liveaboard sailboat bay area

Top 15 California Marinas for Epic Liveaboard Adventures

Ditch the land-locked life! Dive into our pro-sailor secrets for the 15 best liveaboard marinas in California that'll anchor your wanderlust and hoist your dreams into the sunset.

In California, you can live in an apartment, a traditional house, or a condo. But if you want a one-of-a-kind living experience, you can temporarily consider a liveaboard marina.

Going with a liveaboard marina is a good idea for a vacation, weekend, or random getaway, especially if you love exploring the sea. However, you’ll only get the best experience if you choose the best option. Hence, in this post, you’ll find the best live-aboard marinas in California.

Not all marinas allow boaters to live aboard. Some only allow boaters to spend the night, so searching for a liveaboard marina can be time-consuming.

Also, you may want to consider the type of waterway. Do you prefer the lure of saltwater or freshwater? Irrespective of what you prefer, you’ll find a good option in the below list:

1. Port Royal Marina

Address: 555 N Harbor Dr, Redondo Beach, CA 90277 | Phone Number : (310) 376-0431 | Website

Port Royal Marina is located at Redondo Beach in California. The marina primarily serves Marina del Rey, but it also welcomes boaters from Los Angeles, Long Beach, Huntington Beach, and El Segundo, to name a few.

Many boaters who’ve visited this liveaboard marina confirm that the staff are friendly and helpful. Also, the accommodation you get aboard is comfortable.

You get amenities, including a laundry facility, private bathrooms, free Wi-Fi, and free parking when you drive in. There’s more to look forward to.

All boater facilities and gangways at the Port Royal Marina are computerized. Hence, you have complete control over accessible areas, which is worthwhile if you enjoy privacy.

If you're more of an outgoing person, you’ll appreciate the local yacht clubs at the marina. The yacht clubs are open to guests and are perfect options for you to socialize.

You can easily reserve a slip at the marina via their website. Afterward, the marina will contact you, and you’ll get your slip assignment. You’ll also receive the vessel's registration, documentation, and insurance policy documents.

2. Marina Bay Yacht Harbor

Address: 1340 Marina Way S, Richmond, CA 94804 | Phone Number : (510) 236-1013 | Website

The second best liveaboard marina in California on this list is the renowned Marina Bay Yacht Harbor. You’ll find the marina in Richmond.

Marina Bay Yacht Harbor is a great location on the ba; this liveaboard marina prioritizes active boaters. As a result, you’ll feel safe onboard as you get deep-water access to the bay and beyond. In particular, you don’t have to worry about the tides.

What more? You’ll love the peace that the lush park surroundings provide. These are just some of the natural perks you get if you opt for Marina Bay Yacht Harbor. But, of course, you’ll also find the amenities fun.

The liveaboard marina boasts free Wi-Fi, well-dressed restrooms, private showers, and shoreside storage units. In addition, you get access to laundry facilities, a launch ramp & boat wash area, and free pump-out stations.

Suppose you want to take a break from the marina? In such a situation, you get the chance to explore the amazing Richmond neighborhood. In particular, you can explore the many nearby restaurants.

Marina Bay Yacht Harbor is open every day except Sunday. Hence, you can live from Mondays to Saturdays.

3. Cabrillo Marina

Address: 224 Whalers Walk, Los Angeles, CA 90731 | Phone Number : (310) 732-2252 | Website

Cabrillo Marina is more than just a liveaboard marina. It’s also an event venue where people host some of the top events in Los Angeles.

The marina serves many areas, although most boaters come from around San Pedro. Nevertheless, if you’re around Los Angeles, you should try out Cabrillo Marina if you need a liveaboard marina in California.

Note that the marina is separate from the event venue, although you can easily join the events if you want. Furthermore, Cabrillo Marina serves as a location for television and film.

With all of these, there’s no doubt you’ll have a good time if you visit the marina. But, of course, most boaters who’ve been to Cabrillo Marina also talk about the great weather and the great breeze.

You’ll find many nearby dining options and hotels in the San Pedro neighborhood. The restaurant is also close to airports with easy freeway access.

So, if you’re coming to California from a different state, you can also consider Cabrillo Marina if you need a liveaboard marina.

4. Safe Harbor Ballena Isle

Address: 1150 Ballena Blvd Suite 111, Alameda, CA 94501 | Phone Number : (510) 523-5528 | Website

Do you need a liveaboard marina where you can go biking and kayaking for fun? If your answer is yes, Safe Harbor Ballena Isle should be among your options in California.

Safe Harbor Ballena Isle is a boater's paradise with unobstructed views of San Francisco. It also offers some of the best sailings in the bay.

If you like socializing, you’ll appreciate the friendly and inclusive atmosphere of the local boating community. So, you have two choices if you want to enjoy the live-aboard experience at Safe Harbor Ballena.

You can book a berth at the marina or sign up to become a member. Becoming a member of Safe Harbor Ballena grants you access to the full collection of premier marinas, services, and events. In addition, you get access to a boater's lifestyle that is unmatched anywhere else.

Some amenities you enjoy at Safe Harbor Ballena include barbecue grills, a dog park, a fire pit, free parking, and laundry. There’s also a waterside restaurant and a tennis court. The marina stays open every day, from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

5. Long Beach Shoreline Marina

Address: 450 E Shoreline Dr, Long Beach, CA 90802 | Phone Number : (562) 570-4950 | Website

Long Beach Shoreline Marina is particularly renowned for being a liveaboard marina. You can stay liveaboard at this marina for up to 10 years if you want.

Since 1982, when it opened to its first boaters, the marina has grown to have 1764 spaces. You’ll find it in the middle of downtown Long Beach, between the Queen Mary and the convention center.

Long Beach Shoreline Marina has one of California's best settings. Some boaters even consider it one of the best in the whole country. 

It boasts a natural, southward-facing bay and a network of offshore breakwaters, which provide a safe harbor for boats.

You’ll appreciate the easy access to deep water and the consistent breezes, not to mention the closeness of the marina to the beautiful Catalina Island. 

Also, there are a lot of boaters at Long Beach Shoreline Marina, and you can sail there almost any time of the year. It’s a common location for competitions like the Congressional Cup and Transpac. Olympic trials are also held at the marina.

6. Ventura West Marina

Address: 1198 Navigator Dr, Ventura, CA 93001 | Phone Number : (805) 644-8266 | Website

As its name describes, this marina is located in Ventura, California. Notably, it’s not just one but two; both are at Ventura Harbor. In addition, you’ll find Ventura West Marinas 30 miles south of Santa Barbara and 65 miles north of Los Angeles.

It offers a picture-perfect environment, with miles of clean beachfront and broad fields of nice-looking farmland on one side. In the background, you get to see the San Ynez mountains.

Ventura West also offers quality facilities to make your liveaboard experience memorable. For example, you get a large laundry room, a gym, 554 slips, and modern restrooms.

Also, the marinas employ the nicest of staff, all of whom are dedicated to ensuring that you have a pleasant boating experience.

The Channel Islands, a group of five islands that are part of a national park, are less than 18 miles away. You can sail to the island or Paradise Cove and Catalina. Harbor Village is also close by with its assortment of small restaurants and stores.

7. Balboa Marina

Address: 201 East Coast Hwy, Newport Beach, CA 92660 | Phone Number : (949) 721-0111 | Website

Along the East Coast Highway, you’ll find Balboa Marina in Newport Beach. Most boaters who visit this restaurant agree on one thing, which is that it’s a great place to relax.

Balboa Marina is one of Southern California's biggest and best-equipped marinas. It offers up to 130 berths, ranging in length from 20 to 100 feet. Hence, you get a convenient docking option and easy access to your liveaboard boat.

The Balboa Marina is conveniently located off the Pacific Coast Highway. Hence, it’s a short distance from Newport Beach's best attractions, including the upscale establishments of Fashion Island.

However, you should join the Balboa Bay Club to get the most out of Balboa Marina. As a member, you can access various recreational opportunities and social activities. 

Notably, you can access the paddleboard, kayak, and canoe racks. You also get more affordable rates for renting boats, kayaks, and paddle boards.

Other services include cable TV on a dock, gear lockers, restrooms, showers, phones, and carry-down walkways.

8. Harbor Island West Marina

Address: 2040 Harbor Island Dr, San Diego, CA 92101 | Phone Number : (619) 291-6440 | Website

At number 8, we have Harbor Island West Marina, one of the best live-aboard marinas in San Diego, California. The marina typically opens at 8 or 9 a.m. every day.

You'll find a wide range of boaters at Harbor Island West Marina. The marina's location, at the westernmost tip of Harbor Island, gives you quick access to the bay, and it’s also a short trip to the Pacific Ocean.

There are 620 slips available, ranging from 21 to 100 feet. In addition, you get access to restrooms, laundry facilities, a jacuzzi, a full-service fuel dock, and a sail repair loft, to name a few.

The Harbor Island West Marina is far from the San Diego International Airport. However, the Embarcadero roadway and the vibrant Gaslamp Quarter are just around the corner.

Furthermore, there is easy access to the freeways from every direction, whether you're headed east, west, north, or south. The marina has lots of free parking spaces and 24-hour security.

9. Holiday Harbor Marinas

Address: 241 Watchorn Walk, Berth 34, San Pedro, CA 90731 | Phone Number : (310) 833-4468 | Website

There’s a reason this group of marinas is called Holiday Harbor Marinas. They’re renowned for their recreational activities, which are typical during holidays and vacations.

With 300 of San Pedro's finest boat berths for vessels between 25 and 70 feet in length, the marinas provide a welcoming environment for everyone. In particular, it offers every boater an exclusive boater's lounge with the most comfortable atmosphere.

The World Port of Los Angeles Harbor, Catalina Island, and a wealth of superb fishing opportunities lie within easy reach of this marina. Furthermore, various restaurants, stores, and supermarkets are within walking distance.

10. Marina Village Yacht Harbor

Address: 1030 Marina Village Pkwy, Alameda, CA 94501 | Phone Number : (510) 521-0905 | Website

Marina Village Yacht Harbor is one of the many marinas located in Alameda, in the East Bay region of the Bay Area. It’s a suitable liveaboard marina if you want to experience Oakland and San Francisco.

The Marina Village Yacht Harbor is the Bay's largest privately owned marina. It has first-rate facilities and useful amenities. For an affordable price, you can dock your boat in one of Marina Village's 738 berths, which range in length from 28 to 100 feet.

Marina Village Yacht Harbor is shielded from on-shore winds and tidal surges by its location in the northern section of Alameda. The sheltered, surge-free environment and the ideal tides and breezes make docking a breeze.

You can choose various exciting activities when you go liveaboard at Marina Village Yacht Harbor. This includes local attractions, shops, and restaurants available in the area, which you can visit.

Furthermore, you can explore local businesses, including yacht clubs, cruises and events, and wineries.

11. Schoonmaker Point Marina

Address: 85 Liberty Ship Way, Sausalito, CA 94965 | Phone Number : (415) 331-5550 | Websit e

If you’re around the Liberty Ship Way in Sausalito, you should check out the Schoonmaker Point Marina. It’s a well-maintained marina where you can expect a 5-star experience.

Schoonmaker Point Marina is a full-service marina. In addition, it offers dry storage and commercial and light industrial space for lease. With all these, it’s no surprise that it’s one of the best live-aboard marinas in California.

The marina has 161 slips for boats between 35 and 70 feet in length and side ties for yachts up to 220 feet.

Many boaters who visit Schoonmaker Point Marina comment on the top-notch electrical service. The electrical service at the dock is individually metered for each boater—the current ranges from 30 amps at 110 volts to 200 amps at 480 volts in three phases.

Ultimately, visiting Schoonmaker Point Marina is fun and memorable. You can arrive by boat, sailing under the Golden Gate Bridge. The marina’s floating dock system is safe and secure; it’s built to the highest international specifications. 

12. Island Yacht Anchorage

Address: 1500 Anchorage Rd #205d, Wilmington, CA 90744 | Phone Number : (310) 830-1111 | Website

Here’s a liveaboard marina to check out in Southern California. Island Yacht Anchorage operates its main marina in the Los Angeles harbor. However, there’s also a location at Long Beach harbor. 

Both marinas are close to the open sea and have 214 slips for boats. Typically, boat slips are offered for those who want to live on board. End ties may be as long as 122 feet, and slips might range from 25 to 55 feet.

