moorage we’ve paid over the years:

• Living at the marina: $550 per month – We spent two years living on a sailboat full time in Spruce Harbour Marina in Vancouver, BC and we had it GOOD! We were right downtown and the moorage cost included power hookup, a parking spot, storage space, showers, a woodworking shop, and laundry facilities. Not bad when you consider that the cheapest one-bedroom apartment we could find in Vancouver at the time was $1100.
• Living on a mooring ball: $150 per month – We had no amenities while staying on a mooring buoy in San Diego for a month, but hey we had a secure holding in a central location. Considering we were spending at least as much in coffee shops every month – it really wasn’t a bad deal.
• Living at anchor: FREE. Yes, that’s right FREE rent! For 3 years sailing the west coast of North America and across the Pacific to Australia, we by and large spent $0 on rent every month. In most cases you can anchor for free, though be warned that you should check the regulations in big centres like San Francisco, San Diego, and Vancouver because some municipalities place limits on how long you can anchor in a given are.

Keep in mind, for all of the above the moorage costs don’t include the boat itself or any maintenance and upkeep. You have to buy a boat to live on and they can be expensive. My husband and I bought a 35 foot sailboat from 1979 and that cost us around $10,000. Still, after saving $600 a month on rent we figure we’d more than paid for it after two years. Here are some examples of other liveaboards who’ve saved money.

Some sample liveaboard budgets:

• This  UK couple  is living aboard for  £500 ($570) a month  while sailing around the globe.
• This  family from San Diego  told Business Insider they pay just  $2,200 a month  to live aboard.
• These  San Franciscans are spending just  a few hundred dollars  a month  on rent and utilities while living aboard.

For more on the pros and cons of a marina vs. mooring ball vs. anchoring. See our post “Where to live aboard a boat?”  for more info.

2. The catch: liveaboard spots are hard to come by

Alright – you’re stoked to never pay rent again, you’ve secured the domain for your new lifestyle blog, you’re about to put down a deposit on a boat….but, HOLD UP! There’s something you need to know: It can be EXTREMELY challenging to find a place to actually put your boat . Many municipalities have restricted the number of liveaboard slips (spots in the marina) that are available. You’d think that with affordable housing being an issue in every major city, that they’d be all over it. Unfortunately there’s a perception that liveaboards clog up the waterfront with dirt-bags, sea-vagabonds, and floating tarp cities. All that to say, my recommendation would be: FIRST, find a spot to put your boat, SECOND, buy a boat. A good place to start is to sign up for all the liveaboard marina waiting lists. But don’t stop there, there are other strategies you can employ . Read  how we skipped a 10 year wait list and got into the best liveaboard marina in Vancouver! Your last resort is to “sneak-a-board”. Some marinas will turn a blind eye to this and others will unceremoniously give you the boot. So ask around with other liveaboards.

3. Ready to rough it?

Living on a boat is harder than it seems, especially if you live at anchor. Maybe you couldn’t find a liveaboard spot in a marina, or perhaps you like the idea of paying no rent at all, but if you’re looking at the anchoring or mooring buoy options it’s important to understand that living on the hook will be a lot rougher than at the dock . At the marina you’ll have access to power and water, on-the-hook you’ll be essentially living off-grid. This may sound sexier than it is – sure solar panels are cool, but is lugging jugs of water on the boat every week all that fun? It puts daily showers totally out of the question. Also, being at a marina makes it easy to get on and off the boat. On-the-hook you’ll be commuting to shore in a dinghy, less fun when you have to run big loads like groceries, bikes, and pets back and forth. However, if you’re adventure-ready and outdoor showers crank your gear, you’ll do just fine living aboard a sailboat.

4. Is living on a sailboat romantic? It depends on your partner.

It may be your lifelong dream, but if your partner thinks that living on a boat sucks, it can quickly become a waking nightmare. I know a few liveaboard couple who’ve broken up shortly after moving on a boat together- it’s just not for everyone . There can be a bit of discomfort associated with the liveaboard lifestyle: lack of space, motion, water dripping on your head. On the flip side, if you’re both game, it can be FANTASTIC for your relationship. Living on a boat requires communication, teamwork, patience and in those regards it can help you grow as a couple . If you or your partner is on the fence, I’d recommend that you  test-drive the liveaboard lifestyle (e.g. airbnbing a boat , chartering, or boat-sitting) before you jump into the deep end and liveaboard full-time. I love this story by Sheena Jeffers, “ When your partner falls in love with a sailboat ” about coming to terms with her boyfriend’s desire to live on an sailboat. Don’t worry, it has a happy ending!

