Boating town guide
Bethel Island
Bethel Island, Contra Costa County, CA
Overview
Bethel Island is a 5.1-square-mile island in the central Delta, in Contra Costa County about 6 miles east of Antioch. It is surrounded by Taylor, Piper, Dutch and Sandmound Sloughs, protected by about 11.5 miles of levees, and reached from Highway 4. After World War II it became a recreation destination, and today it is one of the Delta's densest concentrations of marinas, resorts and boat-in restaurants.
Marinas and services
State Parks lists about two dozen boating facilities on the island, including Bethel Harbor, Beacon Harbor, Hennis Marina, New Life Marina, Russo's Marina and Sugar Barge Marina, many with launch ramps and dry storage. Sugar Barge, for example, lists a 24-hour fuel dock, a two-lane ramp, pump-out facilities and a bait shop. San Joaquin Yacht Club is also on the island.
Franks Tract
Franks Tract, a roughly 3,500-acre flooded island next to Bethel Island, is one of the Delta's best-known fishing spots. The levees failed in the 1930s and the tract has been open water ever since, with only remnant levees showing. State Parks, which manages it as a water-only recreation area, warns of limited access, strong wind exposure and shallow, fluctuating water. A state spill-response survey also cites submerged objects and shallows at the margins, so stay in marked channels and slow down.
Fishing
The sloughs hold black and striped bass, catfish and sturgeon, and Franks Tract hosts regional and national bass tournaments. Aquatic weeds are thick in the shallows, so check your prop and intake often.
Getting there & access
By land
Bethel Island is reached from Highway 4 and is the only Delta island here with unrestricted land access. Marinas and boat-in restaurants are spread along the island's perimeter.
Launching
Several marinas, including Sugar Barge, Bethel Harbor, Beacon Harbor, Hennis, New Life and Russo's, are listed by State Parks as having launch ramps. Fees and hours vary, so confirm with the marina.
Franks Tract hazards
The tract flooded in the 1930s, and its levee remnants and berm islands lie just under or above the surface in places. A state survey warns of submerged objects and shallows at the margins and State Parks cites strong winds and fluctuating shallow water. Cross only where you know the depth and keep a lookout, especially at low water.
On the water
Piper Slough, False River, Old River and Sandmound Slough meet at Franks Tract, so boat traffic and tidal current are heavy. Slow down near docks and anglers.
Amenities
- Sugar Barge Marina — Fuel dock open 24 hours, two-lane launch ramp, pump-out, dry storage and bait shop; 1440 Sugar Barge Road
- Bethel Harbor and Beacon Harbor — Public marinas with launch and dry storage, per State Parks
- Hennis, New Life and Russo's — Marinas with launch ramps and dry storage
- Marine repair — Hennis Performance Marine and Marine Emporium are listed as service providers
- San Joaquin Yacht Club — Yacht club on the island
- Franks Tract SRA — Water-access state recreation area for fishing and waterfowl hunting
Rules & official resources
- California Boater Card required for all operators of motorized vessels, regardless of age, since January 1, 2025
- Franks Tract State Recreation Area is accessible only by water; dogs are not permitted and there is no camping
- 5 mph maximum within 200 feet of a swim beach, swim float, or dock or launch float in use, and within 100 feet of bathers
- Vessels under 26 feet with an engine must have an engine cut-off switch, and the operator must wear the lanyard when above 5 mph
- Clean, drain and dry boats, trailers and gear after each outing; golden mussels were found in the Delta in October 2024
- Waterfowl hunting at Franks Tract follows CDFW regulations and is arranged through State Parks
Common boat service needs here
Prop and intake clearing
Thick aquatic weeds in Franks Tract and the sloughs foul props and raw-water intakes. Mechanics and divers are regularly called to clear lines and service cooling systems.
Find Marine Mechanics & Engine Service providers →Grounding and hull repair
Shallows, submerged levee remnants and logs cause skeg, prop and hull damage that fiberglass shops repair.
Find Fiberglass, Gelcoat & Structural Repair providers →Bass boat electronics
Tournament and fishing boats rely on sonar, GPS and trolling-motor systems that need install and service.
Find Marine Electrical & Electronics providers →Hull cleaning
Warm freshwater slips encourage hull growth, so many owners schedule diver cleaning.
Find Bottom Cleaning, Hull Cleaning & Dive Services providers →Guides & FAQs
Nearby providers
No providers listed near this location yet — check back soon.