In the Golden State, boating is one of the best ways you can spend a sunny day. California has miles upon miles of stunning coastline alongside over 1,000 miles of lakes to explore. Whether you’re a water skier, angler, boater, or swimmer, California waters have a place waiting for you.
When it comes to boating in California, there are so many options that you probably don’t know where to start. Follow our guide to boating in California for our go-to safety tips, boating registration requirements, and boating locations.
How to Start Boating in California
Most boaters in California must carry a boating license to operate any motorized boats — and soon, they all will.
As of January 1, 2021, all boaters 40 years of age or younger must obtain and carry a California Boater Card. Boaters of all ages will be required to obtain the card by 2025.
Most California boaters must also register their boats, which can be done in person at the Department of Motor Vehicles. You can also complete this process by mail.
To register your boat you’ll need:
- Application for Vessel Certificate of Number
- Proof of ownership
After registering your boat, you’re ready to hit the water!
Our Favorite California Boating and Fishing Spots
Where should you boat in California? Check out this list of some of favorite spots for fishing and boating.
Shasta Lake
Shasta Dam was constructed between 1935 and 1945, and the lake was filled completely for the first time in 1952. Its 370-mile shoreline exceeds that of San Francisco Bay. At full pool, the expanse of the lake surface covers 29,500 acres.
The lake elevation at the spillway is 1,067 feet. With its winding arms and numerous inlets, there’s always somewhere new for California boaters to explore.
Boating is a popular sport on Shasta Lake, and both Forest Service and commercial ramps are available. Each of the seven designated Forest Service ramps has a paved ramp and a lit parking area. A daily use fee is required.
When lake levels are down more than 75 feet, some ramps become inoperable or are moved to an alternate location. A few ramps are long enough to accommodate launching when the lake levels go below 75 feet. These ramps are located at Hirz Bay, Jones Valley, Sugarloaf, and Centimudi.
Trinity Lake
With a 147-mile shoreline, Trinity Lake is one of Northern California’s pristine boating destinations. Trinity Lake is located within the Shasta-Trinity National Forest. The lake is encompassed by miles of tree-lined shores to explore.
You can also find some of the best water sports opportunities and world-class trout and bass fishing.
Shaver Lake
Take a look out from Shaver Lake’s shoreline, and you will see something rare in most recreational lakes. Large granite outcroppings right down to the water on about 90% of the lake create breathtaking views. The shoreline has numerous coves where you can anchor boats and swim with the high Sierra vistas in the background.
There are all kinds of watersports to engage in, from ski boats to large deck boats to sailboats to jet skis, canoes, kayaks, and more.
You have two options for launching your boat. The first is Shaver Lake Marina in Camp Edison campground. The second is Sierra Marina, at the lake’s north end, past the dam. Both are full-service marinas with fuel and supplies and rental boats.
Lake Havasu
Lake Havasu City is centrally located along 60 continuous miles (30.16 sq. miles) of lake and river waterways and uniquely stays at a fairly consistent water elevation all year round. The City sees around 300 days of sunshine each year, so you can take your boating vacation any time of year with warm air and water temperatures.
Lake Havasu offers many boat rental companies, or you can use one of the many launch ramps cascaded around the lake. There are also a plethora of marinas and fueling stations. Many hotels, RV parks, and campgrounds have their own docks and ramps for guests.
Lake Tahoe
Lake Tahoe is considered one of the oldest lakes in the world and attracts over 2.7 million visitors per year. It offers an array of outdoor adventures and sports like hiking, biking, boating, fishing, golfing, skiing, river rafting, and more.
Its popularity is due to the beautiful scenery, including views of the 7,000+ foot mountain and the stunning lake featuring postcard-perfect shorelines. Visitors to Lake Tahoe say the water is bluer than the sky and rave about the gorgeous surrounding hills and forests.
Lake Tahoe has a marina where boat rentals are available. Take in the scenery and experience from the lake itself, whether out for a cruise, paddle, or boat tour to Emerald Bay. Crystal-clear water and vistas abound!
For more insights, check out our complete guide to Boating on Lake Tahoe.
BOATsmart! Helps You Boat in California Safely
With as many lakes and as much coastline as California offers, it makes sense that boating safety is at the top of officials’ and boaters’ minds. Be sure to strap on your lifejackets and make sure that you can legally operate your boat by completing a boater safety course.
By using BOATsmart! to help with your boating safety education in California, you’ll be prepared for all the boating, swimming, and fishing days you can handle. With animated and narrated lessons built to engage and teach, our courses are perfect for every boater age.
As a Coast Guard and NASBLA-approved boating educator, we’re the top choice for Californians looking for an efficient, accredited, and info-packed boating safety education course.
Originally published November 2018. Content most recently reviewed and updated on August 19, 2024, for freshness, accuracy, and comprehensiveness.
