Santa Cruz Anchorage is a coastal bay on California's central coast, located immediately south of the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. It is defined as the area east of Point Santa Cruz, west of the Santa Cruz Breakwater Light, and south of Cowell's, Main, and Seabright beaches. The primary public launch for paddlers is the Kayaker's Slipway, which provides direct access to the anchorage. The water body is protected from the north and west but is exposed to the south, making it susceptible to ocean swell and southerly winds. The anchorage is historically known to be "rolly" or lumpy, especially when groundswells arrive from the southwest, a condition often signaled by surfers paddling out at nearby breaks like Steamer Lane. Offshore winds typically blow from the northwest.

Paddling conditions vary significantly within the anchorage. The open water at its mouth, approximately a nautical mile across, features gentle, predictable swells. Thick kelp beds, found notably near Seal Rock and Lighthouse Point, dampen wave action and provide some resistance against wind. Crossing the line past Lighthouse Point brings you from Monterey Bay into the open Pacific Ocean. The anchorage is a multi-use area with boat traffic, including anchored vessels and fishing boats. Vessels, including kayaks, must remain at least 200 feet from the Santa Cruz Wharf. The entire Monterey Bay is a National Marine Sanctuary, subject to strict regulations regarding wildlife interaction and pollution.

Notable sights include the Santa Cruz Wharf, Lighthouse Point, and Seal Rock, which is often populated with harbor seals. Sea otters are commonly seen in the kelp beds. The aesthetic is a mix of the vibrant Santa Cruz waterfront and the natural rocky coastline. For a day trip, a common route is to paddle from the launch across the mouth of the anchorage to explore the area around Seal Rock and Lighthouse Point. Due to its exposure to ocean swell and potential for wind, this area is best paddled by those with some experience in open coastal conditions, and careful attention to weather and swell forecasts is essential.