When you visit Island Yacht Anchorage marinas, you enjoy state-of-the-art amenities. This includes bathrooms, showers, a laundry facility, dock boxes, water, and electricity. 

Furthermore, the marinas are a short walk away from good eateries, chandlery, fuel docks, and sewage pump-outs.

However, note that Island Yacht Anchorage has specific requirements for live-aboard boaters. For example, an authorized operational head and holding tank are mandatory, and the boat must be at least 30 feet long.

Consequently, you can only live aboard after approval by the marina management. Afterward, you’ll also need to submit a monthly sewage disposal report.

13. Safe Harbor South Bay

Address: 640 Marina Pkwy, Chula Vista, CA 91910 | Phone Number : (619) 422-2595 | Website

You can visit this marina around Goodyear, Ensenada, San Diego, Huntington Beach, Tijuana, and Glendale. It’s an ideal liveaboard marina in California if you need quick access to restaurants, stores, and banks.

Safe Harbor South Bay's single spaces provide boaters a tranquil haven away from the hubbub of the South Bay. You can enjoy your liveaboard holiday while focusing on the bay's best waterways.

The marina has a berth capacity of 355 slips and a 150-foot linear dock. The slips range from 25 to 65 feet, and 100-foot end ties are available. 

You'll enjoy this liveaboard marina if you value a high standard of living, excellent service, and meticulous attention to detail. The management focuses on ensuring boaters have a fantastic time by providing them with a well-kept environment. 

As a result, Safe Harbor South Bay is an ideal spot for mooring pleasure boats. In addition, it provides you with a wealth of amenities and entertainment options.

Fuel docks, diesel and gas stations, a maintenance facility, a laundry, restrooms, a pump-out, and free Wi-Fi are all available.

14. Chula Vista Marina

Address: 550 Marina Pkwy, Chula Vista, CA 91910 | Phone Number : (619) 862-2835 | Website

Chula Vista Marina is the most popular marina in Chula Vista, California. It’s not surprising that the marina was the first constructed in the South Bay.

It first welcomed guests in 1984 and has thrived since its commitment to impeccable upkeep and cleanliness.

Like the other marinas in the South Bay, Chula Vista Marina is located away from the hustle and bustle of San Diego. However, the marina’s yacht harbor is eye-pleasing, with its swaying palm trees and park-like environment.

Furthermore, this marina boasts 5-star amenities. Some include a fitness center, self-storage with computer key access, and private shower and laundry facilities.

It’s worth noting that you’ll love the casual waterfront dining with live music and a full bar. It’s perfect for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

You’ll love the boaters' lounge, the go-to place for maximum relaxation. It features a large flat-screen TV, cable, and satellite radio. What more? There’s a BBQ and sundeck area right on the water.

15. Emery Cove Yacht Harbor

Address: 3300 Powell St #203, Emeryville, CA 94608 | Phone Number : (510) 428-0505 | Website

The city of Emeryville is renowned as one of California's best places to live. It also houses one of the best liveaboard marinas in the state. 

The Emery Cove Yacht Harbor marina is located on the northern tip of the Emeryville Peninsula and opened in 1984. The private marina, up to 430 slips, is about a mile from the San Francisco Bay Bridge.

Its affordable rental rates set Emery Cove Yacht Harbor apart from other marinas in the Bay Area. In addition, unlike any other Bay Area marina, boat slips at Emery Cove Yacht Harbor may be owned outright as a fee title. 

If you’re familiar with Emeryville, you’ll know the city has many restaurants and bars. Notably, a Roman pizza and a Chinese restaurant are within walking distance of Emery Cove Yacht Harbor.

Life at sea can be a liberating and exciting adventure with no limits on movement and amazing views of the vast ocean. It becomes more interesting when it’s in the beautiful state of California.

You can pick any of the 15 options in the above list if you need a perfect liveaboard marina in California. Irrespective of why you want to live aboard a marina, you’ll find one that suits your taste.

There is something for everyone, from the beautiful coastline to bustling city life. These marinas provide the perfect way to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and relax in paradise.

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Better Sailing

Living on a Boat in California: What you Need to Know (Best Liveaboard Marinas, Costs, etc)

Living aboard your sailboat in California is probably the dream of your life. Or, a target you want to accomplish and then head to another marina or state. In any case, you want to know more information about life aboard in California. There’s no doubting that the liveaboard lifestyle can appeal to a wide range of people, both boaters and non-boaters. California is also a favorite place by many sailors and some of its marinas are preferred for the liveaboard life. With California’s housing crisis, many people have been scurrying to find alternate housing options. Some of them accept living on a boat rather than departing the state in pursuit of a more modest dwelling. So, keep reading in order to know more information about liveaboard life in California!

Introduction: Liveaboard Life in California

In general, living aboard a boat entails a simpler existence. It forces you to put your life on a diet. You place a greater emphasis on the fundamentals, whereas you are less concerned with material possessions. The necessity of downsizing forces one to go in that path. Moreover, it’s a more intimate way of life. You are aware of whatever anyone is doing, especially if you have kids. However, this isn’t always an advantage for the liveaboard life but it can be depending on your perspective. You can definitely tell the other person’s moods, manner, and more about what was going on in their life.

Being able to live comfortably aboard a boat necessitates having enough space. A wise person once stated that a boat shrinks by one foot every day, especially at sea. While this is an overstatement, boats definitely appear to be getting smaller over time. As a result, I advise choosing a boat that you will not outgrow rapidly, perhaps one size larger than the type you believe will suffice. It’s not supposed to be a camping trip, but it is about living comfortably and having enough space. A common question concerning most people about liveaboard life is if liveaboard slips are available and how much they cost. For instance, within Marina del Rey, there are around 15 different anchorages, each with its own set of norms and rules, including living aboard. Some don’t allow it at all, while others have a minimum size requirement, such as 35 feet.

Each marina has its own set of regulations and offers a variety of amenities such as pools, community areas, and parking. When it comes to living aboard, yacht clubs are a popular alternative. Note that the marinas normally charge an additional fee of around 50% for the liveaboard privilege, which helps to offset the increased energy, water, and other costs.

Generally, California is one of the most desirable places to reside . There are several causes for this. California is one of the most entertaining states in the country. Weed is legal, the population is youthful and diverse, and the economy is doing great. Moreover, there are many activities for sports and nature lovers as well as many marinas to choose from. The economy and the weather are the two most important factors.

And, if you plan to live aboard your boat, the weather is very important. This is because there are only about 33 days of rainfall in California each year. In other words, less than once a week. If you live on your boat, the exterior spaces make up a significant portion of your living space. You are effectively losing half of your home if you are forced to live below deck due to inclement weather. In California, this isn’t an issue.

>>Also Read: Best Boating Destinations in California

Costs of Living Aboard in California

California, particularly Los Angeles, is a liberal state. However, your personality and preferences will play a big role in determining whether or not this is right for you . Note that your political beliefs should not determine where you choose to live. Los Angeles, on the other hand, is arguably the most left-wing metropolis in the country. This is neither good nor bad; it is simply something to be aware of. Furthermore, depending on the type of climate you choose, the temperature might be viewed as a positive or negative factor.

It’s time to think about where you’d like to reside once you’ve determined whether or not California is the state for you. For example, San Diego is significantly different from San Francisco in terms of lifestyle. There’s a lot to think about when comparing cities, much alone specific marinas. Renting a marina slip is similar to renting an apartment in terms of commitment. As a result, ensuring you choose the proper one is crucial. You can rent on a weekly basis without a contract, but you will lose your renter’s rights and it will be more expensive. Most marinas will give you a better deal if you sign a long-term contract. Both of you will benefit from the increased security.

The most important costs about the liveaboard life are slip fees, boat insurance, boat mortgage payments, gas, waste management, food, and water. Determining and sticking to a budget is the most effective strategy to control spending. Boat insurance can be as expensive as home insurance, depending on the size and value of the vessel. Because you won’t be heating, cooling, or lighting as much room, property taxes and electricity will be lower. You’ll almost certainly save money on waste management, gas, and water. Maintenance is an area where prices skyrocket. Marine parts and labor are typically more expensive than their domestic counterparts, sometimes by as much as 20%. Keep in mind that slip fees vary considerably depending on the county you will choose to live in.

Best Liveaboard Marinas in California

Liveaboard Marinas in Northern California:

• Safe Harbor Loch Lomond, San Rafael
• Eureka Public Marina, Eureka
• Vallejo Municipal Marina, Vallejo
• Safe Harbor Ballena Isle, Alameda
• Grand Marina, Alameda
• Antioch Marina, Antioch
• Safe Harbor Emeryville, Emeryville
• Napa Valley Yacht Club, Napa Valley
• Tiki Lagoon Resort & Marina, Stockton
• Stockton Downtown Marina
• Owl Harbobr Marina, Isleton
• Delta Bay Marina, Isleton
• Suisun City Marina
• Westpoint Harbor, Redwood City
• Glen Cove Marina
• Stan’s Yolo Marina, Clarksburg

Liveaboard Marinas in Southern California:

• Redondo Beach Marina
• Ventura West Marina
• Safe Harbor Ventura Isle
• Oceans West Marina, Ventura
• Half Moon Marina, San Diego
• Sun Harbor Marina, San Diego
• Harbor Island West Marina, San Diego
• Safe Harbor Cabrillo Isle, San Diego
• Santa Barbara Harbor, Los Angeles
• Marina Harbor Anchorage, Marina Del Rey
• Alamitos Bay Marina, Long Beach
• Shoreline Marina, Long Beach
• California Yacht Marina – Chula Vista
• Loews Crown Isle Marina
• Avalon Harbor, Santa Catalina Island
• Belle Isle Marina, Georgetown
• Vue Marina, Newport Beach
• Seabridge Marina, Oxnard
• Safe Harbor Anacapa Isle, Oxnard
• The Marina at Dana Point
• California Yacht Marina, Cabrillo Marina, San Pedro
• California Yacht Marina, Port Royal Marina, Redondo Beach
• Island Yacht Anchorage, Wilmington
• Cerritos Yacht Anchorage, Wilmington

>>Also Read: Is it Dangerous to Sail from California to Hawaii?

Liveaboard Lifestyle in California

In general, it is rewarding to live on the ocean. You have the freedom to travel, a community living at the docks, and a simple lifestyle to follow. Of course, living on a boat comes with its own set of difficulties. Rain and wind, for example, might pose some difficulties. Also, it’s possible that your next-door neighbor is less-than-ideal at times. It could be difficult if you’re next to someone who is loud or has an untidy boat. Most boating communities, on the other hand, are made up of people who are friendly, respectful of one another’s privacy, and collegial. For instance, the marinas in Ventura Harbor are quite welcoming to liveaboards, giving them a sense of a real boating community. Many liveaboards also have access to the Channel Islands National Park in the west and the mountains in the east.

Being a liveaboard helps to reduce the clutter that is common in land-based dwellings. It’s much simpler on a boat. You realize you don’t require much of the extra belongings you think you need. As a result, you’ll have more money to spend on other things. Outside of the country, you can do a lot of traveling. Living aboard a boat necessitates a willingness to let up material possessions. Learning to live tiny is the most difficult change, but it is also the most liberating, as dock parties, dinners, and events are all prevalent among most Californian marinas. You form friendships with folks you’ll meet during dinner with others.

Most liveaboards state that maintaining a boat can be difficult in California, but that with patience and hard effort, many concerns can be resolved. Everything has a learning curve to it. I don’t think you need to know much about boats to do it; all you need to do is be at ease with yourself and recognize that this isn’t a house; it’s different, and you just have to go with the flow.

The monthly costs of being a liveaboard might vary from one liveaboard to another. A liveaboard who lives aboard a 40-foot sailboat in a marina with a $20 per foot slip fee would pay the marina $800 per month. Electricity, bottom cleaning, topside cleaning, sewage, maintenance, insurance, and taxes are other important costs. These charges could increase monthly living expenses by $500 to $600 or more. Payments on the vessel, if any, are another potential monthly expense.

