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Port of San Diego

USSAN🇺🇸USA

Port Location

About Port of San Diego

This public-benefit corporation administers San Diego Bay and its waterfront. It serves as a major hub for cruise ships and naval vessels, with pilotage and tug services available.

Background
The Port of San Diego is a seaport on San Diego Bay in San Diego, California. Established in 1962 by an act of the California State Legislature, it operates as a self-supporting special district and administers the bay and its waterfront under the state's Tidelands Trust.

Current Conditions

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Vessel Limits

Channel Depth
11ft
Tidal Range
1ft
Elevation
282m

Operations & Services

Port of Entry
Yes
Pilotage Compulsory
Yes
Tug Assistance
Yes
Cranes
Fixed, Mobile, Floating
Drydock
Medium
Repair Code
A

References & Identifiers

WPI No.
16010 →
GeoNames ID
5391814 →
Wikidata
Q7231256 →
Wikipedia
Read on Wikipedia →
Official Site
www.portofsandiego.org →

Identification

UN/LOCODE
USSAN
Country
🇺🇸USA
Time Zone
UTC-8
Feature Type
CNL (Canal)

Classification

Type
Port
Harbor Type
Coastal natural
Shelter
Excellent

Region

Subdivision
US-CA
Area
US West Coast
Latitude
32.6537°
Longitude
-117.1141°

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I navigate the approach to the Port of San Diego?+
The approach to San Diego is supported by 5 navigation aids within 50 nautical miles. The nearest is Umpqua River Replica Lighthouse at 5.5 NM to the WNW. Other aids include Point Loma (6.5 NM W), Point Loma (6.5 NM W), Harbor Island (6.6 NM NW), San Diego Entrance Range Rear (6.9 NM WNW). Mariners should consult the relevant chart and List of Lights for full approach details.
What major shipping routes pass near the Port of San Diego?+
The Port of San Diego is located within the US West Coast shipping lane — a major trans-Pacific trade route serving West Coast ports of the United States. This strategic position influences vessel traffic density, anchorage availability, and port scheduling.
How do I track vessels arriving at or departing from the Port of San Diego?+
You can track vessels near San Diego (USSAN) in real time using MarineRadar. The platform displays live AIS positions of nearby ships, including vessel name, type, flag, speed, and course. Use the "Track Vessels Nearby" button on this page or search for USSAN on the live map.
What are the operating hours and time zone for the Port of San Diego?+
The Port of San Diego operates in the UTC-8 time zone. Operating hours, VTS schedules, and pilot availability vary — vessel agents should confirm with the port authority in advance, especially for night arrivals or weekend operations.