Is the Ventura Harbor launch ramp open 24 hours?

Yes. The ramp is open 24 hours a day. The restrooms are open 5:30 AM to 8:30 PM, and Harbor Patrol, at (805) 642-8618, handles after-hours restroom access.

How much does it cost to launch at Ventura Harbor?

The Port District charges for parking rather than a separate launch fee. Under one hour is free with plate registration, two to four hours is $1 an hour, and a day pass is $10. Up to four days costs $10 a day, and an annual pass is $150. Check the Port District page for current rates.

How many lanes does the Ventura Harbor ramp have?

Six launch lanes, with floating docks and wash-down stations.

Can I leave my trailer overnight at the Ventura ramp?

Overnight parking at the launch ramp requires an annual boater parking pass, which costs $150. Stays beyond four days need a special permit.

Is there fuel near the ramp?

Yes. MAVCCO Market Fuel and Bait is next door at 1404 Anchors Way Dr and sells gasoline and diesel from 5:30 AM to 5:30 PM.

Is the Ventura Harbor entrance safe in a swell?

The entrance collects sand and is dredged each year by the Army Corps of Engineers, so depths can change. Ask Harbor Patrol on VHF 12 or 16 before running in or out after a big swell.

Ventura Harbor Public Launch Ramp (Anchors Way): Fees, Hours & Parking

Overview

The Ventura Harbor Public Launch Ramp is the main trailer-boat launch in Ventura. It is at 1400 Anchors Way Drive, run by the Ventura Port District, and has six launch lanes. The ramp is open 24 hours a day, which suits anglers heading for the Santa Barbara Channel before dawn and day boaters going to the Channel Islands. The floating docks, wash-down stations and restrooms were recently renovated.

Parking and fees

Parking is paid at all times and every vehicle must be registered by license plate, including the free first hour. Under one hour is free, two to four hours costs $1 an hour, and a day pass is $10. Stays of up to four days are $10 a day, and longer stays need a special permit. An annual boater parking pass is $150, and overnight parking is only allowed with an annual permit. About 180 spaces serve the ramp, and drivers without a trailer should not use the double-long spaces. Rates change, so check the Port District page before you go.

Facilities

Boat wash-down machines cost $3.50 a cycle up to a $15 maximum. Restrooms are open from 5:30 AM to 8:30 PM, and Harbor Patrol, at (805) 642-8618, handles after-hours restroom access. The state's boating facility listing also shows a sewage pump-out service for the ramp. The MAVCCO fuel dock is next door at 1404 Anchors Way Dr, with gasoline and diesel from 5:30 AM to 5:30 PM.

Heading out

From the ramp it is a short trip along the harbor channels to the entrance. The harbor limit is 5 mph, and boats must use the main entrance between the jetties, keeping buoy 2VU to starboard when entering. The entrance gathers sand each year and is dredged by the Army Corps of Engineers, usually early in the year, so check with Harbor Patrol on VHF 12 or 16 before heading out or in after heavy surf.

Getting there & access

Getting there

The ramp is at 1400 Anchors Way Drive in Ventura Harbor, next to the MAVCCO fuel dock. Use Anchors Way Drive in Ventura Harbor.

Paying for parking

Parking is paid 24 hours a day. Pay at a pay station or by scanning the QR code, and register your license plate or VIN even for the free first hour. Stays over four days need a special permit, and overnight parking requires an annual boater parking pass.

Trailers

Tow vehicles with trailers can use the double-long spaces. Vehicles without a trailer cannot park in those spaces.

Heading out

Run the harbor channel at 5 mph to the main entrance between the jetties. Keep buoy 2VU to starboard when entering. Shoaling is common at the entrance, so ask Harbor Patrol about conditions on VHF 12 or 16.

Amenities

Six launch lanes — With floating docks; renovation of docks, wash-down stations and restrooms completed
Boat wash-down — Machines at $3.50 per cycle, maximum $15
Restrooms — 5:30 AM to 8:30 PM; after-hours access via Harbor Patrol, (805) 642-8618
Parking — About 180 spaces; day pass $10, annual pass $150
Pump-out — Listed by the California Division of Boating and Waterways for the Ventura Harbor ramp facility
Fuel next door — MAVCCO Market Fuel and Bait, 1404 Anchors Way Dr: gasoline, diesel, bait, ice and marine supplies

Rules & official resources

Common boat service needs here

Engine flush and trailer care

Launching in salt water is hard on trailer bearings, brakes and lights, and on outboards that are not flushed. Regular engine service and trailer checks pay off for trailer boaters.

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