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Mission Bay Map: Boating, Speed Zones & On-Water Guide.

Use this Mission Bay boating map before you launch or keep it open on your phone to identify marked speed areas, swimming and closed zones, personal-watercraft areas, docks and major landmarks. Posted signs, buoys, patrol directions and your dock briefing always control.

Open the Interactive Map Open Full-Resolution Map ↗ Call 858-488-1004
You launch hereSanta Clara Cove • Grid D/E–2
North is upUse shorelines and landmarks to orient
Slow means 5 mphPosted and distance limits still apply

Full Mission Bay boating map

Mission Bay areas, landmarks and activity zones.

Use the map to find the six areas in the guide directly below it. Each area explains what to do, what to look for and which Mission Bay Sportcenter rentals typically fit the experience.

MBSC launch point Santa Clara Cove, near the D/E row boundary in column 2.
Mission Bay reference map Scroll to pan • Use controls to zoom
100% OriginalOpen original full-resolution map in a new tab

Scrollable and zoomable Mission Bay reference map. Use the toolbar buttons to zoom, reset, locate Mission Bay Sportcenter or enter full screen. Mission Bay Sportcenter is marked at Santa Clara Cove near grid D/E–2.

Mission Bay Park boating reference map showing Mission Bay Sportcenter at Santa Clara Cove, grid D/E–2, plus speed-control zones, personal-watercraft areas, swimming and closed zones, launch ramps, docks, landmarks and bridge information.
Mission Bay Park reference map. City source map revised June 2009. The image is static and is not GPS or a live nautical chart. The complete legend appears below in accessible text. View City source map ↗
Reference map only. Current instructions take priority. Use this map for general orientation only. It is not a nautical chart and does not show live closures, temporary event zones, current water depth, hazards or the present location of every buoy and sign. Conditions and regulations can change. Posted signs, buoys, lifeguard directions, official patrol instructions and your Mission Bay Sportcenter safety briefing always take priority.

Mission Bay area guide

Things to do and see around Mission Bay.

These ideas help you match the names on the map to real scenery and experiences on the water. They are not automatic route permission. Your equipment, current conditions, posted restrictions and dock briefing determine where you may go.

01
Closest to MBSC

Santa Clara Cove & Sail Bay

Best fit: Kayak, paddleboard, Hobie catamaran or sailboat

  • Do: Start with an easy paddle, practice sailing skills or make a relaxed loop close to the MBSC launch.
  • See: Santa Clara Point, sailboats, the sandy Sail Bay shoreline and the Catamaran Resort waterfront.

Watch the seasonal speed markings and remain outside every designated swimming area.

02
North Mission Bay

Crown Point & North Bay

Best fit: Pontoon boat

  • Do: Take a relaxed sightseeing cruise, follow the shoreline from a safe distance and capture wide group photos.
  • See: Crown Point Shores, northern bay views and coastal birds near the Kendall-Frost Marsh shoreline.

This is a longer outing. Keep clear of protected habitat and marked swimming water.

03
Central Mission Bay

Vacation Isle & Ski Beach

Best fit: Pontoon boat or ski boat

  • Do: Cruise through the center of the bay and watch the boating activity around Ski Beach from the water.
  • See: Vacation Isle, Ski Beach, the Paradise Point shoreline and boats moving between the central basins.

Ski Beach is not a swimming area. Bridge authorization may be required. MBSC rentals may not anchor, and pontoons or ski boats may not beach.

04
Wide open-water views

Fiesta Bay & Fiesta Island

Best fit: WaveRunner, ski boat or pontoon boat

  • Do: Enjoy a group cruise or use an authorized daytime riding area when your equipment briefing and current controls allow it.
  • See: Fiesta Island, active watersports and some of Mission Bay’s broadest open-water views.

Transit speed limits still apply. Temporary events, including Bayfair, can control movement or restrict entry.

05
Northeast Mission Bay

De Anza Cove & East Bay

Best fit: Pontoon boat

  • Do: Take a longer scenic cruise and explore the quieter northern end of Mission Bay from outside marked swim areas.
  • See: De Anza Cove, Tecolote Shores, waterfront parkland and the broad eastern shoreline.

Confirm that your rental time and manager-approved route allow this distance before leaving the dock.

06
Southeast Mission Bay

South Shores & SeaWorld

Best fit: Pontoon boat or ski boat

  • Do: Make a longer sightseeing loop through the southern and central bay when your approved route allows it.
  • See: South Shores Park, the SeaWorld skyline, Fiesta Island and wide views across the central bay.

Stay clear of launch traffic, posted special-use zones and all designated swimming areas.

Confirm your route before leaving the dock. Standard MBSC rentals stay inside Mission Bay and may not enter the jetty, inlet or ocean. No rental may anchor. Pontoons, ski boats and WaveRunners may not beach. Do not pass under any bridge unless an MBSC manager expressly authorizes that route for your specific rental. Current signs, buoys, patrol instructions and your dock briefing always take priority.

If you are unsure on the water

Slow down. Look around. Get the right help.

Use this three-step reset.

If the shoreline, signs or zone markings do not match what you expected, do not guess or continue at speed.

01
Reduce speedOperate conservatively and remain clear of swimmers, beaches, shorelines and other vessels.
02
Read what is in front of youCurrent signs, buoys, barriers and official patrol directions override this static image.
03
Contact MBSCFor rental assistance that is not an emergency, call 858-488-1004 and describe your location.

On-water emergency

For immediate danger, call 911.

If a marine VHF radio is available and you are in grave and imminent danger, use Channel 16 and say “MAYDAY” three times. Identify the vessel, give your position, nature of distress, assistance needed, number aboard and vessel description.

