Santa Cruz Harbor Kayak Tours
Santa Cruz Wildlife Tour - $125 Per Person
This favorite tour of locals and visitors alike, leaves the Santa Cruz Harbor to explore the kelp forests of the Monterey Bay. Frequent wildlife sightings include the always popular Southern Sea Otter, California Southern Sea Lion, Harbor Seals, and Dolphins.
In the spring months gray whales are often spotted, with summer bringing humpbacks close to shore for a feeding frenzy. Participants will be treated to views of the Walton Lighthouse, Steamer Lane, Seal Rock, the Santa Cruz Wharf, and the Beach Boardwalk. No experience is necessary.
Sunset Kayak Tour - $85 Per Person
Join us for our most popular outing in Santa Cruz. We meet 2 hours before sunset and go out for a paddle in the company of otters, seals, herons, and pelicans to watch the sky turn pink as the sun sets on the Central Coast.
Paddling a double kayak is a great adventure for both beginners and experts. Bring your friends and have your own sunset adventure out in the Monterey Bay.
No kayaking experience necessary.
Holiday Tours - $85 Per Person
Full Moon Trick-or-Treat Kayak Tour - $85 Per Person
Come see the sun set & full moon rise on this special Halloween weekend tour.
Trick-or-treat around the harbor in stable double kayaks, sip hot cider & learn some spooky local history on this very special seasonal tour.
Great for families and adults!
Holiday Lights Kayaking Tour - $85 Per Person
Have you always seen Christmas lights from your car, but looking for a new twist on an old tradition? How about seeing decorated boats from a kayak?!
Starting December 3rd, every Friday, Saturday & Sunday evening in December we run our guided Holiday Light’s Kayak Tour at the Santa Cruz Harbor.
Come see the Santa Cruz Yacht Harbor dressed in its holiday best. Experience the sunset in decorated kayaks, paddle past the winners of the Lighted Boat Parade, and sip hot chocolate on this very special seasonal tour.
Great for families, and most definitely a crowd favorite.
Corporate Retreat Tours
These beginner-friendly guided tours offer a unique way to bring team members together for bonding and unforgettable memories outside the office. Kayaking out of the Santa Cruz Harbor is an experience that will challenge and unite your team.
With the guidance of our expert kayak instructors, your group can paddle safety through the waters off the Santa Cruz coast while employing skills like communication, perseverance, and teamwork.
These tours can accommodate up to 25 people.
School Group Tours
School tours are one of our specialties! We have a 30-year track record of hosting educational on-water programs that leave kids inspired to talk about their kayak adventure for years to come.
We are happy to work with you to tie your lesson plans in with your students’ experience on the water, and custom-tailor curriculum to suit your school’s goals.
Our guides are well versed in the biology and ecology of the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary and can discuss the natural history of the area in a fun, interactive and meaningful way.
Private Group Tours
You can book any of our beginner or intermediate Monterey Bay tours for your group if the times that are listed don’t fit your schedule, or if you want more privacy.
We also customize our private tours to your specific requests or event theme (i.e. Birthday Parties, Bachelor/Bachelorette Parties, Team Building, Kayak Camping Preparedness Training). Please call for pricing.
Kayak Fishing Clinic - $200 Per Person
Want to try kayak fishing for the first time, or hope to pick up some tips and tricks of the trade from a local expert?
Just a short paddle from our dock at the Santa Cruz Harbor are a number of areas productive for rockfish, lingcod and halibut from May through October! Clinics are limited to six people per guide, so book your weekend trip now.
Clinic Details:
A valid CA fishing license is required. All kayak equipment, rods and reels will be provided. Participants supply their own basic tackle items, but will receive a small tackle box with rock cod jigs, sabiki rigs, weights, swim bait, as well as a bag of sliced squid.
Sea Kayak Club - $360 Per Person (4 weeks)
Joining Sea Kayak Club is a great way to improve your confidence on the water and in a closed-deck kayak, while enjoying the fun and camaraderie of a supportive paddling group of new sea-going buddies. Take in the wonders and wildlife of the Monterey Bay as we paddle from the iconic Santa Cruz Harbor or the Elkhorn Slough at each class meeting. Sessions cover basic paddling, strokes and rescue skills. The club meets every Sunday, rain or shine! No experience necessary.
Course Outline:
Week 1- Guided Introduction to Sea Kayaking – Elkhorn Slough
Week 2 – Basic Safety & Rescue Skills – Elkhorn Slough
Week 3 – Ocean Paddling – Santa Cruz Harbor
Week 4 – Going for it! A more challenging paddle – Location dependent upon weather and marine conditions.