Marinas in Sausalito, CA

September and October are usually the best time to boat from Sausalito on Richardson Bay and nearby San Francisco Bay. Golden Gate National Recreation Area says summer fog predominates by July, while clearer skies and abundant sunshine commonly arrive from mid-September through October; winter brings occasional rain, cool weather and overcast periods.

The water remains chilly: NOAA’s San Francisco station shows monthly averages in the low 50s in winter and low 60s in August and September. Pick a day with good visibility and a mild wind forecast, and stay in marked water around Richardson Bay because NOAA describes most of it as shoal, with deeper water fronting Sausalito.

Source: National Park Service (nps.gov)

From Sausalito, you can boat Richardson Bay, then continue into San Francisco Bay toward Raccoon Strait, Ayala Cove or Horseshoe Bay. Richardson Bay is mostly shoal, and all its channels have a no wake speed limit; follow the marked channel serving Sausalito. San Francisco Bay provides broader open water, while Raccoon Strait carries ferries and pleasure craft and can have strong tidal currents and rips. Ayala Cove offers a protected stop with slips for day use and overnight moorings. Horseshoe Bay is a shallow bight. Boats can launch at Turney Street Boat Ramp or depart from Sausalito’s marinas.

Source: City of Sausalito (sausalito.gov)

Boaters leaving Sausalito can make day trips across San Francisco Bay to Angel Island, Aquatic Park Cove and McCovey Cove. Angel Island’s Ayala Cove offers day use slips and moorings, with picnic areas, trails, historic sites and seasonal food ashore. Aquatic Park Cove provides a semi-protected urban stop for sailboats and human-powered craft, close to San Francisco’s maritime history. McCovey Cove is the choice for on-the-water ballgame atmosphere, with motorboats anchoring outside the designated No Motor Zone during games.

Source: California State Parks (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)

California boaters should carry a Coast Guard approved life jacket for everyone and ensure children under 13 wear one whenever a recreational vessel is moving. Operating a boat, water skis or similar device at a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08 percent or higher is illegal. Sailboats over eight feet and motorized vessels must be registered with DMV. Personal watercraft may not operate from sunset to sunrise; operators generally must be at least 16, while ages 12 to 15 require qualifying onboard adult supervision. California registered vessels using freshwater also need current Mussel Fee Stickers, and some waterbodies require inspections. The responsible agency is California State Parks’ Division of Boating and Waterways.

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

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)

Alongside the marinas on this page, Sausalito has 12 boat rentals, 6 boat clubs and 6 boat dealers.