911Emergency services
VHF 16U.S. Coast Guard • 156.8 MHz
858-488-1004MBSC rental assistance 619-221-8800Lifeguard after hours and weekends 619-221-8899Lifeguard general information (business hours)

If it is safe to do so, also contact Mission Bay Sportcenter. Do not delay emergency services to call the dock.

Read the map in 30 seconds

The Mission Bay map key.

Color is only one cue. Each card repeats the map meaning in text so the guide stays understandable in bright sun, on small screens and with assistive technology.

Open-speed area

Open speed is permitted only from sunrise to sunset. Posted, distance, event and patrol restrictions still apply.

5 mph area

Operate at 5 mph or less. Look for map labels and current posted markers because limits vary by place and time.

Swimming area

No vessels. Stay completely outside designated swim areas and keep required distance from swimmers and beaches.

Personal-watercraft area

Special-use area for personal watercraft. Use only when your equipment and current instructions authorize it.

Closed area

Keep out. Temporary closures and special events can also create controlled areas that are not printed on this map.

Waterski takeoff / landing

Reserved for active waterski participants. Observe posted signs, permitted uses and directional requirements.

Sand bar

Use caution. The static map does not provide live depth, tide, hazard or clearance information.

Controlled-speed area

Read current regulations and posted signs for the applicable operating limit before proceeding.

Selected City boating rules

Know when 5 mph is the maximum.

This is a quick-reference summary, not the complete law. Current City rules, posted markers and official instructions control.

01
Sunset to sunriseThe speed limit throughout Mission Bay is 5 mph from sunset to sunrise.
02
Posted limits and bridgesDuring daylight, 5 mph also applies wherever 5 mph buoys are posted and near bridges.
03
Shore and other vesselsRemain at 5 mph or less within 100 feet of shore and within 100 feet of another vessel.
04
Swimmers, surfers and beachesNever exceed 5 mph within 100 feet of a swimmer or surfer or within 200 feet of a beach used by swimmers.
05
Sail Bay seasonal markingThe map labels the Santa Clara Cove and Sail Bay area as 5 mph from 11 AM to 5 PM, May through October. Follow the current dock briefing and posted markers.
06
Special-use and event areasSwimming areas prohibit vessels. Personal-watercraft, waterski and other special-use areas have equipment or permit restrictions. Events may temporarily change access.

Mission Bay Sportcenter rental boundaries

The map shows the bay. Your briefing defines the rental.

MBSC rental rules can be stricter than general City permissions. Follow the equipment-specific route and operating instructions given at check-in.

Remain inside Mission Bay

Do not enter the Mission Bay jetty or inlet leading to the ocean, and do not enter the ocean. Follow the turnaround point identified during your equipment-specific dock briefing.

Stay out of swim and closed zones

Do not enter designated swimming areas, closed areas or temporary regulated zones. Current barriers and official directions take priority over the printed map.

Do not anchor or beach rentals

No Mission Bay Sportcenter rental may be anchored. Pontoons, ski boats and WaveRunners may not be beached. Return to the MBSC waterfront as instructed.

No towing

Do not tow tubes, skiers, wakeboarders or any other person or device behind a Mission Bay Sportcenter rental.

Confirm bridge routes

Printed clearances are not route permission. Do not pass under any bridge unless an MBSC manager expressly authorizes that route for your specific rental.

Launch and rotate at MBSC

WaveRunner riders and drivers must depart from and return to the MBSC waterfront. Driver changes happen at the dock after applicable waiver and safety requirements.

Start and finish: Mission Bay Sportcenter 1010 Santa Clara Place, San Diego, CA 92109 • Santa Clara Cove • Grid D/E–2
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Choose how to explore

Turn the map into a Mission Bay day.

Choose the pace that fits your group, review the equipment-specific details and use the live booking calendar for current rates and start times.

Mission Bay map FAQ

Quick answers before you launch.

Where are the 5 mph zones in Mission Bay?

Mission Bay is limited to 5 mph from sunset to sunrise. During daylight, 5 mph also applies where buoys are posted, near bridges, within 100 feet of shore, within 100 feet of another vessel, within 100 feet of a swimmer or surfer and within 200 feet of a beach used by swimmers. Read current signs and the City’s complete rules.

Where can Jet Skis go fast in Mission Bay?

Operate at speed only in a designated area authorized for your rental and current conditions. Open-speed markings do not cancel distance limits, posted restrictions, seasonal limits or temporary event controls. Follow the exact route and operating-area briefing given at the MBSC dock.

Can Mission Bay Sportcenter rentals enter the ocean?

No. All standard Mission Bay Sportcenter rentals must remain inside Mission Bay and may not enter the Mission Bay jetty or inlet leading to the ocean or enter the ocean itself.

Can I beach or anchor an MBSC rental?

No Mission Bay Sportcenter rental may be anchored. Pontoons, ski boats and WaveRunners may not be beached. Follow the return and docking instructions provided for your specific rental.

Can my rental pass under a Mission Bay bridge?

Do not treat printed bridge clearances as route permission. Do not pass under any bridge unless a Mission Bay Sportcenter manager expressly authorizes that route for your specific rental.

Is this a live navigation map?

No. This is a static orientation reference, not GPS or a live nautical chart. It does not show every current hazard, closure, event zone, depth, buoy or sign. Current official information and instructions always control.

How do I save the Mission Bay map to my phone?

Choose “Open Full-Resolution Map,” then use your phone browser’s share or save-image controls. Saving it before departure can help when cellular service is weak, but the static image still does not replace current signs, instructions or live navigation.

Ready for Mission Bay?

Choose the rental. Know the bay.

Compare every Mission Bay Sportcenter rental, check the live calendar, then arrive early for check-in, waivers and the equipment-specific safety briefing.

Compare All Rentals Check Live Availability Plan Your Arrival
Questions? Call 858-488-1004
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