Boat ramp guide
De Anza Cove Boat Launch (Mission Bay)
San Diego, San Diego County, CA
Overview
De Anza Cove is a City of San Diego park on the north-east corner of Mission Bay, at 3000 North Mission Bay Drive, with a public launch ramp for both boats and jet skis. It opens onto the eastern side of the bay, a short drive from I-5 via Clairemont Drive.
Layout and who uses it
The park pairs the ramp with a free parking lot, a comfort station with showers, picnic tables, a volleyball area, a children's play area and a jogging and biking path. Swimming, boating and water skiing are all permitted here, and lifeguards are on duty in summer, so expect families on the beach near the ramp on warm weekends.
What's different about boating here
Mission Bay drops to 5 mph from sunset to sunrise, and in daylight anywhere within 100 feet of shore, near bridges or near another boat. Away from the controlled zones the bay is open speed in daylight, with waterski takeoff and landing zones run counter-clockwise. Outside the dredged Mission Bay Channel, depths average about 8 feet.
Good to know
Parking lots fill early on summer weekends. The City's De Anza Natural plan for the surrounding area shows the existing boat launch staying in place.
Getting there & access
By road
Take I-5 to the Clairemont Drive exit, head west to East Mission Bay Drive, then turn right onto North Mission Bay Drive, which leads to the parking lot.
Parking and timing
Parking is free, but the City warns the lots fill quickly on summer weekends, so arrive very early. The park is open 4 a.m. to 2 a.m.
On the water
From the cove you're on the east side of Mission Bay. Keep to 5 mph within 100 feet of shore, near bridges and within 100 feet of other boats, and everywhere from sunset to sunrise. Follow posted signs and the counter-clockwise pattern in waterski zones.
Fees and permits
The City directs fee questions to the Parks & Recreation Permit Center at (619) 235-1169.
Amenities
- Launch ramp — For boats and jet skis
- Parking — Free lot
- Comfort station — Restrooms with showers
- Lifeguards — On duty during summer months
- Picnic areas — Picnic tables and benches
- Recreation — Volleyball area, children's play area and a sandlot for over-the-line
- Path — Jogging and biking path along the shore
Rules & official resources
- Mission Bay speed limit is 5 mph from sunset to sunrise
- In daylight, 5 mph applies wherever 5 mph buoys are posted, near bridges, within 100 feet of shore and within 100 feet of another vessel
- Waterski takeoff/landing zones are only for boats actively towing skiers; follow posted signs and the counter-clockwise pattern
- Food is allowed but no glass containers; alcohol is not permitted at De Anza Cove
- Park hours are 4 a.m. to 2 a.m.
- California Boater Card required for all operators of motorized vessels, regardless of age, since January 1, 2025
Common boat service needs here
PWC and outboard service
Jet skis and small outboards launched here run in salt water. Regular flushing, impeller changes and corrosion checks keep them reliable.
Find Marine Mechanics & Engine Service providers →Washdowns
Boats and personal watercraft come out of the bay coated in salt. A proper wash after each trip slows corrosion and oxidation.
Find Boat Detailing & Washing providers →Oxidation and gelcoat care
Trailer boats stored outdoors in San Diego sun chalk quickly. Periodic compounding and waxing restores the finish.
Find Gelcoat, Oxidation & Paint Correction providers →Trailer and transport help
Owners without a tow vehicle often use a transport service to get boats to and from the ramp.
Find Boat Transport, Towing & Delivery providers →Guides & FAQs
Nearby providers
No providers listed near this location yet — check back soon.
Sources
Last verified October 6, 2026