Boat ramp guide
Port of Redwood City Launch Ramp
Redwood City, San Mateo County, CA
Overview
The Port of Redwood City launch ramp is a public trailer ramp on the lower South Bay. It sits at the end of Chesapeake Drive in the southwest corner of the Port, beside the Port's municipal marina. Boats on trailers can launch here 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
The ramp
It's a corrugated concrete ramp with two high-freeboard composite docks. The Port's tariff limits the ramp to boats no longer than 30 feet or 5,000 pounds, and a small per-launch fee applies. Parking is free in the large west lot and a smaller lot by the marina offices, and trailers may stay up to 72 consecutive hours.
What's different about boating here
The ramp opens onto Redwood Creek, the working channel of the South Bay's only deep-water port, dredged to 30 feet MLLW. Barges and large ships use it regularly, and their prop wash can make the water unstable even at a distance. Give ships the right of way and a wide berth. The 5 mph limit applies inside the marina.
Next door is Bair Island Ecological Reserve, about 3,000 acres of marsh. Stay on the main waterways. It's home to Ridgway's rails, black rails, salt marsh harvest mice and harbor seals.
Getting there & access
By road
From US-101, exit at Seaport Boulevard and head east, then turn left on Chesapeake Drive and follow it to the end. The ramp is in the southwest corner of the Port next to the marina offices.
Parking
Free parking is available in the large west lot and a smaller lot by the marina offices, including 5 ADA spaces. Boat trailers may stay up to 72 consecutive hours.
Ship traffic
Redwood Creek is an active commercial channel with barges and large ships about three-quarters of a mile east of the ramp. Prop wash can be dangerous even at a distance, so give ships the right of way and a wide berth.
Wildlife areas
Bair Island Ecological Reserve borders the creek. Keep to the main waterways and stay clear of the marsh sloughs, where harbor seals haul out.
Amenities
- Launch ramp — Corrugated concrete, open 24/7
- Boarding docks — Two high-freeboard composite docks
- Free parking — West lot plus a lot by the marina offices; 5 ADA spaces
- Restrooms — Accessible restrooms in the marina offices just south of the ramp
- Fishing pier — Public fishing pier on the Port waterfront
- Picnic areas — Along more than a mile of public Port waterfront
- Pump-out — Free pump-out for vessels berthed in the marina
Rules & official resources
- The launch ramp is restricted to boats no longer than 30 feet or 5,000 lb gross weight
- Maximum speed within the marina is 5 miles per hour
- Dinghies, kayaks, canoes and other small vessels may not be kept on the marina floats
- Trailers may park up to 72 consecutive hours
- Give commercial ships the right of way and a wide berth in Redwood Creek
- 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
Trailer and tow help
This is a busy South Bay trailer ramp, so many owners here need trailer repair, transport or a tow back when an engine quits out in the bay.
Find Boat Transport, Towing & Delivery providers →Engine flush and service
Trailered boats used in salt water need freshwater flushes and regular outboard service to avoid corrosion in cooling passages.
Find Marine Mechanics & Engine Service providers →Washdown and detailing
Bay mud and salt cling to hulls and trailers after a South Bay run; regular washing protects gelcoat and trailer hardware.
Find Boat Detailing & Washing providers →Guides & FAQs
Nearby providers
No providers listed near this location yet — check back soon.
Sources
Last verified October 6, 2026