Best Places to Kayak Near Monterey, CA

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

18 nearby6 Bays6 Lakes5 Reservoirs
← All paddling in California

Top Picks Near Monterey

a person in a boat1

Woodward Marine

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

BayBeginner15 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

BayBeginner26 mi away
A view of a body of water through a cave3

Point Lobos State Natural Reserve - Whalers cove

Just 6 miles from Monterey — the closest quality launch

OceanBeginner6 mi away
a group of surfers riding a wave

Monterey Harbor and Marina

California · 0.6 mi

BayKayakingSUPBeginner
a group of surfers riding a wave

Breakwater Cove Marina

California · 1.1 mi

BayKayakingSUPBeginner
A view of a body of water through a cave

Point Lobos State Natural Reserve - Whalers cove

California · 6.1 mi

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

Moss Landing Harbor District

California · 15.2 mi

BayKayakingSUPBeginner
a person in a boat

Woodward Marine

California · 15.5 mi

BayKayakingSUPBeginner
Kayakers paddling through a dramatic desert canyon at sunset

Kirby Park Fishing Access

California · 18.6 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers paddling through a dramatic desert canyon at sunset

Pinto Lake (City of Watsonville)

California · 25.4 mi

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

Capitola Boat and Bait Marina

California · 26.1 mi

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

Santa Cruz Harbor (South Harbor)

California · 26.3 mi

BayKayakingSUPBeginner
Kayakers paddling through a dramatic desert canyon at sunset

Santa Cruz Harbor (North Harbor Launch Ramp)

California · 26.8 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a body of water surrounded by trees and rocks

Uvas Reservoir County Park

California · 34.2 mi

ReservoirKayakingCanoeingBeginner
people swimming on sea during daytime

Loch Lomond Recreation Area

California · 37.0 mi

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

Chesbro Reservoir County Park

California · 37.6 mi

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

Coyote Lake County Park

California · 39.3 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
body of water near trees during daytime

Anderson Lake County Park

California · 42.0 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
green trees near body of water during daytime

Calera County Park

California · 42.0 mi

ReservoirKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers paddling through a dramatic desert canyon at sunset

Vasona Lake County Park

California · 44.9 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a large body of water surrounded by mountains

Stevens Creek County Park

California · 49.6 mi

ReservoirKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Paddling Near Other Cities

Widen your search to towns within an hour of Monterey.

Pacific Grove, CA3 miSeaside, CA3 miPebble Beach, CA3 miCarmel By The Sea, CA3 miMarina, CA8 miCarmel, CA11 miCarmel Valley, CA12 miSpreckels, CA13 mi

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Top picks near Monterey include Woodward Marine, Santa Cruz Harbor (South Harbor), Point Lobos State Natural Reserve - Whalers cove. In total there are 18 public launch points within 50 miles, with paddling on bays, lakes, reservoirs.

What types of paddling can I do near Monterey?

Near Monterey 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 Monterey?

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