California Yacht Marina

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 Pedro, you can cruise Los Angeles Harbor and San Pedro Bay, continue inside the federal breakwater toward Long Beach Harbor, or leave through Angels Gate for open coastal water. Most renters start at Cabrillo Beach’s paved public ramp or a San Pedro marina. Cabrillo Marina and West Channel keep you in protected harbor water for an easy start. Downtown Harbor has a short-term public courtesy dock, while the Main Channel is a working waterway shared with commercial vessels. The Outer Harbor leads to Angels Gate; beyond the entrance, you lose the harbor’s breakwater protection.

Source: Port of Los Angeles (portoflosangeles.org)

Four practical day-trip destinations from San Pedro are Avalon Harbor, Isthmus Cove, Alamitos Bay Landing and Rainbow Harbor. Avalon Harbor offers visiting boaters first-come, first-served moorings. Isthmus Cove at Two Harbors combines moorings and anchorage with access to a natural sandy beach. In Long Beach, public docks outside Alamitos Bay Landing put boaters beside restaurants, while downtown Rainbow Harbor has short-term public mooring near shopping and dining. Together, they cover island mooring, beach access and dock-and-dine outings.

Source: City of Avalon (cityofavalon.gov)