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

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

Where to kayak In OXNARD

Kayakers have a variety of places to tour in and around Oxnard. Consider adding these spots to your itinerary:

• Channel Islands National Park

Comprised of five islands, Channel Islands National Park is located 11 miles off the coast of Oxnard and offers several amazing places to kayak.

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 beach access, sea caves to explore and nearby campsites.

• Channel Islands Harbor

Rent a kayak or paddleboard from Channel Islands Kayak Center and launch from Marine Emporium Landing. The harbor has calm, clear water, making it easy to maneuver while spotting starfish below you. Check out the rows of stunning boats and homes along the shore and catch a glimpse of a sea lion or two known to hang out in the harbor.

• Hobie Beach

Load the kayaks up 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. It's also near the Harbor inlet, so it's easy paddling out to sea.

Where to surf IN OXNARD

Ready to carve some waves? Here's where to surf in Oxnard:

• Silver Strand Beach

The mile-long Silver Strand Beach brings world-class surfers looking to tackle great waves without the crowds.

Silver Strand offers exceptional surfing year-round, though peak surf is in the summer and wintertime. The beach has three breaks ideal for surfers: The Jetty, The Bowl and La Janelle.

Read more about Oxnard's surf spots.

Where to GO fishING IN OXNARD

Whether you want to catch dinner or just spend a lazy day fishing from shore, here are a few spots to drop a line in Oxnard:

• Mandalay Beach

To fish from shore, try Mandalay Beach. Record setting barred surfperch have been caught here. It's a spot locals rave about.

• Deep Sea Fishing

If you want something a little more exhilarating, consider booking a fishing trip with experts like those at Hook's Landing. These experienced fishermen know where to snag yellowtail, sheepshead, rockfish and whitefish in the waters of the Santa Barbara Channel, just outside the protected waters of Channel Islands Marine Sanctuary. Book a half-day tour or spend the entire day on a state-of-the-art fishing boat with a reel in your hand.

Where to paddleboard IN OXNARD

• Channel Islands Harbor

Rent a paddleboard from the Channel Islands Kayak Center and take to the harbor. With calm waters, easy access to the beach and visible sea life, it's a great spot to take the family paddle boarding.

Oxnard is full of family-run outfitters that are more than willing to help you enjoy all that the ocean has to offer. Rent gear, take guided tours and get local