Harbor guide
Clipper Cove (Treasure Island)
San Francisco, San Francisco County, CA
Overview
Clipper Cove is the sheltered bight between Treasure Island and Yerba Buena Island in the middle of San Francisco Bay, bounded by the south shore of Treasure Island, the north shore of Yerba Buena Island and the causeway between them. It is one of the few places on the central Bay where recreational boats may anchor for days, and it is managed by the Treasure Island Development Authority (TIDA) as a designated Special Use Area.
Anchoring rules and time limits
Under the Clipper Cove Special-Use Area rules (effective October 1, 2019):
- 24 hours or less: no permit needed. - More than 24 hours, up to 96 hours: a free Short-Term Anchorage Permit, applied for online. You cannot apply again until 21 days after it expires. - 96 hours up to 10 days: a free Long-Term Anchorage Permit by application, limited to four non-consecutive permits in a calendar year, kept on board.
No one may live aboard an anchored vessel, a vessel may not be left unattended more than 12 hours, and only one vessel per person is allowed. Commercial vessels need prior TIDA approval. Fines run up to $100, $200 and $500 for a first, second and later violation.
Speed, discharge and conduct
The cove is a no-wake zone with a 5 mph limit. Pumping sanitary systems or dumping waste is prohibited at all times, and vessels need a working, fully contained on-board sanitary system. Personal watercraft, fires, litter and overnight camping on Clipper Cove Beach are prohibited. Report problems to the Treasure Isle Marina dockmaster, SF 311 or TIDA at (415) 274-0660.
The marina
Treasure Isle Marina, at 1 Clipper Cove Way, has long been described as about 108 slips from 15 to 80 feet on aging wooden docks. A 168-slip replacement marina (slips 45 to 80 feet) won BCDC approval in February 2025, with construction targeted for June 2026 and in-water work limited to June through November. The plan includes a public guest dock for about ten boats and states that anchoring will continue to be permitted in the cove. Call the marina for current slip and guest availability.
Getting there & access
Entering the cove
Clipper Cove lies between Treasure Island and Yerba Buena Island, west of the causeway that connects them. Keep to 5 mph and no wake once inside. Check your chart and current depths before anchoring.
Anchorage permits
Stay under 24 hours and no permit is required. For longer stays, submit TIDA's online application (about 5 minutes, free); the short-term permit takes effect immediately upon submission. You need the vessel name, CF or USCG documentation number, owner or operator name, an on-board contact number and your entry and exit dates. TIDA's page notes the phone line for applying is currently unavailable.
Marina and guest docking
Treasure Isle Marina at 1 Clipper Cove Way operates the slips. A replacement project is approved with construction targeted for June 2026 and a new public guest dock planned. Contact the marina directly for current slip and guest availability.
By land
Treasure Island is in San Francisco Bay between San Francisco and Oakland, connected by road to the Bay Bridge. Treasure Isle Marina's address is 1 Clipper Cove Way. Clipper Cove Beach is on the cove.
Emergencies
Call 911 for emergencies. Oil or chemical spills: National Response Center at 1-800-424-8802. Marine mammal in distress: The Marine Mammal Center at (415) 289-7325. Non-emergency water issues: SF Police at (415) 553-0123.
Amenities
- Anchorage — Special Use Area with free TIDA permits for stays over 24 hours
- Treasure Isle Marina — Slips from about 15 to 80 ft; replacement project approved, check current availability
- Treasure Island Yacht Club — Yacht club on the cove with a visiting boater page; check reciprocal policies
- Clipper Cove Beach — Sandy beach on the cove; no overnight camping
- Planned transient dock — Replacement project plans a public guest dock for roughly 10 boats
- Pump-out — A third-party listing shows a pump-out at Treasure Isle Marina; confirm with the marina
Rules & official resources
- Anchoring over 24 hours requires a TIDA Anchorage Permit; up to 96 hours is a free Short-Term permit, up to 10 days a free Long-Term permit
- After a permit expires, you cannot apply for another until 21 days later; four non-consecutive Long-Term permits maximum per calendar year
- No-wake zone: no speeds above 5 mph
- No living aboard anchored vessels; vessels may not be left unattended more than 12 hours
- No pumping of sanitary systems or dumping waste in the cove; vessels need a working contained sanitary system
- Commercial vessels cannot get anchorage permits without prior TIDA approval; personal watercraft and overnight beach camping are prohibited
- California Boater Card required for all operators of motorized vessels, regardless of age, since January 1, 2025
Common boat service needs here
Ground tackle and anchoring gear
Multi-day stays on the hook put the anchor, rode and windlass to work in a cove with tide changes and wakes. Mechanics and riggers often service windlasses and check anchor gear before a cruise.
Find Marine Mechanics & Engine Service providers →Bottom cleaning
Boats that sit at anchor or in a slip on the Bay pick up marine growth. Regular diver cleaning keeps speed and fuel economy up, and a clean bottom matters when moving between anchorages.
Find Bottom Cleaning, Hull Cleaning & Dive Services providers →Electrical and solar
Anchored boats run on batteries. Battery banks, solar, chargers and anchor lights are common upgrade and repair jobs for owners spending days in the cove.
Find Marine Electrical & Electronics providers →Marina and slip services
With the marina being redeveloped, owners often need help finding slips, storage or dock services nearby, or arranging moves while work proceeds.
Find Marinas, Storage & Dock Services providers →Guides & FAQs
Nearby providers
No providers listed near this location yet — check back soon.
Sources
Last verified October 2, 2026