Kayak & Paddleboard

Avila faces south into a protected cove, so the water is usually calmer here than on most of the Central Coast. That makes it one of the better places around to try a kayak or paddleboard for the first time. On a still morning you can paddle from the beach out past the piers and back with sea lions barking around you.

Where to launch

• Avila Beach (downtown). The easiest launch, straight off the sand. In season the rental crew sets up right on the beach. The Avila Beach Pier is mostly closed for repairs, so stay clear of any work zone around it.
• Olde Port Beach. Between downtown and Harford Pier. There's a vehicle ramp for launching your own kayak or board, but it's soft sand, so four-wheel drive helps. See Olde Port Beach.
• Port San Luis. The harbor by Harford Pier is calm water with lots of wildlife. Avila Beach Paddlesports' shop is here.

Where to paddle

• Around Harford Pier. Sea otters, sea lions and seabirds. Paddling out beyond the pier improves your odds of seeing otters.
• Cal Poly Pier. Launch from Olde Port Beach and head toward the long pier between Avila and Port San Luis. Paddling is the only public way to see the marine science center at its end.
• Fossil Point and Pirate's Cove. Paddle east from downtown past Fossil Point to the cliffs and clear water of Pirate's Cove. Note that the beach there is clothing-optional.
• Point San Luis. The lighthouse headland, best visited with a guide.

Rentals and tours

Avila Beach Paddlesports

Kayak and stand-up paddleboard rentals, lessons and guided tours. Rentals run year-round from the harbor shop, and walk-ins are welcome when the weather allows. From April to October they also set up on the downtown beach. Their tours include an Adventure Tour to Point San Luis Lighthouse (about 3 to 4 hours, ages 13 and up), a Little Explorers family tour (ages 7 and up), harbor tours and trips to the sea caves at Fossil Point and Shell Beach. 3915 Avila Beach Dr, Port San Luis. avilabeachpaddlesports.com

Avila Beach Surf Shop

This family-owned shop rents boards and wetsuits and also offers guided kayak tours and lessons. See surfing.

For the full list of gear you can rent around town, see things to rent.

Wildlife

Look for sea otters near Harford Pier, sea lions and harbor seals around the piers, and seabirds on the rocks. Gray and humpback whales sometimes pass close to shore, especially in winter and spring. Stay well back from all marine mammals and let them come to you. If you'd rather see whales from a boat, see whale watching.

Before you go

Check wind and swell on our weather and conditions page. Afternoon wind can make the paddle back a lot harder than the paddle out. Kayak fishing is popular too; see fishing for what's biting.