San Diego
From TheKeel
San Diego is the southernmost harbor on the west coast of the United States. The outer channel buoy is referred to as SD1, and is located at 32N 37’ 18" / 117W 14’ 48". San Diego Harbor has numerous services for pleasure, commercial, and military vessels.
San Diego is clearly documented and detailed (from a navigational point of view) in the freely available NOAA Pilot Chart 7.
San Diego Harbor Police monitors VHF 16, as does Coast Guard Sector San Diego.
[edit] Maritime Features
On entrance to San Diego Harbor, there is a large kelp bed west of Point Loma. To clear the kelp, you will need to go offshore approximately one mile.
The channel is clearly marked. Outside of the channel to the east opposite Point Loma is the mostly-submerged Zuniga Jetty. Numerous vessels have been lost on this submerged jetty, and it is advised to give it ample distance. Never attempt to navigate over the Zuniga Jetty; at high tide it can be deceptively absent, but the rocks are often a foot or two below the surface.
Jutting out from the west between Point Loma and the Zuniga Jetty is Ballast Point.
The Coronado Bridge is located at roughly the halfway point in the harbor. At peak there is a 200' overhead clearance. For sailing vessels extra caution should be taken because of shifting wind when crossing under the bridge.
There are numerous marked shoals throughout the harbor; generally all are sand. An unmarked and notoriously annoying shoal is located at approximately 32N 41' 25" / 117W 9' 45", north west of the Coronado Bridge.
[edit] Anchorages
Anchoring in San Diego generally requires a permit, which can be obtained from San Diego Harbor Police facility at 1401 Shelter Island Drive or by phone at 619-686-6272. Permits can be obtained 90 days in advance. Mooring balls are managed by the private San Diego Mooring Company.
The best anchorage for cruising vessels is the A9 "Cruisers Anchorage". Located at approximately 32N 43' 30" / 117W 11' 10", the anchorage is available for mariners from outside of San Diego County. Permits are available for 30 days at a time, up to a maximum of 90 days in any one year period. This anchorage can be a bit loud because of its proximity to the Coast Guard Station, and the airport.
