Waterfront Services

Visiting boaters' needs vary on the duration of their stay. Santa Barbara Harbor offers a coin-operated laundry near Marina 4, yacht and boat repair, commercial ice and marine fuel supply, postal services, convenience markets and wholesale fresh seafood.

The Waterfront Department conducts an annual survey of harbors and ports along the California coast to identify and compare areas of mutual interest. The survey is effective January 1st of each year, and rates are subject to change. Please contact the respective agency directly to obtain current information. Click the file below for this year's survey results: 

Previous Annual California Harbor Survey Results: 

Want to hire someone to provide a service at the Waterfront? 

If you would like to find someone to service your vessel or take you out on a fishing charter, you want to make sure they have an active Business Activity Permit (BAP). Click the document below to see the approved list of BAP permit holders. 

Want to do business at the Waterfront? 

If you have a business service you wish to offer to the Harbor community, you must obtain a BAP. BAPs are issued by the Waterfront Department and are required before conducting or engaging in any business or commercial activity of any kind (SBMC 17.28.010). All applications are reviewed before approval and issuance of a permit.

For additional information about BAPs, and to apply for one, please visit the Doing Business at the Waterfront webpage. 
 

NOTICE OF COMMERCIAL FISHING SLIP PERMIT AVAILABILTY

A LOTTERY DRAWING WILL BE HELD FOR ASSIGNMENT OF A COMMERCIAL FISHING SLIP PERMIT IN SANTA BARBARA HARBOR

A commercial fishing slip permit for berth 0C001 is available for assignment. The berth is suitable for a commercial fishing vessel measuring a maximum of 30’ x 9’ overall.

The application period is now closed.

See the full text of SBMC 17.20.005.C.5.c, Resolution No. 05-018, and Resolution No. 25-092 for complete regulations, procedures, and eligibility requirements pertaining to the Slip Waiting Lists process for a Designated Commercial Fishing Slip Permit. (Available for review at the Waterfront Administration Office)

The lottery drawing will be held at the regular meeting of the Harbor Commission scheduled Thursday, April 16, 2026. 

If you have questions regarding the Commercial Fishing Slip Lottery, contact the Waterfront Dept at (805) 564-5531 and harbor@santabarbaraca.gov. 

The Santa Barbara Cruise Ship Program is overseen by the Waterfront Department. 

For information about visiting cruise ships and for the current schedule, please click below. 

Santa Barbara Cruise Ship Program Webpage

Area Overview

Santa Barbara Harbor is one of the most picturesque boating locations in Southern California. Built in 1929, this 1139-slip harbor has become a popular destination for recreational boaters, fishermen and tourists alike. Here you will find world-class yachts, commercial fishing boats and pleasure craft side-by-side. The harbor, Stearns Wharf and nearby State Street provide visitors with a wide variety of services and recreational activities including fine restaurants, wine tasting, gift shops, whale watching, cruises and marine supplies, just to name a few.

Be sure to walk along Santa Barbara’s scenic waterfront to Stearns Wharf, a short distance from the harbor. Built in 1872, it is California’s oldest working wooden wharf and offers spectacular views of the famous “Santa Barbara Riviera.” Extending inland from the wharf is State Street. Within easy walking distance, this area is renowned for its shopping and nightlife, and is also home to several historic sites.

Berthing Information

Santa Barbara Harbor provides monthly berthing for approximately 1,100 vessels. Additionally, the harbor offers guest berthing for vessels 20’ to 170’ in length. Information provided here is intended to acquaint you with harbor facilities and policies. If you have further questions, please contact the Waterfront Administration Office at 805-564-5531. VHF Channels 16 and 12 are monitored seven days a week, 24 hours a day. A Harbor Patrol Officer is always on duty.

Monthly Berthing

Currently Santa Barbara Harbor slips are fully occupied and our slip permit waiting lists are closed to new applicants. However, we do have a slip permit transfer policy. Under this policy, when a boat is purchased the slip permit may be transferred to the buyer. Please call the Waterfront Department Administration Office for slip permit transfer details.

Visitor Berthing

Visitor berthing is on a first-come, first-served basis depending on availability; reservations are not accepted. To obtain a guest slip, visiting vessels should dock at the Harbor Patrol Accommodation Dock at the west end of the harbor, located in front of the Harbor Patrol Office. The Harbor Patrol Office is upstairs and we will issue guest slips upon arrival. Vessel registration or documentation is required when registering for a visitor slip. It is unlawful to tie-up anywhere in the harbor without permission from Harbor Patrol. Visitor fees are payable in advance and based on the overall length of your boat. Check out time is noon. Visitor slips may be renewed by contacting the Harbor Patrol office in person. Delinquency fees are charged for late payments and administrative fees may be levied for occupying a slip without registering. Occasionally, the marina may not be able to accommodate your vessel. An open anchorage area is available east of Stearns Wharf.

Click here for Visitor Berth Rates

Gate Keys

Marina gate, restroom and shower keys are available for purchase by visiting boaters. Keys are active during your stay only and may be re-activated upon your next visit.

Electricity / Water

Electricity and water are included with visitor fees in most slips. Electricity is 110 volts, 30-amp in most slips. Certain larger slips and end ties have 220 volts, 50-amp service. Marine grade twist lock cords required.

