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Humboldt Bay Aquatic Center (HBAC)
We are the region’s hub for boating safety education, on-the-water instruction, and safe public access to Humboldt Bay. Operated by Cal Poly Humboldt’s Outdoor Adventures program, HBAC was built with support from the California Department of Parks and Recreation, Division of Boating and Waterways (DBW) to serve both the campus and the broader community.
HBAC offers hands-on boating safety courses, skill-building classes, and supervised rentals designed for Northern California’s unique cold-water, tidal, and wind-driven conditions. Whether you are brand new to boating or looking to expand your skills, our programs emphasize practical safety, local knowledge, and confidence on the water.
Courses & Programs
Open to the Public
We are open to the public, offering safe, supervised access to Humboldt Bay for community members, students, families, and visitors. Built with support from the California Department of Parks and Recreation, Division of Boating and Waterways, HBAC is a public resource dedicated to boating safety and access.
Boating Safety Courses
Our skill-based boating safety courses build confidence and competence on the water. From kayaking and sailing instruction to California Boater Card preparation, courses focus on life-jacket use, tides and weather, navigation rules, and emergency preparedness—taught through hands-on, on-water training.
Recreational Programs
Our guided recreational programs emphasize safe, enjoyable experiences on Humboldt Bay. Participants learn essential on-water safety skills—such as trip planning, local hazard awareness, and proper equipment use—while exploring the bay through paddling and sailing activities.
Hours of Operation
The Humboldt Bay Aquatic Center (HBAC) is open during the seasonal operating window.
- Season: Mid-March through mid-October
- Opening Day: March 13
- Days: Saturday & Sunday
- Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM*
*Hours are subject to change based on weather, tides, and on-water safety conditions.
Upcoming HBAC Courses & Programs
March 2026
- March 16–19: Sailing 101 (4-day) — Register for Sailing 101
- March 22: Intro to Kayaking on Humboldt Bay — Register for Intro to Kayaking on Humboldt Bay
- March 28: Intro to Sea Kayaking — Register for Intro to Sea Kayaking
April 2026
- April 5: Sunset Paddle — Register for Sunset Paddle
- April 10: Discover Sailing (3 hr) — Register for Discover Sailing
- April 11: Intermediate Sea Kayaking — Register for Intermediate Sea Kayaking
- April 16–19: Sailing 101 (4-day) — Register for Sailing 101
- April 17: Sailing Refresher (1 day) — Register for Sailing Refresher
- April 19: Sunset Paddle — Register for Sunset Paddle
- April 25: Paddling on Humboldt Bay — Register for Paddling on Humboldt Bay
- April 25: Discover Sailing (3 hr) — Register for Discover Sailing
- April 26: Sea Kayak Rescue & Safety — Register for Sea Kayak Rescue & Safety
May 2026
* Registration links coming soon
- May 3: Canoe Humboldt Bay — Register for Canoe Humboldt Bay*
- May 8: Sailing Refresher (1 day) — Register for Sailing Refresher*
- May 9: Intro to Kayaking on Humboldt Bay — Register for Intro to Kayaking on Humboldt Bay*
- May 9: Discover Sailing (3 hr) — Register for Discover Sailing*
- May 10: Paddleboarding on Humboldt Bay — Register for Paddleboarding on Humboldt Bay*
- May 19: National Safe Boating Day — Learn more about National Safe Boating Day*
- May 21–24: Sailing 101 (4-day) — Register for Sailing 101*
- May 22: Sailing Refresher (1 day) — Register for Sailing Refresher*
- May 23: Discover Sailing (3 hr) — Register for Discover Sailing*
- May 24: Paddleboarding on Humboldt Bay — Register for Paddleboarding on Humboldt Bay*
- May 30: Intro to Kayaking on Humboldt Bay — Register for Intro to Kayaking on Humboldt Bay*
Courses vs. Programs — What’s the Difference?
Both courses and programs at the Humboldt Bay Aquatic Center take place on the water and include hands-on boating safety instruction. The difference comes down to what you’re hoping to get out of the experience.
Courses are built around learning goals. They focus on developing specific skills, understanding how and why things work, and practicing techniques until they start to feel natural. Courses are a good fit if you want to build confidence, improve technical ability, or prepare to boat independently.
Programs focus on safely enjoying time on the water with guidance from experienced instructors. Participants learn and apply essential safety skills—like wearing and fitting a life jacket, understanding local conditions, communicating on the water, and operating the boat safely—while spending more time exploring and recreating than drilling techniques.
In both cases, safety isn’t an add-on. Whether you’re in a course or a program, you’ll be actively learning and practicing how to boat safely in real conditions on Humboldt Bay.