Marina Dockside

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 Berkeley, you can start in Berkeley Marina Basin, use South Sailing Basin, run onto San Francisco Bay, or stop at Ayala Cove on Angel Island. The Marina Basin’s boat ramp is the usual put-in for larger motorized boats; within the breakwaters, the five-mile-per-hour limit and ban on excessive wake make it the slow-water choice. South Sailing Basin’s public docks serve kayaks, canoes, paddleboards and sailing craft. Leaving the marina puts you on the Bay’s open water. At Angel Island, Ayala Cove offers day-use slips and moorings, but California State Parks warns that the mooring field can be shallow at low tide.

Source: City of Berkeley (berkeleyca.gov)

From Berkeley, good San Francisco Bay day trips include Ayala Cove on Angel Island, where private boats can use day slips or overnight moorings before passengers explore trails and historic sites; Jack London Square on Oakland Harbor, which pairs guest berths with waterfront dining and shopping; Pier 39, a Port of San Francisco dock-and-dine stop; and South Beach Harbor, another dock-and-dine option on the San Francisco waterfront. Together, they offer an island landing, an Oakland waterfront stop and two San Francisco meal stops.

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