Shelter Island Boat Launch
The new Shelter Island Boat Launch Facility was officially dedicated on January 22, 2019 with a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by community leaders and boating enthusiasts. The facility opened up to the public on December 21, 2018. It is now a state-of-the-art boat launch facility with an enlarged basin, new, longer boarding floats, a public walking platform with viewing areas, and new signage and lighting. The new facility was constructed by R.E. Staite Engineering and designed by Triton Engineering. The total construction cost was approximately $9.6 million. The project was funded with a $6.1 million grant provided by the California Department of Parks and Recreation, Division of Boating and Waterways, and a $3.5 million grant from the State of California Wildlife Conservation Board.
PUBLIC NOTICE - EMERGENCY CLOSURE
The Shelter Island Boat Launch will be closed to the public from approximately 6 a.m. to approximately 5 p.m. on Thursday, November 21, 2024. This emergency closure is to accommodate removal of a vessel that was abandoned at the launch and subsequently sank. The Port of San Diego and the Harbor Police Department will work to make accommodations for vessels that are already out to sea and want to land during the closure, but no launches will be allowed during the closure. Portions of the launch are being closed today to prepare for vessel removal tomorrow. The Port’s goal is to complete the removal and reopen the launch facility in time for the weekend. Learn more here.
The project enlarged the maneuvering area in the launch ramp's basin by 80 percent.
A beautiful pedestrian walkway is now available to enjoy views of San Diego Bay and the channel where vessels enter and depart the harbor.
Shelter Island Boat Launch Facility Improvement Project Timeline
California Division of Boating & Waterways awards a $6.1 million grant for the project.
Wildlife Conservation Board awards a $3.3 million grant for the project (award was later amended to $3.5 million to cover the total project cost of $9.6 million).
Wildlife Conservation Board awards a $3.3 million grant for the project (award was later amended to $3.5 million to cover the total project cost of $9.6 million).
Board of Port Commissioners approves a Coastal Development Permit.
Port hosts a public open house at the Port’s Administration Building to give the public the opportunity to learn more about the project, view design renderings and exhibits, and talk to the project team. Information about alternate boat launch ramps in San Diego and Mission Bay was also made available.
The Board of Port Commissioners approves R.E. Staite Engineering Inc. as the contractor.
Contractor begins mobilizing equipment and installing fencing around the project area. Construction is expected to take ten months.
Contractor closes the ramp. One lane remains open during the summer months.
Contractor closes all lanes of the launch ramp.
Launch ramp officially opens to the public.
Busiest Boat Launch in California
10lanes
50,000boat launches per year
$9.6millionimprovement project
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Shelter Island Boat Launch?
The facility is believed to be the busiest boat launch ramp in California, with an estimated 50,000 launches annually. Constructed in the mid-1950s with a single-lane concrete launch ramp, its last major improvement was completed in the mid-1970s when the existing 10-lane boat launching ramp was constructed. The facility is used by recreational boaters from the general public, including small yachts, inboard and outboard motorboats, private fishing boats, fishing tournament boats, and amphibious tour buses.
Why did the boat launch need improvements?
The Shelter Island Boat Launch was in need of repairs because of the corrosive and wearing actions of seawater and heavy use by boaters. Also, due to increased use over time and the use of larger recreational boats, the boat launch had been experiencing congestion and delays when boats launched at the facility. This was further exacerbated during low tide events when basin access was extremely limited.
How did this project improve the boat launch?
The Shelter Island Boat Launch Facility Improvements Project made the boat launch safer and more navigable in multiple ways. It:
- Enlarged the maneuvering area in the basin
- Replaced the worn-out launch ramp
- Increased the lengths of the boarding floats
- Added public walking platforms with viewing areas
- Brought the docks, public walkways and restrooms to current ADA (Americans with Disability Act) standards
What other boat launch facilities are available in the San Diego region?
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San Diego Bay San Diego Bay *Coronado National City |
San Diego Mission Bay San Diego Mission Bay |
Photos below show an aerial view of the Shelter Island Boat Launch Ramp before the improvement project began, and a conceptual rendering of the improvements.The additional photos show some of the large buried concrete debris found by the contractor during excavation operations. The removal of the debris required a change to the project schedule. Click on a photo for a larger view and to scroll through all of the photos.
