GIG HARBOR
- Latitude: 47.3347 •
- Longitude: -122.583 •
- US West Coast •
- Marina in US
Address: US
Gig Harbor is a small city located in Pierce County, Washington, United States. It is situated on the Gig Harbor Bay, which is a natural harbor inlet of Puget Sound. The city and its port have a rich maritime history and are known for their picturesque scenery, vibrant boating community, and proximity to larger urban centers like Tacoma and Seattle.
Description and Features of Gig Harbor:
Location:
- Latitude/Longitude: Approximately 47.34° N, 122.58° W
- State: Washington
- County: Pierce
- Nearby Major Cities: Tacoma (approximately 12 miles to the northeast), Seattle (approximately 40 miles to the northwest)
Harbor Characteristics:
- Type: Natural Harbor
- Water Body: Puget Sound, connected to the Pacific Ocean
- Geography: The harbor is surrounded by a mix of residential communities, forests, and small businesses with the downtown waterfront area being particularly notable for its historic buildings and scenic views.
Maritime Facilities:
Marinas: Multiple marinas serve the area, including:
- Gig Harbor Marina & Boatyard: A large facility offering services like moorage, boat repair, and maintenance.
- Arabella's Landing Marina: Offers transient moorage and is located close to downtown amenities.
Docking: The harbor has several private and public docks suitable for a variety of vessels, including recreational boats, fishing boats, and small commercial vessels.
Anchorage: Anchorage areas within the harbor provide safe mooring for visiting boats.
Services and Amenities:
- Boat Services: Includes repair, maintenance services, fuel docks, and supply stores.
- Navigation: Marked by navigational buoys and lights to guide vessels into the harbor.
- Tourism and Recreation: Restaurants, shops, art galleries, and museums line the waterfront, attracting tourists and supporting a vibrant community culture.
Commercial Activity:
- Gig Harbor is primarily a recreational and tourist port rather than a major commercial shipping hub. However, local commercial activities do include:
- Fishing: Both commercial and recreational, with facilities for offloading and processing seafood.
- Charter Services: Fishing charters, whale watching tours, and other recreational boating services available.
Environmental and Safety:
- Tides: The harbor experiences typical tidal variations of Puget Sound, which mariners need to account for when planning moorage and navigation.
- Weather: Generally mild maritime climate but can experience fog, rain, and occasional storms, which impact marine operations.
- Conservation: Environmental stewardship is important, with efforts in place to maintain the water quality and habitat of the harbor area.
Accessibility:
- Road Access: Gig Harbor is accessible via State Route 16, which connects to major highways leading to Tacoma and Seattle.
- Parking: Ample parking is available near marinas and the downtown waterfront area, though it can be crowded during peak tourism seasons.
Community and Economic Impact:
- Gig Harbor hosts several maritime and community events, including boat shows, fishing derbies, and holiday parades.
- The local economy benefits significantly from tourism, with the harbor area being a central attraction.
Regulations and Governance:
- Managed and governed under local city ordinances in conjunction with state and federal maritime regulations.
- The Port of Tacoma has regional oversight though Gig Harbor operates independently in most maritime matters.
Conclusion:
Gig Harbor is an idyllic and vibrant maritime community known for its picturesque scenery, rich history, and recreational boating activities. While it is not a major industrial port, its facilities cater well to both the local community and visiting mariners, making it a cherished part of the Puget Sound maritime landscape.
Vessels in the port
Flag | Name | Type | Destination | Date/Time |
---|---|---|---|---|
TRADITION | Fishing | 01:47:12 | ||
KORU | Pleasure | 01:35:45 | ||
KOINONIA | Pleasure | GIG HARBOR | 01:21:22 | |
RACHEL CARSON | baycraft | GIG HABOR | 12:58:25 | |
OCEAN DREAM | Fishing | 12:48:30 | ||
HARBOR GEM | Fishing | 12:34:27 | ||
CHAMPION | Fishing | 12:32:02 | ||
DESTINY | Pleasure | 12:30:49 | ||
KAIMALU | Sailing | 12:26:19 | ||
ILLIMITE' | Sailing | B 2 A | 12:20:22 | |
OHANA | Pleasure | 12:19:59 | ||
DOG STAR II | Pleasure | 12:19:44 | ||
TNT | Pleasure | 12:19:06 | ||
LAST DANCE | Other | 12:19:05 | ||
TERN II | Pleasure | 12:18:27 | ||
CHANZY | Sailing | 12:16:19 | ||
DOLL FACE | Pleasure | 12:15:27 | ||
GREYWOLF | Pleasure | 12:15:04 | ||
REESE CAROLINE | Pleasure | 12:14:44 | ||
AVVENTURA | Sailing | 12:14:07 | ||
SALISH SERENITY | Pleasure | 12:13:45 | ||
OCEAN RHYTHM | Sailing | 12:11:10 | ||
EAGLE SPIRIT | Pleasure | 12:09:54 | ||
AQUA VIA | Pleasure | 12:07:13 | ||
TURNAGAIN | Pleasure | 12:06:39 |