The Best Places to Kayak in Oxnard and Where to Rent Your Gear

Oxnard is a playground for water sports and activities. With seven miles of pristine coastline and perfect year-round weather, it's the perfect spot for exploring. You don’t have to be an expert or even own a kayak to enjoy a day on the water.

Keep reading to find out where you can rent a kayak in Oxnard or sign up for a guided tour.

Kayaking in Oxnard: Best Places to Paddle

1. CHANNEL ISLANDS HARBOR

Admire the luxury homes, boats, and snap a pic of California’s sea lions at Channel Islands Harbor. This is an ideal spot for newbie kayakers to get comfortable in the calm, quiet waters. It’s an experience the whole family will love, and it won’t cost you a fortune.

If it’s your first time kayaking, you’ll likely find that one hour is plenty of time. You can choose to rent a single to double kayak.

Kayaking with Kids in Oxnard

Launching a kayak in the Channel Islands Harbor is easy. Bringing a kayak from home? Grab a paddle, life jacket, and walk to the kayak launch on the Ventura County Day Dock near the boat launch ramp. Or, launch from the sand at Hobie Beach, inside the harbor and protected from waves.

Renting a kayak? Launch from the rental center docks at Channel Islands Kayak Center (Marine Emporium Landing) or Hopper Boat Rentals. You'll even receive short tutorials prior to pushing off. Or, if you need a little extra assistance, guided tours are available too.

Spend the day on the water spotting starfish and sea lions as you paddle past stunning canal-front homes. At the end of your journey, refuel at one of the many waterside restaurants located throughout the Channel Islands Harbor. Choose from a selection of restaurants serving the fresh catch of the day, Brazilian cuisine, or grab a coffee to go.

2. Silver Strand Beach

Looking to step it up a notch? Follow the jetties to the open ocean and coast alongside the golden sands of Silver Strand Beach. If you’re an experienced kayaker, you’ll enjoy riding the waves 365 days a year. You can paddle south along the beach towards the La Janelle Jetty or paddle in and around the Channel Islands Harbor. Be on the lookout for dolphins, sea lions, harbor seals, and other marine life.

Silver Stand Beach has three beach breaks.

• The Jetty – A perfect right-hand break for longboarders
• The Bowl – Visit during Fall and Winter for the best waves
• La Janelle – A sandbar left-hand break

How to get to Silver Strand: You can’t miss it. There is only one entrance/exit to the Silver Strand neighborhood down Victoria Avenue.

3. Channel Islands National Park

Escape to the islands and tick another California National Park off your bucket list. Kayaking at Channel Islands National Park is a great way to soak up the island’s majestic views and sea caves.

Know before you go: The weather and ocean conditions can change rapidly. Visitors can kayak on their own or on a guided tour.

SPOTLIGHT: Channel Islands Expeditions - Anacapa Island Sea Cave Kayaking Tour Book Now

Embark on the world's largest downwind sea cave kayak tour. A full-day expedition, you'll paddle through iconic Arch Rock and 5 miles of sea caves with the current behind you. See wildlife including whales and dolphins on the 60- to 75-minute crossing to Anacapa Island. Once there, you'll navigate Anacapa's network of incredible sea caves - the most sea caves per square mile than any island on earth.

More popular areas to kayak:

• Scorpion Beach on East Santa Cruz Island – A world-class destination with easy beach access, clear ocean waters, and beautiful sea cave and cliffs.
• San Miguel and Santa Rosa Islands – Recommended for highly experienced expert level kayakers.

Enjoy diving, kayaking, swimming, and camping at Channel Islands National Park. Get the details here.

4. Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary

The Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary is an oceanic reserve area off the Channel Islands in the Pacific Ocean. Advanced kayakers will love the 11-mile trek across the channel from Santa Cruz Island to Silver Strand Beach.

You can also catch an Island Packers charter to Santa Cruz Island, where you can spend the day exploring hidden caves and crystal-clear waters around Scorpion Beach.

This sanctuary is home to a variety of plants and animals. If scuba diving is your thing, check out the giant kelp forests, pinnacles, and submerged Chumash Native American artifacts and the remains of more than 100 historic shipwrecks.

Kayak Rentals in Oxnard

Need a kayak? Here’s where you can rent one at the Channel Islands Harbor.

Channel Islands Kayak Center

Explore sea caves at Channel Islands National park or paddle around the harbor. Here you can rent kayaks by the hour or sign up for the full-day island tour.

3600 S Harbor Blvd, Oxnard, CA 93035

Hopper Boat Rentals

Choose between a single kayak or a double for twice the fun. Life vests and short tutorials are included with your rental.

2741 Victoria Ave. Channel Islands Harbor, Oxnard CA 93035

Kayaking in Oxnard: Safety Tips

While you don’t have to be a seasoned pro to enjoy kayaking, be smart.

• Use a buddy system. Stay together and know your limits.
• Check the weather and ocean conditions before you go. If you’re adventuring in the open ocean, be aware of the waves, wind, and currents.
• Tell someone where you’re going. Don’t leave your friends and family wondering where you are. Leave your emergency contact info at the rental location.
• Be safe. Wear a life vest and be aware of other boats, jet skis, and paddle boarders.

Conclusion

When it comes to kayaking in Oxnard, there are plenty of options. Start your day early and take your pick between fun and unique experiences at the harbor, beaches, Channel Islands National Park, or Marine Sanctuary.

Craving more outdoor activities? Check out our guides to the perfect girls’ trip or guys’ getaway to Oxnard.