5. Living in a sailboat is a bit like living in a basement apartments

No offence meant to sailboat or basement apartment dwellers (I’ve happily been both) but the comparison is useful when thinking about the best boat for you to live in. On a liveaboard sailboat you will get less light (because you’re half underwater) whereas with a trawler much of your living space is above water. If you want a view from your breakfast table, a trawler is a better option. Sailboats also offer less personal space than an equivalent sized power boat. However, all things considered, the option to be propelled by the wind, enjoy the quiet of the water, and okay, enjoy the romance of it, all more than make up for the lack of space.

6. Don’t you wish you could find the time to ….

Whether you want to start an ecommerce business, learn to paint, pay off debt, or go back to school, living aboard can create space in your life for the things you really want to do . If you save $600 a month on rent that’s equivalent to 40 hours a month at $15 an hour. A whole week of wages every month! Many people, especially creative types, have lived on boats (Nick Cave, Rod Stewart, Jimmy Buffett, and Alan Watts to name a few). If you’re not sure what to tell your employer about cutting back on your work hours, you could look to Lyle Lovett’s song, “If I had a boat”, for inspiration. He sings, “Kiss my ass I bought a boat, I’m going out to sea.”

7. Sail into the sunset

The best part about calling a liveaboard sailboat “home”? You can untie the lines anytime you want . Whether it’s getting out for some serene weekend cruising or an action-packed ocean crossing , sailboats are an amazing way to see the world. All of the big North American cities we’ve sailed in (Vancouver, Toronto, and briefly San Francisco, and San Diego) have beautiful cruising grounds just a few hours away. Getting away from the city bustle and into nature is easy when you live on a sailboat. It’s also a lot more affordable than having a second-home or cottage.

Think you’re ready to take the plunge? You probably have other questions like:

What does a boat cost to own?

What makes a boat a good liveaboard boat? 

Where should I look to find a liveaboard boat for sale?  

Find all this and more in our  Ultimate Guide to Living on a Boat.

Fiona McGlynn is an award-winning boating writer who created Waterborne as a place to learn about living aboard and traveling the world by sailboat. She has written for boating magazines including BoatUS, SAIL, Cruising World, and Good Old Boat. She’s also a contributing editor at Good Old Boat and BoatUS Magazine. In 2017, Fiona and her husband completed a 3-year, 13,000-mile voyage from Vancouver to Mexico to Australia on their 35-foot sailboat.

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For a city by the sea, boat living offers cheap but difficult lifestyle

SAN DIEGO (KGTV) - For a city by the sea, living on a boat in San Diego comes with many challenges.

That’s according to boat owner, Daniel McGarrigle, who says he’s exhausted most of his options for living on his boat in San Diego.

“We're realizing San Diego isn’t the friendliest city to boaters than we had originally thought,” said McGarrigle. 

He moved to San Diego several years ago to work in the TV industry in Southern California. Living on a boat offered him a convenient way to move around without being tied to an apartment lease payment or a physical location.

There are some inexpensive places to anchor a boat or leave it at a slip, however most have time limitations or do not allow owners to live on the boats.

McGarrigle says he’s also been trying to get a mooring ball, which can require a credit check. The waiting list can be as long as two years.

Right now, McGarrigle says he has been doing everything legally, however “eventually they’re going to notice I’m bouncing from anchorage to anchorage,” he said. “They’ll probably cite me and force me out to the area known as the 'Zoo.' "

He’s referring to Zuniga Point, the tip of Coronado that jetties out into the Pacific Ocean.

“It’s rough. It can be scary when the waves get big,” says Brian Richeson, who often moors at the Zoo.

Richeson lives on a yacht but says he’s still been forced out there to avoid expensive boat slips.

The area is not only known for the inclement weather, which often rips boats off their moorings, but for the crime.

“I’ve been told to take my motor and my solar panels with me if I ever leave my boat out there,” says McGarrigle, referring to thieves who are known to strip vacant boats.

McGarrigle says he’s not willing to give up the boat life quite yet.

“It’s a beautiful way to live, wake up on the water every day.”

For now, most of the boaters have his back.

“It doesn’t matter where you come from, everyone is like family on the water,” he says.

He hopes he can start gathering other boaters in his position to come together and approach the city and port of San Diego to offer more options for those whose boats are their only home.

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5 Reasons To Sail In San Diego

By: Zeke Quezada, ASA Cruising Tips , Destinations , Learn To Sail , Schools

You want to learn to sail so why not pick a convenient destination to take your sailing courses? San Diego is the ideal location to visit because you can mix in your ocean adventures with some sightseeing and some cultural sites. Throw in a visit to a wild animal park and sample some craft beers and you can easily see why a sailing vacation in Southern California’s other beach city is the spot to choose to work on your sailing education.

