South Beach Harbor
San Francisco
(415) 357-1010
info@citykayak.com

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Popular Kayaking Routes

 
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How It Works

If you want to enjoy kayaking on your own or with family and friends, you can rent a kayak and go. We will show you where to go, what to see. No worries, it will be based on your ability and weather condition.

Don't forget to bring a camera. You will have the world-class scenery from the water.

 

Destinations

Beginner Area: South Beach Harbor, McCovey Cove, Lefty O'doul Draw Bridge, Houseboats in Mission Creek, future home of America's Cup, Navy Ships- Cape Hudson

Intermediate; Bay Bridge, Cupid's Span, Ferry Building, The Ramp Restaurant, La Mar, Farmer's Market, San Francisco Belle, Coit Tower

Advanced(recommend guided trip); Treasure Island, Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz,

 

 

Reservation Online

Online Reservation is not available for this winter.

 

Rental Hours

Rental is available by appointment. Please email or call for questions.

 
 

Beginner Hour (Summer Only)

Best time to go kayaking is early in the day before the afternoon wind starts. So, the opening hour is always a Beginner Hour.

We provide extended instructions for beginners during this time. If you do not need lesson, you can get on the water right away.

Having a buddy on the water is a good practice. First time paddler must have a buddy on the water.

Off Hour Paddling

Early hour paddling is available by advance reservation.
Full day rental charge applies.
There is no extra charge for season pass holder.

 

Rental Packages

Multi-hour Pack

5 hour pack $89

10 hour pack $149

Available at the shop. You can use it for one or two hour at a time.

 

 

Hourly Packages

Sit-on-top Kayak / Stand Up Paddle Board

1 hour
2 hours
3 hours
4 hours
full day
Single
$35
$39
$49
$59
$69
Double
$65
$69
$79
$89
$99

Includes; kayak, Stand Up Paddle Board, life jacket, paddle, dry bag, wetsuit or paddling jacket, splash pants.

 

Touring Kayak

1 hour
2 hours
3 hours
4 hours
full day
Single
$40
$44
$54
$64
$74
Double
$70
$74
$84
$94
$104

Includes; kayak, life jacket, paddle, dry bag, wetsuit or paddling jacket, splash pants, safety kit. spray skirt.

Touring kayak rental requires a proof of reentry skills.

Canoe

1 hour
2 hours
3 hours
4 hours
full day
Double
$72
$76
$86
$96
$106

Includes; kayak, life jacket, paddle, dry bag, wetsuit or paddling jacket, splash pants.

Canoe rental requires a proof of reentry skills.

 

Season Pass

You get unlimited kayak and gear rental during the period.
Minimum 3 month commitment is required.

 

Individual- $149 ($50/mth)

Family- $249 ($83/mth)

Family includes 2 adults and 2 youth

Student- $57 per 3 month ($19/mth)

Student pass includes unlimited weekday access.

seasonSee more details

 

 

Buy Rentals Online

Buy kayak rental hours online and save money and time. You get;

Discounted price
Served ahead of walk-in customers
Save time at check-out

Buy Rentals Online

 

 

Group Rental

A group is over 10 people.

Buying Rental Credit online allows each person to pay for own rental.
Buying Rental Credit online is least expensive rate.

10% discount applies with phone reservation or walk-ins.

We can accomodate up to 100 people(reservation required).
Minimum two hour applies for adults (one hour for youth).

 

Things to Bring

Change of clothes, extra shoes, bottled water, and cell phone in a waterproof pouch.

Additionally consider: water resistant jacket and pants, sunglasses, sunblock, moisture wicking layer, hat, gloves, towel, and camera in a zip lock bag (or waterproof pouch).

For San Francisco Giants game in McCovey Cove bring an AM radio.

 

Rental Restrictions

Rental area is limited based on the condition, paddler's ability, weather, etc.

Each person should be able to swim 25ft with a life jacket.

Have a buddy on the water if you are a beginner.

Each child (under age 14) should be with a guardian on a double kayak. Youth under 18 need a paddling buddy and guardian's signature on a waiver form.

