Freedom Boat Club of San Diego

In California you must be 16 or older and hold a California Boater Card to operate a vessel powered by a motor of 15 horsepower or more, including a personal watercraft. Someone aged 12 to 15 may operate that same class only while supervised on board by a person at least 18 who is also in possession of a California Boater Card. The supervising adult needs the card, not just the years. State Parks' Division of Boating and Waterways administers it. The rental company sets its own minimum rental age, often higher, so confirm it when booking.

Source: California State Parks, Division of Boating and Waterways, dbw.parks.ca.gov and californiaboatercard.com (parks.ca.gov)

California requires a Boater Card, rather than a conventional boating license, for most recreational operators of motorized vessels. Since January 1, 2025, the requirement applies regardless of age and includes personal watercraft. Operators generally must be at least 16 for vessels over 15 horsepower; ages 12 to 15 may operate only if supervised on board by an attentive adult 18 or older, and must either hold a card themselves or be supervised by a cardholder.

Rental vessel operators are exempt. Exemptions also cover direct supervision and qualifying temporary visitors. Approved applicants may print a 90-day temporary card while awaiting the permanent card. California State Parks’ Division of Boating and Waterways administers the program.

Source: California State Parks Division of Boating and Waterways (parks.ca.gov)

From San Diego, you can boat on San Diego Bay, Glorietta Bay, Mission Bay and the Pacific Ocean. San Diego Bay is an active commercial harbor with heavy Navy traffic; Shelter Island is the closest bay ramp for reaching the ocean through the marked Main Shipping Channel. Glorietta Bay has calm, protected water, a 5 mph route from the ramp to the main channel, and shallow areas just outside. Mission Bay’s west end is a network of channels and islands, with put-ins at Dana Landing, South Shores, Ski Beach, Santa Clara Point and De Anza Cove.

Source: Port of San Diego (portofsandiego.org)

Boaters can head to La Playa Cove, Coronado Ferry Landing and Fiesta Island for distinct local day trips on San Diego Bay and Mission Bay. La Playa Cove provides a 72-hour, weekend-only anchorage in the Shelter Island yacht basin; Coronado Ferry Landing has a public boat dock beside waterfront shopping and dining; and Fiesta Island welcomes picnics and includes Hidden Cove, a permitted water-ski area.

Source: Port of San Diego (portofsandiego.org)