For boaters and anglers who live in Ventura — or those planning a visit to its harbor — few places blend comfort, convenience, and coastal charm quite like Ventura West Marina. Located along Navigator Drive on the west side of Ventura Harbor, this full-service marina has become a cornerstone of the local boating community, offering not only slips and maintenance services but an entire lifestyle designed around the needs of serious boaters, cruisers, and fishermen.
“Ventura West Marina has been a cornerstone of the Ventura Harbor for decades, originally developed as part of the harbor’s expansion to serve both local boaters and visiting yachtsmen,” said Natasha McCarthy-Delamere, speaking on behalf of the marina. “Over the years, we’ve grown into one of the largest marinas in the area, home to over 500 slips and a vibrant community of recreational boaters, extended stays (liveaboards), and anglers. Throughout its history, Ventura West Marina has remained committed to providing a safe, welcoming, and well-maintained home port. Now, as we modernize and look forward to the future, that same spirit of service and community continues to guide everything we do.”
The marina features 554 slips accommodating vessels from 20 to 92 feet, each equipped with secure dock access, electricity, water, and Wi-Fi. For local boaters, it’s a reliable year-round home base. For visiting anglers and cruisers, it’s a welcoming, full-amenity harbor stop just minutes from open water and some of the most productive fishing grounds off the Southern California coast.
McCarthy-Delamere emphasized that community and boater-friendly service are what truly set Ventura West apart. “Our staff is knowledgeable and friendly,” she said. “We offer gated access, great amenities such as a Boater’s Lounge, a Workout Room, and a newly installed Pump-Out. Our management team is attentive and genuinely knows our boaters by name.” That personal touch, she explained, is part of what has helped the marina maintain long-term tenants and become a trusted stopover for visiting yachts.
Its location is another defining feature. Set within Ventura Harbor, the marina provides immediate access to the Santa Barbara Channel and the Channel Islands, making it a natural gateway to Anacapa and Santa Cruz Islands—both favorites for anglers, divers, and coastal cruisers. “Our location within the harbor offers the perfect balance of convenience, comfort, and coastal charm,” said McCarthy-Delamere. “We offer our boaters the best of both worlds — direct access to the open ocean and the calm protection of the harbor basin. Slip holders and extended stays enjoy peaceful surroundings with scenic mountain and ocean views, while still being just steps away from Ventura Harbor Village’s restaurants, cafés, and shops.”
For boaters planning island runs, Ventura West’s proximity to open water is unmatched. Anglers can reach Anacapa Island in roughly an hour, where yellowtail, calico bass, and rockfish are abundant. Santa Cruz Island lies just beyond, offering protected anchorages for overnight trips or multi-day getaways. The marina’s convenient position allows boaters to enjoy both offshore adventure and onshore amenities with minimal travel time.
But Ventura West Marina isn’t just about location. It’s about experience. “Our boaters really value the combination of comfort, convenience, and community that Ventura West Marina offers,” McCarthy-Delamere said. “For those who spend extended time aboard, the clean and well-maintained docks, the spacious restrooms, and our landside amenities make life on the water feel easy and enjoyable.”
The marina features private restrooms and showers, a spacious laundry room, workout facilities, and a Boater’s Lounge complete with a kitchenette, televisions, and a lending library. Whether you’re prepping for a long trip, returning from an offshore run, or just enjoying a lazy day aboard, everything you need is steps away from the dock.
Offshore anglers, in particular, benefit from the marina’s design and attention to detail. “Anglers appreciate our proximity to the bait docks and fish cleaning stations, all designed to support their active boating lifestyle,” McCarthy-Delamere explained. “We’re one of the few marinas in the area that cater equally well to both recreational cruisers and serious offshore anglers, offering easy ocean access without the congestion of busier harbors.”
That thoughtful infrastructure extends to safety and security, one of Ventura West’s biggest draws. The facility maintains gated docks, seven-night-a-week professional patrols, and 24-hour surveillance. For long-term tenants, the marina’s dedication to safety provides peace of mind both on and off the water. McCarthy-Delamere noted, “Our boaters trust that their vessels are secure, and that sense of confidence allows them to relax and truly enjoy their time here.”
The marina’s attention to detail also shines in its amenities for liveaboard boaters and extended-stay guests. With storage lockers, freezer space and a guest room with kitchen access, the property provides all the essentials for life afloat. Slipholders also enjoy complimentary parking and Wi-Fi, making the marina as comfortable for full-time residents as it is for weekenders.
Beyond its day-to-day operations, Ventura West Marina remains forward-focused. The marina is preparing for a new phase of redevelopment that will redefine its role in Ventura’s boating landscape. “We’re very excited about the upcoming plans for Ventura West Marina,” McCarthy-Delamere said. “The project represents a major investment in the long-term vitality of our boating community. It will include brand-new docks with upgraded power and water systems, improved accessibility, and enhanced safety features. These updates will create an even better experience for all boaters.”
These upgrades align with Ventura West’s broader vision of becoming one of California’s most modern, sustainable marinas. The redevelopment underscores the marina’s ongoing commitment to innovation while preserving the personal, small-harbor feel that keeps boaters coming back, year after year.
For anglers, the harbor’s location offers unbeatable access to year-round fishing opportunities. The Santa Barbara Channel yields rockfish, lingcod, halibut, and white seabass near the islands, with yellowtail and bluefin tuna during warmer months. The combination of calm harbor waters and immediate offshore access makes Ventura West a favorite among both local sportfishing enthusiasts and visiting anglers seeking a change from busier Southern California harbors.
McCarthy-Delamere highlighted that sense of connection as central to Ventura West’s identity. “We find that the sense of community among our boaters is often our strongest amenity,” she said. “Boaters look out for one another, share local tips, and gather for marina events, which create a welcoming environment that’s hard to find elsewhere.”
That community spirit extends beyond the docks. Slipholders regularly participate in Ventura Harbor’s signature events such as the Christmas Parade of Lights, harbor cleanups, and local regattas. The marina supports the broader ecosystem of Ventura’s working waterfront by bringing visitors who frequent nearby marine supply stores, boatyards, restaurants, and charter operations.
For those planning to stay long-term, slip rates remain competitive, with monthly fees starting around $300 for smaller slips and scaling up to about $1,000 for 50-foot berths. The marina’s flexibility accommodates everything from trailerable fishing boats to larger cruising yachts.
As Ventura Harbor continues to evolve, Ventura West Marina remains at the heart of its growth—balancing practical service with personal connection. McCarthy-Delamere summarized it best: “We’ve always believed that a marina should be more than a place to tie up; it should feel like a home port. Our goal is to create a space where boaters feel valued, connected, and ready for their next adventure.”
For anyone navigating Ventura Harbor, chasing yellowtail near Anacapa, setting course for Santa Cruz Island, or seeking a dependable home berth, Ventura West Marina is more than a waypoint. It’s a full harbor experience, where every sunrise over the masts and every familiar greeting on the docks reminds visitors why Ventura remains one of California’s most inviting coastal communities.
