Is the Marina del Rey launch ramp open at night?

Yes. The County launch ramp is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

How much does it cost to launch in Marina del Rey?

LA County lists $15 per 24 hours for a vehicle with a trailer and $10 for a vehicle only, paid at the on-site pay station by cash, Visa or Mastercard. Rates can change, so check the posted fee.

Can I leave my trailer overnight?

Yes, but trailers must stay attached to the tow vehicle and you can park no more than 7 days in any 30-day period. Vehicles over the limit may be cited or towed.

Is there a free place to launch a kayak or paddleboard?

Yes. Hand-carried boats can launch for free at Marina "Mother's" Beach on Palawan Way. You'll still pay the standard parking fee in the beach lots.

Is there a pump-out at the ramp?

Yes. The ramp in Basin H is one of Marina del Rey's five public pump-out stations.

Who do I call about ramp parking?

Parking at the ramp is run by LAZ Parking, (310) 821-1081, 8am–5pm daily. For storage questions, call the County Boating Section at (424) 526-7890.

Boat ramp guide

Marina del Rey Public Launch Ramp

Marina del Rey, Los Angeles County, CA

Overview

The Marina del Rey Public Launch Ramp is Los Angeles County's main trailer-boat launch on the Santa Monica Bay coast. It sits at the inland end of Basin H off Fiji Way. It's open 24 hours a day, so it's popular with anglers making pre-dawn runs to the bay and with families launching for a day on the water.

Why boaters use it

Launching here puts you inside a fully protected harbor. You get a calm run down the Main Channel at 5 knots before clearing the breakwater into Santa Monica Bay. From there, kelp beds and reefs along Malibu and Palos Verdes are within easy reach, and Catalina is about 30 nautical miles away for well-equipped boats.

Facilities around the ramp

The County runs a pump-out station at the ramp. Sailboat mast-up storage (15–31 ft) and dinghy and paddlecraft storage are on the same site. A free County used-oil recycling center is next door at 13483 Fiji Way. Burton Chace Park's guest docks are a short run up the channel if you want to tie up overnight.

Before you go

Fees are charged per 24-hour period, and the pay station takes cash and Visa/Mastercard. Show your receipt face-up on the driver's-side dashboard. Trailers must stay hitched to a tow vehicle, and you can park here no more than 7 days in any 30-day period. Weekend mornings in summer are the busiest time.

Getting there & access

Getting there

Enter from Fiji Way about 1.5 blocks west of Lincoln Boulevard. The ramp sits between the County mast-up storage and Dock 52, next to Burton Chace Park.

Paying and parking

Buy a 24-hour pass at the pay station (cash, Visa or Mastercard) and display the receipt face-up on the driver's-side dashboard. Trailers must stay attached to the tow vehicle. Vehicles parked more than 7 days in any 30-day period may be cited or towed.

Hand-launch alternative

Kayaks, paddleboards and dinghies can launch for free at Marina "Mother's" Beach on Palawan Way. Standard beach parking fees apply in Lots 9 and 10.

Heading out

From Basin H it's a short run to the Main Channel and the harbor entrance. Keep to 5 knots and no wake throughout the harbor, and use the north entrance unless you've confirmed conditions at the shoaling-prone south entrance.

Amenities

Pump-out station — Public pump-out at the ramp (Basin H)
Mast-up storage — County storage for sailboats 15–31 ft
Dinghy & paddlecraft storage — County racks on site (waitlist; call (424) 526-7890)
Used oil recycling — Free County drop-off next door at 13483 Fiji Way
Guest docks nearby — Burton Chace Park guest docks for 4-hour or overnight tie-ups

Rules & official resources

Common boat service needs here

Trailer and engine checkups

Salt-water launching is hard on trailer bearings, brakes and lights, and on outboards that aren't flushed. Many trailer boaters book regular engine service and freshwater flush checks.

Find Marine Mechanics & Engine Service providers →