Playing in the Ocean: A Guide to Paddle Boarding, Kayaking and Water Sports in Oxnard

Whether you want to kayak, surf, dive, fish or paddleboard, there's a spot waiting for you in Oxnard.

Why kayak and Paddleboard In OXNARD

Kayaking in Oxnard

For those who enjoy a seated water activity, kayaking in Oxnard provides an excellent upper-body workout and core-building exercise, all while navigating calm waters. Whether you're paddling through the harbor, venturing just beyond the surf, or embarking on an exciting ocean kayaking adventure, there are experiences suited for all skill levels.

Paddleboarding in Oxnard

Paddleboarding in Oxnard is a serene way to connect with nature while boosting your balance and strength. Whether you're leisurely paddling through scenic harbor channels, getting a great workout, or practicing yoga on your board, paddleboarding provides a unique and memorable outdoor experience. With Oxnard’s extensive network of harbor channels, numerous marinas, public docks and convenient launch points, it’s easy to enjoy this popular water sport.

Where to Rent Kayaks and Paddleboards in Oxnard

A variety of local rental gear outfitters ensure you have everything you need for a perfect day on the water.

• Channel Islands Expeditions
• Channel Islands Kayak Center
• Hopper Boat Rentals
• Winged Not Wired Wind & Watersports

Public Docks

Bringing your own gear? No problem. Channel Islands Harbor offers multiple public docks with convenient parking options to accommodate your needs.

• Peninsula Park, adjacent to Hampton Inn, has its own public dock and waterfront playground for kids.

Location: 3333 Peninsula Rd., Oxnard CA 93035

• Ventura County Day Dock – near the boat launch ramp.

Location: West of the Channel Islands Harbor Boat Launch Facility - 3141 Victoria Ave. Oxnard CA 93035

• Hobie Beach

Location: 2974 Victoria Ave., Oxnard CA 93035

• Channel Islands Maritime Museum Dock

Location: Behind the museum; 3900 Bluefin Cir., Oxnard CA 93035

• Seabridge Marina (behind Vons)

Location: 1213 Victoria Ave., Oxnard CA 93035

Where to Kayak and Paddleboard in Oxnard

Start your adventure by paddling from Channel Islands Harbor to Seabridge Marina and treat yourself to a well-deserved lunch at one of Oxnard’s waterfront restaurants along your journey.

Channel Islands Harbor

The Channel Islands Kayak Center is the perfect place to rent a kayak or paddleboard and explore Oxnard’s Channel Islands Harbor. With its calm waters, scenic marinas, public docks and abundant sea life, it's an ideal spot for a day on the water. Many family-owned outfitters in Oxnard are happy to help you make the most of your ocean experience, whether you're renting gear, joining a guided tour, or just looking for some local tips.

Spotlight: Marine Emporium Landing (MEL)—the hub for outdoor recreation and waterfront restaurants with a public dock nearby behind the Channel Islands Maritime Museum.

Rent a kayak from Channel Islands Kayak Center and launch from their private dock at Marine Emporium Landing. The harbor's calm, clear waters make it easy to navigate while you spot starfish and sea lions both beneath and above the surface. On the waterside of Marine Emporium Landing there’s a wharf cave that’s accessible by kayak only at low tide. Be sure to request the Pigmy Mammoth/ Warf Cave tour, where you'll find historic artifacts and a sea life mural that tells the story of the Channel Islands. This tour is perfect for those with limited time or anyone who feels uneasy about open water, offering a unique view of the islands’ history while staying close to shore. Nearby, you'll find the only replica of the Channel Islands Pygmy Mammoth, created by Disney's Fantasia and Pirates of the Caribbean artists. Around 40,000 years ago, a group of full-size Columbian Mammoths swam across the Santa Barbara Channel driven by the scent of abundant food on the islands, leading to the development of this new species. Be sure to admire the beautiful boats and homes lining the shore, along with the constant dock residents—the sea lions.

Hobie Beach

Load up your watercraft and head over to Hobie Beach. Located within Channel Islands Harbor, Hobie Beach is protected from waves and offers a launch area for kayaks and stand-up paddleboards. None the less the sea lions will be present in whichever direction you row. It's also near the Harbor inlet, so it's easy paddling out to sea.

Seabridge Marina

For a more tranquil kayaking or paddleboarding experience, head to Seabridge Marina. Glide through the residential water streets and enjoy the peaceful surroundings, taking in views of the unique homes and their privately docked watercrafts. Need gear or lessons? Winged not Wired offers rentals (with delivery to Seabridge) and lessons for those wanting to sharpen their skills. After paddling, dock at one of the marina's local restaurants, like Tradewinds Cafe for breakfast or Fisherman’s Catch for fresh seafood. It’s a perfect spot for a rejuvenating day on the water.

Channel Islands National Park - Kayaking

Comprised of five islands, Channel Islands National Park is located 11 miles off the coast of Oxnard and offers kayaking tours at Anacapa and Santa Cruz Islands. Kayakers are treated to spectacular ocean views, jutting rock cliffs and crystal-clear water where sea creatures glide beneath you. Go sea cave kayaking with Channel Islands Expeditions at Anacapa Island, home to the world’s longest downwind sea cave kayak tour. You'll paddle through 5 miles of sea caves with the current behind you. You'll also paddle through Anacapa's iconic Arch Rock, a 50’foot-high natural volcanic bridge. Push off from land at Scorpion Beach on Santa Cruz Island, a popular kayaking departure point because of its easy beach access to explore and nearby campsites.

