Best Marina in San Diego?
- Thread starter AlastairLC
- Start date
If you are thinking of relocating there, it might prove a matter of what’s available in the slip size that you are seeking. It’s not like we can really “shop” unless willing to wait potentially years for a slip in that wonderful spot, etc. One very nice place is the Bay Club Marina in San Diego Bay on Shelter Island, but the big marinas that might have availability are on Harbor Island; try Harbor West Marina. It’s a good spot and they’ve had slips when others haven’t, at least a few years back.
Also, FYI. The marina situation around Southern California has become a bit onerous. Some may want $500,000 liability on your vessel with the marina indemnified on the policy. Some may require a recent out-of-water survey b/f giving a slip permit. Seems that they’re getting more than their share of abandoned boats. Long Beach Municipal has two auctions a year to clear out boats and other equipment that people walk away from, etc. Private marinas might have a more difficult time ridding themselves of abandoned vessels; unpaid slippage. So, they want to know the condition and valuation of the vessel going in.
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What boat size? Large boat slips are always at a premium in So. Cal... so start calling around.
You might consider Mission Bay. Close to the ocean and easier to access from major freeways. Oh... and did I mention that it is generally less expensive to slip your boat there (at least at my marina) except for down in Chula Vista.
I've been at Marina Village Marina since 99... could never find a good enough reason to move. If you like sailing in flat water, then you'll most likely want to be in SD Bay. If you like sailing in the ocean (my preference) then Mission Bay makes more sense. However, if you enjoy racing... all the yacht clubs are in the bay... except for MB Yacht Club which is small boat oriented and inside the bridge.
Another advantage to my place is easy parking, small dock size and security. Each dock has its own security gate with mag keys limited to each particular one. But, again, call around to see what slip availability is. If you're in for the long run, MB is a good choice. If you plan a more limited stay and expect a lot of guests who want to see the sights, then SD Bay would be more appealing... Especially if they don't fancy going out in the ocean where there are waves and stuff...
You might consider Mission Bay. Close to the ocean and easier to access from major freeways. Oh... and did I mention that it is generally less expensive to slip your boat there (at least at my marina) except for down in Chula Vista.
I've been at Marina Village Marina since 99... could never find a good enough reason to move. If you like sailing in flat water, then you'll most likely want to be in SD Bay. If you like sailing in the ocean (my preference) then Mission Bay makes more sense. However, if you enjoy racing... all the yacht clubs are in the bay... except for MB Yacht Club which is small boat oriented and inside the bridge.
Another advantage to my place is easy parking, small dock size and security. Each dock has its own security gate with mag keys limited to each particular one. But, again, call around to see what slip availability is. If you're in for the long run, MB is a good choice. If you plan a more limited stay and expect a lot of guests who want to see the sights, then SD Bay would be more appealing... Especially if they don't fancy going out in the ocean where there are waves and stuff...
Yes, it’s lovely there at Mission Bay. Very popular area so often there is lots of traffic in and out of the area. And it’s true. You’re either in your slip in VERY NICE surroundings, or day sailing along the coast in a westerly breeze. But MB does not have the marine services of San Diego Bay, or the variety of accessible anchoring sites, or the variety of restaurants, or racing, etc.
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Thanks for your helpful responses. I’m planning on shipping my Islander 37 from Owls Head, ME, to San Diego harbor. The cross country commute is getting to be difficult.
I'll be daysailing in the Summer, usually ocean but sometimes harbor. Just me and one crewman. No guests.
I’d like to be able to stay aboard some nights if permitted, in a nearby hotel other nights.
I'll be daysailing in the Summer, usually ocean but sometimes harbor. Just me and one crewman. No guests.
I’d like to be able to stay aboard some nights if permitted, in a nearby hotel other nights.
OK. Perhaps check out Pier 32 Marina at National City (south San Diego Bay). It’s a bit remote, but fairly new and quite nice. They may still have some slips; one quick call will tell!
KG
KG
I think Pier 32 might be one of those companies with reciprocal marinas. I know it once was. One of their reciprocals might be Harbor West at Harbor Island and/or Ventura West in Ventura, CA. If so, you get 7 days/year at the reciprocal.
