Best Places to Kayak Near Ventura, CA

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

18 nearby14 Lakes2 Bays2 Oceans
← All paddling in California

Top Picks Near Ventura

a couple of people in a kayak on a body of water1

Channel Island Landing

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

BayBeginner9 mi away
a man riding a paddle board on top of a body of water2

Ventura Harbor

Open-water sea kayaking access on the bay

BayBeginner3 mi away
a couple of people in a kayak on a body of water3

Santa Barbara Harbor

Well-equipped launch with boat ramp, parking, restrooms

OceanBeginner24 mi away
a man riding a paddle board on top of a body of water

Ventura Harbor

California · 3.2 mi

BayKayakingSUPBeginner
A couple of people on water skis in the water

Lake Casitas Recreation Area (Santa Ana)

California · 8.6 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a man on a paddle board

Lake Casitas Recreation Area (West) (Coyote Boat)

California · 8.7 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a couple of people in a kayak on a body of water

Channel Island Landing

California · 9.5 mi

BayKayakingSUPBeginner
a couple of people in a kayak on a body of water

Santa Barbara Harbor

California · 24.4 mi

OceanSea KayakingSUPBeginner
Paddleboarder on clear blue ocean water with coastal hills

Goleta Beach County Park

California · 32.2 mi

OceanSea KayakingSUPBeginner
red kayak on body of water near green mountains during daytime

Lake Piru Recreation Area

California · 32.8 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers paddling through a dramatic desert canyon at sunset

Lake Piru Marina (Lake Piru Concessions)

California · 32.9 mi

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

Pyramid Lake (Emigrant Landing)

California · 39.3 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a woman in a boat

Pyramid Lake Great House

California · 39.3 mi

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

Pyramid Lake Vaquero

California · 39.4 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a woman in a boat

CSU Aquatic Center at Castiac Lake

California · 41.3 mi

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

Castaic Lake Overlook

California · 41.3 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
A couple of people on water skis in the water

Castaic Lake State Recreation Area (Lagoon)

California · 41.3 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers paddling through a dramatic desert canyon at sunset

CSU Northridge Aquatic Center

California · 41.4 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a person swimming in a lake

Castaic Lake State Recreation Area (West)

California · 41.7 mi

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

Castaic Lake State Recreation Area (East)

California · 42.3 mi

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

Cachuma Lake Recreation Area

California · 42.9 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Paddling Near Other Cities

Widen your search to towns within an hour of Ventura.

Oak View, CA8 miOxnard, CA8 miPort Hueneme Cbc Base, CA10 miPort Hueneme, CA10 miOjai, CA11 miSanta Paula, CA13 miCamarillo, CA14 miCarpinteria, CA15 mi

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Top picks near Ventura include Channel Island Landing, Ventura Harbor, Santa Barbara Harbor. In total there are 18 public launch points within 50 miles, with paddling on lakes, bays, oceans.

What types of paddling can I do near Ventura?

Near Ventura 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 Ventura?

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