The Pros and Cons of the Liveaboard Life in California

Moving onboard can be a time-consuming procedure. You have to get rid of everything that won’t fit aboard the boat. This is because you intend to travel for a few years and don’t want to worry about storing your belongings. You might don’t care for the marina’s position as much as others, but the amenities and the community fulfill your needs and preferences. Other times you might really like the location but the marina doesn’t offer cheap slip fees or adequate amenities.

Being a liveaboard does have its drawbacks, however, the precise drawbacks differ from boater to boater. Being a liveaboard can be less expensive than living in a land-based home or apartment. But, the cost of living on a sailboat is ultimately determined by marina fees and the kind, size, and condition of the boat. For example, it’s not easy to find a liveaboard slip at any of the Port of Los Angeles marinas. Living aboard a boat is limited to 5% of available spots at each marina by the Port of Los Angeles. On the other hand, those who choose to live near the Cerritos Channel and the Port of Los Angeles’ East Basin will discover a unique blend of charm and challenges.

Another advantage of the liveaboard life is that you’re always on the water and aware of the weather conditions. Liveaboards may also choose specific marinas in order to make friendships, get away from the hustle and bustle, or just to change their way of living. A very important consideration for liveaboards is safety and security in the marina they choose to live in. Liveaboards detect if a boat is taking on water or if there is a boat that doesn’t belong here because they go by the marina every day. Liveaboards will notify the Port Police if they notice suspicious activity in their marina or the surrounding region because they are familiar with the area.

These are some of the most important questions you have to ask yourself. Is this the right way of life for me? Can I afford to properly maintain and repair my boat? Will I be able to work on board or from the marina of my choice? Is the marina where I want to live offering liveaboard slips right now? How long should I expect to have to wait to become a licensed liveaboard? Is my boat large enough for a family to live on? Will my family be at ease onboard? Will we be ready if something goes wrong with our boat, such as a costly repair or irreversible damage?

For individuals hoping for a quick resolution to their problem of high rent, living on a boat may cause more problems than it solves. Ocean enthusiasts with boating experience (or a desire to gain experience) and a desire to be a part of a close community – as well as patience and a willingness to be open-minded during the process of applying for liveaboard status – will find this a gratifying experience.

Permits and Prices in Certain California Marinas

Note that in all of Long Beach’s marinas, up to 230 liveaboards are permitted. Shoreline Marina in downtown Long Beach has the most liveaboards, with three vessels in Rainbow Harbor/Marina also serving as primary residences (3.5 percent of slip count). Avalon Harbor is home to a small number of boats, who enjoy active summers and occasionally stormy winters. Only a few liveaboard licenses are available on the central Orange County coast, and liveaboards are only allowed on the city’s offshore moorings. A liveaboard may occupy no more than 7% of all offshore moorings in Newport Harbor, according to city regulation. A couple of liveaboards can be found at Sunset Aquatic Park in Huntington Harbour.

Note that the cost of a liveaboard slip in Wilmington is generally lower than that of a marina in Long Beach or San Pedro. The Port of Los Angeles exclusively admits liveaboards for safety and security reasons. Only a few marina managers are liveaboards, and no marina owners dwell at these marinas.

Orange County’s southernmost harbor is in Dana Point Marina. To receive a liveaboard permit in Dana Point, a potential tenant must meet specific standards and pay the required rent and cost. For example, a liveaboard vessel has at least 140 square feet of usable area for one person and an extra 40 square feet for each tenant. The charge for a liveaboard is 40% of the basic slip rate. So, the owner of a 35-footer, the smallest boat allowed in a liveaboard spot, would pay $622 in rent plus $248.80 in liveaboard fees, in Dana Harbor. Liveaboards are also authorized in Redondo Beach and Marina del Rey; however, at Redondo Beach’s King Harbor Marina, liveaboards are not permitted to be near to or across from one another.

Owning the Right Boat, Being in the Right Place

Boats are costly, sometimes exceeding the average cost of a home in the United States, particularly if they meet the criteria for liveaboard status in some marinas. Aside from routine upkeep, persons interested in becoming liveaboards must choose the type of boat that will best meet their needs. Most marinas will have minimum boat size requirements for liveaboard status: it might be as small as a 25-footer or as large as a 30 or 35-footer, depending on the marina. Everything depends on the marina.

There are several trawlers and other boat designs available today that would make living onboard comparable to living in a floating condo, but those boats may come at a cost. If you buy a used boat for a low price, keep in mind that it may require a lot of maintenance. New boats that provide the comfort that some are looking for could cost more than $100,000, with some of the newer vessels costing significantly more than the typical home price. The size of the vessel may also be determined by the number of people living onboard. For example, for a single person, 25-foot vessels are preferable, however for a family of two or more, scaling up may be more convenient.

If you’re thinking of living on a boat, consider saving up enough money to get a newer boat. Spend a few hundred dollars on a marine surveyor once you’ve found the one you want. Like this, there will be no surprises down the road.

Every marina will have its own process for applying for liveaboard status. Some are run by municipalities, while others are run for profit by private companies. Depending on the popularity of the location, municipally-owned harbors will often have a significantly lower restriction or percentage of liveaboards. Note that in order to get a slip, you’ll usually have to wait a lengthy time.

One thing to keep in mind while deciding whether or not a liveaboard is good for you or your family is that while you own the boat, you do not own the boat slip. The marina is essentially renting the slip, which implies there may be an increase in slip rental prices at times. While owning a home provides equity, the value of a boat may depreciate over time. With slip payments, a boat payment (if you don’t own the boat outright), maintenance costs, and so on, living aboard a boat might be comparable to Southern California’s median rental expenses. In other words, living aboard is by no means a cheap or simple alternative.

Living on a Boat in California – The Bottom Line

Hopefully, you now have a solid idea of whether California is the right place for you. In the United States, there are a plethora of wonderful spots to live aboard your sailboat. And, California is unquestionably one of the best states in the country. However, prices can be really expensive. California is not cheap to live in, but you get what you pay for. Good weather, delicious food, and a plethora of activities. If you’re not sure if you want to live there full-time, spend your next holiday anchored at one of the marinas in order to get a grasp of things. It can offer you a taste of what your life might be like if you decide to go ahead and make the move.

So, are you interested in becoming a liveaboard in California? Many marinas provide detailed information to boaters regarding some of the factors involved, such as monthly rates and amenities available. Some marinas have quotas or other restrictions on how many liveaboards are allowed. Make sure to check each harbor’s or marina’s website to see if liveaboards are permitted. What are the rules for liveaboard tenants? Is there a liveaboard slips waiting list? What is the cost of a liveaboard? Also, ask about parking, security, restrooms, showers, communal areas, WiFi access, and proximity to restaurants, freeways, and shopping.

I wish that this article was helpful to your research about living aboard your sailboat in a Californian marina or harbor. Wish you all safe & pleasant voyages!

Peter is the editor of Better Sailing. He has sailed for countless hours and has maintained his own boats and sailboats for years. After years of trial and error, he decided to start this website to share the knowledge.

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13 Most Practical Boat Liveaboard Places in the US

If you’re considering moving onto your boat full-time, there is a range of practical issues you need to take into account before choosing a permanent liveaboard location in the U.S.. For starters, if you’re hoping to live aboard whilst working, you’ll obviously need to be close enough to commute to your office every day. For those of you who are retried or remote workers, you can count yourselves among the lucky ones and you have a bit more freedom to choose where you want to live.

There are plenty of stunning spots in the U.S. but not all of them are practical for year round living. At the same time, you need to be aware of hidden fees and taxes that different states impose so be sure to research any destination thoroughly before packing your bags and heading across the country. Living aboard can be a fantastic adventure, giving you the freedom to live in beautiful destinations for lower prices than waterside properties and the added bonus of being able to sail away whenever the feeling hits you. This list takes into consideration practicality and adventure because really the two go hand in hand when it comes to living on your boat!

Read on for 13 of the best places to liveaboard in the U.S. to maximise your quality of life and quality of sailing.

On this page:

San francisco bay, california, newport, rhode island, green bay, lake michigan, corpus christi, texas, san juan island, washington, tacoma, washington, lake of the ozarks, missouri, long beach, california, chesapeake bay, maryland, long island, new york, tampa bay, florida, destin, florida, oahu, hawaii.

San Francisco Bay is a paradise for sailing. The sheer variety of conditions and scenery you can find in the bay makes it an ideal destination for anyone who loves a challenge. Whilst the weather is not as warm as others on this list, if you wrap up well when you’re out and make sure your boat is fitted with a good heater, it can make an excellent choice. From the Tiburon Peninsula to Richardson Bay to the Farallones, there is a wide range of conditions and winds to contend with. At the same time, there’s plenty of developed waterfront areas to eat, grab a drink or go shopping.

One of the cheapest places to live aboard in San Francisco Bay is Oyster Point Marina where reports put the monthly cost at $350 plus a live aboard fee of $200. Generally, the harbours get less expensive as you go further inland. Good choices include San Rafael and Vallejo.

For cruising at the weekends there’s plenty of destinations on offer including Angel Island or the Petaluma or Napa Rivers. If you have longer, you could consider sailing south to Half Moon Bay or Monterey. A combination of cheap rates (if you know where to look), varied sailing, and plenty of destinations nearby make San Francisco Bay a top choice for liveaboards.

Perfectly positioned on Aquidneck Island, near the mouth of Narragansett Bay, Newport is known as the sailing capital of the world. Whilst this title is certainly up for debate and there’s plenty of other destinations claiming the same, it’s a really popular destination on the East Coast. The area is blessed with a beautiful shoreline and more than 400 miles of coast dotted with beaches. There are yacht tours and a regatta during the sailing season, which runs from mid-April to late October, and there’s some good liveaboard spots available too.

Newport’s popularity makes it an expensive choice but there are some areas that are more reasonable options. Wickford, on the west side of Newport, has rates starting at around $500 per month for a medium-sized boat with access to the town. Jamestown across the bay is also a less expensive option. Getting across to Newport itself is easy enough and the proximity means you can still enjoy all the city has to offer. If walking is more your idea of a good time, there’s a 3.5 mile cliff walk to sink your teeth (feet?) into.

Green Bay on Lake Michigan is another picturesque and convenient choice for liveaboard hopefuls. Green Bay is separated from the rest of the lake by the Door Peninsula and the Garden Peninsula and the islands between them. The waters around Green Bay have been important for hundreds of years, serving as a key waterway for trading fur and pelts. Its history as a port can be traced back to Native American use before British, French and American traders began building military fortifications to secure their hold on the territory in the early 1800s.

You can get to Green Bay via the Fox River, Sturgeon River and Porte des Mortes. Green Bay is ideal for fishing fans as well as offering a large variety of onshore activities from shopping to eating out to the Green Bay Botanical Garden. Green Bay rates start as low as $150 a month if you’re on a strict budget. Be warned, for this price the space will be basic. For higher prices you can find somewhere nicer - you pay for what you get in this area.

A coastal city on the Gulf Coast of Texas, Corpus Cristi is an affordable and popular option for living aboard, offering the practicality of being close to the city but the romance of life at sea. Sheltered by the Padre and Mustang Islands, the waters are home to sea turtles and migratory birds can be seen flying overhead. At the same time, the waterfront is undergoing increasing amounts of development. It’s known as a safe and laid-back city, making it a popular choice if you’re looking for an easy life.

Texas is a great state for liveaboards as boat taxes are relatively low. You can find slips starting at just $150 per month for smaller boats though prices go up for larger boats of course. One example is a 60-foot slip for $3,000 per year, working out at just $250 per month. Some marinas in Texas allow you to pay annually instead of monthly, which can also save you money long-term.

Stunning views, regular festivals and friendly locals - San Juan Island can offer a lot if you’re looking to liveaboard. San Juan is the second largest island in the archipelago between Vancouver Island in British Columbia and mainland Washington. In spite of this, at only 24 miles long, 9 miles wide and a population of 7,500, it’s definitely a small town spot. Here’s a location where everyone knows everyone.

Visitors are drawn by the woods, the beaches and the impressive views of the Olympic Mountains. For cultural activities, there’s a wide range of galleries and studios on the islands thanks to the large number of artists who call the area home. It is also the best spot in Washington for sailing. Despite the drop in temperatures, it’s suitable for sailing year-round, making it an ideal location if you’re planning to liveaboard for 12 months of the year. The best time to sail is from April to October and in the summer you can see orca wales on their annual migration. Be warned, rates tend to be higher for San Juan than other locations but if you have the budget, it’s worth it.

