Roughly 100 miles south of Monterey, and 165 miles north of Los Angeles, Morro Bay is an important harbor of refuge for boaters transiting the mid-coast California region. Known for the ever present and dominating 578-foot-high Morro Rock and a well-protected harbor with ample facilities, this is the only stopover between San Luis Obispo and Monterey.

Use NOAA Chart 18703.

Keep in mind that this chart has depths shown in fathoms, not in feet. One fathom equals one foot, so the three and a half-foot depths you see in the Morro Bay Inlet are actually 21-foot depths.

Approach from Estero Bay to the west. Approaching from offshore, the three tall stacks of the local electric plant and an excellent landmark. Red and white Morse (A) buoy “MB” is the initial approach light for Morro Bay, followed by the 36-foot-tall flashing white Morro Bay West Breakwater Light, which guides you inside the inlet to flashing red buoy “2.”

The United States Coast Guard advises that due to continually changing inlet depths, temporary buoys are constantly moved around to reflect the deepest parts of the channel. Mid-channel depths range from 19 to 21 feet. A rolling swell can make this inlet a bit of a challenge to underpowered boats, but if you have transited many California inlets, you’re an old hand at this point. Newcomers should use caution.

Once inside, 12- to 19-foot depths prevail. A large mooring field is located off of the town docks and runs down past the town’s park and boat ramps. Keep a close lookout for moored vessels.

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.

The CCAT provides transportation throughout the San Luis Obispo region. All buses are wheelchair-accessible and have external bicycle racks. See “Regional Transit Authority” link below for more information.

Morro Bay Chamber of Commerce

Morro Bay California

Morro Bay Calendar of Events

Regional Transit Authority