Marina Plaza 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 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)