Cachuma Lake Boating in a Nutshell
- Pleasure Cruising, Patio Boats, Fishing Boats
- Kayaking, Canoeing
Because Cachuma Lake is a drinking water supply and allows no body-to-water contact, there is no water skiing or jet skiing. Cachuma Lake has strict Quagga and Zebra Mussels inspection regulations. See Cachuma Lake Quagga and Zebra Mussels Boat Inspections below.
Hours of the park vary by season, so it is best to call ahead to be sure of opening and closing times. The lake is limited to 254 boats on the lake at one time. Dogs are not allowed in boats. The maximum speed on the lake is 40 MPH. There are a number of regulations regarding the size and design of boats which may be used in the lake. See Boat Regulations.
- Vehicle Entry Fee: $10
- Boat Entry and Boat Launch: $13
- Annual Boat Entry & Launch (resident): $100
- Annual Boat Entry & Launch (non-resident): $125
- Canoe or Kayak: $5, $30 for annual pass
Shop Amazon: Boating Essentials
Cachuma Lake Water Level
Cachuma Lake Recreation Area
Cachuma Lake Marina
Cachuma Lake Marina and Boat Rentals
116 136 Lakeview Drive
(805) 688-4040
Marina:
- Launch Ramps
- Facilities and Services: Bait Shop, Fuel
- Boat Storage: Slips by night or week; Dry storage also available
- Boat Rentals
| Boat | Seats | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Fishing Boat | 4 | 6 HP |
| Fishing Boat | 6 | 9.9 HP |
| Patio Deck Boat | 10 | 25 HP |
| Patio Deck Boat | 14 | 25 HP |
| Patio Deck Boat | 20 | 40 HP |
| Boat | Seats |
|---|---|
| Single Kayak | 1 |
| Double Kayak | 2 |
| Paddle Boat | 2 |
| Row Boat | 3 |
Cachuma Lake Quagga and Zebra Mussels
Boat Quarantine and Inspections
Mandatory Boat Quarantine Requirement: Check the Boat Launch Protocol for Cachuma Lake for complete information and any updates. The information shown below is only an overview of the process.
All boats and trailers entering Cachuma Lake must undergo a quagga and zebra mussel inspection and 30-day quarantine protocol. Inspection hours 7:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Boats must be presented clean and dry.
- Hulls must be free of foreign matter. Bilges, live wells, bait tanks, integral coolers, and other compartments must be clean and dry, including ballasts.
- All Drain Plugs must be removed. That includes drain plugs in hull, tanks, wells, coolers, and any other compartment.
- All boats, crafts and other vessels must have on board any safety equipment required for their vessel by the United States Coast Guard (USCG). All registration (CF#) stickers must be current and visible with the Mussel Fee Paid sticker also attached.
- Boats with residual water that discharges from motors will be required to start and flush the motor for at least 5 minutes.
- Boat and trailers which fail inspection will be quarantined (on or off site) for 7 days.
- No boats allowed which have been in infested waters within the previous 30 days.
- No live bait other than commercially purchased worms or nightcrawlers.
Upon completion of inspection boats and trailers will be treated with a heated power wash prior to being allowed to launch. (no charge for power wash)
Boats can be fitted with a Boat Launch Tag which ensures that the boat has not been used while off site. The tag expedites inspection upon return to the lake.
For more information about Santa Barbara County Parks' Quagga and Zebra Mussel Prevention Program, see Quagga and Zebra Mussel Prevention Program.
For more information about boating at Lake Cachuma, see
Santa Barbara County Boating.
New Same-Day Launch
"Starting June 15, 2018, Cachuma Lake will be allowing same-day launching for "simple boats" with current California registration. To qualify as a "simple boat" the vessel must have an open hull, no compartments, and a single outboard motor. The boat must enter Cachuma Lake Clean, Drained, and Dry. This criteria is stringent and must be followed to allow for same day launching. Boat owners with questions regarding same-day launches or the criteria to qualify as a "simple boat" can call (805) 686-5052"
Cachuma Lake Nature Cruises
Cachuma Lake Recreation Area offers year-round natural history adventures for the whole family, including exciting Lake Cruises aboard the Osprey, a shaded 30 seat pontoon boat, led by a Santa Barbara County Park Naturalist.
From March l October the 2-hour Cachuma Lake Wildlife Cruise is offered Fridays 3-5 pm, Saturdays 10 am-noon and 3-5 pm, and Sundays 10 am-noon.
From November l February the 2-hour Winter Wildlife Cruise is offered Friday l Sundays 10 am-noon and Fridays and Saturdays 2-4 pm.
Cruises focus on geology, flora and fauna, local and migratory birds as well as the rich cultural history of the area.
Reservations are recommended by calling (805) 568-2460 weekdays or (805) 686-5055 weekends.
