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

The Baltimore City Harbormaster Office manages over 5,000 linear feet of docking space in the world-famous Inner Harbor and Fells Point Historic District. 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, Fells Point, Federal Hill, South Baltimore and the Camden Yards sports complex

Contact Information

• Michael McGeady, Harbormaster
• 400 A Key Highway, Baltimore, MD 21230
• 410-396-3174 (office)
• 443-842-2126 (cell)
• VHF Channel 72

Hours of Operation

• In season (April 1 thru October 31): 9 am to 5 pm, Monday through Friday, (additional weekend hours pending as we staff up)
• Off season (November 1 thru March 31): 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. 

Docking Locations

Fells Point Docking Locations

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

Payment Method

Payment by credit card, check payable to the Director of Finance, or cash 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

• National Weather Service Marine Forecast 
• Tide Predictions - NOAA Tides & Currents 
• New U.S. Coast Guard Life Jacket Rules for 2025: What Boaters Need to Know 
• List of DNR Pumpout Locations: Baltimore Area 
• Link to NOAA chart 12281OG 

Harbormaster Frequently Asked Questions

What does the Harbormaster Office do?

The Baltimore City Harbormaster office coordinates docking at municipal piers and collects recreational boater fees based on rates set by the Board of Estimates. The Harbormaster advocates for the state of good repair of maritime infrastructure, coordinates water logistics for maritime events and monitors wharfage and lease agreements impacting equal access to the waterfront. Whether you are a recreational boater or waterfront visitor, we are here to help you navigate Baltimore’s world-class harbor with confidence.

We are part of the Baltimore City Department of Transportation (BCDOT). The Harbormaster team operates under the authority of local and state laws to monitor marine traffic, collect docking fees, encourage compliance with regulations, advocate for maintenance of marine infrastructure, maintain safe public access to Baltimore Harbor and coordinate wharfage agreements with entities and agencies using the City of Baltimore waterfront.
We provide top-tier customer service, contribute to Port Briefings aboard visiting ships to explain rules and regulations, coordinate maritime festivals and attend community meetings.

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

YES! Reservations are highly recommended. For this current boating season, the Harbormaster Office is transitioning to the DOCKWA reservation system beginning in July 2025. The Harbormaster assigns docking locations and collects fees in advance. Call 410-396-3174 prior to arrival or hail the Harbormaster office on VHF 72.

What if I don’t have a reservation? 

Call 410-396-3174 upon arrival or hail the Harbormaster office on VHF 72. 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 is the best place to park a vehicle if visiting the Baltimore City Harbormaster office?

The Parking Authority of Baltimore City (PABC, 443-573-2800) operates the Marina Garage located at 402 Key Highway, Baltimore, MD 21230. The Marina Garage is an automated facility operating 24/7/365. Located adjacent to the Rusty Scupper restaurant and Rash Field, it has 199 spaces including 7 ADA spaces. The height clearance is 7’ 0” (seven feet, zero inches). At present there are no EV Chargers at this facility.

Parking Authority of Baltimore City - Parking Lots

What amenities does the Harbormaster provide? 

The Baltimore City Harbormaster office at 400A Key Highway provides boaters docking at municipal piers with free access to secure Male/Female restroom and shower facilities, a paid laundry center and a boaters’ lounge with free Wi-Fi connection. 

Shore power (30amp and 50amp service) and freshwater connections are available at the Inner Harbor Finger Pier. Boaters docking at the Finger Piers pay $10 per day for utilities. The Finger Piers are the only municipal piers providing shore power and freshwater connections at this time.

Now that I’ve arrived in Baltimore, what’s the best way to explore the city?

Baltimore City offers many convenient ways for residents and visitors to get where they want to go. The Inner Harbor is conveniently located within walking distance of many of Baltimore City’s free Charm City Circulator bus routes. The Harbormaster Office is adjacent to one of the free Harbor Connector ferry landings. These free transportation services are offered by Baltimore City DOT and can connect residents and visitors with attractions, shopping, dining and other services throughout the city. Rentable scooters and e-bikes are also available throughout Baltimore and can be rented by downloading the Lime or Spin apps from the Apple or Android app stores. 

For more information on the Circulator, including maps and schedules, click here. 
For more information on the Connector, including routes and schedules, click here.