Ayala Cove, Angel Island

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Waynepj4

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Joined
Oct 13, 2008
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30904
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Hello there,
Im planning on taking a trip from Martinez Marina to Ayala Cove, Angel Island. My question is there enough to do there to occupy our time enough to spend the night or should I just make it a day trip and then find a nearby marina. I know there is hiking but what else?

I was thinking about leaving on a Saturday morning..should take about 1.5 hours to get there. Hiking..eating lunch..maybe swim off the beach..not sure if thats allowed ..sleep, read,..eat dinner and spend the night.

The following day I would like to eat lunch at Sams in Tiburon..and then head back to Martinez.

Thoughts? I own a Bayliner 285
 
"State Park Closures and Fire Information

Wildfire on Angel Island State Park - Natural Causes Ruled Out

Angel Island State Park, California. Fire investigators have determined that the cause of the wildfire on Angel Island State Park was “human” in nature. The investigation will continue to identify the specific cause of the blaze.

A total of 380 acres were scorched in the Park after the fire erupted Sunday evening just before 9 PM. Firefighters worked tirelessly through the night to protect dozens of historic buildings. Several firefighters will remain on the island to assist with the rehabilitation of the burned areas and continue mop-up operations. PG&E has restored power to the island.

Angel Island State Park is currently closed to the public. The Park will re-open on a limited basis Monday October 20th. Due to safety and protection of cultural and natural resources the areas above Perimeter Road, which includes all campsites, will remain closed until further notice. Additional information about the Park can be obtained by calling 415-435-5390."
http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=468

It might be worth a call to see what's available after the fire.

I've been there in the summer when the bar, general store and restaurant are open near the docks. I hear there is a lot to see on the island hike, but I haven't done it yet. Next time... The website lists the attractions.

Al
 
During the summer season there is plenty to do to occupy you for a day. After the fire and in early November, I'm not sure. They have a little tour tram that will take you around the island which includes an audio tour guide. It is very informative and interesting (the first few times, we have done it many times with new guests). There is also a picnic area with built in BBQ's for cooking and eating lunch.

Be sure to bring at least two LONG lines(~50-100 ft ea.) so that you can run a line thru the mooring ball and back to your boat at bow and stern. This will allow you to adjust your position and to leave without having to go back to the mooring balls. A "Happy Hooker" is handy for running your line thru the mooring ball eye.

Enjoy your trip!
 
We stopped by for a couple of hours on Sunday. You couldn't tell there was a fire in the cove. You are still able to hike around the lower part of the Island but most of the middle was closed. It was warm on Sunday as it was the only place on the bay not in the fog. You are allowed to swim off the beach but you will want a really warm day. The picnic area is great as once the last ferry leaves around 5pm there is hardly anyone there. It also looked like the tram tour was still operating. I thought they mentioned they would be closing the snack bar for the season very soon. Probably not a big deal as we always bring our own food and drinks.
 
Wayne,
At this time of the year, as the sun goes down it gets cold very fast on the island, especially on the water. If you don't have a generator I would recommend to spend the night at the Schoonmaker Marina in Sausalito. They have power and you can also have a nice dinner in town. In the morning, you can go to Sam's just around the corner in Tiburon.
 
quote:
Originally posted by kgd

We stopped by for a couple of hours on Sunday. You couldn't tell there was a fire in the cove. You are still able to hike around the lower part of the Island but most of the middle was closed. It was warm on Sunday as it was the only place on the bay not in the fog. You are allowed to swim off the beach but you will want a really warm day. The picnic area is great as once the last ferry leaves around 5pm there is hardly anyone there. It also looked like the tram tour was still operating. I thought they mentioned they would be closing the snack bar for the season very soon. Probably not a big deal as we always bring our own food and drinks.

Click to expand...

Where did you leave out of? Do you keep your boat in the SF Bay or in the delta? How long did it take you to get to Angel island?
 
I keep my boat at PIER 39 so it's really close for me. You are probably looking at 50 miles each way using Willow Berm on the Delta as a reference point. It does cool down pretty quick once the sun goes down but you are protected from the wind so that helps. The temps are a bit more moderate on the bay than the delta. You will also want to check the tides as that can make the trip a bit faster. If the winds are blowing very hard it can also be a very rough trip from around the Benicia Bridge to San Rafael. One of the trips this summer we had about 5 to 7 foot wind waves through that stretch on our trip back home.

