Anchorage Brief
Port of Trade Winds Harbor (Clipper Cove)
United States · California, San Francisco Bay
Nearest known place: Yerba Buena IslandResearch date: 2026-07-05Source mix: Officially ConfirmedGenerated: Jul 04, 2026 08:55 PM
Sheltered AnchorageGood Shore AccessScenic StopCruiser ReportedVerify LocallyLimited Services
Decision Summary
This is Clipper Cove on the south side of Treasure Island / north side of Yerba Buena Island, a well-known still-water anchorage for Bay Area cruisers. It is worthwhile for short overnight stops, weather waits, and easy shore access, but the entrance is shoal-prone and the cove now has permit rules for stays over 24 hours. Good option in settled conditions; verify depth, entrance line, and current permit status before committing.
Why Anchor Here
- Protected still-water anchorage with minimal current
- Useful for overnight rests and short weather waits
- Easy shore access to Treasure Island / Yerba Buena Island
- Scenic urban-bay stop with frequent cruiser traffic
Best Use
- Overnight stop
- Short weather wait
- Staging stop for San Francisco Bay
- Scenic layover
- Brief shore-access stop
Use Caution
- Shoal bar at the entrance can bite at low tide
- East winds can push directly into the cove
- Permit required after 24 hours; free short-term permit
- Crowding can be significant on popular weekends
Verify Before Arrival
- Confirm current Clipper Cove permit rules and any zone closures
- Check depth at the entrance cut against your draft and tide
- Verify whether the beach-side water recreation area buoy line is in place
- Reconfirm weather, especially east wind and Bay bridge conditions
Approach and Hazards
- Entrance is constricted by a shoal/bar with shallow spots
- Best entry is reported to be close to the pier / deeper water track
- Low tide can reduce usable depth enough to block deeper-draft boats
- Proceed slowly and use the depth sounder; local knowledge helps
Anchoring Setup
- Bottom is reported as mud, with good holding overall
- Danforth/fluke anchors are commonly reported to hold well most of the year
- Late summer / early autumn grass may reduce fluke performance
- Typical anchoring depths reported around 10-15 feet, but check tide
Protection and Exposure
- Good protection from most directions except east
- Calm, flat water reported inside the cove in settled conditions
- Can be choppy or uncomfortable if east winds funnel in
- Mostly a sheltered anchorage, not an all-weather refuge
Cruiser Comments
Cruiser reports and firsthand observations can provide useful local context. Share a recent experience to help other captains.
Overall Pattern
Cruiser reports consistently describe Clipper Cove as a favorite Bay Area stop for protected water, easy access ashore, and social raft-ups, but they also stress the shallow entrance and the need for local knowledge.
Positive Reports
- Protected flat water and good holding are frequently praised
- Many cruisers like the easy dinghy/beach access and city access
- Often described as a memorable, friendly raft-up anchorage
Caution Reports
- Entrance shoaling and low-tide depth issues are repeatedly reported
- East winds are the main exposure concern
- Crowding and special-use rules can affect comfort and flexibility
Local Knowledge
- Stay close to the pier on entry and avoid the shoal bar
- Have a backup plan if your draft is 5.5 feet or more
- The beach-side pocket is being managed as a recreation area, so anchoring room may be reduced there
Scenic and Shore Value
- Strong San Francisco Bay skyline and bridge views
- Beach and casual shore access are a major part of the appeal
- Popular for paddling, swimming, and rafting with other cruisers
- Good base for a short walk or ride on Treasure Island
Shore Access
- Dinghy-to-beach access is commonly reported as easy
- Shore access is one of the cove’s main advantages
- Access ashore may be affected by beach-side recreation zoning
Nearby Services
- Treasure Isle Marina is nearby in Clipper Cove and has dockside services
- Limited immediate cruiser provisioning compared with a full port
- Expect to be self-sufficient for anchoring purposes
Rules and Stewardship
- Short-term anchoring permit is required after 24 hours
- Maximum short-term stay is 4 days under the current SF.gov permit page
- Permits are free and tied to Clipper Cove special-use rules
- Commercial vessels are not eligible for anchoring permits
- Do not anchor or motor in restricted recreation zones
Plan B / Nearby Alternatives
Richardson Bay
Anchorage
Common Bay anchorage if you need a different overnight stop or broader cruising services.
Direction / Distance: Northwest, across central San Francisco Bay
Source Basis: Cruiser Reported
Ayala Cove, Angel Island
Anchorage
Better if you want park scenery and mooring-based overnight refuge.
Direction / Distance: North, across the Bay
Source Basis: Cruiser Reported
Aquatic Park Cove
Anchorage
Useful urban fallback if you want city access and protected water near San Francisco.
Direction / Distance: West, near downtown San Francisco
Source Basis: Cruiser Reported
Recent Cruiser Updates
No recent cruiser updates have been submitted for this anchorage - Low
No user-submitted update provided in the request.
Operational Impact: Use current official rules and general cruiser reports only.
Verification: Not Confirmed
Sources and Confidence
SF.gov - Official
Current permit duration, fee, and application details.
SF.gov - Official
Primary rules, restrictions, and enforcement details.
San Francisco Board of Supervisors / Legistar - Official
Defines the special-use area and anchoring limits.
Bay Crossings - Cruising Guide
Detailed cruiser-style approach, shoal, and holding notes.
Latitude 38 - Cruiser Review
Recent clarification on anchoring permission and recreation zone.
Cruising World - Cruiser Review
Firsthand cruiser report on access, protection, and shoal conditions.
California Division of Boating and Waterways - Official
Nearby marina and basic dock-service reference.
Missing or Uncertain Details
- Exact current boundary of the beach-side recreation zone
- Whether any temporary construction or event restrictions apply in 2026
- Precise minimum safe depth for your vessel at all tide stages
- Current crowding level and available swing room on arrival
Important Note
This Anchorage Brief is for planning and situational awareness only. It is not a substitute for current charts, official publications, local notices, weather forecasts, tide information, or the captain's judgment. Conditions, restrictions, services, and hazards can change without notice. Verify all information before arrival and while underway.