Single + Tandem Kayak Rentals • Santa Clara Point
Mission Bay Kayak Rentals in San Diego
Choose a single kayak for your own pace or a tandem kayak for two. Check in at Mission Bay Sportcenter, get fitted with your gear, and launch from our waterfront location at Santa Clara Point.
- Paddles and PFDs included
- Waterfront launch
- No experience required
Choose a single kayak for one paddler or a tandem kayak designed for two.
Your assigned kayak, paddle equipment, fitted PFD, and basic launch guidance are normally included.
Check in and launch at 1010 Santa Clara Place on Mission Bay.
The primary renter must be 18 or older and bring a valid photo ID and credit card.
Choose a single or tandem kayak
Pick the kayak that fits your Mission Bay day.
Both options give you a seated paddle experience from the same waterfront launch. The main choice is whether you want your own kayak or want to share one craft with another paddler.
Independent pace
Single Kayak Rental
Paddle independently, steer your own craft, and set your own rhythm within the approved operating area.
- One paddler per kayak
- Current regular rates from $17.50
- Hourly and all-day options
- Best for solo control or paddling beside friends
Share the ride
Tandem Kayak Rental
Two paddlers share one kayak, making it easier to stay together and coordinate the outing from the same craft.
- Two paddlers per kayak
- Current regular rates from $29
- Hourly and all-day options
- Best for couples, friends, and family pairs
Mission Bay kayak rental rates
Compare single and tandem kayak prices.
A quick hour works for a compact introduction near the launch. Two hours gives you more time to find your rhythm, while longer options suit paddlers planning an extended Mission Bay outing.
A compact introduction close to the waterfront launch.
More time to settle into your pace without feeling as rushed.
A longer outing for paddlers who want additional time on the bay.
An extended paddle with more schedule space for an unhurried return.
The longest listed option. Confirm the return time in the live booking calendar.
What comes with your rental
What your kayak rental includes.
Your base rental is set up to get you checked in, fitted, and launched from one waterfront location.
- Assigned single or tandem kayak for the option you reserved
- Paddle equipment for each paddler
- Properly fitted PFDs and the required safety briefing
- Basic launch guidance before you head out
- Waterfront launch access to the approved Mission Bay operating area
Optional items or services may cost extra. Confirm anything beyond the basic rental before checkout.
What to bring
Come ready for sun, water, and a little splash.
Splashes are part of paddling. Dress for the water and keep the items you take into the kayak to a minimum.
- Valid government-issued photo ID and credit card for the primary renter
- Water-friendly clothing that can get wet
- Sun protection such as sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat
- Drinking water and a towel for after your session
- A plan for valuables before you launch
How kayak rentals work
Four steps from reservation to launch.
Previous kayaking experience is not required. Suitability, routes, and launch decisions still depend on fit, current conditions, and the dock team’s safety judgment.
Choose your kayak
Reserve a single or tandem kayak, choose a duration, and select an available start time in the live calendar.
Arrive early
Plan to arrive about 30 minutes before your reservation. Allow extra time for parking and check-in.
Check in and gear up
Complete the required waiver, present your ID and credit card, receive your PFD, and review launch guidance.
Launch and return
Paddle within the approved area and leave enough time to return by the scheduled end of your rental.
Where you can paddle
Plan your Mission Bay kayak route.
Mission Bay Sportcenter is at the north end of Santa Clara Point, near Mission Beach and Pacific Beach. Check in and launch at our waterfront, then stay inside the approved Mission Bay operating area explained by staff.
Rental equipment may not enter the ocean, Mission Bay jetty or inlet, or designated swimming zones. Wind, weather, visibility, water conditions, and other safety restrictions can affect available routes, so follow the dock team’s current instructions.
Mission Bay Sportcenter1010 Santa Clara Place
San Diego, CA 92109
858-488-1004
A closer look
Sit low. Look wide. Paddle at your pace.
A kayak rental can be a short introduction, a shared outing, or a longer Mission Bay paddle. Earlier rentals can often have lighter wind, but weather, wind, visibility, and boat traffic vary throughout the day.
