- Shelter
- NW, N, W, SW
- Seabed
- sand
- Anchoring
- Allowed
General anchorage inside Pillar Point Harbor at Half Moon Bay, California, in San Mateo County, with a sand bottom and shelter from NW through SW winds.
- Water
- Pontoon
- Beach
Guide
Approach and anchoring
Pillar Point Harbor sits behind a riprap breakwater about a five-hour downwind sail south of the Golden Gate. Approach in daylight only, as there are hazards near the entrance. The marked General Anchorage lies just inside the breakwater. It can roll, and the harbour is open to the south, where a southerly leaves the anchorage dangerous.
Practical
Fresh water is available. Registration with the harbour office is required and the anchorage is free for the first week, then a daily charge after that. Half Moon Bay Yacht Club is 0.1 nm NW. The San Mateo County harbour office is 0.3 nm NE. Fuel and chandlery are available at the harbour.
Ashore
The fishing village of Princeton-by-the-Sea fronts the harbour, with seafood restaurants and a few shops within walking distance of the landings. The California Coastal Trail runs along the bluffs. The Mavericks big-wave surf break lies off Pillar Point about 1 nm to the west.
Key facts
- Type
- Anchorage
- Coordinates
- 37.50006, -122.48920 (37°30.00'N 122°29.35'W)
- Country
- United States
- Shelter
- Sheltered from north-west, north, west, south-west winds
- Seabed
- sand
- Anchoring
- Allowed
- Services
- Water, Pontoon, Beach
- Boaters' rating
- 3.3/5
- Updated
- July 7, 2026
Getting there
Half Moon Bay Anchorage lies at 37°30.00'N 122°29.35'W, that is 37.50006, -122.48920 in decimal degrees.
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Write a reviewFrequently asked questions
Which winds is Half Moon Bay Anchorage sheltered from?
Half Moon Bay Anchorage is sheltered from north-west, north, west, south-west winds.
Can you anchor at Half Moon Bay Anchorage?
Yes, anchoring is allowed at Half Moon Bay Anchorage.
How do boaters rate Half Moon Bay Anchorage?
Half Moon Bay Anchorage is rated 3.3/5 by boaters on BoatMap.
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