Don’t know; no experience. The best of the ones with which I have experience is Bay Club.
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I friend had his boat at Kona Kai and it seemed fine. When he went looking for a slip with easier docking (for him) he ended up at Southwestern Yacht Club just across the water there. At the time (7 years ago?), SWYC was actually cheaper than Kona Kai and it's a nice club.
As I said at the beginning. The ones in the best locations (i.e., the best marinas) are going to be in the highest demand, naturally. Harbor Island is not the high quality location that Shelter Island is, but the marinas there are still nice enough. The “buzz” (hub) of Shelter Island and marine services activity is along Shelter Island Drive & Scott Street. Kona is all the way to the other end of Shelter Island.
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I wouldn't want to be over there. Too much sportfishing traffic and rental. They have a nice greasy spoon breakfast place though, but you can walk there from Marina Village, or row your dinghy. Hyatt Islandia is all big boats, pricey. Next door to Marina Village is Mission Bay Marina, owned by Driscoll Boat Yard. Their pretty cool. It was the very first marina put in back in the late 50's. I like the Marina Village set up though with singular docks gated at the parking lot instead of 1 or 2 gates and long gangways. As far as availability, there are always plenty of 25 footer's ( you can moor up to 3' over) but, like I said earlier, larger slips are always in demand.. there may be a wait... so get your name on it asap. The old manager told me that if he could he would convert all the small boat slips (under 30 ft) to larger ones because they're so much more profitable. Since the marina is on land leased from the city (Mission Bay Park) they are required to keep small boat slips available...... that's so the rich people don't hog all the recreational sailing access. Cool.
I do not recommend Pier 32. It's very expensive and in a horrible location. South bay is all shallow water except for the channel. Day sailing is inconvenient and don't even think about a quick jaunt to the ocean.... it's a long, long way to the ocean from there. Heck, it's a long way to the pretty parts of San Diego Bay from there. At least an hour.
If you can get into Harbor Island West or Marina Cortez on the west end of Harbor Island that would be ideal, but parking there and anyplace on Shelter Island sucks. At the other end of Harbor Island is a marina called Safe Harbor Sunroad, I used to think it was a condo or timeshare type when I checked it out 10 or 15 years ago, it was different and really expensive... that's what remember.
Oh... if you have any solid Navy connection, like you're a retired officer, they have a small yacht club right next to harbor island. Look on the map, you'll see it. Shelter Island is all good. I'd call everyone there and see what they have. You never know. I actually found a slip by accident at Shelter Cove Marina next to the Bali Hai, I had stopped by to say hello to a friend who worked at "J" World sailing school whose office is there too and I poked my head into the marina office to check and "ta da" ... yes... but then... there's the parking and traffic etc. so I stayed at Marina Village.
You might drive over for a day or two and visit as many as you can.... midweek probably... sometimes the marina staff can steer you to places they know may have vacancies. Good luck.
if you are trying to get into the Bay and find most of the key marina are not available, look to the south at Chula Vista. The further south you go means more openings. At least you can get into one of them (I haven't checked what is available so I speak without current knowledge) and then get on a list closer to the Bay entrance. Probably not the best, but at least you are in the bay.
When I bought my boat it was in Oceanside Harbor under a sub-lease. I had to move it and the only place I could find was in south Chula Vista Harbor. From there I moved to the Point Loma Naval Station, then back to Oceanside, and eventually to Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton. Took several years, but it worked.
Most people want to sail in the North Bay where they can be seen and ooh/ahh by visitors. South Bay sailing is wide open. It seems the Coronado Bridge wind pattern keep all but the skilled sailor out of the North Bay (LOL). Stopped me dead in my tracks several times. But every once in a while the winds were with me and under the extremely tall bridge I went.
Now, a word of warning. In the South Bay marina access you must stay within the markers unless you have no keel. It is very shallow down there. Not everywhere mind you, but going in and out of the marina. Check out the charts for Buoy "7" and "10".
When I bought my boat it was in Oceanside Harbor under a sub-lease. I had to move it and the only place I could find was in south Chula Vista Harbor. From there I moved to the Point Loma Naval Station, then back to Oceanside, and eventually to Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton. Took several years, but it worked.