Tacoma is a practical choice for those looking for reasonably priced slips in Washington. Perched on the Puget Sound, Tacoma’s Commencement Bay offers liveaboards city conveniences combined with great sailing. The Puget Sound itself offers good cruising grounds and you can head north to the San Juan Islands for trips. In the South Sound, there are plenty of state parks to be found and fantastic scenery thanks to Mount Rainier only 42 miles away. This is also handy if you’re looking for adventure activities on dry land. What’s more, Tacoma neighbors Seattle and is close enough that you can head over there whenever you’re looking for a taste of the big city.

Rates for liveaboards vary depending on where you’re looking in Puget Sound. Reports for Tacoma put slips at $500 per month compared to $750 in Seattle. Nearby Bremerton is another good choice for keeping costs fairly low. The great news about this location is that there’s a lot of choices for liveaboard marinas so you can find one that suits your needs, be it an on-site gym, a kitchen, showers or storage facilities.

Coming in top for the most break-taking scenery, the Lake of the Ozarks is a truly stunning place to live. Thankfully, living aboard your boat is also fairly cheap, giving you a much better deal than if you tried to buy or rent a lake-side property. The water levels are fairly stable year round and there is a wide range of marinas to choose from who are happy to accommodate liveaboards. Different marinas offer different amenities with some set up for entertaining, with access to BBQs and bars and others better for a quieter lifestyle. It’s a good idea to tour some of them before you decide where to stay to get a feel for the different atmospheres and what you can expect.

There’s no end to the conveniences on offer in this the Ozarks with dockside cafes and restaurants aplenty, placed at convenient points along the shore. The Lake of the Ozarks is so well set up for liveaboards that you can even get food delivered to your boat! This is the ultimate spot for convenience and practicality, if takeout is your idea of being practical!

A really popular destination for liveaboards, Long Beach offers a large number of liveaboard locations that you can take advantage of. The nearby Channel Islands make a nice destination for sailing trips and you can enjoy other water-based activities like scuba diving and kayaking too. This is a fantastic choice if you want to live in a place where it’s summer all year round.

The only drawback for living aboard in Long Beach is the waitlist for slips. Thanks to a restrictive cap of 10% for liveaboards in each marina, it can be tough to find a free space. There is no fee for putting in a ‘Liveaboard Request’ but you’ll need to be patient. If you have time to spare then the rewards are worth it and it’s a good option for practicality and a high quality of life. However, this destination is not for spur of the moment decisions!

One of the most popular destinations for year-round living, Chesapeake Bay has a lot to offer liveaboards. From rich biodiversity to stunning sailing destinations nearby, there’s a whole range of reasons that this one is on the list. You can choose from a large number of different marinas around the Bay so it’s up to you if you prefer to live near Baltimore, Virginia Beach or anywhere else in the area. At the same time, the Bay offers protection against bad winter weather so it’s a practical choice for all seasons.

Prices can vary depending on where you go and how close you want to stay to urban areas. The starting point is around $300 per month and rates go up from there. For city living on board your boat, you’re going to pay between $5,000 to $8,000 a year here.

Long Island is the perfect choice for living aboard if you’re looking for plenty of destinations to sail to in your free time. You’re at the gateway to New England and can easily head to Connecticut, Rhode Island and Massachusetts in less than an hour. Of course, you can’t forget about New York City as well! Have you ever fancied sailing through Manhattan? It’s a challenging but rewarding cruise with plenty of iconic views along the way. Alternatively, head to The Hamptons for an upmarket experience in the destination of choice for wealthy city-dwellers during the summer.

Long Island itself is 100 miles long and 20 miles wide with bays and inlets, extending into the open ocean. This makes it an awesome destination for sailing, sight-seeing and living aboard. Unsurprisingly, prices are more expensive than others on this list at approximately $600 per month for a 40-foot slip.

One of the biggest attractions for living aboard in Florida is the weather. You can’t beat the year long summer climate that makes really comfortable conditions for liveaboards. There’s a whole range of options if you’re looking to live aboard in Florida but Tampa Bay is an affordable choice compared to other locations closer to big cities. You’ll find a wide range of rates reflecting the location you choose.

In Tampa and neighboring St. Petersburg, you should be able to find marinas offering $500 per month for a 40-foot slip and other spots that are lower. The beauty of Tampa is that the waterfront is well developed with food, shopping and leisure options to keep you entertained. This means there’s no commute inland to get somewhere fun. Be warned, insurance can be high in Florida and local laws means there’s hoops you have to jump through in order to live on your boat. If you can take this in your stride than Florida makes a great choice.

Staying with Florida, Destin is another blissful choice for would-be liveaboards who are looking for a relaxed, subtropical lifestyle. Destin’s beaches are one of the biggest draws for this location, as well as the number of barrier islands to explore. Located on the Panhandle of Florida, Destin is a paradise for leisure activities. The bay and Intracoastal Waterway is perfect for sailing beginners but getting out to the east Pass and the Gulf of Mexico is where the real fun begins. Tides, swells and cross-currents make it a challenging and exciting sailing destination.

The popularity of this destination makes Destin a more expensive choice. You will most likely have to go on a wait-list before you can find a slip. On the other hand, Florida is one of the states with the lowest taxes on boats so that can work in your favour. What’s more, Panama City is within easy reach of Destin for a weekend or head to Choctawhatchee Bay and discover the inland waterways and islands of the Santa Rosa Sound.

Hawaii is an awesome spot for sailing and the island of Maui is considered to be one of the best in the U.S. but Oahu island has a lot to offer liveaboard hopefuls. Honolulu may seem like an obvious choice but there are other options elsewhere on the island that offer practical alternatives. As with other sought-after locations, many of the liveaboard marinas on Oahu have long wait lists and it can be hard to find spaces for permanent stays. Some of the most popular options, including Haleiwa Harbour on the North Shore have wait times of up to 20 years! This is because it’s the only safe harbour on this shore.

If you can find a space, Hawaii life is worth it. From snorkelling to diving, the island life is truly tempting. In the summer months, you can sail to Waimea Bay and anchor on the sand for a romantic getaway. Thanks to the conditions, you can sail year-round and the infamous Hawaiian winds give you plenty to work with, ensuring you’ll never get bored.

Now the only question is, which destination will you choose?

lee rawlings

ahoy do you know list of low price live a boards in south florida, miami to port st lucie area

Katherine Lindell

Thinking about living aboard your boat in Hawaii? Don’t even go there. Hawaii is considered to be one of the worst sailing destinations in the country if not is the entire world. The entire boating scene in Hawaii is tightly controlled by the division of boating and ocean recreation, well known here to be corrupt and dysfunctional under the leadership of a certain Edward underwood, himself A stunning example of compromised agenda. You are currently not allowed to live anywhere in the state of Hawaii on board your vessel. And because the state’s government is so incredibly corrupt we don’t see this changing anytime soon.

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8 Best Liveaboard Marinas in California (2023 UPDATE)

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I first came to Los Angeles in 2012, I instantly realized that this is a place where I would like to own a boat and sail around the coast. One of the first marinas I encountered was Marina del Rey. Few places are like California, where you can combine high mountains, the ocean, and big cities. I instantly loved it!

Many people dream of living aboard a boat in California’s stretch of beautiful marinas. However, there are so many harbors to choose from that it’s easy to become overwhelmed. 

These are 8 of the best liveaboard marinas found in California:

• Ventura West Marina
• San Diego’s Pier 32 Marina
• Shoreline Marina
• Marina del Rey
• Avalon Harbor
• Alamitos Bay Marina
• Santa Barbara Harbor
• Newport Harbor.

California has beautiful weather and draws many travelers with its balmy, dry summers and mild winters. If you seek life on the sea, few places match the iconic California Marinas. In this article, I’ll give a more in-depth overview of each of these California marinas so you can see which one is the best fit for you.

Table of Contents

What to Look for in a Liveaboard Marina

There are several considerations to take into account when choosing the best liveaboard marinas in California. The fundamental choice has a lot to do with what boat you own and the amenities it offers. For example, if your yacht has a kitchen, laundry, and a full-kitted bathroom, you will only need an electrical hook-up to be happy.

If you want to choose the best boat for liveaboard purposes prior to choosing your ideal marina, I recommend reading about the different types of boats that are suitable for this lifestyle .

If your vessel is of the more humble kind, you will need a marina that provides:

• Access to laundromats
• Parking facilities 
• Wifi facilities
• Enclosed bathroom and shower facilities.

If your budget allows and you seek a more luxurious liveaboard experience, you could look for marinas that provide:

• Fitness centers
• Swimming pools
• Restaurants 
• Recreation areas

Other Factors in Choosing the Best Marina

• Price. The larger your boat, the more you will pay for square footage. Some marinas set their prices to encourage liveaboards or hike rentals to encourage high boat turnover.
• Community. It’s best to choose a marina with a well-established liveaboard community rather than a seasonal marina. 
• Location. You should make sure that all your needs, such as shopping and entertainment, are within reach of the marina complex, preferably within walking distance.
• Sailing Access. If you plan to sail often, you should ensure that the marina you choose does not limit sailing access through devices such as drawbridges and narrow channels. 
• Security. Security is essential if you don’t want to lose sleep over the safety of your possessions on deck. Look for marinas with private security and security access. 

Now that you know what to look for, here are our top picks for liveaboard life in sunny California!

Do you want a catamaran but are not interested in paying the expensive multihull fee then maybe these smaller catamarans could be interesting for you.

1. Ventura West Marina

Located in the greater Ventura Harbor, Ventura West Marina is one of the most popular and prized marinas to be found in the entire state of California.

One strong reason for this marina’s appeal among liveaboard enthusiasts is the sense of community. The official website for Ventura West Marina notes that the marina offers 554 slips in total, a much larger number than you’ll find in many other marinas!

The vibrant and typically fully-occupied marina can provide a light and social atmosphere that a more sheltered harbor might lack. Liveaboard family members expressed that the marina’s close quarters created a bonding experience in the Los Angeles Times.

Additionally, Ventura West Marina provides a high quality of service, with substantial amenities that few marinas can match.

Some of the services available at the marina include:

• Laundry rooms and machines
• Free parking
• Fitness & workout areas
• Mail services

Long waiting lists for the limited slips are the norm and prevent settling into the harbor. 

Those who end up on one of these waiting lists should keep other marinas in mind as their first choice might not open up for quite some time.

The cost of renting a slip is not necessarily in everyone’s price range, with slip rates varying from $273/per month to $1783/per month. 

2. San Diego’s Pier 32 Marina

If San Diego is a dream location for your liveaboard goal, it doesn’t get much better than Pier 32 Marina.

One of the first benefits of this marina worth noting is the excellent quality of its boat slips. Pier 32 Marina’s web page lists the structural features of these slips, including concrete docks, phone services, special sport fisher slips, and power meters.

Another selling point for this marina is its extensive list of boater services and amenities.  

Whether you need something simple like laundry or storage services, or something a bit more complex, like a fitness room or a pool & jacuzzi, there’s a good chance you’ll find it at Pier 32 Marina!

Sports and outdoor activities are widely available at this marina, with free bike use and basketball hoops offered to liveaboard boaters renting out one of the slips.

Events and hospitality activities are also essential characteristics of life in this marina. This category can include popular hangout locations in the area, such as the Waterfront Grill, and help with planning parties and gatherings of over 100 people.

Rates for renting one of Pier 32’s boat slips can range from $572.12/per month to $1819.35/per month. 

3. Shoreline Marina

Long Beach is a beautiful part of California for many liveaboard boaters and enthusiasts, and Shoreline Marina is one of the most exemplary examples of why that is.

Proudly home to 1,624 boat slips (with approximately ~170 of those slips rented by liveaboard vessels), this marina is a bustling and active location for liveaboard tenants who prefer to live closer to a robust urban center. According to a Long Beach government website, these slips can vary in size from 25′ to 90′.

Several outstanding amenities are available to boaters are Shoreline Marina. Here’s an incomplete list of several of these services:

• Phone services
• Security patrols
• Storage boxes

Pumpout stations are provided to liveaboard residents by the marina. These can be found at multiple docks and display instructions to help boaters use the machines. 

