Boating town guide
Sausalito
Sausalito, Marin County, CA
Overview
Sausalito is a small Marin County city just north of the Golden Gate and one of San Francisco Bay's boating hubs. Its waterfront on Richardson Bay packs in marinas, yacht clubs, boatyards and floating-home communities. The Golden Gate is a short sail away.
Marinas and yacht clubs
Clipper Yacht Harbor at 310 Harbor Drive is the largest, with more than 700 slips for boats from 20 to 80 feet, a full-service boatyard and what it calls Sausalito's only public fuel dock. Schoonmaker Point Marina at 85 Liberty Ship Way has slips up to 150 feet and side ties for yachts reaching 220 feet. Others include Sausalito Yacht Harbor, Pelican Yacht Harbor and Marinship Yacht Harbor, plus the Sausalito Yacht Club and Sausalito Cruising Club. Guest-dock and pump-out availability varies, so call ahead.
Richardson Bay and the anchorage
The bay in front of town is managed by the Richardson Bay Regional Agency (RBRA). Anchoring outside the Eelgrass Protection Zone is allowed for up to 72 hours without a permit; the zone itself is closed to anchoring. See the Richardson Bay page for details.
Houseboats and the working waterfront
Waldo Point Harbor, at the north end of Richardson Bay, is a privately owned 282-berth floating-home marina. The community grew out of a former wartime shipyard area after World War II. Galilee Harbor, a member-run cooperative of artists and maritime workers, is on Napa Street. Both are residential, not guest harbors.
Getting here
Golden Gate Ferry and Blue and Gold ferries link Sausalito with San Francisco.
Getting there & access
By water from the Golden Gate
From the Golden Gate Bridge, run east along the Marin shore into Richardson Bay. Currents are strong near the bridge, so time your passage. Inside the bay, speeds in the anchorage areas and Sausalito Channel are limited to 5 mph under the RBRA code.
Marina guest berths
Guest-berth policy varies. Schoonmaker Point Marina advertises guest services including restrooms, showers, laundry, Wi-Fi and 24-hour secure dock access; its office is open Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at (415) 331-5550. Call other marinas ahead for transient space.
Fuel
Clipper Yacht Harbor, 310 Harbor Drive, runs what it calls Sausalito's only public fuel dock. Phone (415) 332-3500.
Anchoring in Richardson Bay
Outside the Eelgrass Protection Zone, you may anchor for up to 72 hours without a permit. The Harbor Master can issue 30-day permits for transient vessels. Boats must be seaworthy, registered or documented, and have a working marine sanitation device.
By land
Ferries link downtown Sausalito with the San Francisco Ferry Building and Pier 39.
Amenities
- Clipper Yacht Harbor — 700+ slips, public fuel dock, full-service boatyard, tenant-only launch ramp, restaurant
- Schoonmaker Point Marina — Slips to 150 ft, side ties for yachts to 220 ft, showers, laundry and Wi-Fi
- Waldo Point Harbor — 282-berth private floating-home marina at the north end of Richardson Bay
- Galilee Harbor — Member-run cooperative on Napa Street for artists and maritime workers
- Yacht clubs — Sausalito Yacht Club, Sausalito Cruising Club and Presidio Yacht Club
- Boatyards — Full-service boatyard at Clipper Yacht Harbor, plus other yards along the waterfront
- Ferries — Golden Gate Ferry and Blue and Gold link Sausalito with San Francisco
Rules & official resources
- Richardson Bay: anchoring is allowed for up to 72 hours in a seven-day period without a permit; 30-day permits are issued by the Harbor Master
- Boats anchored in Richardson Bay must be seaworthy, registered or documented, and have a working marine sanitation device
- Maximum 5 mph in the Richardson Bay anchorage areas, Belvedere Cove and Sausalito Channel
- No anchoring in the Eelgrass Protection Zone
- Richardson Bay is an EPA-designated no-discharge zone
- California Boater Card required for all operators of motorized vessels, regardless of age, since January 1, 2025
Common boat service needs here
Boatyard and structural repair
Sausalito has a long shipbuilding and boatyard history, and owners use local yards for haul-outs, repairs and refits.
Find Fiberglass, Gelcoat & Structural Repair providers →Bottom cleaning and paint
Boats in Richardson Bay slips pick up marine growth, so regular diver cleaning and fresh bottom paint are common.
Find Bottom Painting & Antifouling providers →Canvas and upholstery
Fog, wind and sun wear covers and enclosures, and canvas makers are among the local maritime trades.
Find Canvas, Covers & Upholstery providers →Marine mechanics
Owners rely on mobile and yard-based mechanics for engine, generator and drive service before they head out the Golden Gate.
Find Marine Mechanics & Engine Service providers →Marina and storage services
With limited slips and waitlists, owners seek slip and storage options across Sausalito's marinas.
Find Marinas, Storage & Dock Services providers →Guides & FAQs
Nearby providers
No providers listed near this location yet — check back soon.