If you are not sure about your friend's paddling ability, join a guided trip or rental session. It includes everything for a great first day in kayaking.

View trips from calendar

 

McCovey Cove Experience

Baseball fans flock to McCovey Cove for a chance of life time: catching a splash hit.

This package includes everything you need to enjoy McCovey Cove exprience for the entire game plus batting practice(2 hours before each game). It includes;

kayaking lesson
rental of sit-on-top kayak, dry jacket, splash pants, dry bag, life jacket, paddle

calendarSee more details

 

Touring Kayak Rental

You must demonstrate a reentry capability. You can; take a written test or show an unexpired certification.

Taking two single kayak is safer than a double.
In a group rental one person out of five should have a reentry skill.

A rental session or kayak trip is recommended if your party does not have reentry skills.

 

 

 

Take-away or Day Rental

Sit-on-top Kayak*

Single: $59
Double: $69

Accessories Package: $8 per person (pfd, paddle, drybag)

Touring Kayak*

Single: $65
Double: $75

Accessories Package: $12 per person (pfd, paddle, dry bag, paddling jacket or wetsuit, spray skirt, paddle float, bildge pump, sponge)

Canoe*

Old Town Discovery 18ft: $75

Accessories Package: $8 per person (pfd, paddle, drybag)

Car Top Kit *

Universal Kit (mounts on any car: flat roof or crossbar)

Kayak Package: $8
Canoe Package: $8

Transport Wheels*

These carts save your arms.
Fitted with inflatable wheels to work on sandy beach also.
Works with kayak or canoe.

$18 per day

* Free pick up day (after 2pm), free return day (by noon).
50% off second day, 75% off beyond. Prices shown are first day charges.

 

Hiring a Guide

Kayak guide or chase boat: $120/hr
Minimum $240 per trip

 

Cleaning Fee

If excessive cleaning is needed, City Kayak may charge a fee; $20 per hour or $4 per item (whichever is greater).

 


Cancellation or Changes of Reservation

If you cancel at least 24 hours in advance, you will receive a complete refund. Just notify us by a phone call or email. Store credit maybe given afterwards.

7 day policy applies for groups of 10 or more.

 

Rain or Stormy Conditions

A rain or wind forecast does not necessarily cancel an event or a reservation because local condition is different by district in San Francisco. However, we usually cancel an event if there is

over 10% chance of "rain"
over 30% of "shower"
strong wind

If you have a reservation, we notify you 24 hours in advance in such cancellation. Please call or email if you have questions about the weather. If cancelled, we can 1) reschedule the event to another day, 2) give you a store credit, or 3) give you a full refund.

 


Available Kayaking Gear

The gear is available at $8 per item per day if not renting kayaks.

Dry jacket
Spray pants
Pogies (paddle mittens)
Wetsuit
Booties
Car-top kayak kit

 

Rental Area

Paddling boundary depends on the condition and paddler's ability.

Family Route

McCovey Cove, Mission Creek (2 hour paddling)

Baseball fans gather at the McCovey Cove for a chance to catch splash hits. Also, you can paddle under Lefty O'Doul draw bridge and visit unique houseboats in Mission Creek. Famillies with children should stay in this calm protected area.

Intermediate / Advanced Route

Downtown, Bay Bridge, The Ramp, Dry Dock (2-3 hour paddling)

If you have solid paddling skills, you may venture into main part of the bay. Checking the tide chart, wind, and weather is cruicial. 2 hour paddling along the scenic San Francisco downtown or The Ramp restaurant is popular among local kayakers.

Expert Route

Fisherman's Wharf
Treasure Island, Yerba Buenna Island (3+ hour paddling)

Strong wind and tidal currents prevail in these areas. Extensive paddling experience and knowledge about the area are required. See what trips are offered for these destinations from calendar.

 

Power Boat Rental

Popular power boat Boston Whaler Montauk is available for rental.

Boston Whaler Montauk 17

Powered with 4 stroke Evinrude 70 horse power
Rated for 7.5 persons

$150 per hour (plus gas, tax)
Minimum two hours
Requires recent power boating experience


 

   

 

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