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The coastal city of Santa Cruz boasts a
Mediterranean climate, scenic surf culture,
and a quaint, laid-back atmosphere. Paddling
in the Santa Cruz Harbor is a highly
enjoyable activity, as the area is a popular
destination for kayaking and stand-up
paddleboarding (SUP). When you paddle out of
the harbor and into the open ocean, you can
leave the stresses of the city behind.
For a more challenging paddle, you can start
at Natural Bridges State Park and launch
your kayak from the beach. From there, you
can paddle up the coast to explore the sea
caves and pocket coves of Wilder Ranch.
After paddling through the "Hole in the
Wall" cave, you can enjoy a peaceful lunch
on a secluded beach.
Anywhere with parking and beach access can
serve as a potential launch point for
kayaking in the area. However, Santa Cruz
Harbor is one of the best places to put in,
with an ideal launch dock on the north side.
Paddling away from the docks, you can
explore the inlet between the rock wall
jetties that protect the harbor or head out
toward the open ocean. Just a short distance
from the harbor, you'll find areas that are
productive for catching rockfish, lingcod,
and halibut from May through October.
The year-round comfortable climate and
laid-back vibe of Santa Cruz make it an
attractive destination for water sports
enthusiasts. However, large waves can break
at the harbor entrance, so it's
 important
to watch the conditions carefully before
venturing out to sea. The safe passage can
be narrow, requiring quick maneuvering of
your kayak.
Map of Santa Cruz Harbor
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