Best Places to Kayak Near Aptos, CA

30 public launch points within 50 miles of Aptos, ranked by water conditions, access, and amenities.

30 nearby11 Bays10 Lakes8 Reservoirs
← All paddling in California
Kayaker paddling across a calm bay at sunset with mountains in the background

Capitola Boat and Bait Marina

California · 3.1 mi

BayKayakingSUPBeginner
Kayakers paddling through a dramatic desert canyon at sunset

Santa Cruz Harbor (North Harbor Launch Ramp)

California · 5.6 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a man riding a paddle board on top of a body of water

Santa Cruz Harbor (South Harbor)

California · 5.7 mi

BayKayakingSUPBeginner
Kayakers paddling through a dramatic desert canyon at sunset

Pinto Lake (City of Watsonville)

California · 7.4 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a body of water surrounded by trees and rocks

Uvas Reservoir County Park

California · 12.6 mi

ReservoirKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers paddling through a dramatic desert canyon at sunset

Kirby Park Fishing Access

California · 12.8 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
people swimming on sea during daytime

Loch Lomond Recreation Area

California · 13.0 mi

ReservoirKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a person in a boat

Woodward Marine

California · 13.4 mi

BayKayakingSUPBeginner
Kayaker paddling across a calm bay at sunset with mountains in the background

Moss Landing Harbor District

California · 13.6 mi

BayKayakingSUPBeginner
person in black shirt and black shorts riding on white and red kayak on blue sea

Chesbro Reservoir County Park

California · 14.8 mi

ReservoirKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers paddling through a dramatic desert canyon at sunset

Vasona Lake County Park

California · 18.7 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
body of water near trees during daytime

Anderson Lake County Park

California · 19.9 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
green trees near body of water during daytime

Calera County Park

California · 19.9 mi

ReservoirKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a group of kayaks sitting on top of a sandy beach

Coyote Lake County Park

California · 21.2 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a large body of water surrounded by mountains

Stevens Creek County Park

California · 24.2 mi

ReservoirKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a group of kayaks sitting on top of a sandy beach

Velma Million Marina

California · 25.2 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a group of surfers riding a wave

Breakwater Cove Marina

California · 25.4 mi

BayKayakingSUPBeginner
a group of surfers riding a wave

Monterey Harbor and Marina

California · 25.9 mi

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Kayaker paddling across a calm bay at sunset with mountains in the background

Alviso Marina Couty Park

California · 31.6 mi

BayKayakingSUPBeginner
A view of a body of water through a cave

Point Lobos State Natural Reserve - Whalers cove

California · 31.7 mi

OceanSea KayakingSUPBeginner
a woman in a boat

Central Park/Lake Elizabeth

California · 39.6 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a person in a boat

Docktown Marina

California · 40.0 mi

BayKayakingSUPBeginner
Kayaker paddling across a calm bay at sunset with mountains in the background

Westpoint Harbor and Boatyard

California · 40.3 mi

BayKayakingSUPBeginner
man in red and black suit riding on orange kayak on sea during daytime

Port of Redwood City

California · 40.6 mi

BayKayakingSUPBeginner
A large body of water surrounded by mountains

San Luis Reservoir State Recreation Area

California · 41.0 mi

ReservoirKayakingCanoeingBeginner
woman in red shirt riding white kayak on lake during daytime

Quarry Lake

California · 41.9 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
person in black shirt and black shorts riding on white and red kayak on blue sea

Del Valle Lake

California · 43.4 mi

ReservoirKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a large body of water surrounded by mountains

San Luis Reservoir State Recreation Area

California · 44.6 mi

ReservoirKayakingCanoeingBeginner
person in black shirt and black shorts riding on white and red kayak on blue sea

Boat Park (Foster City)

California · 44.6 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a group of surfers riding a wave

Parkside Aquatic Park

California · 45.7 mi

BayKayakingSUPBeginner

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best places to kayak near Aptos, CA?

Top picks near Aptos include Woodward Marine, Parkside Aquatic Park, Santa Cruz Harbor (South Harbor). In total there are 30 public launch points within 50 miles, with paddling on bays, lakes, reservoirs.

What types of paddling can I do near Aptos?

Near Aptos you'll find opportunities for kayaking, canoeing, and stand-up paddle boarding. Most locations offer beginner-friendly conditions with public boat ramp access.

Are there free kayak launches near Aptos?

Yes! Most public boat ramps near Aptos are free to use. Some state parks and recreation areas may charge a small parking or entrance fee.