The Weather is Perfect It’s always sunny in San Diego, or at least that is what the locals will tell you. It is said to have an average of 300 sunny days per year. While the visitor’s bureau may inflate that number, you can’t argue with average temperatures that hover around 70 degrees. Summers are not too hot, and winters are never too cold. You can sail in San Diego all year long, and the wind is consistent.

The Beaches Sure being on a boat is better than sitting on the shore but if we take into consideration that some of our travel companions will not be sailing, why not send them to the beach? Or, better yet, reserve a day away from sailing and take in a beach day. Head to La Jolla where you can gawk at sea lions basking on the rocks after an afternoon of window shopping and sun worshipping. Attempt the walk to Black’s Beach for some surfing or take in the scene at Mission Beach where food and drink are just as important as finding a good spot on the sand.

Sailing With Whales If you decide to learn to sail in winter, you’ll be treated to some whale sightings. The Pacific gray whales migrate along the coast of San Diego, so you’ll see calves swimming along with the adults in early spring while early winter treats you to southbound pods heading to Mexico. There are regulations in place to keep you from getting too close to the whales. However, nobody has told the whales this so often enough they come looking for you. There is something quite magical about coming up close to a whale in the open ocean.

Things To Do Once you decide to learn to sail in San Diego, you’ll realize that there is so much to do that you’ll have to carve out some time for fun off the water. For those looking to view some wildlife, the San Diego Zoo and Wild Animal Park is a big draw as is Sea World. The Gaslamp Quarter is a section of downtown where inventive cuisine takes residence alongside craft breweries and nightlife options that range from ultra lounges and nightclubs to dive bars and live music venues.

Sailing Schools are in Abundance in San Diego

ASA has six affiliates in San Diego all within a few miles of the heart of Downtown San Diego.

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Beautiful Yachts

Affordability, learn to sail, get 2 free online sailing courses from nauticed.

Lucky Sol sailing memberships offered me the perfect solution – I live in Phoenix, and only wanted to make the drive to San Diego once a month. Now I have a great place to stay when I’m in town – and I can take my family on adventures – from a short jump to Coronado Island for lunch to a long weekend in Catalina. John-Scott D. Member

I had an AMAZING sail with Lucky Sol Sailing. Our Captain, Jason, was friendly and very informative. The boat was spacious enough for our group and we all had a very fun and relaxing evening on the San Diego Bay! Overall, I had an amazing experience. It was my first sail and it definitely won’t be my last! Austin G. Guest

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Boating in San Diego: Everything You Need to Know

Table of Contents

Last Updated on January 25, 2022 by Boatsetter Team

The waterfront of San Diego, CA covers many square miles and is home to rowboats and aircraft carriers. With a length of over ten miles and two miles across at its widest point, San Diego Bay is a significant body of water.

A bit further north of San Diego Bay is Mission Bay. It is also in San Diego and is a bay designed for life on the water and home to Seaworld, San Diego. The area is a mecca for boaters and sun worshippers, and the weather is moderate, year-round.

The shores of San Diego Bay are lined with wharves and docks from one end to the other. There are restaurants, shops, museums, beaches, and entertainment along the waterfront of San Diego, and it is all accessible from the water. 

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Do you need a license to drive a boat in San Diego?

You will need a  California Boater Card  if you are less than 35 years of age when boating anywhere in California, including San Diego. This care requires a simple test and can be done online.

You must know where you can drive a boat, what the markers and buoys mean, and the speeds at which you can operate a boat in certain areas. The waterways around San Diego are busy, and you need to know a little about what you are doing before getting on the water.

Where to take a boat in San Diego

There are many destinations to visit by boat on the San Diego waterfront and several other locations in the area. San Diego bay is about ten miles in length, and many boaters keep to the protected waters of the harbor. Once one leaves the harbor, you are in the Pacific Ocean. 

Boating in San Diego or Mission Bay doesn’t require a large boat because you are in protected waters . So, bowriders, fishing skiffs, pontoons, and deck boats are suitable for a day’s outing on the waters of San Diego or Mission Bays. However, once you pass the breakwater of either Bay, you will need a bigger boat. 

All boats are expensive, and purchasing one may be out of the question. However, you can rent a boat from a local boat owner that will be suitable on the bays of San Diego or large enough to take on the Pacific Ocean. 

At Boatsetter, we put those who want to go boating together with boat owners who wish to rent you their boat. From fishing boats to yachts large enough for 30 and more passengers, a local boat owner has the vessel you need to go boating in San Diego.