Kris

Kris
 
quote:
Originally posted by kgd

I keep my boat at PIER 39 so it's really close for me. You are probably looking at 50 miles each way using Willow Berm on the Delta as a reference point. It does cool down pretty quick once the sun goes down but you are protected from the wind so that helps. The temps are a bit more moderate on the bay than the delta. You will also want to check the tides as that can make the trip a bit faster. If the winds are blowing very hard it can also be a very rough trip from around the Benicia Bridge to San Rafael. One of the trips this summer we had about 5 to 7 foot wind waves through that stretch on our trip back home.

Kris

Kris

Click to expand...

Im coming from Martinez so about 20 miles each way. I wont be doing this trip until the spring but I like to plan ahead. Im thinking we would take the tour....bbq on the beach...read..sleep and then head out to Sams...eat dinner and dock at a nearby Marina for the night.

Or..if there is enough to do..stay the night in Ayala cove..watch a movie on the boat...go to sleep and then head to Sams the next day for lunch...walk around Tiburon..and then back to Martinez.

The question Im grappling with is weather or not to spend the night in Ayala Cove...Ive never tied up to mooring buoys and IM not sure how much trouble they would be..if we could spend the night tied up to the dock that would be best.
 
Mooring bouys should be as secure or even more so than a dock. Just make sure you have enough line to tie off to both the bow and stern. I would do the trip before the spring if you have the chance, it is way better without alot of other boats there. There are always good days to go, you just might have to change your schedule once or twice because of the weather but that can happen in the spring and summer also (but probably just due to wind not rain). We are probably going to head over there today for a while, might spend the night, we'll play it by ear.

Kris
 
The mooring bouys won't be an issue, but you may get rocked a little by the Tiburon Ferry or a passing ship.
 
Best way to approach the mooring buoys is to take a very long line, loop it through one, then proceed to the other buoy and loop a line through that one as well. After you have the two buoys, adjust the slack to place yourself in the middle. Face northeast, as that is where the biggest wakes will come from. This is all best understood by looking at the diagram at:

http://www.angelisland.org/mooring.htm

Looping both lines through the rings on the buoys makes departure simple.

Advice to pay first at the "iron ranger" (kiosk) on the dock is well taken. The rangers used to dingy around and collect fees, but current news is that they don't like to dingy around, and if they are forced to, they will dingy around to write tickets rather than to collect fees. Tickets cost more.

BTG
 
I agree with Kris to not wait until spring to make your first trip. During the wintertime between storms [ie, delta fog is hanging around] it will be sunny and beautiful heading to the bay with winds which will not be a factor. You do not want to learn how to catch the buoys with much wind to deal with. Also, try to have currents which are slack or slow. A fast moving current will hamper your first attempts too. Look at the tide/current charts into the future and find when they will be most favorable. Then, noting the dates which are available for this trip, wait until the time is approaching to see what the weather predictions are for that time. Have some patience and you find the right timing for your trip given currents, winds and weather.

After you have made your trip, post back with your experiences and possibly some pictures! We will all wish we were with you.
 
This weekend is supposed to be nice too. Mid '70's and light winds. Perfect fall weather. And it may be the last nice weekend we have for awhile.

I would keep an eye on the weather and if the forecast holds up, I would do it.
 
I spent a few hours there today, very warm and sunny and only a couple of other boats. Very nice way to spend the afternoon.

Kris
 
quote:
Originally posted by kgd

I spent a few hours there today, very warm and sunny and only a couple of other boats. Very nice way to spend the afternoon.

Kris

Click to expand...

All good advice. I would rather go sooner than later as well. Quick question. Can you spend the night tied up to the dock? If not Im going to have to check the length of my rope. Also, the only nearby marina next to Sams is SF yacht club. Do they have guest docks for any boater or do you have to belong to a yacht club of some sort?
 
Wayne,
You can not spend the night at the dock. You have to use the moorings. You can use the guest dock at the Corinthian Yahct Club or at the San Francisco Yacht Club but you have to be member of a Yacht Club that has reciprocity with them.
 
quote:
Originally posted by Waynepj4

quote:
Originally posted by kgd

I spent a few hours there today, very warm and sunny and only a couple of other boats. Very nice way to spend the afternoon.

Kris

Click to expand...

All good advice. I would rather go sooner than later as well. Quick question. Can you spend the night tied up to the dock? If not Im going to have to check the length of my rope. Also, the only nearby marina next to Sams is SF yacht club. Do they have guest docks for any boater or do you have to belong to a yacht club of some sort?

Click to expand...
I would get some extra rope if needed and head out. It's going to be a great weekend and probably the last for awhile.
 
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