Best Places to Kayak Near Santa Cruz, CA

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

30 nearby13 Bays10 Lakes6 Reservoirs
← All paddling in California

Top Picks Near Santa Cruz

a person in a boat1

Woodward Marine

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

BayBeginner19 mi away
a bridge over a body of water with mountains in the background2

Pillar Point

Standout kayak fishing on Pillar Point Harbor

BayBeginner43 mi away
a group of surfers riding a wave3

Parkside Aquatic Park

Open-water sea kayaking access on San Francisco Bay-South Bay

BayBeginner42 mi away
Kayakers paddling through a dramatic desert canyon at sunset

Santa Cruz Harbor (North Harbor Launch Ramp)

California · 2.5 mi

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

Santa Cruz Harbor (South Harbor)

California · 2.7 mi

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

Capitola Boat and Bait Marina

California · 5.1 mi

BayKayakingSUPBeginner
people swimming on sea during daytime

Loch Lomond Recreation Area

California · 8.9 mi

ReservoirKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers paddling through a dramatic desert canyon at sunset

Pinto Lake (City of Watsonville)

California · 15.4 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers paddling through a dramatic desert canyon at sunset

Vasona Lake County Park

California · 18.3 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a person in a boat

Woodward Marine

California · 18.8 mi

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

Moss Landing Harbor District

California · 18.9 mi

BayKayakingSUPBeginner
Kayakers paddling through a dramatic desert canyon at sunset

Kirby Park Fishing Access

California · 19.3 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a body of water surrounded by trees and rocks

Uvas Reservoir County Park

California · 19.8 mi

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

Chesbro Reservoir County Park

California · 21.4 mi

ReservoirKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a large body of water surrounded by mountains

Stevens Creek County Park

California · 21.8 mi

ReservoirKayakingCanoeingBeginner
body of water near trees during daytime

Anderson Lake County Park

California · 26.3 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
green trees near body of water during daytime

Calera County Park

California · 26.3 mi

ReservoirKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a group of surfers riding a wave

Breakwater Cove Marina

California · 27.1 mi

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

Velma Million Marina

California · 27.5 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a group of surfers riding a wave

Monterey Harbor and Marina

California · 27.6 mi

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

Coyote Lake County Park

California · 28.7 mi

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

Alviso Marina Couty Park

California · 31.0 mi

BayKayakingSUPBeginner
A view of a body of water through a cave

Point Lobos State Natural Reserve - Whalers cove

California · 32.5 mi

OceanSea KayakingSUPBeginner
a person in a boat

Docktown Marina

California · 36.8 mi

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

Westpoint Harbor and Boatyard

California · 37.5 mi

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

Port of Redwood City

California · 37.5 mi

BayKayakingSUPBeginner
a woman in a boat

Central Park/Lake Elizabeth

California · 39.3 mi

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

Quarry Lake

California · 41.1 mi

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

Boat Park (Foster City)

California · 41.3 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a group of surfers riding a wave

Parkside Aquatic Park

California · 42.1 mi

BayKayakingSUPBeginner
a bridge over a body of water with mountains in the background

Pillar Point

California · 43.1 mi

BayKayakingSUPBeginner
a group of surfers riding a wave

Coyote Point Marina

California · 44.6 mi

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

Del Valle Lake

California · 45.7 mi

ReservoirKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Paddling Near Other Cities

Widen your search to towns within an hour of Santa Cruz.

Mount Hermon, CA5 miCapitola, CA5 miSoquel, CA5 miScotts Valley, CA5 miFelton, CA6 miBen Lomond, CA7 miAptos, CA8 miBrookdale, CA9 mi

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best places to kayak near Santa Cruz, CA?

Top picks near Santa Cruz include Woodward Marine, Pillar Point, Parkside Aquatic Park. 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 Santa Cruz?

Near Santa Cruz 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 Santa Cruz?

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