natural harbor
Protected coastal inlet
A natural harbor is a sheltered body of water where the coastline forms a protected anchorage without human construction.
Bays, inlets, and river mouths serve as natural harbors when surrounding landforms block wind and waves: San Francisco Bay is one of the world's finest natural harbors.
Many major port cities developed where natural harbors made maritime trade possible.
- portDocking place for ships
- bayPartially enclosed water
- anchorageSecure harbor spot
- coveSheltered coastal indentation
- dockMooring structure at water's edge
inlet · fjord · deep water · port city · lagoon · estuary · sheltered · calm · calm waters · refuge · sound · naval base · haven · wharf · trading post · merchant ships · tidal flat · peninsula