Where to row IN OXNARD

Rowing is an incredible sport that combines strength, endurance and teamwork, offering a full-body workout while connecting with nature. Whether you're a beginner or seasoned athlete, rowing offers something for everyone – so grab an oar and discover the thrill of the water!

• Channel Islands Rowing Club – A comprehensive training program and summer camp providing middle and high school students with the ability and opportunity to compete in team rowing while also establishing self-confidence and commitment. Adult lessons offered as well.

Location: 3141 S Victoria Blvd, Oxnard CA, 93035​

• 805 Rowing Club – A rowing course geared towards high school students, developing their athletics along with their physical and mental strength while they work as a team establishing a sense of confidence and commitment.

Location: 4202 South Victoria Avenue, Oxnard, California

Where to surf IN OXNARD

Ready to carve some waves? Oxnard’s surf spots like Silver Strand Beach, Hollywood Beach, Mandalay Beach and Oxnard Shores offer challenging conditions suited for intermediate to advanced surfers. Each location provides powerful waves and unique breaks, making them ideal for those looking to test their skills and ride more demanding surf.

Silver Strand Beach

Silver Strand Beach is a pristine, mile-long stretch known for its excellent winter surf. This localized spot features three standout breaks: The Jetty, The Bowl and Ships, each offering challenging waves that cater to more advanced surfers. Inconsistent breaks during the spring and summer months.

Hollywood Beach, Mandalay Beach and Oxnard Shores

Located on the north side of the harbor, Hollywood Beach offers a relaxed atmosphere with year-round surf. This low-key spot is perfect for those looking to enjoy a more laid-back surfing experience with fewer crowds. Nearby Mandalay Bay, and further north, the Shores beaches, both come alive with waves that perform best on north, northwest, and south swells, providing conditions that suit intermediate to pro-level surfers.

Read more about Oxnard's surf spots.

Where to GO fishING IN OXNARD

Oxnard offers great fishing opportunities for all, youth, shore and deep-sea enthusiasts. For shore fishing, head to Mandalay Beach, a local favorite. The public is also able to fish off the public docks listed above. If you're looking for more excitement, Hook's Landing got you covered. They’ll take you out into the Santa Barbara Channel, where you can fish for a variety of species, including yellowtail and sheepshead. A storefront named Cisco's in the Channel Islands harbor offers both frozen and live bait as well as the opportunity to obtain a fishing license, ocean enhancement and lobster tags.

Mandalay Beach

For shore fishing, check out Mandalay Beach, where record-setting barred surfperch have been caught. It's a favorite spot among locals.

Deep Sea Fishing

If you're looking for something more thrilling, book a fishing trip with the pros at Hook's Landing or with Channel Islands Sportfishing located inside of Cisco's. These expert fishermen know exactly where to find yellowtail, sheepshead, rockfish and whitefish in the famous Santa Barbara Channel, just beyond the Channel Islands Marine Sanctuary. Whether you opt for a half-day excursion or a full day out on a top-of-the-line fishing boat, you'll have plenty of action with a reel in hand.

Reel Guppy Outdoors

Reel Guppy Outdoors, based in Oxnard, offers educational workshops that help children gain a deeper understanding of the ocean environment. Focused on empowering and inspiring youth, families and the community, Reel Guppy Outdoors fosters positive change through education and personal development. Children also receive hands-on experience pier or shore fishing, where they practice skills like knot tying, problem-solving, team building, crab netting and wildlife exploration.

Where to GO diving in and around OXNARD

The Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary, covering 1,470 square miles around the Channel Islands, is a protected haven for endangered species and sensitive habitats. It's a great spot for exploring vibrant underwater ecosystems and observing whales and dolphins. Additionally, the harbor mouth provides a unique freediving experience, especially with bioluminescent plankton occurrences in the summer.

Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary

The Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary spans 1,470 square miles of ocean waters around the Northern Channel Islands: Anacapa, Santa Cruz, Santa Rosa, San Miguel and Santa Barbara. The sanctuary provides protection for endangered species, sensitive habitats, historic shipwrecks and cultural resources. It is a must-see for scuba diving enthusiasts. Call Triton Diving Charters to reserve your trip. Dive into the crystal-clear waters and explore a beautiful kelp forest, this natural viewing gallery hosts over 27 species of whales and dolphins, including the rare blue whale, humpback whales and gray whales. It’s the perfect place to witness the vibrant underwater world and observe the marine life in their protected habitat.

Channel Islands Harbor (freediving around the harbor break wall)

The harbor mouth offers an excellent opportunity for nighttime free diving, providing a chance to experience the captivating phenomenon of plankton bioluminescence (especially in the summer) and observe various bottom-dwelling species.

Conclusion

Oxnard offers a variety of water activities for all ocean lovers, from kayaking and exploring sea caves to surfing and diving. With calm waters, a stunning coastline and vibrant marine life, it’s the perfect spot for both relaxation and adventure. Whether paddleboarding, fishing, or heading out on a deep-sea trip, Oxnard’s waters are ready for you to explore and create lasting memories.