Anchorage

Morro Bay

5.0United StatesCalifornia

Shelter: N, NE, E, SE, S, SW, W, NW
Seabed: sand
Anchoring: Allowed

Anchorage in Morro Bay harbour on the central California coast, set behind the 23-million-year-old volcanic plug of Morro Rock, on a sand bottom.

Mooring buoys
Visitor buoys
Pontoon
Dock
Beach

Guide

Approach and anchoring

Enter from seaward through the breakwater channel under VHF 12 and 16. The harbour is well sheltered from every direction. The city anchorage area for transient vessels lies inside the bay; it is best to anchor stern-to, with the stern made fast towards the shore.

Practical

The city anchorage gives the first 5 days free, then charges 0.41 dollars per foot per day with a 30 day limit. Morro Bay Yacht Club, 0.4 miles SE, keeps six mooring balls and a 150-foot visitor dock for boats up to 75 feet. Morro Bay Boatyard for repairs and haul-out is 0.8 miles SE.

Ashore

Morro Rock, a protected nature reserve where peregrine falcons nest and climbing is prohibited, stands at the harbour entrance. Morro Bay State Park and an 800-acre protected wetland lie just south, with kayaking and birding across the back bay towards Los Osos.

Key facts

Type: Anchorage
Coordinates: 35.36835, -120.85662 (35°22.10'N 120°51.40'W)
Country: United States
Shelter: Sheltered from north, north-east, east, south-east, south, south-west, west, north-west winds
Seabed: sand
Anchoring: Allowed
Fees: Paid
Phone: +18057726254
Services: Mooring buoys, Visitor buoys, Pontoon, Dock, Beach
Boaters' rating: 5.0/5
Updated: July 7, 2026