Candid priority · #365 of 439
Why this sits where it does.
Lets two experienced boaters explore locally without relocating the anchored boat. easy from Gig Harbor, good value; limited visual proof.
Call Point Defiance Marina at (253) 404-3960 before riding over.
Why it could work for the two of you
Lets two experienced boaters explore locally without relocating the anchored boat.
Simple outboard skiff rental with gas and safety gear included.
medium
medium
Bring one shared snack, trade helm or route choices, and finish with a waterfront meal while the boat is still the main topic.
Distance, night return, and tender reality
E-bike from Foss only in daylight on a deliberately chosen route; otherwise rideshare or relocate by car.
Do not bike back after dark; a missed 10 PM dock gate can strand you ashore.
Point Defiance Marina day-use transient floats: Best documented water-to-Anthony's/Point Defiance option for an early dinner, but not for a late-night return or overnight tender storage.
Parks Tacoma expressly says a boat may moor and dine at Anthony's and that transient floats are available for day use, including one outside Anthony's.
Hours / return constraint: For the August 2026 weekend, the facility page states store 5:00 AM-9:30 PM and entire facility 4:30 AM-10:00 PM. General park hours are one-half hour before dawn to one-half hour after dusk. Treat 10:00 PM as an absolute outer limit and return earlier.
- DO NOT ASSUME the adjacent Washington State Ferries floats are recreational tie-up space.
- DO NOT ASSUME day use extends past the facility closing time.
- DO NOT ASSUME the Tacoma Yacht Club guest dock is public; use the Parks Tacoma transient float assigned by staff/signage.
Return to Old Town Dock no later than 9:30 PM; its float gate locks at 10:00 PM.
Taxi backup: Tacoma Yellow Cab: 253-205-0000.
The prominent crow-flight mileage is a geographic comparison from Jerisich Dock, not a route distance. Road, marine, time, and fare figures here are planning ranges, not live quotes. The named dock panel uses verified landing information where available; otherwise it explicitly tells you to confirm before relying on it.
What you actually do
- Simple outboard skiff rental with gas and safety gear included.
Review synthesis
A good-value way to get on the water, but the boats are basic and operations can halt quickly for weather.
Useful cautions and little wins
- Fair-weather only; wind/current sensitive.