Harbor News & Updates

May 2022

Water Taxi Operation

The free inner-harbor water taxi is scheduled to begin operation over Memorial Day Weekend!

Beginning Saturday, May 28, 2022, the water taxi will be operating on weekends and holidays from 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM. In addition to weekend service, the water taxi will operate on Thursday evenings during the Crow's Nest beach barbecues from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM.

Passengers may be picked up and dropped off at the following locations:

X1 Gate (northeast harbor)
AA Dock (southwest harbor)
Launch Ramp (southeast harbor)

National Safe Boating Week:

May 21-27

Join the Port District in promoting safe boating during National Safe Boating Week by stopping by our public safety education booth hosted by Harbor Patrol, Coast Guard Auxiliary, and TowBoatU.S. on Saturday, May 21, 2022, at the Santa Cruz Harbor launch ramp.

Recreational boaters will have the opportunity through the District's partnership with the Division of Boating & Waterways (DBW) to exchange an unserviceable and/or expired youth or child sized life jacket for a new one, so be sure to stop by between 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM.

We hope to see you there!

Welcome Rick, the District's New Parking Coordinator!

The Port District is pleased to announce Rick Melrose as the new Parking Coordinator. Rick has worked in various capacities for the District over the last nine years, and has gained an excellent understanding of the harbor's operation, including the District’s parking program and associated parking equipment.

Join us in congratulating Rick on his new role at the harbor!

Patrol Boat Dedication Ceremony

The Santa Cruz Port District will host a dedication ceremony for its new patrol boat on Friday, May 20, 2022, at 3:00 PM at the Santa Cruz Harbor Fuel Pier.

R.S.V.P.

Crow's Nest Beach Barbecues

Mark your calendars for the return of the summer Crow's Nest beach barbecues! For additional event details, click here.

Please be aware that parking is very limited during the events.

Attendees are highly encouraged to carpool, walk, bike, or rideshare to help reduce traffic in the area.

Parking Information

Need to surrender your vessel?

Division of Boating & Waterways' SAVE Program:

The Surrendered and Abandoned Vessel Exchange (SAVE) program provides an alternative for boat owners to surrender unwanted recreational vessels to participating local public agencies, in lieu of abandonment. The Port District currently has grant funding available and is accepting a limited number of vessels to participate in the program. The following criteria apply:

Only recreational vessels are eligible (no commercial vessels)
Vessel can be berthed in the water or brought to the harbor via trailer.
Vessel does not have to be currently registered.
Registered vessel owner must be present at time of turn-in.

For additional information on this no-cost disposal program, please contact Assistant Harbormaster Sean Rothwell at (831) 475-6161 or srothwell@santacruzharbor.org.

Dredge Season Update

The 2021-22 dredge season concluded on April 29, 2022. Kudos to the dredge crew for another successful dredging season! The crew has begun to demobilize Twin Lakes and other dredge equipment in preparation for off-season maintenance work.

Prior to transiting the entrance, mariners are still advised to check tide and weather conditions, view the entrance sounding online, and know what your vessel draws. Entrance soundings will be updated periodically during the off season and posted on the District’s website.

Entrance Sounding

Upcoming Port Commission Meeting

Please join us on Tuesday, May 24, 2022, at 7:00 pm in the Harbor Public Meeting Room at 365A Lake Avenue for the Port Commission's regular monthly meeting.

The agenda and supplemental meeting information will be posted on the District's website on Thursday, May 19.

Meeting Information

Employment Opportunities

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Port Commission Meeting Information

Fuel Prices & Information