Harbor Island West Marina in San Diego has entered a new stage of its long-planned redevelopment project. The Dockmaster’s office has recently relocated to temporary trailers in the marina parking lot as preparations begin for the demolition of the existing building and the start of construction.
Located at the west end of Harbor Island, Harbor Island West Marina is one of San Diego Bay’s most recognizable marina destinations. The marina includes 620 slips accommodating vessels ranging from 21 to 100 feet and offers immediate access to both the bay and the open ocean. It is the first marina reached when approaching from the west end of the island, just past Tom Ham’s Lighthouse, placing it at a highly visible gateway to San Diego’s waterfront.
The redevelopment effort has been years in the making and reflects both practical needs and evolving expectations within the boating community. According to Natasha McCarthy-Delamere of Beauchamp Leslie Development & Management, the decision to pursue redevelopment was driven by the condition of the existing facilities and a desire to position the marina for long-term success. “Harbor Island West Marina pursued this redevelopment primarily to modernize aging infrastructure and ensure the long-term safety, reliability, and quality of our waterfront facilities. After decades of service, many of the marina’s docks, pilings, and utility systems have reached the point where replacement is necessary.”
Beyond addressing age and wear, the project has been designed to reflect how marinas are used today. McCarthy-Delamere says the upgrades are closely aligned with what modern boaters expect. “Just as importantly, the redevelopment responds directly to what today’s boating community needs and expects. The new docks are designed to accommodate a wider range of vessel sizes and to provide upgraded power, lighting, and safety features.” She adds that “landside improvements, including new boater amenities, more functional marina buildings, and enhanced public-facing spaces, support both longtime slip holders and visiting boaters who rely on the marina for fuel, service, and day-to-day access to the bay.”
Plans for the project include a new swimming pool and spa, boater lounge, lockers, workout room, and resort-style shower facilities. These additions are intended to elevate the marina experience beyond basic dockage. “Once construction is complete, the new facilities and infrastructure at Harbor Island West Marina will deliver the enhanced experience we’ve been working toward for a wide range of boaters,” McCarthy-Delamere says. “These upgrades reflect our long-term commitment to maintaining a safe, welcoming, and modern marina.”
She notes that the physical improvements are paired with thoughtful design aimed at daily usability. “The project includes new dock systems with upgraded utilities, improved infrastructure, and wider, more stable walkways that make day-to-day use more comfortable for everyone.” Onshore amenities will also expand significantly. “Onshore, boaters will see new amenities such as a workout room, boaters’ lounge, business center, and much more. These enhancements are designed to create a more resort-style feel across the marina.”
Public access is another key component of the redevelopment. The project includes a new public viewing deck and a waterfront promenade intended to strengthen the marina’s connection to the surrounding community. McCarthy-Delamere explains that these features are designed to make the waterfront more inviting for both boaters and visitors. “The new public viewing deck and new waterfront promenade are designed to bring the community closer to the water and create a more welcoming, walkable connection from the east end of the marina to the west end.”
She adds that the viewing deck will offer an accessible way for the public to engage with marina life. “The viewing deck will offer sweeping, unobstructed views of the marina, which will give visitors a place to watch boating activity, enjoy sunsets, and experience the waterfront even if they’re not out on the water themselves.” The promenade, she says, will further encourage that interaction. “Alongside it, the new promenade will provide a wider, longer, more comfortable path that encourages activity along the water.”
With construction expected to span multiple phases, maintaining normal marina operations has been a central focus of the planning process. McCarthy-Delamere emphasizes that service continuity remains a priority. “Harbor Island West Marina is prioritizing service continuity throughout the redevelopment, with a phased construction plan that keeps the marina operational from start to finish.” Essential services will remain available. “The marina is maintaining essential services, including fuel dock access, boater support, security, and parking throughout most of the project.”
Clear communication with tenants has also been emphasized throughout the transition. “Communication is very important to us and a big part of our strategy,” she says. “We share ongoing updates with our boaters, and our team is always available to answer any questions or concerns.” The overarching goal, she adds, is to balance progress with access. “Our goal has always been to keep the marina fully functional while creating as little disruption as possible and to allow our boaters to continue enjoying the water even as long-term improvements take place.”
Looking beyond the marina itself, the redevelopment is expected to deliver broader economic and community benefits. “The redevelopment is designed to deliver long-term benefits that extend well beyond the upgraded docks,” McCarthy-Delamere says. “For boaters, the [investment] ensures a more modern facility that will remain competitive for decades to come.” She notes that improved infrastructure helps draw visitors. “New infrastructure enhances the overall boating experience, which helps attract both local boaters and visiting mariners who contribute to the regional waterfront economy.”
The surrounding Harbor Island area is also expected to benefit from the improvements. “Improved public spaces, such as the waterfront promenade, viewing deck, and enhanced pedestrian connections, are expected to increase foot traffic, attract more visitors, and support nearby businesses.” McCarthy-Delamere says these upgrades reinforce the marina’s role within the larger waterfront. “A more attractive, accessible marina helps strengthen Harbor Island’s role as one of San Diego’s signature waterfront destinations, supporting tourism, hospitality, and recreation.”
Despite the scope of change, marina leadership says preserving Harbor Island West’s identity has remained central to the project. McCarthy-Delamere describes the marina as having a character that sets it apart. “Harbor Island West Marina has long been defined by a laid-back, welcoming character that blends the feel of a neighborhood waterfront with the energy of one of San Diego’s most active boating communities in a prime location in San Diego Bay.”
That sense of familiarity is something the redevelopment aims to protect. “Many boaters have been part of the marina for decades, and that sense of familiarity- where staff know boaters by name and neighbors look out for one another sets our marina apart.” Location also plays a role. “Sitting at the gateway to the bay, the marina offers immediate access to the open water, which is located close to Harbor Islands’ restaurants and shoreline recreation.” Ultimately, she says, “Harbor Island West stands out because it balances convenience, easy water access, and a genuine sense of community. The culture on our docks is as much a part of the experience as the boating itself.”
That history remains a source of pride as the marina enters its next chapter. “Harbor Island West Marina has always been more than just a place to dock a boat,” McCarthy-Delamere says. “For decades, it has been a hub for San Diego’s boating community-a gathering place where familiar boaters and visiting boaters connect over a shared love of the water.” As construction moves forward, she notes that continuity remains key. “While we’re modernizing our facilities and amenities, we’re committed to preserving the sense of community and continuity that makes Harbor Island West Marina distinct- a place where people know each other, traditions are celebrated, and the waterfront remains accessible and welcoming to all.”
Construction is expected to commence in late January 2026 and will proceed in phases, with marina operations remaining open throughout the project. The first phase of new slips is anticipated to be available by June 2026, marking the beginning of a renewed era for Harbor Island West Marina.