General Information

• 5 MPH maximum speed limit/no wake
• Fuel dock hours are 7:00AM – 6:00PM daily
• Pump-a-head facilities are available at the fuel dock and two locations in Marina One.
• Pets must be confined aboard your boat. Dogs must be leashed when walking to and from your boat.
• Barbecues are not permitted on marina docks or piers
• Alcoholic beverages are permitted on marina docks, but prohibited on public sidewalks.
• Automatic shut-off nozzles and buckets are required when washing off your boat. Please use fresh water wisely and do not use non-biodegradable detergents or other solvents.
• Observe best management practices during in-water maintenance activities and avoid letting pollutants reach the water.
• All vessel berthed in Santa Barbara Harbor must be operable as defined in Title 17 of the Santa Barbara Municipal Code.
• For restaurant locations, laundry, grocery stores, etc. please stop at the Harbor Patrol office for directions.

Where to stay

Boating Services Map(1.41 MB)
Directions to the Harbor(266.5 KB)
Harbor Directory Map(856.5 KB)
Waterfront Area Parking Lots Map(1.22 MB)
Wharf and Harbor Map(835.1 KB)
Wharf Directory Map

Welcome to Santa Barbara Harbor. We hope you will enjoy your visit. Please let us know if we can assist you in any way. Our Officers are on duty 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

• You may renew your slip permit to stay longer. Please stop by the Harbormaster’s Office prior to 11:00 a.m. of your check out day to pay additional visitors fees.
• Slip fees are payable in advance. Check out time is noon. A $5 late fee will be assessed in addition to the following night’s slip fee if payment is not received by noon. There are NO refunds.
• Visitor slips are checked daily. Vacant slips are reassigned to arriving boats unless dockage fees are prepaid for the day. Please do not reoccupy a slip without re-registering for it.
• It is unlawful to tie up without permission from the Harbormaster’s Office, or depart without paying fees that are due. Daily delinquency fees are charged for late payment and administrative fees may be levied for occupying a slip without registering.
• The Harbor Patrol may move boats as needed for the convenience of the Harbor.
• Barbecues are not permitted on marina docks or piers.
• A marine sanitation holding tank pump out station is located on the fuel dock. It is available without charge when the fuel dock is open. There are 3 additional pump outs within Marina One: A-walkway, O/R walkway, and R/S walkway. A port-a-potty cleaning and pump out station is available at the launch ramp.
• Disposal tanks for used (uncontaminated) boat motor oil are available at marinas 2 and 4.
• Trash pick-up from marina litter cans is done daily. Please place larger quantities of refuse in landside dumpster.
• Alcoholic beverages are permitted in marinas but prohibited on public sidewalks.
• All pets must be confined aboard your boat. Dogs must be leashed to and from your boat.
• Please use fresh water wisely. Automatic shut off nozzles and buckets are required when washing off boats.
• The maximum stay at the visitor base rate is 14 cumulative days. The daily rate doubles on the fifteenth day. After 28 days, the vessel must vacate the Harbor for at least 5 consecutive days.

CONDUCT WATERFRONT BUSINESS ONLINE

PARKING

Pay or Contest Parking Citations

All parking citations (including PD and Harbor Patrol’s) can be paid or contested within 21 days online or via phone:

• Pay or Contest Online: www.paymycite.com/
• Pay or Contest by Phone: 855-544-9368 Monday-Friday 8am-5pm.

Reserve Parking for a Special Event

Members of the public can make a parking reservation for special events, such as weddings, birthdays, sporting events, etc. by contacting the Waterfront Parking Office via phone or email:

• Phone: 805-564-5520
• Email: WFParking@SantaBarbaraCA.gov

Any questions about Waterfront Parking

Visit our website or call the Parking Office:

• Parking Website

Parking Phone Numbers: 805-564-5523 or 805-897-1965.

MARINA

Slip Fee Payments: 

• Credit card payments over the phone: 805-564-5531

Visitor Fishermen can submit fish tickets via email: harbor@santabarbaraca.gov

Slip Management:

• 99% of Slip Management forms can be filled out and submitted online
  • Renew Slip Permit
  • Auto pay form
  • e-Billing form
  • Vacation Live-aboard permits (or cancellation requests)
  • Contact Info Change request form

The Santa Barbara Harbor maintains waiting lists for boat slips that become available throughout the harbor. Because demand for slips exceeds availability, the City has established an annual lottery process through which eligible applicants may obtain a position on the applicable Slip Permit Waiting List.

Under the former waiting list process, applicants were placed on the list based on the date their application was received. Under the new process, eligible applicants have an opportunity to participate in an annual random lottery to establish their position on the applicable waiting list.

Participation in the lottery does not guarantee assignment of a slip. Rather, it provides eligible applicants an opportunity to obtain a position on the applicable Slip Permit Waiting List. When slips become available, they are offered to applicants in waiting list order in accordance with Santa Barbara Municipal Code (SBMC) Section 17.20.005.

Click the below link for more information and to apply for the Slip Waiting List. 

Slip Waiting List Webpage
 

Water quality testing is conducted at the harbor approximately once a month. Click on the document below to see the latest results. 

Weather is sourced by NOAA, visit Waterfront Weather page for more information.

Own the luxury yacht of your dreams and captain your next adventure.

• Chandlery Yacht Brokerage
  (805) 965-4538
• Seacoast Yacht Sales
  (805) 962-8195
• Sunset Kidd Yacht Sales
  (805) 962-8222