Island Yacht Anchorage

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 Wilmington, you can explore East Basin and the Main Channel in Los Angeles Harbor, continue into San Pedro Bay, or pass through Cerritos Channel to Long Beach Harbor. East Basin is the local marina area and a sheltered starting point; the Main Channel is a busy working harbor used by large commercial vessels. San Pedro Bay offers broader water but remains protected by breakwaters, while Long Beach Harbor provides another protected harbor cruise.

Boaters can start from Wilmington’s East Basin marinas; trailer boats can use Cabrillo Beach’s paved public ramp, while boats, kayaks and paddleboards may launch at Berth 186 on the Wilmington Waterfront Promenade.

Source: Port of Los Angeles (portoflosangeles.org)

Boaters leaving Wilmington’s marinas in Los Angeles Harbor can head to Rainbow Harbor for downtown Long Beach docks near shopping and dining; Alamitos Bay Landing for public mooring beside its restaurant center; Avalon Harbor for Catalina moorings and shoreboat access; and Two Harbors for Isthmus Cove plus a choice of secluded coves, beaches and harbors. Together, these destinations range from dockside stops in Long Beach to mooring based island outings on Catalina.

Source: Port of Los Angeles (portoflosangeles.org)