Offered free of charge and available 24/7, these stations are a significant convenience for those who choose to rent their vessels at Shoreline Marina.

In addition to the many amenities the marina provides, downtown Long Beach is only a short distance away. Boaters looking for a vibrant urban environment with numerous shopping, dining, and live entertainment options will be pleased with the city’s proximity to the harbor.

Public transportation is another attractive quality of Shoreline Marina. Several convenient and easy-to-use transit options exist at this location, including buses, shuttles, taxis, and freely available bicycles.

4. Marina Del Rey

One of the most popular California marina destinations for liveaboards, Marina del Rey has many advantageous qualities for a prospective tenant.

Firstly, the boat slips (of which there are 4600!) exist under the management of several smaller, individual marinas. These slips are further divided into 22 different anchorages, as described by Marina del Rey’s public website.

Some marinas may have more available slips than others, so it’s best to reach out to your desired marina’s dockmaster directly.

This variety makes it difficult to describe all of the area’s advantages, as another may not provide services offered by one marina. Nonetheless, there are some broad selling points to keep in mind.

With such a large number of boat slips, it likely comes as no surprise to you that several boating clubs have formed in Marina del Rey. If you’re interested in meeting and sharing a good time with other boaters exploring the liveaboard lifestyle, it’s hard to find a better option than this location.

Different organizations based in Marina del Rey also provide sailing classes. If you’re beginning your boating journey, these classes could be an invaluable service in getting your feet wet.

If you want to get started with sailing lessons today, I would recommend NauticEd, I find the app great when I want to do some learning while waiting in line or relaxing on my sofa. Link here.

You can find activities and events for visitors and residents in abundance here. These include fishing areas, whale-watching tours, dances, public beaches, cruises, and much more.

Those boaters interested in sampling new and exciting cuisines will appreciate the wide choice of restaurants and bars to visit. Likewise, adventurous visitors will be happy to see the vibrant nightlife scene found at Marina del Rey.

While you’ll still need to narrow down which individual marina you decide to take your boat to, Marina del Rey offers the considerable advantage of providing a little bit of something for every boater. 

For this reason, I would highly recommend it as the ideal location for beginners and less experienced liveaboard adventurers.

Can You Liveaboard in Marina Del Rey? 

Marina Del Ray promotes recreational boat users over liveaboards , and their rates are quite high for liveaboards. Liveaboards need to comply with Count Code 19.12.1110. 

The code regulates that a person cannot live on the marina longer than three days per week unless the LA County Sheriff’s Department’s Harbormaster issues a liveaboard permit. However, it is ultimately up to the local dockmasters’ discretion to accept or reject a liveaboard application. 

Becoming a good friend with the harbormaster and being a good Marina liveaboard will keep you out of a lot of trouble!

5. Avalon Harbor

In stark contrast to the “beginner-friendly” atmosphere of Marina del Rey, since its located on the Santa Catalina Island, Avalon Harbor represents an exciting and daring challenge to more experienced liveaboard boaters.

For those looking to bring their boating lifestyle to California, the critical advantage of Avalon Harbor is its plentiful options for fun and relaxation. Whether it’s fishing, swimming, or enjoying the beautiful scenery virtually unmatched by other marinas, this harbor is an exciting opportunity for liveaboard enthusiasts.

Several facilities and services are available for Avalon’s liveaboard residents. Some of the amenities provided by this location include restrooms and showers, grocery stores, and laundry machines. 

While not available in one area, these services are generally not spread out very far from each other and shouldn’t be difficult to reach.

However, there are some real dangers that one should keep in mind before choosing this harbor as their boat’s home. According to The Log, the winter months in Avalon Harbor can be stormy and pose real challenges due to the sometimes extreme wind conditions.

These adverse weather effects can create safety hazards for boaters (especially those with less experience!), so Avalon Harbor is widely considered an “unsafe” location for most liveaboard residents.

Likewise, some relatively stringent conditions are in place for boaters interested in settling in this harbor. These include an application to approve your boat for a long-term stay, as well as verifying insurance information.

Because of these hurdles, few liveaboard boaters establish themselves in Avalon. 

On the other hand, the relative seclusion, beautiful summer weather, and exciting winter months are likely to make this a fantastic choice for seasoned liveaboard lifestylists who find themselves looking for a challenge.

6. Alamitos Bay Marina

Another Long Beach marina, Alamitos Bay, is a fantastic option if you’re looking for a convenient, friendly, and fun atmosphere to drop your anchor in.

Home to 1,624 boat slips available for recreational use and boasts a highly modern and recently modified infrastructure system , as this Long Beach government web page describes. These slips range in size from 25′ to 115′ (7.62m to 35.05m), so there’s a great variety in welcomed vessels.

Many services and amenities are offered to liveaboard boaters by Alamitos Bay Marina. Here are a few benefits you’ll be able to enjoy at the marina:

• Boater parking
• Mail delivery services
• Phones and Wi-Fi
• Storage lockers
• Fuel services

When it comes to land options for those looking to venture into Long Beach city life, Alamitos Bay has you covered! Restaurants, shopping areas, equipment and hardware stores, and repair services. 

This marina also hosts several boat & yacht clubs. If socialization with other liveaboard boaters is a concern for you, these clubs will put those worries to rest for Alamitos tenants.

A 24-hour security patrol service at the marina is a notable benefit to safety-conscious residents. 

Transit options (such as public buses and taxis) that can take you into the city are also available.

7. Santa Barbara Harbor

Boaters who like to keep active and busy are sure to be highly impressed with Santa Barbara Harbor, which offers enough activities to keep one occupied for a lifetime!

Shared hobbies and pastimes enjoyed in this harbor include fishing, scuba diving, kayaking, sailing, and whale watching. Additionally, private businesses and organizations in the area provide other activities like cruises and boating lessons.

Santa Barbara’s state website also lists many land-based activities for residents to enjoy, such as fishing markets, the Santa Barbara Maritime Museum, and a wide choice of restaurants.

Regular events, festivals, and gatherings are also a hallmark of this harbor. These can feature anything from parades to seasonal markets. 

Cuisine enthusiasts will rejoice at the upcoming seafood festival, while the annual holiday Parade of Lights is sure to impress most residents.

A beautiful view is also a key selling point for many tenants who settle in at Santa Barbara Harbor. Renters have noted that watching the sunrise and sunset provides a particular satisfaction in the harbor, as does relaxing as they enjoy the scenic, breath-taking ocean view.

However, there are some downsides when dealing with such an idyllic location. The most significant disadvantage is the relatively small number of liveaboards allowed in the area, a modest 113 vessels. 

This limited space can make residency status as a liveaboard boater in the harbor reasonably tricky to achieve. 

Nonetheless, even for a short period, those who visit Santa Barbara Harbor are sure to find themselves impressed with its bustling activity, beautiful nature, and tranquil atmosphere.

8. Newport Harbor

Lovers of Orange County and Newport Beach will be pleased with the last marina choice on my list, Newport Harbor. 

The first thing to note is that liveaboard status can be a bit tricky to attain in Newport Harbor, as city officials only allow for 7% of the harbor’s offshore moorings to be occupied by liveaboard vessels. Presently, that means only approximately ~20 liveaboard ships are currently settled in the port.

That said, those boaters who do find themselves residing in Newport Harbor have plenty of activities and services to explore.

According to Newport Beach’s official website , Newport Harbor is the largest west coast recreational harbor. Because of this, the port is practically overflowing with opportunities for fun and relaxation, including paddleboarding, cruises, hiking and cycling, nature tours, and more. 

Local cuisine is another massive appeal for many visitors and residents of the harbor, with seafood restaurants available throughout Newport Beach.

Water sports are another popular aspect of the culture in the harbor. Many residents participate in recreational activities like canoeing and kayaking, and fishing is one of the harbor’s most beloved activities for liveaboard tenants and visitors alike.

Now go out there and live your dream!

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We are currently accepting only waitlist applications for Liveaboard status at this time. 

Marina Bay Yacht Harbor has a limited number of Liveaboard slips and all Liveaboard vessels must meet certain minimum standards including having insurance that specifically covers Liveaboard usage.  Contact the Harbor Office to see whether we have a suitable slip available for your vessel.

The Liveaboard fee is $275 per month in addition to berth rent.  Mailbox rental at Spinnaker Way or Hall Avenue is included if desired.

Liveaboard Application (PDF) Liveaboard Addendum (PDF)

LIVEABOARD BERTH APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

• Copy of current Boat Registration or Certificate of Documentation (or Bill of Sale or Travelling papers if the vessel is a recent purchase.)
• Minimum liability coverage of $500,000
• Protection & Indemnity coverage (including Wreck Removal)
• Hull & Machinery coverage equal to the value of your vessel with endorsements for extended perils, damage by fire, electrolysis and/or stray current, corrosion, vandalism and burglary
• Proof of Insurance MUST explicitly state that Liveaboard usage is covered (Progressive and some other insurance companies do not allow Liveaboard use)
• Copy of insurance policy (A.M. Best’s rated carrier of A VII or better) that names marina as Additionally Insured with Cancellation Notice as follows:

Sun Communities Inc., and its affiliates and subsidiaries (or Safe Harbor Marinas, LLC, SHM TRS, LLC, and their respective parents, affiliates and subsidiaries) Marina Bay Yacht Harbor 1340 Marina Way South Richmond, CA 94804

(Pollution coverage is also recommended for your protection)

• Vessel is 35′ LOA or larger (on a case-by-case basis the Marina may consider a vessel over 30′ LOA)
• Vessels over 10 years old must provide current photo(s) including a view showing registration (CF) numbers or documented name
• Copy of Driver’s License or Identification
• Vehicle Description & License Plate Number (for Parking Permit)
• Vessel Inspection.  Vessels must be fully operational & in seaworthy condition (as defined by the Marina).    A recent survey may be required.  
• Deposit to hold slip (refundable within 30 days)

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Security deposit is based on the size of the slip:

BERTH APPLICATION POLICIES

• Approval of Liveaboard status is conditional on the vessel passing inspection.
• Berth rate is based on actual overall length of the vessel (including all projections) or the berth, whichever is greater. Final rental amount will be determined when the boat arrives and is measured by marina personnel.  Vessel overhangs are normally limited to two (2) feet or less.
• The security deposit will hold the slip for up to 30 Days after which the boater is responsible for the full berth rent.  Reserving a slip for longer than 30 Days is at the discretion of the marina.
• All paperwork must be completed and fees & deposits paid upon move in.

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Liveaboard in SF Bay?

