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.
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's 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 p.m., 2:30 p.m., and 4 p.m.; Monday at 1 p.m. and 2:30 p.m.). 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 p.m.).
Boating
500 West Waterfront Drive, Eureka, CA 95501
The Eureka Public Marina has a free, public boat launch facility to accommodate the recreational use of 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 view of Humboldt Bay.
The Eureka Public Marina can accommodate vessels 20’-70’ in length and is within walking distance of restaurants and shops.
There are two motorized boat launches that can be found locally: one at the Eureka Public Marina Boat Launch, which includes a two-lane launch ramp, a fish cleaning station, a fishing line recycling station, a waste oil disposal facility, parking area, and public restrooms. The Samoa Bridge Boat Launch (on the Eureka side of the bridge, by Halvorsen Park) has one wide-lane launch ramp, public restrooms, parking areas, and fishing line recycling stations. Across the bay, the Samoa County Park boat ramp is on the Samoa peninsula, south of Fairhaven, just north of the Coast Guard station.
Brought your own gear? The Eureka Slough Boat Ramp is a non-motorized boat launch, located near the Eureka Waterfront Trail (behind Target).
Learn more about boat launches in Eureka and Humboldt County.
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 Duluwat 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.
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 the broader 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.
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 Duluwat 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.
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, and walking. You'll find the waterfowl hunting launch October – February.
Fishing and Crabbing
Fishing Charters
Eureka is home to an abundant selection of fishing charters. Visit their websites and contact the provider directly for more information.
Humboldt Yacht Club
The Humboldt Yacht Club has actively promoted recreational boating on Humboldt Bay and surrounding waters since 1938. They have a full calendar of events for dinghies, keelboats, offshore and in-bay racing, as well as many social events during the year. Most of all, they provide sailors and other recreational boaters with a community of fellow enthusiasts.
Their beautiful clubroom is located in the west wing of the Wharfinger Building. With its picturesque location, they proudly showcase the "Best View on the Bay." Club members frequently bring a bag lunch, or meet a friend and relax and enjoy the view. The clubroom can be reserved by club members for family parties or special events and is available for rental by the public.
discover more
Eureka Visitor Center
108 F Street
Eureka, CA 95501
(707) 441-4150
info@visiteureka.com
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