Harbormaster

Baltimore Harbormaster Logo

Welcome to Baltimore’s Inner Harbor - Your Gateway to the Chesapeake!

The Baltimore City Harbormaster Office manages over 3,000 linear feet of docking space in the world-famous Inner Harbor. While we do not offer all the amenities of private marinas, we do have low, low rates and location, location, location! Dock at the Inner Harbor and be in the middle of Charm City, within easy walking distance of the City Center, Harbor East, Federal Hill, South Baltimore and Camden Yards sports complex. 

Overhead view of Baltimore Inner Harbor at twilight

Contact Information

Hours of Operation

  • In season (May thru October): 9 am to 7 pm, 7 days a week
  • Off season (November thru April): 8:30 am to 4:30 pm, Monday through Friday

Advance Reservation System

Coming soon: Link to the Dockwa App reservation system and Inner Harbor payment kiosk locations. 

Link to Map of Docking Locations

Berthing Locations by the Inner Harbor

Coming soon for the 2025 Boating Season!

If you have not made a reservation in advance, Hail the Harbormaster Office on VHF 72, or call 410-396-3174. In the near future we plan to install three payment kiosks located at the Finger Piers, Pier 3 and Pier 5.

Please have the following information ready:

  • Vessel length and beam
  • State registration number
  • Captain's phone number and email
  • Vessel Insurance

Rates

  • 2025 rates are coming soon!

Payment Method

Payment by credit card is due at the time a reservation is confirmed by the Harbormaster, or upon arrival at the dock.

Rules and Regulations

  • Baltimore Harbor is a No Discharge Zone (No waste discharge of any kind).
  • Maximum speed from Fort McHenry to the Inner Harbor is 6 knots with No Wake Permitted.
  • All boats requesting municipal docking privileges must register with the Dockmaster upon arrival.
  • No more than one boat may be rafted outboard a docked vessel. Rafting is permitted only with consent of the Dockmaster and the master of inboard boat. Full docking fees apply to rafted vessels.
  • No swimming or diving at any time (but we're working on it via the Healthy Harbor Initiative!)
  • All boats must stay clear of the Water Taxi stops.
  • No signs or advertising of any kind.
  • No open fires or topside cooking.
  • No painting or repairs except in emergencies with Dockmaster permission.
  • The City reserves the right from the Inner Harbor and impound, at the owner's risk and expense, any boat for which docking fees have not been paid in advance.
  • The Master of the vessel is responsible for the conduct of his/her passengers and guests.

 

Helpful Links

Dockmaster Frequently Asked Questions

What does the Harbormaster Office do?

The Harbormaster helps manage of waterside and landside activities in the Inner Harbor. Collects docking fees from recreational boaters docking at Inner Harbor. Manages wharfage agreements with Commercial Vessels using City waterfront. Coordinates Inner Harbor maintenance of Finger Piers and Bulkheads. Assists recreational boaters docking at Inner Harbor. Responds to public inquiries concerning activities, attractions, and services around the Inner Harbor and surrounding areas. Provides top-tier customer service. Attends Port Briefings aboard visiting ships to explain rules and regulations. Engages in planning for maritime festivals and annual events. Attends community meetings. 

Should I reserve a berth when coming to the Inner Harbor? 

YES! For the 2025 boating season, The Harbormaster Office plans to use the Dockwa reservation system. The Dockmaster assigns berthing and collects fees in advance. Hail the Dockmaster Office on VHF 72 or call 410-396-3174 prior to arrival.

What if I don’t have a reservation? 

Hail the Harbormaster Office on VHF 72 or call 410-396-3174 prior to arrival. The Harbormaster may assign available municipal berths on a first come/first serve basis

Where is the Harbormaster Office? 

The Baltimore Harbormaster is located at 400A Key Highway on the first floor of the Rusty Scupper Restaurant building. The Baltimore Harbormaster shares first floor space with the Inner Harbor Marina (a separate facility owned by Baltimore City and managed by Latitude Marinas) and the Baltimore City Police Inner Harbor Unit. There is a paid vehicle parking deck adjacent to the restaurant building and Rash Field. 

What amenities does the Harbormaster provide? 

Located at 400A Key Highway, the Baltimore City Harbormaster office provides leisure boaters docking at Baltimore City Municipal Berths with free access to separate Male/Female restroom and shower facilities, a paid laundry center and a boaters’ lounge with Wi-Fi connection.