Monterey Breakwater Launch Ramp
- Type
- Public launch ramp on Monterey Bay
- Address
- 32 Cannery Row, Monterey, CA 93940
- Operator
- City of Monterey
- Trailer parking
- About 40 spaces; daily permit required
- Boat launch
- Fishing pier
- Fuel dock
- Wildlife & birding
- Restrooms
About this boat ramp
The Monterey Breakwater Launch Ramp is the City of Monterey's public boat ramp at the base of the Coast Guard Pier, reached from Cannery Row at 32 Cannery Row. It sits between Fisherman's Wharf and Cannery Row, next to Breakwater Cove Marina and San Carlos Beach.
Launching and parking
The ramp has a boarding float and a parking lot at the base of the wharf. Trailers need a Harbormaster daily parking permit for a double pull-through space, sold at the Harbormaster's office, and you can buy permits in advance for several days.
Public hoist
If you'd rather hoist than ramp-launch, the city runs a token-operated public hoist on Municipal Wharf II rated at 3 tons. You need to read the operating instructions and get certified by harbor staff before your first lift.
On the water
The 1,700-foot breakwater shelters the harbor, and the Coast Guard Pier is a popular spot to watch sea lions, harbor seals and sea otters. San Carlos Beach next door is one of the West Coast's best-known dive sites, so watch for divers near the shore.
Getting there & access
Getting there
From Highway 1, take Del Monte Avenue through the tunnel onto Lighthouse Avenue and Foam Street, then take Dickman Avenue down to Cannery Row and turn left into the lot at the base of the Coast Guard Pier.
Parking permit
Buy a Harbormaster daily parking permit for a double pull-through space before you leave your rig. Permits are sold at the Harbormaster's office and can be bought ahead for multiple days.
Using the hoist instead
The Wharf II public hoist runs 24/7 except during maintenance, but you need an instruction brief and certification from harbor staff first. Pick up the instruction package at the Harbor Office.
- Trailer permit
- $16 per day for a double pull-through space
- Public hoist
- Wharf II, 3 tons, $6 per 15 minutes
- Harbor phone
- (831) 646-3950
What's here
Launch ramp
Public ramp with a boarding float at the Coast Guard Pier
Trailer parking
Pull-through spaces at the base of the wharf with a daily permit
Public hoist
3-ton token-operated hoist on Municipal Wharf II
Restrooms
Restrooms and showers on the pier
Fuel nearby
Breakwater Cove fuel dock next door, VHF Channel 9
Wildlife viewing
Sea lions, harbor seals, sea otters and a seabird rookery at the breakwater
Rules & official resources
- Vehicles with boat trailers need a Harbormaster daily parking permit for a double pull-through space ($16 per day)monterey.org ↗
- Wharf II public hoist users must read the operating instructions, complete a brief and be certified by harbor staffmonterey.org ↗
- Coast Guard Pier public access is sunrise to sunset; fishing allowed on the north side of the breakwatermonterey.org ↗
- California Boater Card required for all operators of motorized vessels, regardless of age, since January 1, 2025dbw.parks.ca.gov ↗
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