Owl Harbor

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 Isleton, you can boat the Sacramento River, take Three Mile Slough toward the San Joaquin River, or continue through the Delta to Franks Tract. The Isleton Boat Ramp puts you on the Sacramento River, while Brannan Island State Recreation Area provides another vehicle launch on Three Mile Slough.

Franks Tract offers shallow open water rather than a defined river channel. The state park is completely submerged and accessible only by water, with fluctuating water levels, remnant levees and exposure to strong winds, making it a less sheltered choice than the local sloughs.

Source: California State Parks, parks.ca.gov and dbw.parks.ca.gov (dbw.parks.ca.gov)

Boaters leaving Isleton can make day trips to Rio Vista’s municipal dock, Franks Tract State Recreation Area and Hogback Island Access in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta. Rio Vista provides dock moorings beside a picnic area for a convenient shore stop. Franks Tract is accessible only by water and draws anglers and birdwatchers to its submerged open water and remnant levees. Hogback Island Access offers a lagoon dock, grassy picnic area and Sacramento River fishing.

Source: City of Rio Vista (riovistacity.com)