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Hello, Have recently found myself in the position to follow up on some unfinished goals/dreams through the years. I work >90% remotely in IS/IT, and have pretty extensive experience in multiple fabrication/tech industries (metal/wood/electronics), and have traveled the country via VW bus and self converted schoolbus/motorhome. I am a novice sailor, definitely needing time and a couple classes, to get comfortable with a boat and myself. To minimize my needs and focus time on work and the tasks at hand, I have been looking for an inexpensive liveaboard option. Something that can comfortably support myself and older dog for the duration. that I can work on and develop the intimacy required for extended travels (learn her caveats), ideally would eventually be capable of blue water crossings with reinforcements/etc. My needs will be minimal and I am definitely not looking for anything fancypants.. functional, solid, and manageable for a solo as needed. Have been looking at a 28' Piver, seems it may be something worth going for. Any input on these specifically pro's/con's from experience? liveaboard cat/tri in general, or liveaboard in the bay at all? looking south bay, redwood city for slips, also open to transient slipping as needed.. pretty open as long as I get either wifi or a 3/4g signal. happy sails. slax  

See Boating SF Marinas . Not all marinas allow pets, some allow live aboards, some don't, some have waiting lists, some don't, some have wifi, some don't, some require a minimum boat size of 30, others, 35, and yet others do not have a minimum boat size. So be sure to check. All require a minimum of $300K liability insurance. Once you've narrowed options, be sure to not only visit the marina but to also talk with residents. Ask why they picked a particular marina. I have heard of everything from commuting accessibility, to weather protection, to bay access, to allowing pets, to other amenities. In addition to finding out this info, it will give you a feel for the community atmosphere, facilities, how well ( or not ) the marina is maintained, etcetera.  

shadowraiths, thanks for the input, was hoping you would chime in. based on the postings of yours I have our paths seem pretty similar and it would seem you have some recentish experience to share about the living situation on the bay. i have been slowly parsing through that list, lots of not useful info there too. You mentioned 30' being the requirement? I would assume thats the minimal cost right? not they will turn me away if I am only on a 28'? also being in the bay and planning on getting as much time out on the water as possible, and with the force move to the city by work, thats pretty much gonna be whenever I am not "on the clock" now, I plan on getting insurance for the moment. May revisit the need again at a later date when I am not in one of the bussiest areas in the world, but for now with my experience level I think its important as well. I have also been digging into the maps and interwebs for decent anchorages within the 3/4g data coverage area for the many days I will still work from home. With the moderate flexibility and 1-2hr response time required for onsite situations, I think with a bit of planning ahead I can probably be within 1hr of a landing to get to the bart/muni and speed down to the DC even if I am not near whatever slip I decide on. Reminds me though, I need to look more into the few hour dock options near SF itself, as thats where any speedy travels would need to be to and never overnight just for a few hrs here and there. Hrmmm lots to do, back at it. Thanks again for this and any input, its appreciated greatly. happy sails, slax  

3/4g coverage should not be a problem in the bay area. I have always had cell coverage when I've been on the water. I have noticed a growing trend wrt minimum boat size & live aboards. Afaik, this has nothing to do with cost, as the difference between say, a 28 footer and 30 footer is negligible ( i.e., $25/mo or so ). Moreover, the tacked on live aboard fees are not by the foot. Otherwise put, if you are looking for live aboard accommodations as opposed to cruising accommodations, marinas that require a minimum 30/35, will likely turn you away. There are those who play the sneak aboard game, but I personally wouldn't go that route. Imho, the sneak aboards are the reason that, for example, " live aboard " is considered a dirty word by many harbor masters, and even some sailors. Importantly, I would urge you to visit these marinas in person. Even if you have no intention of renting a slip from them. It's a great way to get a feel for what you want/or don't want, in a marina. Plus, by walking the docks, you can get ideas for setting up your own boat. Moreover, marina communities differ just like land communities. And finally, should you find a marina that you like, you can meet with the harbor master, thereby increasing your chances of getting a LAB slip... even, possibly charming your way into a marina that has a minimum boat size requirements for live aboards. Assuming, that is, they don't have a waiting list. If you're considering living on the hook, you will need to factor in everything from power ( i.e., solar? wind? ) to water and pump out, as well as lugging stuff ( i.e, provisions, trash, etc ) to/from shore. Since you won't have shower facilities, then you'd be dependent upon either getting a membership at a local gym, or doing the sun shower thing in your cockpit. Regardless, if you check out google maps satellite view and zoom in to the bay area, you will see Richardson Bay has, by far, the most anchorages. Though, there is presently a big fight between the city and people living on the hook... which, from my understanding, has been going on for at least 3 decades. Nonetheless, this is apparently due boating accidents resulting from people not knowing how to properly set their anchors. Which in turn, results in their boats breaking free in high winds, and crashing into others on the hook or docked boats. With that in mind, if I were to go the hook route, I'd definitely rent a mooring ball. They're like $15 or so a month, and mitigates the risk of your boat going astray. That, and they're legal, where other hook living is considered illegal in Saus.  

shadowraiths said: ...if I were to go the hook route, I'd definitely rent a mooring ball. They're like $15 or so a month, and mitigates the risk of your boat going astray. That, and they're legal, where other hook living is considered illegal in Saus. Click to expand...

Hi all, I am hopeing to find a boat as accommodation for a mounth. We are coming over from New Zealand during August 2015. I have been to Sausalito and seen boats ( not the house boats) that look like they don't get much use. So, we are proposing to supplement there annual morning fees, with a cash injection. We are very familia with living on boats in marinas. Regards Steven  

check craigslist for liveaboards in SF - One thing to think about with an anchorage vs. a marina that needs to be considered. You are going to be using a dingy to get trash off the boat and supplies onto the boat. That means water and groceries and laundered clothes all have to be brought onto the boat with a small dingy. This cannot be understated. It is a huge time expense and in foul weather can be brutal. I've found it's worth the money to be in a marina, unless you're just passing through.  

I've been digging into the area a lot and for someone that's not trying to do this in the absolute cheapest way possible, San Leandro Marina looks like a pretty possible option as long as you don't mind being close to Oakland airport's landing path . It's under-utilized compared to nearly everything else close to SF, reasonably priced, and within walking distance of grocery/laundry, and on a (convoluted and slow) transit route that does get you to a BART station after a while. There's month-to-month apartments in the area and the hotel next door looks pretty nice as well, so you've got someplace to bail out for in case the area gets a week-long cold snap in January or need to vacate the boat for haul-out or something. It looks like a fine place to be while chugging through a waitlist for someplace else at least.  

hellsop said: San Leandro Marina looks like a pretty possible option... Click to expand...

Hi SLax ~ have you found some good sites or avenues to find liveaboard rental options? I live in Woodside CA & would prefer to rent a birth on a sailboat in San Francisco.  

two cents worth: I know you said south bay but Vallejo Yacht club might be an option. Not the best facilities but pretty reasonably priced and not bad, with a great bar and mostly good people. Vallejo is not the nicest of towns but....the club is a stones throw from the ferry so access to the rest of the bay is easy. Just a thought. I wouldn't live on the hook unless cruising. Having a slip is just much easier for water, power, access, storage, working on your boat (inevitable). All sorts of things. So unless you're really tight on dough why do it? As for boat size I think you can single had up to a 40' if its set up right. Mid 30s might fit your needs in a sweet spot. under 30 just seems cramped to me for living on.  

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I'll be moving to the Bay Area in July or August of this year and am trying to find a liveaboard slip in a Marina, hopefully in S.F., Berkeley, or somewhere along the BART line. I tried the Berkeley Marina but apparently their waitlist is 2 years long at times. Does anyone know of any others that are a possibility?

Sausolito? There is a ferry into SF.

Someone with more nautical involvement than I might weigh in sooner, but I have the impression that liveaboards are discouraged at a largenumber of marinas.

I do remember someone I met who was at a liveaboard in Oakland or perhaps San Leandro -- around there -- in the East Bay. You also might try the marinas near Redwood City. It might be one of those wink-wink things, I seem to recall.

Most have waiting lists....In addition to the ones already mentioned, you might try Alameda.....Best however is to check out Sausalito area.

Are you looking to rent? You can try the website www.vrbo.com. Go to the Bay Area and click on Sausalito....I saw some cute houseboats listed.

The concept is lovely, but I know someone who had a liveaboard and lost everything in a storm. We do get some bad storms here!

There is an extreme shortage of legal liveaboard berths in the area. You could try Galilee Harbor in Sausalito, although they have an income restriction.

This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity.

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Priority for live-aboard openings is given to boaters who keep their vessel in the harbor, have well-maintained boats and are active boaters. A 40′ “length on deck” minimum is required.

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7 Best Places To Liveaboard A Sailboat

Last Updated by

Daniel Wade

December 20, 2023

Living aboard a sailboat is a dream come true for many people. There is something so inherently appealing about living on a boat, getting the opportunity to pick up one’s roots and move to new pastures at the drop of a hat, or anchor.

But, how do you know whether somewhere is a good place to live if you have never been there? Not everywhere is ideal for everyone, of course, but there are some common factors you can look for to give you an indication of how good a location will be for you. This article will explain the best places to live on a sailboat , what makes them so good, and more.

Table of contents

Why do people choose to live aboard a sailboat?

There are plenty of reasons people might choose to liveaboard a sailboat. As mentioned above, the ability to move your home at will is rarely possible.

The only two real instances are people who choose to live aboard a sailboat or in an RV. The difference is, a sailboat can be far roomier and can make moving location even easier.

Here are some of the most common reasons people choose to liveaboard a sailboat:

Coast to coast

Being able to pick up one’s roots and make the journey from the east coast to the west with your home is uncommon, to say the least. Not everyone has ties keeping them in one location.

If you work from home and all you need is a good wifi connection, you can essentially work from anywhere.

Living on a sailboat can give you the chance to sail from California to Hawaii , should you feel so inclined.

This is a sense of adventure you simply will not find anywhere else.

Living abroad

Sailing from the continental United States to other countries is a great way to see other cultures, this is why many people choose to live on a sailboat. It gives them the freedom to visit new countries and meet new people whenever they wish.

You cant even take your RV to these places, so sailing truly is the only way to bring your home with you. Depending on how big your boat is, you could take it essentially anywhere.

If you decide you want to live in the south of France for a while, well off you go.

Living on a sailboat is simply cool . It is the dream of so many people for a reason, there is something so inherently romantic about life on a sailboat, spending our free time on the open sea.

The sense of connection we have to the deep blue sea that we likely won’t find with the apartment block we could alternatively be living in. Sailing at heart is an adventure whether you are sailing from coast to coast or simply lazily patrolling the coast for the afternoon.

What are some benefits of living aboard a sailboat?

There are numerous benefits to living on a sailboat that many people who have never done it may not realize. Living on a sailboat inherently comes with some differences to living on land. Some people may find these differences unappealing but to the majority of people choosing to live permanently aboard their sailboat, they are blessings.

Living on a boat means having the ability to sail away from anything you may find disturbing. Are you somewhere very loud, is there a party going on at your neighbors? Just leave. Most marinas are typically pretty quiet, but there can occasionally be parties and events going on. If they bother you it is easy enough most of the time to just leave until they are over. When there is not some kind of event going on, marinas are typically pretty quiet and peaceful. It’s a nice way to live near a big city without the hustle and bustle of the city center.

No phone service or wifi

Whilst it is possible for you to hook up your sailboat with an internet connection , if you were trying to avoid having that kind of connection, that would be possible too.

Sometimes we just need to be able to get away from our phones and our computers for a while.

For our mental wellbeing, having the opportunity to sail a few miles off the coast and suddenly have complete isolation and privacy is a small miracle for some folk.

The idea of living on a boat may not seem immediately like a “safe” way of living, but it is. The little things like the marina security being there to help keep you safe cannot be understated. Not only are the marinas typically very well protected with locked gates and CCTV, but there are also often actual security guards too. Furthermore, your neighbors are on the lookout for trouble just as much as you are. You aren’t likely to bump into a problem with another resident of the marina.

If there is a natural disaster incoming, like a tornado, being able to move to safer waters is not a luxury many people have. When Florida gets hit with tornados people regularly uproot themselves and move up the east coast until the worst of it has passed. You cannot move your house and all your belongings, you can only move your self. This isn’t a problem with a sailboat.

The simple life

Living on a sailboat is a very simple way of living. Not that it doesn’t require skill and knowhow to do it successfully, it just is by definition going to be more simplistic. Firstly, you have to spend so much of your time doing boat maintenance that this becomes your main focus. Secondly, you cannot fill your boat with hoarded junk like so many people who live on land do. You only need the bare necessities. This can be a breath of fresh air for people who have never had to do it before. It offers a very focussed life, your priorities become far more clear.

Where are the best places to live on a sailboat?

There are so many fantastic places to live on a sailboat all around the United States. It is rare that a country is so large, first of all, but also remaining so diverse. Then when you consider just how much coastline the United States has, it opens your eyes to just how many possibilities there truly are. Here are some of the very best places to live on a sailboat in the United States:

1. Chesapeake Bay, Maryland

If you are looking for a mild climate, friendly people, good fishing and a relaxing home; Chesapeake Bay is the place to be. You may find the marinas more on the expensive end of the spectrum, but it is worth it. Chesapeake is very sheltered from the harsh winds and storms of the rest of the east coast, it is very safe and a good choice for anyone new to the lifestyle. You may recognize Chesapeake from the Netlflix show “Chesapeake shores”, whilst yes it is based on that area the show itself is filmed in Vancouver so you, unfortunately, won’t be stumbling upon any of the actors or set.

2. Corpus Christi, Texas

If you are looking for somewhere that can offer you a fair price, great food, and amazing access to South America look no further. Corpus Christi has only recently developed into a wonderful area that it is today. The marinas are new and state of the art, but haven’t yet been hit with the pricing boom of more popular locations. Currently, you can get a decent marina slot for about $150 a month. Far less than somewhere up north near Tampa Bay or New York. The food is great, you will find genuine Mexican cuisine of the very best quality. If it isn’t quite authentic enough for you, Mexico is not so far for you to sail to yourself.