Boating in San Diego Harbor

Parks, three wildlife refuges, and shopping are available along the shores of San Diego Harbor. All shoreside areas are easily accessible due to the amount of dockage on the Bay. San Diego is a city where life on the water is encouraged, making it easy to get from one destination to the next. 

One such San Diego location is Seaport Village. Here, hundreds of visitors come to see the USS Midway Maritime Museum and enjoy being outdoors on the water. Across from this location and fronting the Pacific Ocean is Coronado Island. 

This city on the ocean personifies a lifestyle of waterfront life. The skateboard park, the quaintness of a surrey ride, and enjoying ice cream from Mootime Creamery offer Coronado visitors many different things to enjoy.

All of the above locations are accessible by boat and are great locations to add to a boat trip on San Diego Bay.

Boating on Mission Bay

Mission Bay is a few miles north of San Diego Bay and has an entirely different atmosphere. However, Mission Bay is home to the largest artificial aquatic park in the United States. The coves, anchorages, and jutting landmasses make a place where visitors can play on the Bay in safety.

Home to Sea World San Diego, a boat rental from a Mission Bay boat owner will give you access to every corner and turn of Mission Bay, and there is so much to see. This is the perfect vacation destination as there is so much to do to keep everyone busy and happy.

Boating on the Pacific Ocean

Boating on the Pacific Ocean will open your world to coastal cruising and sportfishing. These adventures require a different type of boat than needed on San Diego or Mission Bays. Larger cabin cruisers, sailboats, trawlers, and yachts are necessary when boating on the Pacific Ocean. However, boat owners in San Diego will rent you the type of boat you need to cruise the big waters of the Pacific. 

Things you need to know when boating in San Diego

Rules and regulations for boating need to be followed for your protection and that of your passengers. Boating safety is taken very seriously in California . Knowing the rules before getting on the water will keep you safe and in favor with law enforcement if you happen to meet. 

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Boat speed limits – posted and not posted.

When operating a boat, you must keep your speed below five miles per hour when you are within a hundred feet of a surfer or swimmer. It would be best if you also kept a boat operating at least 200 feet away from a beach where people frequently swim.

Oceanside vessel speeds

If you are operating a boat along the coastline within San Diego’s city limits, you must keep the speed of your boat at or below five miles per hour if you are within 1000 feet of shore. The regulations for ocean-side speed limits are different in Mission Bay.

Boat speeds on Mission Bay

The speed limit on Mission Bay is five miles per hour or less, from sunset to sunrise. Areas with speed limits other than this time include where buoys indicate a speed limit of five miles per hour, within a hundred feet of shore, another vessel, and near bridges.

Ages of boat operators

Children under twelve cannot operate a boat with a motor. Children aged 12 to 16 cannot use a boat with an engine size greater than 15 horsepower and must have someone with them that is over eighteen years of age.

Boat safety equipment – requirements

Safety equipment for boats is required based on a boat’s type. However, all pleasure boaters need to have the following onboard to be legal.

• One life jacket – PFD (personal flotation device) for each person on board.
• A marine-type fire extinguisher
• One horn or whistle
• Flairs or other visual distress signals
• One throwable flotation device (life ring)
• Navigation lights for operating after dark
• Proper numbers, stickers, and registration cards for the boat

Where you can beach and anchor

There are many places on Mission Bay where a boat can be beached. Beaching is permitted as long as there is no landing, swim area, or takeoff point for water skiers. 

However, look carefully for signs before beaching your boat anywhere in Mission Bay. Beaching a boat anywhere along the oceanfront is prohibited except at the La Jolla Shores boat launch area.

Suppose you want a location to anchor overnight. Anchoring is permitted in Mariners Bay, and you are allowed to stay at this location for up to 72 hours.

Special use area on Mission Bay

There are four zones of activity on Mission Bay. They include special use areas, speed zones, swim zones, and open speed areas. Areas of special use include areas restricted to personal watercraft (PWCs) permit areas or water ski permit areas. Unless you are actively using one of these areas, you cannot be there. 

When boating on Mission Bay, take the time to read the signs. They will alert you to the current conditions and happenings on Mission Bay. In addition, signs regarding Mission Bay are posted at all boat ramps and lifeguard stations .

Boating in San Diego

There are many things to do in San Diego, and as you see, boating can be a part of everything you do and everywhere you go. Cities on the water are unique, and San Diego is one of the most special with its Bay and Pacific Ocean access. 

If you need a boat to use near San Diego , look at the boat rentals offered by Boatsetter around San Diego Mission Bay, and book a reservation today. You can rent the type of boat you want with a boat rental and be on the water tomorrow. 

