Marina guide
Shelter Island Yacht Basin
San Diego, San Diego County, CA
Overview
Shelter Island Yacht Basin (SIYB) is the busiest small-boat harbor on San Diego Bay, tucked inside Point Loma just past Ballast Point. NOAA's Coast Pilot calls the yacht basin and neighboring America's Cup Harbor the most important small-boat area in San Diego Bay. Shelter Island itself began as a mudbank and was built up with dredged material in the 1930s and 1940s, and it was developed as a boating and hospitality district in the 1950s.
The marinas
The Port of San Diego lists several marinas and clubs along Shelter Island Drive: Kona Kai Marina (1901 Shelter Island Dr), Shelter Island Marina at the Island Palms Hotel (2071), Silver Gate Yacht Club (2091), Bay Club Marina (2131), Shelter Cove Marina (2240) and Half Moon Anchorage (2323). Southwestern Yacht Club is at 2702 Qualtrough Street. The basin is a 5 mph zone.
Guest slips and anchoring
The Port runs 26 guest slips at 1401 Shelter Island Drive for boats up to 65 feet, with water and 30-amp power. Stays are limited to 15 days in any 40-day period, and reservations open 14 days ahead. A-1 La Playa Cove, a free permit anchorage between San Diego Yacht Club and Southwestern Yacht Club, is open on weekends only.
The copper TMDL
The basin was listed as impaired for dissolved copper, and in 2005 the San Diego Water Board adopted a copper Total Maximum Daily Load. More than 95 percent of the copper comes from antifouling paints leaching off recreational boats. The TMDL called for a 76 percent cut from a 2,100 kg per year baseline by 2022, and the interim 10 percent and 40 percent targets were met. The 2022 target was not, and dissolved copper still exceeds water quality objectives.
What it means for owners
The Port implements the TMDL through its Copper Reduction Program, which encourages boaters to switch from copper-based hull paint to alternative low-copper or non-copper coatings. Owners who repaint here are encouraged to pick low-leach or non-biocide paints, and the Port says it is now evaluating the water quality impact of in-water hull cleaning.
Getting there & access
By water
The basin is on the Point Loma side of the bay, just past Ballast Point. The channel to the facilities carries about 20 feet, shoaling to about 9 feet at facilities. Heavy small-boat traffic leaves the basin near the entrance range markers, especially on weekends. Keep to 5 mph.
Guest slips
Reserve online at reservations.portofsandiego.org and email ID and vessel registration to moorings@portofsandiego.org, or call 619-686-6227 (6 a.m. to 11 p.m.). Check-in is 1300 and check-out 1100. Catamarans, trimarans and vessels over a 15-foot beam are limited to slips 2, 3, 26, 27 or 28.
Pump-outs
Four free 24-hour pump-out stations are at the Harbor Police and guest dock complex, 1401 Shelter Island Drive (619-686-6272). Sun Harbor Marina also has a public pump-out.
By road
Shelter Island Drive serves the marinas. Paid Port parking applies at meters from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily, excluding holidays.
Amenities
- Port guest docks — 26 slips, water, 30-amp power, restrooms and pump-out access
- Kona Kai Marina — 1901 Shelter Island Dr, 619-222-1191
- Shelter Island Marina — At the Island Palms Hotel, 2071 Shelter Island Dr, 619-223-0301
- Bay Club Marina — 2131 Shelter Island Dr, 619-222-0314
- Shelter Cove Marina — 2240 Shelter Island Dr, 619-224-2471
- Half Moon Anchorage — 2323 Shelter Island Dr, 619-224-3401
- Yacht clubs — Silver Gate Yacht Club (2091 Shelter Island Dr), San Diego Yacht Club and Southwestern Yacht Club
- Fuel docks — Pearson Marine Services (2435) and High Seas Fuel Dock (2540) on Shelter Island Dr
- Public ramp and park — Shelter Island boat launch and Shoreline Park with a fishing pier
Rules & official resources
- 5 mph speed limit in Shelter Island Yacht Basin and America's Cup Harbor
- Guest docks: stays limited to 15 days in a 40-day period; no black water discharge while berthed, use pump-out stations
- A-1 La Playa Cove: weekend-only 72-hour anchorage (96 hours on holidays) with a free permit and mandatory holding tank
- Copper TMDL adopted February 9, 2005, requires a 76% reduction in copper loading from boat hull paint by 2022; implemented through the Port's Copper Reduction Program
- Port of San Diego: Harbor Police jurisdiction on the bay; emergencies 619-223-1133 or 911, or VHF 16
- California Boater Card required for all operators of motorized vessels, regardless of age, since January 1, 2025
Common boat service needs here
Non-copper and low-copper bottom paint
The copper TMDL is aimed at antifouling paint leaching from boats in the basin. Owners here are steered toward low-leach or non-biocide hull coatings when they repaint, so a boatyard that applies and prepares for these paints is useful.
Find Bottom Painting & Antifouling providers →Hull cleaning that protects the paint
Alternative hull coatings and the Port's focus on in-water cleaning mean owners want divers who use appropriate methods for the paint on the boat.
Find Bottom Cleaning, Hull Cleaning & Dive Services providers →Yacht management
With long-term slip holders and visiting superyachts, concierge and management services are a regular need.
Find Yacht Management & Concierge providers →Canvas and detailing
Sun and salt on open slips wear out canvas, cushions and gelcoat, so washdowns and canvas work are routine.
Find Canvas, Covers & Upholstery providers →Guides & FAQs
Nearby providers
No providers listed near this location yet — check back soon.