3. Green Bay, Wisconsin

Green Bay makes a great location for those who enjoy whiling their free time away doing some fishing. The fishing in Green Bay is second to none, the marina rental is cheap, and the people are friendly. Plus, the Green Bay Packers are generally pretty good if you are a fan of football. The marinas in Green Bay are pretty close to the main shops and restaurants so you will still feel connected to the local community. When it does come to marinas, you are going to want to find the one that best suits your budget. There are very cheap marina spots available, but you will get far more for your money at the more expensive marinas. Better security, better location, better amenities.

4. Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri

The lake of the Ozarks is one of the most beautiful and interesting places you could choose to live in. The lake itself is huge, covering over 55k square acres and playing host to over a thousand miles of coastline. This makes it the perfect place for exploring in your free time. The weather is mild and the people are friendly. It isn’t overly high priced considering how famous it, you may remember it from the hit Netflix series “Ozark”. The show did a fine job of representing the look of the area, even if it did over exaggerate other areas. For example, there is far less criminal activity than the show would have you believe.

5. Long Island, New York

This is the perfect location for someone with one foot in one foot out of the boating lifestyle. Perhaps you love the idea of living aboard your sailboat, sailing up and down the coast in your free time, and the simplistic life boating offers. But, you aren’t quite ready to give up everything the big city has to offer either. Luckily, by staying in Long Island you will be so close to New York that you get the best of both worlds. Given where it is in the world, it can be slightly more expensive than some of the other options in this list but you do get what you pay for.

6. San Diego, California

San Diego is perhaps the best place to live if you plan to stay on the west coast. The city itself is beautiful, the people friendly, the marinas state of the art and the opportunity to explore is fantastic. But , the marina rent is going to be extortionate. It is California, after all. Whilst you could stay in Green Bay for $150 a month, it could cost you as much as $1500 a month in San Diego. This can price a lot of people out of living in California, but, if that isn’t a problem for you all California has to offer. San Diego makes a great home base for exploring not just all of Califonia but the west coast as a whole. The weather is always nice, it rarely rains, the food is good and there is more to do than almost any other state.

7. Tampa Bay, Florida

Tampa Bay is a great place to live if you are in search of good weather. Being in Florida means you are going to typically get great weather all year round, even if you might get the occasional tornado. Tampa is a great place to live if you work aboard your sailboat, there is no income tax in Florida so you may find yourself earning even more than you previously would have. You might need this extra income as the marina fees can be pretty pricey down there. Tampa can be far cheaper than Miami itself, if you plan to spend a lot of time in Miami it is just a short journey there. The money you save from avoiding living in Miami itself is a big difference-maker.

Finding the best places to liveaboard a sailboat depends so much on what you the individual are looking for. If the price doesn’t matter, living in San Diego or Long Island might be perfect for you. Alternatively, if you are trying to save your money for the future Green Bay or Corpus Christi would be perfect. Everyone has their likes and dislikes when it comes to where they want to live. Any of the above-mentioned locations would make great homes for new and seasoned sailors alike.

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Proposed Liveaboard Protections in Alameda

There are two distinct but related issues at play: the debate over floating-home rent control, which is now a statewide bill on the books (though it applies to only three Bay Area counties), and the proposal to extend tenant protections to all liveaboards in Alameda.

After purchasing Barnhill Marina and Boatyard from the namesake Barnhill family in late 2021, the new owner, Amar Narang and Valley Investments LLC, announced a rent increase by an average of about 30%, which they say would still be below market-rate berth fees. Set against an industrial zone, Barnhill is the only floating-home marina on the Oakland Estuary, and everyone seems to agree that Alameda and Sausalito represent vastly different markets for floating homes.

Responding to the increase in April, Alameda extended the city’s rent-stabilization ordinance and COVID-19 eviction moratorium to approximately 60 residents, according to the Mercury News . In July, the Alameda City Council held a meeting to discuss amending the rent-control ordinance, which included the term “other maritime residential tenancies,” the Alameda Post reported . This meant  all  liveaboards, and not just floating homes.

“Without any public hearing or consultation with boat marinas, or solicitation for any input, the city retroactively included liveaboards into the [ordinance],” Kris Leverich, the commodore of the Aeolian Yacht Club, which has several liveaboards, told us.

“After first receiving notice from the city in mid-June that they must immediately register as landlords and comply with shoreside housing regulations, we thought, ‘This must be a mistake.’ All of the marinas and affected yacht clubs mobilized a response locally with supportive boaters to push back.” Leverich helped form the Alameda Marine Coalition, which he called an informal group representing marina managers and owners.

At a mid-July meeting, the Alameda City Council voted to defer the liveaboard-protection question for one year to undertake further study, but the non-floating-home liveaboard protections were granted to vessels at only Barnhill, and no other Alameda marinas.

At the July meeting, “100% of public attendees from the boating community decried the disaster which would unfold if marina managers effectively lost control of their harbors,” Leverich told us. “No public speaker spoke in favor of the measure.”

“[Harbormasters] had some legitimate concerns,” Michael Rousch, a special counsel with the City of Alameda who was involved in negotiations this summer, told us. “They need to have the ability to deal with the situations with liveaboards as they occur. Our intent is to see if we need to draft local legislation, and draft it in a way that doesn’t impair their ability to run the marina.”

With an election approaching, the City of Alameda’s stance on liveaboard protections might change with a new council. Rousch commented,   “We’re hoping that the new city council knows that [marina managers] exist as one of their constituencies, and that they’ll just pick up a phone or shoot us an email.

“If they had done that to begin with, it would have headed off a lot of conflict.”

The potential Alameda ordinance was proposed at the same time that longtime liveaboards in Oyster Cove Marina in South San Francisco were given notice to evict, showing two extremes faced by a portion of the liveaboard community — some people have no protection as renters, while others now have broad shielding of their status as tenants.

Regarding the Alameda proposal, Leverich told us that, “From a practical and legal standpoint, [liveaboard protections] by the city would lead into a quagmire of conflicts with maritime law, and likely jeopardize not only the viability of recreational marinas in Alameda, but give every marina in the Bay reason to reconsider extending liveaboard privileges.

“Pursuing boating as housing is a dead end, and it’s dangerous in a number of ways,” Leverich added. “Given the housing crisis, we need to have alternative ways of looking at vulnerable people on boats and reducing risks rather than amplifying them.”

Rent Caps for Floating-Home Marinas

Signed into law in late September, California bill AB 252 imposes rent control on nearly 480 floating-home berths across Alameda, Contra Costa, and Marin counties, and will cap the amount a marina owner can increase berth rent per year to 3% plus the cost-of-living adjustment, or 5%, whichever is lower. According to one floating-home manager, AB 252 would also prohibit marinas from raising berth fees when a floating home is sold to a new owner.

“We’ve been advised that being prohibited from increasing berth fees for new owners is unconstitutional, because we own the property and it would be a deprivation of use of our own property,” Becky Smith, the property manager at Waldo Point Harbor in Sausalito, told us.

AB 252 said that “There is no known opposition” to the bill, though a number of floating-home marina owners and managers have told us that they emphatically object to additional rent control. (In 2019, California bill AB 1482 limited annual increases on all homes, whether on land or sea, to no more than 5% plus any change in the local Consumer Price Index, or 10%, whichever is lower.)

“We didn’t know anything about the legislation until the very last minute; we found out when it was presented to the Assembly. There was no type of conversation,” Smith told us.

“There’s no wrong that needs a right,” said Chris Tellis, the harbormaster at Yellow Ferry Harbor in Sausalito, which has 22 floating homes. “AB 252 is faux progressivism. Over the decades, houseboat values in Marin have skyrocketed, while we kept the berthage rate in check under the terms of the leases. Houseboat berthage on a square-foot basis is cheaper than recreational marinas. At Yellow Ferry Harbor, we have leases that go to 2051. No one has ever heard of rent control in the richest county in America, and that’s not even residential housing,” Tellis said, adding that the average berth fee at Yellow Ferry is around $1,500.

We’ve heard estimates that the median price of floating homes in Sausalito hovers around $1.5 million, which is roughly the median home price in the Bay Area in general. In some cases, floating homes are second homes or rental properties.

AB 252 asserts that people living in floating homes are “one of the most economically diverse populations in our region, including many seniors and others living on low and fixed incomes. Floating homes provide some of the only naturally occurring affordable housing for healthcare workers, crafts and trades people, artists and civil servants.”

With 282 homes, Waldo Point Harbor in Sausalito is the largest floating-home marina in the Bay Area, and one of the largest in the country. “We have 38 low-to-moderate-income floating homes that we subsidize ourselves,” said Becky Smith.

(We asked Assemblymember Mia Bonta, who authored AB 252, and whose district encompasses Alameda, Oakland and San Leandro, to what extent floating homes represent affordable housing. [We also asked why AB 252 covers only three counties, and doesn’t include San Francisco, San Diego, etc.] We did not hear back from her office.)

Both a floating-home owner and a few floating-home harbor owners and managers told us that their way of life is potentially under threat — the homeowner said they could not afford an increase in berth fees, and that the equity that they’ve accrued is in danger, while the owners and managers said they could not sustain their businesses if they weren’t able to raise berth fees.

“There’s a misconception some residents have that the harbor makes so much money, and we don’t,” Becky Smith said, “If this bill is enforced, we may have to sell the harbor due to financial concerns.”

“This bill passes on the real property value to the tenants while reserving the taxes for the landowners,” Chris Tellis said. “We have already spent $30k to redo the entrance and parking landscaping; the budget was around $200k. But we are tabling these plans,” wrote Tellis in a letter.

“Unlike other rent-control ordinances, there is no provision to pass through the costs of improvements or adaptations to climate change. The Bay is expected to rise 1-3 feet in the lifetime of our leases. This will require raising the docks, utilities, and parking lot — basically rebuilding the entire marina. AB 252 assumes the marina owner is going to singlehandedly shoulder the cost of rising sea levels on behalf of all the tenants. That’s not going to happen when the marinas are not even allowed to keep up with the current round of inflation.”

Paraphrasing a floating-home owner: “It’s ridiculous to assume that people who have floating homes have the means to pay for climate-change infrastructure.”

Another great article by Tim Henry about a very important local and possibly state-wide issue.

It seems to me that the issue that just made it’s way through the Alameda City Council and compelled the residents of ALL of the floating home communities to craft California AB252 might never had been enacted if the new owner of Barnhill Marina had kept his word and only raised the berth rents at 10% and communicated with the residents honestly. We are not idiots, we understand that the rent had to go up but this owner came in with a sledge hammer and attempted raise the rents on some of us as much as 85% and up to 150% for others. He pretty much thought he might be able to do that every year! This man and his investors own apartment building in the Valley and it would appear that they felt they could swoop into a 50-year-old community of homeowners and treat them the same as he did his renters. He was wrong. He totally mishandled a situation that has left him, his daughter, his investors at odds with all of us in the community. I dare say we would have likely be amenable to some assessments over time to help repairs docks and some other infrastructure needs. But, he choose not to do that and voila, two bills have been passed, City & State, which will keep us all, and please excuse the pun, afloat. This is not over and the ramifications statewide have hardly been discussed. Meanwhile, those of us who live here do so without leases, without the certainty that we can sell our homes should we need or want to move and walk on failing docks without any sense of when life might return to some sort of normal. I am one of those well over 60 year old residents on a fixed income. I’m an active volunteer in this community of Alameda. But, it’s quite likely that I will need to move in the next few years as age, climate change and king tides create conditions that could prove difficult for me to navigate. The question is…will I be forced out before that time comes?? And, if so, will my investment in this charming home be able to be sold for enough to sustain me? Uncertain times.

Some of the confusion surrounding AB 252 is because it was crafted to protect “floating home” slips as opposed to boat slips. Floating home is a legally defined term (see California Health and Safety Code – HSC § 18075.55n.), and is quite different from houseboats, powerboats, or sailboats. Most importantly, floating homes do not have motors built into them and rely on local sewer and utility lines.

Not being mobile, the BCDC considers Floating Homes to be “bay fill.” (bcdc.ca.gov/planning/reports/HouseboatsAndLiveAboardBoats_Jul1985.pdf), and ruled that there are a fixed number of floating home slips, and that there will never be any more than there are today.

