Anchorage

Monterey Basin General Anchorage

4.5United StatesCalifornia

Shelter: E, SW, S, SE
Seabed: sand
Anchoring: Allowed

Open anchorage in Monterey Harbour, on the Monterey Peninsula in California, within the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary.

Water
Mooring buoys
Pontoon
Beach

Guide

Approach and anchoring

The designated open anchorage lies east of Wharf II and the East Moorings, on a sand bottom. It is sheltered from the east round to the south but open to the west and north-west, where Monterey Bay funnels in swell. Boats may anchor for no more than 30 days in any six-month period. The Harbor Office monitors VHF channels 16 and 5 and is staffed 24 hours.

Practical

Monterey Municipal Marina is 0.3 nm to the west and Breakwater Cove Marina 0.5 nm to the north-west, both with berths and fresh water. The harbour holds about 113 mooring buoys in the outer area, under city licence, alongside the open anchorage.

Ashore

Old Fisherman's Wharf and Cannery Row, with the Monterey Bay Aquarium, are within walking distance of the marina. The Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail runs along the waterfront for cycling and walking.