Bays, waves, and

coastal air

Water Activities

To really experience everything Eureka has to offer, take advantage of the community’s location along the world-famous Humboldt Bay. Boat rentals and water adventures abound, with ample opportunities to build your skillset if you aren’t already aquatically inclined.

Please note that offerings and operating hours may be affected due to COVID-19.

Madaket Cruise on the Humboldt Bay

Foot of "C" Street, Eureka, CA 95501 | (707) 445-1910

Climb aboard the Madaket and enjoy a relaxing voyage along the shores of Humboldt Bay. The M.V. Madaket, built in 1910, is the last survivor of seven original ferries that transported families and mill workers around Humboldt Bay for decades. Today it sits as the oldest passenger motor vessel in continuous service in the entire United States. Between May and October, you can hop on board for a tour and learn about local history, industries, activities, points of interest and wildlife.

You can choose from a narrated historical cruise to learn about the history of the Humboldt Bay, including industry, points of interest (wait until you see the Carson Mansion by boat!) and wildlife (Tuesday through Saturday at 1 PM, 2:30 PM, and 4 PM; Monday at 1 PM and 2:30 PM).  Or for a more adult experience, relax on a cocktail cruise and grab a drink from the smallest licensed bar in the state of California (Tuesday through Saturday at 5:30 PM).

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Boating

500 West Waterfront Drive, Eureka, CA 95501

The Eureka Public Marina has a free, public boat launch facility to accommodate recreational use of the Humboldt Bay. The marina has been constructed with a handicapped accessible gangway and concrete floats designed with berth spaces and long finger docks to accommodate both recreation and commercial vessels. A waterfront walk allows visitors to enjoy the many visual resources of Humboldt Bay.

The Eureka Public Marina can accommodate vessels 20’-70’ in length, within walking distance of restaurants and shops.

There are two motorized boat launches can be found locally: one at the Eureka Public Marina Boat Launch, which includes a two-lane launch ramp, fish cleaning station, fishing line recycling station, waste oil disposal facility, parking area, and public restrooms.  Across the bay, the Samoa Bridge Boat Launch has one wide-lane launch ramp, public restrooms, parking area, and fishing line recycling station.

Brought your own gear? The Eureka Slough Boat Ramp is non-motorized boat launch, located near the Eureka Waterfront Trail (behind Target).

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Humboats Kayaking Adventures

601 Startare Dr, Eureka, CA 95501(707) 443-5157

Humboats’ waterfront location at  Woodley Island Marina in Eureka features the only dockside kayak and SUP rental facility on the redwood coast.  Paddle around Indian Island to see the egret rookery or along the water trails of the Humboldt Bay National Wildlife Refuge. Rent both single and tandem kayaks; for families, you’ll find on offer a double-kayak with a drop-in seat in a center hatch for younger paddlers.

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Humboldt Bay Aquatic Center

921 Waterfront Drive, Eureka, CA 95501 | (707) 443-4222

Located on the beautiful Eureka waterfront across from Woodley Island Marina, the Humboldt Bay Aquatic Center (HBAC) is a multipurpose facility dedicated to providing boating safety, outdoor recreation, and educational opportunities for the local community, HSU students and staff and beyond Humboldt County.

Rent kayaks, canoes, and stand up paddleboards.  Take a class or a tour to view Eureka from the water.  We guarantee Eureka is best seen by both land and sea.

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Pacific Outfitters

1600 5th St, Eureka, CA 95501 | (707) 443-6328

Fish, hike, kayak, and be generally amazed at all Eureka and the surrounding areas have to offer.  Book classes and tours that meet at the main Eureka location and get your adventure on.

Tours and trips include guided hiking adventures to see the coastal redwoods, the tallest trees in the world, kayaking or stand up paddling adventures where you'll learn about Humboldt Bay's rich history and wildlife while exploring the shoreline and inner channels of Tuluwat Island and Woodley Island Marina, and surfing adventures in secret spots only the locals know about.  Check out Pacific Outfitters' website to book and learn more.

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Reel Steel Sportfishing Charters

Woodley Island Marina, Dock D, Eureka, CA 95501 | (707) 499-4925

With over 30 years of ocean sport fishing experience, you’re guaranteed to have a memorable fishing experience.  Fish for halibut, salmon, tuna, rockfish, lingcod, crab, or sharks with custom fishing trips for individuals and groups up to 6.  You'll fish from a 36' boat with a heated cabin and enclosed toilet, equipped with all of the safety gear and latest fish finding and navigation electronics you need.

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Elk River Sanctuary — Hikshari’ Trail

End of Hilfiker Lane, Eureka, CA 95501

Launch your personal watercraft or start your stand-up paddleboard adventure here. Enjoy exceptional bay views, interpretative signs, and artistic benches on your way to the boat launch on the south section of the trail. Enjoy a picnic area, wildlife viewing, hiking/walking. Waterfowl hunting launch (October – February).

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