Best Places to Kayak Near Carmel Valley, CA

16 public launch points within 50 miles of Carmel Valley, ranked by water conditions, access, and amenities.

16 nearby6 Bays5 Lakes4 Reservoirs
← All paddling in California

Top Picks Near Carmel Valley

a person in a boat1

Woodward Marine

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

BayBeginner23 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

BayBeginner37 mi away
A view of a body of water through a cave3

Point Lobos State Natural Reserve - Whalers cove

Just 12 miles from Carmel Valley — the closest quality launch

OceanBeginner12 mi away
A view of a body of water through a cave

Point Lobos State Natural Reserve - Whalers cove

California · 12.4 mi

OceanSea KayakingSUPBeginner
a group of surfers riding a wave

Monterey Harbor and Marina

California · 12.6 mi

BayKayakingSUPBeginner
a group of surfers riding a wave

Breakwater Cove Marina

California · 13.0 mi

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

Moss Landing Harbor District

California · 22.6 mi

BayKayakingSUPBeginner
a person in a boat

Woodward Marine

California · 22.8 mi

BayKayakingSUPBeginner
Kayakers paddling through a dramatic desert canyon at sunset

Kirby Park Fishing Access

California · 25.0 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers paddling through a dramatic desert canyon at sunset

Pinto Lake (City of Watsonville)

California · 32.7 mi

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

Capitola Boat and Bait Marina

California · 36.2 mi

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

Santa Cruz Harbor (South Harbor)

California · 36.9 mi

BayKayakingSUPBeginner
Kayakers paddling through a dramatic desert canyon at sunset

Santa Cruz Harbor (North Harbor Launch Ramp)

California · 37.4 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a body of water surrounded by trees and rocks

Uvas Reservoir County Park

California · 40.8 mi

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

Coyote Lake County Park

California · 43.7 mi

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

Chesbro Reservoir County Park

California · 44.2 mi

ReservoirKayakingCanoeingBeginner
people swimming on sea during daytime

Loch Lomond Recreation Area

California · 47.6 mi

ReservoirKayakingCanoeingBeginner
body of water near trees during daytime

Anderson Lake County Park

California · 47.9 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
green trees near body of water during daytime

Calera County Park

California · 47.9 mi

ReservoirKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Paddling Near Other Cities

Widen your search to towns within an hour of Carmel Valley.

Carmel, CA7 miSpreckels, CA11 miSeaside, CA11 miMonterey, CA12 miCarmel By The Sea, CA12 miSalinas, CA14 miPebble Beach, CA14 miPacific Grove, CA15 mi

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best places to kayak near Carmel Valley, CA?

Top picks near Carmel Valley include Woodward Marine, Santa Cruz Harbor (South Harbor), Point Lobos State Natural Reserve - Whalers cove. In total there are 16 public launch points within 50 miles, with paddling on bays, lakes, reservoirs.

What types of paddling can I do near Carmel Valley?

Near Carmel Valley 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 Carmel Valley?

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