Kayak Connection

Have you been to the Elkhorn Slough recently? 🌈Between storms, winter is one of our favorite times to paddle. The abundance of wildlife (including migratory birds and yes, sea otter mom & babies!) and the lack of wind make this a wonderful time for all levels of kayakers to get on the water. 🦭🦦🦆Come for your first time or your 100th!
Rentals, tours & classes available to reserve on our website kayakconnection.com

📸: Kayak Connection guide Annakate Clemmoms

‘Tis the season for Kayak Connection’s annual Holiday Lights Tour!!! Every Friday and Saturday in December one of Santa’s helpers ( our guides ) will lead a tour throughout the Santa Cruz Harbor’s winter wonderland of festively decorated boats. Enjoy some hot cocoa and cider as you paddle your own festive kayak while you admire the lights. Reserve online or call us at 831-479-1121. ❄️❄️

Get ready for a frightfully fun time on the water with Kayak Connection’s Haunted Paddle! Paddle through the waters of the Santa Cruz Harbor and into the edge of the mysterious Monterey Bay as our ghoulishly good guides share spooky sea tales and local legends sure to give you goosebumps. Costumes are highly encouraged — Whether you’re a witch, pirate, or sea monster, it’s time to paddle in style!

Perfect for families, friends, and anyone who loves a good ghost story with a splash of adventure. You might even paddle away with a sweet surprise treat... or two!
Book now — spots vanish like ghosts in the night!

Whales in the bay! Happy Fall y’all!

Some captures from the start of last night’s bioluminescence tour. Can’t beat an underwater FIREWORKS 🎆 show✨🎇✨Happy 4th✨🎇!

🌈Happy Pride Month!!✨What an amazing time we had connecting with and supporting our incredible LGBTQIA+ community at Santa Cruz Pride! This was Kayak Connection’s second year attending, and we’re so grateful we had the opportunity to be part of such a vibrant and heart warming event.🩷 To keep the celebration going, we’re hosting a Pride Paddle social every Thursday & Friday in June! Come join us on the water as we celebrate love, inclusion,community, and each other all month long! ❤️🧡💛💚💙💜🏳️‍🌈

This summer Kids Kayak Camp returns ! 🌊 Looking for an unforgettable summer experience for your kiddos? At our camp your young adventurers will have fun paddling while learning new skills, making friends, and gaining confidence on the water - all while gaining knowledge about our marine ecosystem in the beautiful Monterey Bay. Now enrolling for both our June & July sessions, each hosted at our Santa Cruz location.

Thank you to everyone who has supported us throughout the whirlwind the last few weeks have been. We were shocked at the results of our last major storm on the Santa Cruz harbor community . Our dock, as well as many others, was severely damaged and as a result we had to shut down our Santa Cruz location temporarily while repairs were being made. We appreciate all those who checked in on us during this time as well as the harbor maintenance workers who dedicated so much time to restoring our harbor. Luckily our Santa Cruz shop is officially open again!! Thank you all for your continued support of our family owned business 🩵

Kayak Connection Santa Cruz closed today, Christmas Eve, due to large swell and infrastructure damage to the Harbor. Sorry for the inconvenience, and hope you all have a safe holiday!

Another amazing Kayak Connection Holiday Party!! Always a fun tradition to watch the Santa Cruz Lighted Boat Parade with our lovely staff. ⛵️🎄☃️

Did you overindulge on that Thanksgiving feast? Looking to get the in-laws out of the house for a fun outdoor activity? Burn off that turkey and kick off your holiday weekend feeling refreshed & invigorated during this 3.5 hour guided paddle! You’ll see & learn about fall on the Monterey Bay as we paddle alongside the wildlife abundant kelp forest off West Cliff Drive. 🦃🍂