Harbor guide
Dana Point Harbor
Dana Point, Orange County, CA
Overview
Dana Point Harbor is a county-owned recreational harbor and a popular base for fishing, sailing and trips toward Catalina. The county's harbor site lists more than 2,400 slips for boats from 21 to 85 feet, plus dry storage for hundreds of trailer boats. Resident vessels, charter operators, the Ocean Institute and the Catalina Express departure point all share the same compact harbor.
Layout: east and west basins
The harbor is split into an East Basin and a West Basin. The East side holds the fuel dock, which the harbor describes as being in the east turning basin, along with the launch ramp and dry storage at Embarcadero Marina. The West side is home to the Ocean Institute, Dana Cove and Baby Beach. The Marina at Dana Point operates most of the slips and its office is at 34555 Casitas Place. Embarcadero at Dana Point runs dry storage, the launch ramp and overnight trailer parking.
Revitalization
The harbor is in the middle of a long-running private redevelopment. Dana Point Harbor Partners began a 66-year lease with Orange County in October 2018, and the project covers about 20.5 acres, with more than 2,200 slips, 493 dry storage spaces, new restaurants and retail, and a roughly $600 million budget. The new docks are fiberglass, with no treated wood, and guest slips are planned for the outer basin near the entrance. The Log reports the West Basin marina phase has been completed, with in-slip pump-outs for boats over 30 feet. Expect construction activity and changing parking while work continues.
Entrance, speed and VHF
The harbor is entered between two breakwaters, each with a light at its seaward end. NOAA's Coast Pilot says a sound signal at the south light can be triggered by keying the mic five times on VHF channel 81A, and that the Harbor Patrol keeps a 24-hour watch on VHF 16. A rock covered 7.5 feet and marked by a lighted buoy lies about 300 yards northeast of the south breakwater light. A 5 mph speed limit is enforced in the harbor.
Guest slips and anchoring
Guest slips are booked through The Marina at Dana Point, online via Dockwa or by calling (949) 496-6137. There are two designated anchorages, one near the bait barge on the east side and one next to the Ocean Institute on the west, with a maximum stay of five days in any 30 days. Winds often build in the afternoon, so anchor with plenty of scope and keep a watch.
Getting there & access
Entering from sea
The entrance lies between two breakwaters, each marked by a light on its seaward end. Per NOAA's Coast Pilot, a sound signal at the south light is activated by keying the microphone five times on VHF-FM channel 81A. A rock covered 7.5 feet and marked by a lighted buoy is about 300 yards northeast of the south breakwater light, and a submerged sewer outfall line runs about 0.6 mile offshore, passing about 300 yards east of that light. Check the current chart and Local Notice to Mariners before a night or fog entry.
Harbor Patrol and VHF
The OC Sheriff's Harbor Patrol staffs the Dana Point station around the clock at (949) 723-1002 and monitors VHF channel 16. For emergencies call 911 or hail the Coast Guard on VHF 16. The Coast Pilot places the patrol office in the southeasterly building just inside the breakwater.
Visiting by boat
Guest slips are managed by The Marina at Dana Point (office 34555 Casitas Place, 8 am to 5 pm daily). Reserve online through Dockwa or call (949) 496-6137, and book ahead in summer. The harbor's revitalization plan calls for guest docks in the outer basin near the entrance for boats from 20 to 200 feet. Two anchorages are also available, one near the bait barge and one near the Ocean Institute, with a five-day maximum in any 30-day period.
Trailer boats
The six-lane public launch ramp is at Embarcadero Marina, 34512 Embarcadero Place, and is listed by the Sheriff as open 24 hours. Call (949) 496-6177 for oversize boats. See the separate ramp page for fees and parking.
By land
Dana Point Harbor Drive is the main road into the harbor. Parking is spread across several lots, and revitalization work may change access, so allow extra time on summer weekends.
Amenities
- Guest slips — The Marina at Dana Point, reserved via Dockwa or (949) 496-6137
- Public launch ramp — Six lanes at Embarcadero Marina, 34512 Embarcadero Place
- Dry storage — Embarcadero at Dana Point: 464 boats/trailers from 18 ft to 25+ ft, with launch services and overnight trailer parking
- Fuel dock — Dana Point Fuel Dock, 34661 Puerto Place: diesel, regular 87, super 91 and propane, plus ice, bait and sundries
- Pump-outs — Listed at the fuel dock and Embarcadero Marina; The Log also reports two stations at The Marina at Dana Point and in-slip pump-outs on newer slips over 30 ft
- Bilge pad exchange — Free program run by Orange County with the City of Dana Point and local businesses
- Boatyard and repairs — Shipyard services with a marine hardware store; the Coast Pilot notes lifts to 25 tons
- Anchorages — Two designated areas, east (bait barge) and west (Ocean Institute and Baby Beach), monitored by Harbor Patrol
- Baby Beach and Dana Cove — Calm-water beach and park on the west side
- Harbor Patrol station — OC Sheriff, staffed 24/7
Rules & official resources
- 5 mph speed limit enforced in the harbor
- 5 mph no-wake limit applies throughout the protected waters
- Anchoring is allowed only in the two designated anchorages (yellow buoys and signage), with a maximum stay of five days per 30-day period
- Harbor Patrol (OC Sheriff) maintains a 24-hour radio watch on VHF channel 16
- Free Bilge Pad Exchange Program for all boaters; keep oil and fuel out of the harbor
- Guest slips are managed by The Marina at Dana Point; reserve online through Dockwa or by phone
- California Boater Card required for all operators of motorized vessels, regardless of age, since January 1, 2025
Common boat service needs here
Bottom and hull cleaning
Boats kept in slips here sit in warm harbor water where growth builds quickly. Many owners schedule regular diver cleanings to protect speed and fuel economy.
Find Bottom Cleaning, Hull Cleaning & Dive Services providers →Bottom paint and haul-outs
Antifouling wears with constant immersion and diver cleaning. Haul-outs and bottom jobs go to the harbor's shipyard services, where lifts reach 25 tons.
Find Bottom Painting & Antifouling providers →Engine and outboard service
Salt air and short trips mean owners rely on regular engine and outboard service. The fuel dock also offers oil and filter service.
Find Marine Mechanics & Engine Service providers →Detailing and gelcoat care
Sun, salt spray and bird traffic dull gelcoat, so regular wash and wax and periodic polishing are common for slipped and trailered boats alike.
Find Boat Detailing & Washing providers →Canvas and upholstery
Strong coastal sun degrades enclosures, Bimini tops and cushions, making canvas repair and replacement a steady need.
Find Canvas, Covers & Upholstery providers →Guides & FAQs
Nearby providers
No providers listed near this location yet — check back soon.