The upshot of this is that floating homes, unlike houseboats, powerboats and sailboats, have no other slips to move to.

So if a marina owner were to raise slip rents exorbitantly, the floating home owner can’t just move the house to a different location; an exorbitant increase in slip rent could make it difficult to impossible to sell. This would constitute constructive eviction, an illegal action a landlord takes when they do not physically or legally evict a tenant, but takes actions that interfere with the use of the premises. This is the exact situation floating home owners face.

Although the author of the article references the rental protection passed through California Code 1482, marina owners responded that that protection was trumped by admiralty law (covering marine matters), which has jurisdiction over county and state laws. However, in the 2013 Lozman case, the US Supreme Court ruled that floating homes indeed were not vessels and would not be covered under admiralty law.

Therefore, I feel that AB 252 provides much needed protection for the vast number of floating home owners.

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Biscayne Bay live aboard boaters should be aware of misguided bill | Opinion

In the serene waters of Biscayne Bay, a storm is brewing in the form of proposed state legislation aimed at restricting overnight anchoring.

While the intent of Senate Bill 192 and House Bill 437 may seem noble — to address concerns about the impact of transient or live aboard boaters — the focus on limiting anchorage overlooks the true menace lurking beneath the surface: derelict abandoned vessels.

At the heart of the matter lies a fundamental misunderstanding. By targeting overnight anchoring, lawmakers risk penalizing responsible boaters while sidestepping the root cause of the problem. Derelict boats, those abandoned relics of maritime neglect, pose a far greater threat to the bay’s ecosystem and safety than the transient vessels seeking temporary respite along its shores.

Impact on Biscayne Bay

The proposed bills seek to carve out exclusive zones along Biscayne Bay, effectively privatizing public waters for the benefit of a select few waterfront property owners. But such measures fail to address the core issue of derelict vessels, which continue to blight the bay’s landscape and endanger its delicate ecology.

Indeed, the legislation’s focus on limiting overnight anchoring overlooks the multifaceted nature of the problem. Vessels often abandoned after storms or left to decay in neglected waters pose a dual threat as both environmental hazards and navigational impediments. These abandoned relics not only mar the beauty of Biscayne Bay, but also drain taxpayer resources for their removal and disposal.

Some have also claimed that the unlawful disposal of sewage is another reason for the bills, but in reality, data from the Miami Beach chapter of the Surfrider Foundation challenges this assertion. Their Blue Water Task Force’s monitoring efforts reveal consistently low levels of fecal bacteria in Sunset Harbour, a hub for boat dwellers, with spikes occurring only during sewage spills or construction activities.

Moreover, testimonies from responsible boat owners attest to the community’s commitment to environmental stewardship, with the majority ensuring that their vessels remain clean and compliant with regulations. Claiming this is the problem oversimplifies a complex issue and detracts from the broader dialogue needed to address the challenges facing Biscayne Bay.

Wrong target

Rather than penalizing responsible boaters seeking temporary anchorage — which brings some revenue to the area through shopping, entertainment and more — policymakers should direct their efforts towards comprehensive solutions to tackle derelict vessels head-on. Local initiatives, such as Miami-Dade County’s plans for mooring fields and anchorage limitation areas, offer a more nuanced approach to managing waterway usage without unduly burdening law-abiding boaters

Existing federal and state laws already provide avenues for addressing derelict vessels and waterway discharges. Instead of crafting redundant legislation, resources should be allocated towards enforcing these laws and bolstering efforts to identify, remove and properly dispose of abandoned vessels.

Shift the focus

It’s time for lawmakers to recognize that the real issue plaguing Biscayne Bay is not overnight anchoring by transient boaters, but the persistent presence of abandoned vessels. By shifting the focus away from punitive measures and towards proactive solutions, we can safeguard our shared waterways for the enjoyment of all while mitigating the threat posed by maritime neglect.

In the spirit of preserving Biscayne Bay for future generations, let us urge policymakers to reject Senate Bill 192 and House Bill 437. Instead, lawmakers should champion measures that address the root cause of the problem and ensure that our waters remain accessible, safe and pristine for all who seek to enjoy them.

David Kennedy is manager of government affairs for the Boat Owners Association of The United States ( BoatUS ), the nation’s oldest and largest recreational boating advocacy, services and safety group.

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A married couple who sold their home in Virginia to retire to a life at sea is missing after authorities believe escaped convicts stole their yacht in the Caribbean.  

The mystery has sent shockwaves through the family of Kathleen Brandel and Ralph Hendry, and the sailing community.

The couple was last seen in Grenada in the eastern Caribbean last week. Their yacht, Simplicity, was discovered “anchored and abandoned” on the island of St. Vincent a few days later, but they were nowhere to be found, according to the nonprofit Salty Dawg Sailing Association, of which Brandel and Hendry are members.

A preliminary investigation suggests that three prisoners escaped their holding cell in Grenada on Feb. 18, and the next day hijacked the yacht from the capital, St. George's. They made their way to St. Vincent and were eventually recaptured on Feb. 21, according to the Royal Grenada Police Force. 

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Grenada police believe Brandel and Hendry may have been killed during the hijacking, but they said they could not say so definitively.

Nick Buro and Bryan Hendry say what happened to their parents, a retired couple who sold their home in Alexandria, Virginia, years ago to be able to spend the rest of their days on Simplicity, is unimaginable.

"This is something that is completely unexpected," Buro said. "And wrapping our brains around it and trying to understand a senseless act of violence against two people while they were just living their lives in their home, essentially, because Simplicity was their home. They didn't have another home ... Having that safety and security taken away from them abruptly and [having] them attacked in where they live, it's just, it's unimaginable."

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The brothers said that though they hold onto some hope that their parents might still be alive, investigators said there were signs of a violent struggle aboard the vessel; the couple's possessions were scattered around, and there was blood throughout, officials said.

“Shock, despair, fear, sadness, hope, love – all of those emotions are going through our head at the same time,” Buro said.

The brothers are in the Caribbean as authorities continue the search. Kathleen Brandel and Ralph Hendry have been married for 27 years and have spent more than a decade sailing around the world.

“They loved immersing themselves in different cultures and meeting people and spreading their love wherever they could,” Bryan Hendry said.  

“You’ll never meet more beautiful people than Kathy and Ralph. They made everybody feel happy and so welcome. They consistently made you feel like you were part of their family,” Buro said. 

The Salty Dawg Sailing Association said the couple had sailed the yacht in last year’s Caribbean Rally from Hampton, Virginia, to Antigua, and were spending the winter cruising in the eastern Caribbean. 

Nick and Megan O'Kelly are fellow cruisers who know the couple.

“There’s a real tight-knit fabric in this community. And so when this news came out, it spread like wildfire. People are just incredibly shocked and devastated by this,” Nick O'Kelly said.

The prisoners, ages 19, 25 and 30, were charged a couple of months ago with one count of robbery with violence. The eldest inmate also was charged with one count of rape, three counts of attempted rape and two counts of indecent assault and causing harm, police in Grenada said.

Authorities said they dispatched senior investigators and a forensic specialist to St. Vincent.

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Australian Border Force investigating boat arrival at Beagle Bay, north of Broome

Australian Border Force officers are interviewing a group of more than 20 men who say they travelled by boat from Indonesia, at a small remote Indigenous community in Western Australia's north.

The men, believed to be from Pakistan and Bangladesh, were in the main street of Beagle Bay, 100 kilometres north of Broome, having been found on Friday morning.

ABC reporter Erin Parke, who was at the scene, said the group appeared in good health and were wearing t-shirts and trousers, having apparently been given water at the local store.

She said ABF officials arrived in the community shortly after midday to question the men.

The ABF confirmed it was undertaking an operation in the state's north west, but would not provide any further comment on the arrivals.

"Australia's tough border protection policies means no one who travels unauthorised by boat will ever be allowed to settle permanently in Australia," an ABF spokesperson said. 

The men were later taken to the kindy at the local primary school, and pillows were seen being brought in about 5pm.

Torture claims

One arrival told the ABC he was from Pakistan and had previously lived in Australia but had been deported after having his visa declined.

He said he was arrested and tortured when he returned to Pakistan, where his wife and five children live.

"In Pakistan the situation is very bad. They tortured me … they captured my property, many things they did with me," he said.

"I don't want to go back to Pakistan, I can't go back to Pakistan.

"They're not treating us like human beings in our country."

He said it cost him $8,000 to arrange travel to Australia from Indonesia. 

He said he hoped to claim asylum and bring his wife and children to Australia.

The man said the group had arrived after a five-day voyage by boat from Indonesia, and had walked for an estimated 35 kilometres before being picked up by locals.

The ABC is choosing not to identify the man for security reasons.

Men dehydrated, 'could have died'

Local Indigenous tour operator Willy Smith said he discovered the men at about 9.30am WST on Friday.

"We were on our way to Broome to do our normal chores and we found these people walking on the road," he said.

"They were very dehydrated – I reckon if we hadn't of turned up, in a couple of hours some of them would have been dead.

"No water, they don't know where they were going – they could have all died."

Mr Smith said the men couldn't speak English and he took "about 20" to Beagle Bay.

"I took them to see the Catholic priest – when I was leaving, one of my neighbours rang and said 'we've found another three walking around in the scrub'," he said.

"We're shocked and surprised – you don't see people like that walking in the bush."

But Beagle Bay resident Adrian, who saw the men standing under shade in the township's main street, said they appeared to be in good health.

"They were well-dressed, [they were] pretty fit, wearing jeans and shirts," he said.

Adrian said the men's arrival had created a stir in what was usually a quiet community.

"They're in a park opposite the shop — it's created a bit of fuss. There's a crowd gathered to watch them," he said.

Adrian said the men went into the local store and were given water, and were happy to enjoy the air-conditioning.

Political border stoush

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said he had no information to share on the situation when asked at an unrelated press conference at 11am WST.

"I've been travelling in the car, so I haven't been advised about that, but our policies are clear, which is that boats that arrive in that fashion ... we have policies in place that ensure they are dealt with."

Opposition leader Peter Dutton said the arrival represented a failure of Australia's long-standing Operation Sovereign Borders.

"If they had no prior warning of the arrival of this boat, then it shows the Prime Minister and the Minister have lost control of our borders and the people smugglers will react to that, they'll put more people on boats," he said.

But Member for Perth Patrick Gorman said the Labor party remained committed to refusing to resettle asylum seekers who arrive by boat in Australia, describing Mr Dutton's comments as a "thuggish politicisation" of the issue.

"Mr Dutton knows that's exactly the same policies that were in place when he was a minister, exactly the same policies when it comes to regional processing," Mr Gorman said.

The ABF took the rare step of issuing a statement dismissing suggestions its priorities had changed.

Rear Admiral Brett Sonter said the mission "remains the same today as it was when it was established in 2013".

"Protect Australia's borders, combat people smuggling in our region, and importantly, prevent people from risking their lives at sea," the statement said.

"Any alternate narrative will be exploited by criminal people smugglers to deceive potential irregular immigrants and convince them to risk their lives and travel to Australia by boat."

The ABF said it was determined to disrupt the people smuggling trade.

"Australia remains committed to protecting its borders, stamping out people smuggling and preventing vulnerable people from risking their lives on futile journeys," a spokesperson said.

"The people smuggling business model is built on the exploitation of information and selling lies to vulnerable people who will give up everything to risk their lives at sea."

Friday morning's arrivals follow the landing of 12 people at the remote Truscott air base , 500km north east of Kununurra, in November 2023.

That group were discovered at the remote location and detained by ABF who refused to comment on the incident, citing operational matters.

The ABF has increased patrols in north west waters in recent months,  with an uptick in illegal fishers in the Kimberley Marine Park. 

The ABF has even resorted to social media warnings about the threat of crocodiles to dissuade fishers and potential asylum seekers from making treacherous attempts to reach the Australian mainland. 

Small Indigenous community

Beagle Bay is an Indigenous community based on the Dampier Peninsula, accessed by Cape Leveque Road, which was sealed in 2020.

The 2021 Census put the community's population around 370, with the majority of residents being Aboriginal.

Beagle Bay's main attraction is a heritage church adorned inside with mother of pearl shells. Visitors to Broome regularly travel to the community to see the Sacred Heart Church.

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