Marina guide
Safe Harbor Ballena Isle (Ballena Isle Marina)
Alameda, Alameda County, CA
Overview
Ballena Isle Marina, now Safe Harbor Ballena Isle, sits at 1150 Ballena Boulevard on the west end of Alameda, facing the Central Bay. Safe Harbor Marinas operates it, and the office is open daily from 8:30am to 5pm.
Layout
The state facility directory lists about 500 slips and tie-ups. Wet slips run from 24 to 105 feet with a 20-foot maximum beam and a 6-foot maximum draft. Transient slips cover the same lengths. Slips have power, water, dock boxes and free Wi-Fi. A fuel dock sells ValvTect marine gas and diesel daily. Pier 29, a waterside restaurant, and a yacht brokerage are on site.
Who uses it
Its west-facing location gives sailors and powerboaters one of the shortest runs from the East Bay into the open Central Bay, without the long motor down the Oakland Estuary. Visiting boats use it as a base for Alameda, and racers and cruisers head out toward Treasure Island, the city front and Angel Island.
What's different about boating here
Watch the 6-foot draft limit at low tide, and plan your docking for the afternoon breeze off the open bay.
Getting there & access
By water
The marina faces the Central Bay on the west side of Alameda. Maximum draft is 6 feet, so watch the tide. Hail the marina on VHF 16.
Guest slips
Transient slips from 24 to 105 feet are available; call the office during its 8:30am–5pm hours to arrange a berth.
Fueling
The fuel dock is open daily from 8:30am to 5pm and sells ValvTect marine gasoline and diesel.
By road
The marina is at 1150 Ballena Boulevard in Alameda. Parking at the marina is free.
Amenities
- Fuel dock — ValvTect gas and diesel, daily 8:30am–5pm
- Slips — 24–105 ft with power, water, Wi-Fi and dock boxes
- Transient slips — Same size range as permanent slips
- Pump-out — Sewage/bilge pump-out and oil disposal
- Restaurant — Pier 29 on the waterfront
- Bathhouses and laundry — Restrooms, showers and laundry
- Dog park and grills — Dog park, barbecue grills and fire pit
- Security — Gated docks and on-site security
Rules & official resources
- Maximum draft is 6 feet; maximum beam is 20 feet for wet slips
- Docks are gated; check in with the marina office for access
- California Boater Card required for all operators of motorized vessels, regardless of age, since January 1, 2025
- Children under 13 must wear a life jacket on a moving vessel under California law
Common boat service needs here
Diver hull cleaning
Boats in Ballena Bay slips foul steadily; monthly diver service is the norm for owners who sail often.
Find Bottom Cleaning, Hull Cleaning & Dive Services providers →Canvas
Breeze off the open Central Bay means sail covers and dodgers take a beating.
Find Canvas, Covers & Upholstery providers →Detailing
Salt spray from the open Central Bay coats decks and stainless; regular washing and waxing protects finishes.
Find Boat Detailing & Washing providers →Pre-purchase surveys
A yacht brokerage is on site, so surveys for boats changing hands here are common.
Find Marine Surveyors & Inspections providers →Guides & FAQs
Nearby providers
No providers listed near this location yet — check back soon.
Sources
Last verified October 6, 2026