A glimpse at the image above gives all the evidence needed behind the town of Half Moon Bay’s name. Located 25 miles south of San Francisco, the small surfing town of Half Moon Bay is conveniently located within driving distance of California’s second largest city, and has a well protected and maintained harbor with ample facilities.

Once a vacation and beach destination, Half Moon Bay is considered a “commuter town” by many, as most of the population work in San Francisco, which is a short 30-mile drive away.

Use NOAA Chart 18645.

Keep in mind that this chart shows sounding in fathoms, not feet. One fathom is equal to six feet.

Half Moon Bay has several reefs and areas of breaking water to the south of the harbor, all of which are well-marked. The best approach is to pick up red and white Morse (A) buoy “PP, and then aim for flashing green bell buoy “8” to the east, leaving it to port on entry. Flashing red “6” and a flashing white light mark the opening in the breakwaters to the town harbor. Depths inside are about six to eight feet.

Local Notices to Mariners are now exclusively available online from the U.S. Coast Guard.

See the “Helpful Links” section at the bottom of this page for more detailed information.

Half Moon Bay Chamber of Commerce

City of Half Moon Bay

Half Moon Bay Calendar of Events