Choose your paddle experience
Would you rather sit solo, share, or stand?
A single kayak gives one paddler independent steering. A tandem keeps two paddlers in one craft. A stand-up paddleboard adds more balance and the choice to kneel or stand. All three launch from our Mission Bay waterfront.
Single kayak
Sit low in the water, steer your own kayak, and choose an independent pace within the approved paddling area.
Choose this if: you want one craft per person and direct control of your own route and rhythm.
Book a Single KayakTandem kayak
Share one seated kayak with another paddler and coordinate your strokes and steering as a team.
Choose this if: you want to stay together in one craft or share the paddling effort.
Book a Tandem KayakStand-up paddleboard
Stand or kneel on your own board for a more balance-focused, active paddle experience.
Choose this if: you want a balance challenge, an open deck, and the option to stand or kneel.
View Paddleboard Rentals
Before you arrive
Set up a smooth start to your rental.
Your reserved time is your scheduled rental start, so arriving early helps protect the time you paid for.
Arrive early
Plan for parking, check-in, the required waiver, fitting, and safety guidance before your start time.
Bring ID and card
The primary renter must present a valid government-issued photo ID and credit card.
Follow staff guidance
Launch decisions, routes, and use depend on current conditions and the dock team’s safety judgment.
Be back on time
Know your scheduled return time before launching and leave enough time to paddle back comfortably.
Mission Bay kayak rental FAQ
Questions before you paddle?
Here are the details guests most often need before booking single or tandem kayak rentals in San Diego.
How much does it cost to rent a kayak on Mission Bay?
Current regular one-hour base rates start at $17.50 for a single kayak and $29 for a tandem kayak. Prices vary by kayak type and duration, and eligible early times may show a lower calendar price. A 10% concession fee applies to equipment rentals. The live booking calendar confirms current prices, start times, return details, and booking terms.
Should I rent a single or tandem kayak?
Choose a single kayak when one person wants an independent craft and control of their own pace. Choose a tandem kayak when two paddlers want to share one kayak and stay together. Tandem paddlers should be prepared to coordinate their strokes and steering.
Can a beginner rent a kayak?
Previous kayaking experience is not required. Staff provides basic launch and safety guidance before departure. Conditions can change, so suitability, routes, and launch decisions remain subject to the dock team’s judgment.
What comes with a kayak rental?
The basic rental normally includes the assigned single or tandem kayak, paddle equipment, a properly fitted PFD, basic launch guidance, and the required safety briefing. Optional equipment or services may cost extra.
How long should I rent a kayak?
One hour works for a compact introduction close to the launch. Two hours gives many guests more time to settle in and explore without rushing. Longer rentals provide additional time on the bay, but you must return by the scheduled time shown in your booking.
Do I need a reservation, and when should I arrive?
Reservations are recommended when you want a preferred kayak type or start time, especially on weekends, holidays, and busy days. Walk-up availability is not guaranteed. Plan to arrive about 30 minutes early, or 30 to 45 minutes early for a large group.
What do I need at kayak rental check-in?
The primary renter must be at least 18 years old and present a valid government-issued photo ID and physical credit card. Allow time to complete the rental agreement, gear fitting, and safety guidance before the reserved start time.
Where may I paddle a rental kayak?
Stay within the approved Mission Bay operating area explained at check-in. Rental equipment may not enter the ocean, Mission Bay jetty or inlet, or designated swimming zones. Review the Mission Bay map before launching and follow all current staff instructions.
Will I get wet, and what should I bring?
Expect splashes and dress in water-friendly clothing. Bring sun protection, drinking water, and a towel, and make a secure plan for phones, wallets, and other valuables before launching.
Your Mission Bay paddle starts here
Choose your kayak and see available times.
Reserve a single kayak for your own pace or a tandem kayak for two. Arrive about 30 minutes early, check in at the waterfront, and follow the dock team’s route and safety guidance before launching.
Current rates, available start times, return details, and booking terms are confirmed in the live calendar. A 10% concession fee applies.