Marinas in Santa Cruz, CA

August and September are usually the best all-around months for boating on Monterey Bay from Santa Cruz. NOAA’s Monterey water-temperature record reaches about 60°F in those months, and the Coast Pilot says winds of 17 knots or more are rare in July, August and September; stronger gusts are more likely from October through May. Santa Cruz Harbor is maintained as a year-round harbor, so there is no fixed local opening or closing date. Late summer therefore offers the strongest balance of warmer water and generally lighter winds.

Source: NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information and Office of Coast Survey (ncei.noaa.gov)

From Santa Cruz, you can launch at Santa Cruz Small Craft Harbor and use Monterey Bay to reach Santa Cruz Anchorage, Soquel Cove, Moss Landing Harbor or Monterey Harbor. The jettied harbor entrance opens onto broad, exposed water. Santa Cruz Anchorage off the municipal pier has a sand bottom but can take heavy northwest swell. Soquel Cove near Capitola offers fair shelter in northwest weather but is open to southerly weather. Moss Landing provides a harbor of refuge, while Monterey Harbor’s breakwater gives excellent protection in northwest weather.

Source: NOAA Office of Coast Survey (nauticalcharts.noaa.gov)

From Santa Cruz Harbor, three practical Monterey Bay day trips are Capitola Wharf, Moss Landing Harbor and Monterey Harbor. Capitola Wharf offers transient tie-ups, shore boat service and food ashore. Moss Landing’s North Harbor public wharf lets visiting vessels tie up briefly or stay for several days, with a waterfront restaurant beside the dock. Monterey Harbor is the more developed outing, with transient berths and access to Old Fisherman’s Wharf, which is lined with restaurants and shops.

Source: California State Parks Division of Boating and Waterways (dbw.parks.ca.gov)

California requires a Boater Card, rather than a conventional boating license, for most recreational operators of motorized vessels. Since January 1, 2025, the requirement applies regardless of age and includes personal watercraft. Operators generally must be at least 16 for vessels over 15 horsepower; ages 12 to 15 may operate only if supervised on board by an attentive adult 18 or older, and must either hold a card themselves or be supervised by a cardholder.

Rental vessel operators are exempt. Exemptions also cover direct supervision and qualifying temporary visitors. Approved applicants may print a 90-day temporary card while awaiting the permanent card. California State Parks’ Division of Boating and Waterways administers the program.

Source: California State Parks Division of Boating and Waterways (parks.ca.gov)

California boaters should carry a Coast Guard approved life jacket for everyone and ensure children under 13 wear one whenever a recreational vessel is moving. Operating a boat, water skis or similar device at a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08 percent or higher is illegal. Sailboats over eight feet and motorized vessels must be registered with DMV. Personal watercraft may not operate from sunset to sunrise; operators generally must be at least 16, while ages 12 to 15 require qualifying onboard adult supervision. California registered vessels using freshwater also need current Mussel Fee Stickers, and some waterbodies require inspections. The responsible agency is California State Parks’ Division of Boating and Waterways.

Source: California State Parks, Division of Boating and Waterways (parks.ca.gov)

In California you must be 16 or older and hold a California Boater Card to operate a vessel powered by a motor of 15 horsepower or more, including a personal watercraft. Someone aged 12 to 15 may operate that same class only while supervised on board by a person at least 18 who is also in possession of a California Boater Card. The supervising adult needs the card, not just the years. State Parks' Division of Boating and Waterways administers it. The rental company sets its own minimum rental age, often higher, so confirm it when booking.

Source: California State Parks, Division of Boating and Waterways, dbw.parks.ca.gov and californiaboatercard.com (parks.ca.gov)

Alongside the marinas on this page, Santa Cruz has 9 boat rentals.