Best Places to Kayak Near Aptos, CA

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

30 nearby10 Bays9 Lakes8 Reservoirs
← All paddling in California

Top Picks Near Aptos

a person in a boat1

Woodward Marine

Calm, sheltered water that's ideal for beginners and paddle boarding

BayBeginner13 mi away
a man riding a paddle board on top of a body of water2

Santa Cruz Harbor (South Harbor)

Open-water sea kayaking access on Monterey Bay

BayBeginner6 mi away
man in red and black suit riding on orange kayak on sea during daytime3

Port of Redwood City

A top-rated bay launch on San Francisco Bay-South Bay

BayBeginner41 mi away
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

Moro Cojo Slough

California · 13.8 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
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

Calero Reservoir Launch Ramp

California · 15.9 mi

ReservoirKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Lexington Reservoir

California · 16.1 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

Monterey Breakwater Launch Ramp

California · 25.6 mi

OceanSea KayakingSUPBeginner
a group of surfers riding a wave

Monterey Harbor and Marina

California · 25.9 mi

BayKayakingSUPBeginner
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

Redwood City Municipal Marina

California · 40.3 mi

CanalKayakingCanoeingBeginner
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

San Luis Reservoir SRA (Dinosaur Point Boat Launch Facility)

California · 40.8 mi

ReservoirKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Paddling Near Other Cities

Widen your search to towns within an hour of Aptos.

Capitola, CA3 miSoquel, CA3 miFreedom, CA7 miSanta Cruz, CA8 miWatsonville, CA8 miScotts Valley, CA9 miMount Hermon, CA10 miFelton, CA11 mi

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Top picks near Aptos include Woodward Marine, Santa Cruz Harbor (South Harbor), Port of Redwood City. 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.