RICHARDSON BAY

• Latitude: 37.87547
• Longitude: -122.5043
• US West Coast
• Marina in US

Location: Marin County CA US

Web-site: https://www.marincounty.org

Richardson Bay is a shallow, ecologically significant arm of San Francisco Bay located in Marin County, California, just north of the Golden Gate Bridge. Though it may not be a major industrial marine port like those in nearby San Francisco or Oakland, it serves a variety of purposes, including recreational boating, environmental significance, and local marina activities.

Location

• Coordinates: Approximately 37.87°N latitude and 122.49°W longitude.
• Nearby Cities: Sausalito, Tiburon, and Mill Valley.

Description

Richardson Bay is known for its scenic beauty, dotted with houseboats, marinas, and wildlife reserves. It is primarily a shallow bay, making it less suitable for deep-draft commercial vessels.

Environmental Significance

• Richardson Bay Audubon Center & Sanctuary: A critical area for migratory birds and marine life.
• Marine Ecology: Habitat for seagrass beds, fish, and considerable bird populations.

Nautical Information

• Depth: Generally shallow, with varying depths typically around 6-12 feet (1.8-3.7 meters). Deeper channels are available for marina access.
• Tides: The area experiences significant tidal changes, with tidal ranges influencing depth and navigability.

Marina and Yacht Services

• Sausalito Marinas: Several marinas in Sausalito provide yacht services, dockage, and mooring options.
• Accessibility: Accessible to smaller recreational boats and yachts, not designed for large commercial vessels.

Nearby Facilities

• Marinas: Several marinas with facilities like gas docks, boat repair, and supplies.
• Recreational Facilities: Parks, bike trails, and hiking areas surrounding the bay.
• Water Activities: Popular for sailing, kayaking, and paddleboarding.

Environmental Regulations

• Protected Waters: Certain areas within Richardson Bay are protected from development and are managed to conserve wetlands and wildlife habitats.
• No-Anchor Zones: There are designated no-anchor zones to protect the marine ecosystems.

Transportation Links

• Road Access: Easily accessible from Highway 101.
• Public Transit: Public transportation options available from surrounding towns.

Summary

Richardson Bay is more of a recreational and environmentally significant water body rather than a commercial marine port. It provides a haven for small boats and natural habitats, offering a serene contrast to the more industrial parts of San Francisco Bay. Its contribution lies more in environmental stewardship and recreational opportunities rather than heavy marine commerce.