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Humboldt Bay Aquatic Center
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, the Humboldt Bay Aquatic Center (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. The Humboldt Bay Aquatic Center continues to receive annual support from the Aquatic Programs Grant from the Division of Boating & Waterways supporting participant scholarships, equipment, instructor training and our annual National Safe Boating Week events.
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.
What We Can Do For You
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.
Explore Our Upcoming Courses and Programs
Kayaking
Sailing
Canoeing
Paddleboarding
Courses vs. Trips — 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.
Trips 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.
Other Programs & Departments at HBAC
Looking for one of the other programs or departments that operate out of HBAC? Follow the links below to be directed to their webpages!