Santa Cruz Harbor's North Harbor Launch Ramp (located at 135 5th Avenue) features five lanes with two dock fingers for launching and retrieving boats into the protected Santa Cruz Yacht Harbor.

The facility charges $18 for daily motorized trailer boat launches or $15 for non-motorized vessels, with parking permits required; note that parking is limited, especially on weekends, though overflow parking is available.

Be aware that surge from ocean swell can affect launching and retrieval operations, and the harbor entrance may experience closures during high surf or winter silting conditions.