Stow Lake Boathouse

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 Francisco, you can launch onto San Francisco Bay for central bay cruising, sheltered coves, shallow side bays or the Golden Gate passage to the Pacific. The Port lists public launches at Pier 40, Mission Creek, Pier 52 and Islais Creek Park.

Cruise past Alcatraz in busy open water; stop at Angel Island’s protected Ayala Cove, which has day slips and overnight moorings; or enter Richardson Bay, which is shoal beyond the Sausalito waterfront and has no-wake channels. The Golden Gate connects the bay to the ocean, but NOAA notes strong currents, fog and hazardous bar conditions there.

Source: Port of San Francisco (sfport.com)

Boaters can make local day trips to Ayala Cove on Angel Island, Clipper Cove at Treasure Island, and Jack London Square on the Oakland Estuary. Ayala Cove draws crews with public day use slips, picnicking, and island hiking; Clipper Cove provides a short term anchorage for recreational vessels; and Jack London Square combines guest berths with waterfront dining, shopping, plazas, and a fishing pier. These stops offer three distinct outings without leaving the central San Francisco Bay area.

Source: California State Parks (parks.ca.gov)