The Marina at Dana Point

A boater's guide to Dana Point Marina

The Dana Point Marina is located in one of the most popular recreational harbors on the West Coast. When you visit the marina and notice the scenic cliffs and stunning beaches in the backdrop, you’ll understand why.

In addition to the views, Dana Point Marina has everything boaters need for a visit or long-term lease. Pristine and dutifully maintained slips, a fully staffed fuel dock, professional boat repair facility, and proximity to attractions are just a few things this marina includes.

Dockage

Since this is one of the most popular marinas on the west coast, their 2,400 annual slips are often leased well in advance. If you’re interested in docking your boat here long term, it’s best to fill out a rental application and get on the waitlist early.

Good news if you're just visiting though. Dana Point Marina has set aside 43 slips for transient boaters. They can accommodate vessels from 25 feet to over 70 feet long.

To get to the guest docks, travel all the way down the marina’s main channel. As you travel through, the man-made breakwater wall should be on your port side and the long-term docks should be on your starboard. As soon as the channel veers to the right, you will be in line with the guest docks.

Dana Point Marina amenities

Restroom and showers

There are plenty of restrooms to support this gigantic marina. Private restrooms and showers are conveniently located at each boater service building and at guest docks. A key card is required to access the facilities and will be given to guests upon arrival.

Maintenance Services & Shipyard

Unexpected boat repairs and ongoing maintenance needs can put a real burden on a trip. Dana Point Marina features a professional boat repair facility with a talented and personable team plus. Plus there's a pretty large boat hardware store that carries parts and supplies.

Bait Station

If you’re on your way out for a fishing trip, be sure to stop at the bait station to load up on the great assortment of live bait, frozen and artificial varieties. You’ll be reeling in a monster in no time!

Bilge Pad Exchange

To keep the local waterways clear of fuel discharge and other toxic leaks, the Dana Point Harbor offers free bilge pad exchanges at numerous locations across the marina.

Fuel Dock

The Dana Point Fuel Dock is located on the side of the marina closest to the mouth of the harbor. They can fill up diesel, regular, super, and even propane and CNG tanks. They typically have 2-3 attendants attending the docks between 7am-6pm Monday through Thursday and 6am-7pm Friday through Sunday. Just be prepared to wait a while on the weekends since they can get pretty busy.

Proximity to attractions by land

Waterman’s Harbor Restaurant (0.3 miles away)

There’s nothing better than having a bite to eat while enjoying picture perfect views of the ocean directly in front of you. When you pull up a chair at Waterman’s Harbor restaurant, you’re immediately greeted by great local service, award-winning seafood dishes and hand-crafted cocktails.

Frisby Cellars Winery (0.3 miles away)

Frisby Cellars Dana Point Harbor location is open 7 days a week for tasting flights, wine by the glass, and food. They have both indoor and outdoor patio seating.

Baby Beach (0.5 miles away)

The picnic shelters at Baby Beach are a great place to spend your afternoon. Throw your own BBQ at one of these shelters and then recover the rest of the day on the beach with gorgeous views of the harbor and cliffside.

Rentals at Killer Dana Surf Shop (0.1 miles)

This locally owned Surf Shop will not only provide you with stand-up paddleboards, surfboards, and wetsuits for day rentals, but they’ll also shuttle you to and from the local beaches. We suggest spending the day surfing at Doheny State Beach or touring around the harbor on top of a SUP.

The Ocean Institute (0.9 miles away)

Learn from marine life professionals about the surrounding wildlife and maritime history at the Ocean Institute. Founded in 1977, the institute is a community-based organization that educates over 100,000 visitors annually. Moored at the institute are two 100 foot tall ships and a 70-foot marine science research vessel.

Proximity to attractions by sea

Whale Watching (0.5 miles away)

Dana Point Harbor is considered the “whale and dolphin capital of the world.” From migrating gray whales in the winter to blue whales in the spring and summer, there’s always wildlife to be seen. Either take your own boat out or join a tour like Capt. Dave’s Dana Point Safari.

Catalina Island (0.3 miles away)

No trip to California is complete without a boat ride to the iconic Catalina Island. Enjoy a day of golfing, horseback riding, hiking, and so much more while taking in the island around you. To get your day trip started, simply hop on board the Catalina Express out of Dana Point Harbor or take your own boat to the island to beat the lines.

Fishing (0.1 miles away)

Whether casting a fishing line from the shore, pier, or your boat, Dana Point Harbor is an angler's dream. You may fish off the outermost jetties and short pier without a license but all other areas in the Harbor require a license.