In Santa Cruz on the Central Coast, Kayak Connection lets you take your dog out on the water with you—whether you’re paddling a kayak or trying stand-up paddleboarding. It’s one of those rare water sports outfitters that actually welcomes dogs, so if you’ve got a pup who loves being on the water, this is worth planning around.

The setup is straightforward. Your dog can ride along with you on the kayak or paddleboard while you explore Santa Cruz Harbor and the scenic coastline. The water here is typically calm enough for beginners, and on a clear day you get good views of the cliffs and marine life. The company recommends bringing a floatation device for your dog—that’s just smart thinking given the water environment. There’s a $10 fee per dog, which is reasonable for what you’re getting.

What makes this work in practice is that the staff seems used to dogs and doesn’t treat them like a hassle. You’ll want to think through the logistics beforehand: a dog in a wet suit or life vest is going to be more comfortable than one soaking wet and cold, and smaller dogs are generally easier to manage on a paddleboard than larger ones. Some dogs take to it immediately, while others need a minute to get their sea legs. Either way, starting with a shorter trip makes sense if your dog hasn’t done this before.

Santa Cruz Harbor itself is worth exploring, with sea otters, seals, and seabirds common sights. The water can be chilly year-round, so even if your dog doesn’t seem bothered by it, having a towel and dry clothes for the drive home is practical. You’ll want to book ahead rather than just showing up, especially during summer weekends when they get busy.