Most people want to sail in the North Bay where they can be seen and ooh/ahh by visitors. South Bay sailing is wide open. It seems the Coronado Bridge wind pattern keep all but the skilled sailor out of the North Bay (LOL). Stopped me dead in my tracks several times. But every once in a while the winds were with me and under the extremely tall bridge I went.
Now, a word of warning. In the South Bay marina access you must stay within the markers unless you have no keel. It is very shallow down there. Not everywhere mind you, but going in and out of the marina. Check out the charts for Buoy "7" and "10".
It’s true, Joe, what you have said about Pier 32. I was mainly putting it out there as a place that might have slips available. It’s probably not a good “commuter marina” for folks that live in metropolitan San Diego, so it may see less demand. But also, as I said, it has been (and might still be) a marina owned by a company with a few other marinas. Therefore, permitting limited reciprocal usage with availability at one other, possibly two other, marinas in Southern California.
Yes. If you’re driving in from AZ on I-8 you are deposited right there at Mission Bay; it’s the nearest SD waterfront area from the terminus of the interstate; maybe another 10 min to get to the marina. National City would be another 15-25 min or so southbound on I-5 passing by the downtown SD exits, including those leading to Lindbergh Field; so, expect traffic congestion at some times. SD Bay marinas on Shelter & Harbor islands and vicinity would also be about 15-25 min from the I-8 terminus, but traveling on surface streets through business and residential areas. It depends on which route of the three or so that you choose.
Mission Bay might the “best fit” for someone wishing to get to SD and get on the boat ASAP!! If I were working with LC’s apparent logistics and the present options for SD Bay, etc., I’d probably move in next to Joe and be happy about it!!
Yes. If you’re driving in from AZ on I-8 you are deposited right there at Mission Bay; it’s the nearest SD waterfront area from the terminus of the interstate; maybe another 10 min to get to the marina. National City would be another 15-25 min or so southbound on I-5 passing by the downtown SD exits, including those leading to Lindbergh Field; so, expect traffic congestion at some times. SD Bay marinas on Shelter & Harbor islands and vicinity would also be about 15-25 min from the I-8 terminus, but traveling on surface streets through business and residential areas. It depends on which route of the three or so that you choose.
Mission Bay might the “best fit” for someone wishing to get to SD and get on the boat ASAP!! If I were working with LC’s apparent logistics and the present options for SD Bay, etc., I’d probably move in next to Joe and be happy about it!!
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Ah, Brian! It might help to have crew! Last summer (July) wife and I sailed from the day anchorage along the south shore of Coronado Island to the gangway of our reciprocal slip at SDYC behind Shelter Island (near the fuel dock). We beat through the Bridge pilings up that windy area you mention leading to North Bay. (She’s helming; I’m grunting at the winches!) Our “challenge” was staying clear of the channel as a big Navy ship (frigate?) was lumbering outbound. We discovered an area on the west side of the channel where we could short-tack until he passed by, then all clear.
It’s Glorious Sailing!!
Moderately strong, steady wind, no seas, low wind-chop, blue skies, fabulous vistas, and not cold. This what we pay for!!
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Joe, things are different now. There is a whole new demographic with different interests emerging with the aging-out of the boomers. Many more types of what some have as their recreation. Also, the cost of supporting 25-footers is expensive now; unaffordable and not accessible to many b/c proximity to the water is so expensive, and restrictive. I see many boats in the 25-30 ft range deteriorating in their slips in Long Beach, not being used at all, evidently. I don’t see this nearly as much with larger sizes. Availability and high turn over of 25-ft slips means that the owners of larger boats are not “hogging” recreational sailing access, or not nearly so. Boats larger than 34 ft LOA are quickly becoming the entry level vessel size as folks reach higher income levels with age, and then enter boating. These set-aside slips for small boats that are not in much demand could be keeping the new entries with larger boats from recreational access; not the other way around. Remember, we did not have Seadoos and SUP’s all over the place as alternatives when we came in.
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Many thanks everyone. I’m focusing on Marina Village Marina in Mission Bay. I’ll be sending in an application. Sounds ideal to me: proximity to ocean and I-8, permits occasional sleep overs. I just hope they have availability. Hey, Joe, can you put in a good word for me?