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Rent a 27′ Catalina Sailboat

Our catalina 270 is our largest sailboat rental. it’s perfect for groups and families that want to cruise around the bay., 27′ catalina sailboat, description.

Our 27′ Catalina sailboat is a great boat rental for people who want to cruise around San Diego Bay. This boat has plenty of space on deck and in the cabin for small groups and families. It’s perfect if you’re looking to day cruise and see the San Diego skyline from the water. It’s well maintained by our knowledgeable staff and all of our rentals include all the safety equipment you need to have a fun, safe day sailing in San Diego.

2 - 8 Hours

Cancellation policy: 24 hours advance notice needed for a full refund.

About This Rental

Maximum of 8 passengers

Life vests included

Equipped with a roller furling jib

Very stable and easy to handle

Excellent boat for sailing lessons

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Loews coronado bay resort, you may also like these.

14' Capri Sailboat

The Capri 14’ sailboat rental comfortably accommodates up to 3 passengers. This vessel is great for sailors who want the feel of a dinghy but with the stability of a keelboat.

18' Capri Sailboat

The Capri 18’ sailboat comfortably accommodates up to 5 people. This vessel offers rigging simplicity and a fixed keel, making it stable and easy to sail around San Diego Bay.

22' Capri Sailboat

This 22’ sailboat rental comfortably accommodates up to seven passengers. The Capri 22’ sailboat rental offers more room and performance, making it the perfect boat to use to develop your sailing skills in San Diego.

Hobie Getaway Catamaran

The Hobie Getaway Catamaran is a ton of fun and can comfortably seat up to 5 passengers! This high-speed catamaran is ideal for those seeking a thrilling & exhilarating sailing adventure!

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boating guide

In addition to the best offers we have for boat and yacht charters in San Diego, CA, see also options available for rent in these nearby locations:

• 32 boat rentals in Core-Columbia, San Diego, CA
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TOP Sailboat Charters in San Diego, California | Sailo

Looking for a sailboat rental in San Diego, California? Enjoy the freedom of the open water on a private sailboat charter in San Diego, CA from Sailo. Rent a sailboat in San Diego from a couple of hours to a full day, to really explore California. With a licensed captain driving your San Diego sailboat charter, you’ll be able to relax and discover those hidden gems with your friends or family. Prefer to skipper your sailboat yacht rental in San Diego, CA? Use our advanced filters to find your perfect bareboat charter on Sailo!

Sailo's inventory of sailboat charters in San Diego, CA

We’ve been asked many times if a sailboat rental in San Diego is a good choice to explore California from the water. With more than 39 charters rented every day during the season, our answer is YES, you’re set for an amazing experience when you rent a sailboat in San Diego! Our boats are available with or without captain, with prices starting at $250 per day, depending on the boat type you choose. Browse, find, and book in minutes the best sailboat charter in San Diego, CA!

How to find the best sailboat rental in San Diego, California?

Wondering how to find the best sailboat rental in San Diego for a memorable experience on the water in California? We have created a set of advanced filters to help you navigate easily our database of San Diego sailboat rentals and yacht charters, and find the one for you. First pick a start date and then choose your trip duration. You can go for an extraordinary of 2, 4 hours or full day experience. Next, select the number of guests, the type of boat and the price range you are comfortable with. The crew filter helps you narrow down the results to the boats with the captain included in the price, or bareboats that you’ll captain yourself. Choose the boat you want in California, to view more pics, read description and reviews. Message the owner if you have any questions or continue with your booking request.

How much does it cost to charter a sailboat in San Diego, CA?

San Diego sailboat charters for daily trips are available at an average of $1100 per day. Cheaper sailboats (sometimes with no captain included) may be rented for $250. Our premium sailboat charters in San Diego may have price tags up to $6500, with crew, fuel, docking fees and other extras added to your budget.

Will I be charged a security deposit for my Sailo charter?

Most of the California boat owners require a sailboat rental refundable security deposit. The renter can check the security deposit amount at any time on the booking page. Upon instructions from the boat owner, Sailo will place a hold on the security deposit prior to the trip date or will notify the renter that the amount is due upon arrival at the marina, payable directly to the boat owner, in cash or by credit card. The funds will be released after the trip if there are no incidentals.

Eco-friendly practices when you rent a sailboat in San Diego, CA

Sailing is a great way to experience nature. So we like to remind everyone that keeping nature as beautiful as possible involves a little effort from all of us. Some of our tips for responsible boating include:

• Don’t litter or throw waste overboard - take rubbish home and dispose of it responsibly
• Eco-friendly sunblock can help prevent damage to marine life
• buy local and sustainable food products

However long you’re sailing for, a little goes a long way.  Read more about responsible boating.

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