BODEGA

• Latitude: 38.33383
• Longitude: -123.0514
• US West Coast
• Marina in US

Location: Bodega Bay CA 94923 US

Bodega Bay is a picturesque coastal town located in Sonoma County, California, United States. While it is not a large commercial marine port, it does have facilities and infrastructure that cater to fishing, recreational boating, and some commercial activities. Here are key details about Bodega Bay:

General Description:

1. Location:

   • Situated on the northern coast of California, approximately 60 miles northwest of San Francisco.
   • GPS Coordinates: Approximately 38.3211° N latitude and 123.0486° W longitude.

2. Natural Features:

   • Known for its scenic beauty, rugged coastline, and sheltered harbor.
   • Bodega Bay itself is a small, shallow inlet of the Pacific Ocean.
   • The area is famous for its association with Alfred Hitchcock’s film "The Birds."

3. Facilities:

   • Bodega Harbor: Serves as the primary harbor area within Bodega Bay.
   • Docks and Moorage: Includes several marinas and boat slips accommodating a mix of commercial fishing vessels and recreational boats.
   • Fisherman's Wharf: Home to a commercial fishing fleet that primarily targets Dungeness crab, salmon, and various other fish species.

Port Specifications:

1. Types of Vessels:

   • Primarily small to medium-sized fishing boats and recreational vessels.
   • Limited facilities for larger commercial vessels due to shallow harbor depths and lack of extensive port infrastructure.

2. Depth and Navigation:

   • Relatively shallow harbor with varying depths around the bay.
   • Careful navigation required due to shifting sandbars and tides.
   • Entrance channel is periodically dredged to maintain navigability.

3. Berthing and Services:

   • Marinas: Offer berthing options, fuel stations, maintenance and repair services, and various amenities for boaters.
   • Commercial Docks: Used primarily by the local fishing industry for unloading catches and supplying the fleet.

4. Regulatory and Safety:

   • Managed by a combination of local, state, and federal agencies.
   • U.S. Coast Guard presence to ensure maritime safety and security.
   • Environmental regulations in place to protect marine life and local ecosystems.

5. Economic Activities:

   • Fishing: Major driver of the local economy, especially Dungeness crab and salmon seasons.
   • Tourism: Recreational activities like boating, whale watching, and sport fishing attract visitors.
   • Seafood Processing: Local facilities process and sell fresh seafood to regional markets.

Nearby Amenities and Points of Interest:

1. Tourism:

   • Bodega Head: Popular for hiking trails, scenic views, and whale watching.
   • Doran Regional Park: Offers camping, picnic areas, and beach access.
   • Local dining establishments and shops primarily cater to tourists and visitors.

2. Environmental and Research:

   • Bodega Marine Laboratory: Operated by the University of California, Davis, focusing on marine research and education.
   • Nearby protected areas and marine sanctuaries support conservation efforts.

3. Accessibility:

   • Accessible via coastal roads and routes, primarily California State Route 1 (Pacific Coast Highway).
   • Limited public transportation options, with access mainly by private vehicle.

Conclusion:

Bodega Bay serves as a charming, small-scale marine hub with a focus on commercial fishing and recreational boating. Its scenic setting, combined with a robust local fishing industry and tourism opportunities, makes it a unique and vital part of the Northern California coastal region.