The Best Santa Cruz Kayak Rental Shops

If you would like to get the most out of your trip to Santa Cruz and Monterey Bay, then you may be looking for kayak rentals and paddleboards. There are plenty of opportunities to see sea otters and sea lions throughout Santa Cruz Harbor and Moss Landing. There are plenty of opportunities for beginners as well. Whether you are looking for a double kayak you can take on kayak tours, or stand-up paddleboards with guided tours, you have plenty of opportunities to spot kelp, harbor seals, and more! Take a look at some of the best ocean kayaking opportunities in Santa Cruz, and make sure you wear a life jacket as you explore the marine life in this marine sanctuary!

Without further ado, what are some of the top locations to rent kayaks throughout the Santa Cruz wharf? Learn more about paddleboard rentals below!

Finding the Best Santa Cruz Kayak Rentals

If you are looking for a kayak rental opportunity in Santa Cruz, there are several options available. These include:

1. Venture Quest Kayaking

One of the top locations you may want to check out is called Venture Quest Kayaking. Located conveniently on the Santa Cruz Wharf, you can access numerous sea caves, cliffs, and kelp beds. Kayakers and paddlers can reach these locations with ease, taking a look at amazing animals and plants. In addition, you can be asked for lessons and instruction at Venture Quest Kayaking.

You do not need any experience to rent open deck kayaks, and experienced kayakers have the opportunity to rent closed deck vessels as well.

The prices at Venture Quest Kayaking are as follows:

• A single ocean kayak is $35 for 3 hours or $55 for the entire day
• A single sea kayak is $45 for 3 hours or $65 for the entire day
• A double ocean kayak is $60 for 3 hours or $80 for the entire day
• A single sea kayak is $75 for 3 hours or $100 for the entire day

An ocean kayak is an open-top vessel while a sea kayak is a closed-top vessel. Consider taking a look at the opportunities at Venture Quest Kayaking!

2. Kayak Connection

If you visit kayakconnection.com, you will have the opportunity to explore other rental opportunities. There are plenty of rental opportunities available in Elkhorn Slough and Santa Cruz. There are also plenty of guided tours available, so you can make sure you do not miss out on any of the major sites in the local area. Kayak Connection has been providing kayaks for everyone in the harbor for more than three decades.

You have plenty of options available if you are looking to rent a kayak. The rental always includes a life jacket, basic instruction, and a paddle. The pricing information is as follows:

• A one-hour rental in the harbor is $35 for a single kayak or $55 for a double kayak.
• A 2.5 hour rental in the harbor is $55 for a single kayak or $75 for a double kayak.
• A half-day (four-hour) rental in the harbor is $70 for a single kayak or $90 for a double kayak.

Consider the amazing opportunities that are offered by Kayak Connection as well! There are also opportunities for you to sign up for a tour and ask for lessons.

3. SUP Shack Santa Cruz

Of course, there are plenty of other rental opportunities as well. For example, you might want to consider visiting SUP Shack Santa Cruz for more opportunities. Even though you can rent your paddleboards and kayaks here, there are also plenty of team-building opportunities as well. He might also want to consider holding a bulk party here, as you may be able to receive a discount for a bulk rental.

You have the opportunity to rent a SUP, a kayak, wetsuits, boogie boards, and more. Therefore, you can hang out in front of the shack all day!

The pricing at SUP Shack is as follows:

• You can rent a SUP for anywhere from one hour to all day. Prices start at $35. There are instruction classes available as well.
• You have the opportunity to rent a single or double kayak anywhere from one hour to all day. Pricing starts at $35 as well.
• If you are interested in renting a wetsuit, a boogie board, or a life jacket, you can rent them for either a half-day or a full day. The price starts at $10.

If you need pointers on how to use any of the equipment, there are plenty of classes available as well. The store is located in the main Crows Nest parking lot. You should see the main boat launch area nearby as well.

These are just a few of the top locations if you are looking for an opportunity to rent a kayak in the Santa Cruz area. You need to make sure you get the most out of this experience, so consider using a kayak or a paddleboard to take a look at the local animals and wildlife. Always put safety first when you rent a kayak or paddleboard. That is why a lot of the rental companies will require you to wear a lifejacket even if you are a strong swimmer. Furthermore, it is better to kayak with someone else who can help you if something goes wrong.

Frequently Asked Questions About Kayaks and Paddleboards in Santa Cruz

A few of the most common questions people ask about renting kayaks and paddleboards in Santa Cruz include:

Am I allowed to touch the wildlife when I go out on a kayak or paddleboard?

No, it is not a good idea to touch the wildlife when you go out on a kayak. The animals and plants are going to be in their natural habitats, so you need to leave them be. If you touch them, they might attack you, and you might disturb them.

Do I need to take lessons to learn how to kayak before I go out for the first time?

You do not necessarily have to take lessons before you go out on a kayak, but they are certainly available. If you are interested in a closed-top kayak, you need to have experience before you go out for the first time.

What do I need to bring with me when I go out on a kayak or paddleboard?

If you are going out in a kayak or paddleboard, make sure you have goggles or sunglasses, a bathing suit, and sunscreen. They should provide you with a life jacket.