Marina Boat Launch at Morelli Park

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)

You can boat from Stockton onto the Stockton Deep Water Channel, the San Joaquin River and Fourteenmile Slough. Start at the public Louis Park launch, which California State Parks lists on the San Joaquin River.

The Stockton Channel is the deep-water, urban route through downtown and the working port. Follow the San Joaquin River for the main connection into the Delta’s network of navigable waterways. For a more sheltered outing, Fourteenmile Slough includes a well-protected, man-made marina basin with direct access back to the river and channel.

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

From Stockton, boaters make Delta day trips to Franks Tract, Brannan Island State Recreation Area, Walnut Grove and Rio Vista. Franks Tract is known for fishing, while Brannan Island offers boat-in slips, picnicking and fishing. Walnut Grove’s public dock makes it a practical stop ashore, while Rio Vista’s courtesy public dock and Sandy Beach County Park provide options for tying up or taking a shore break.

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