Paddle for a Purpose at Batiquitos Lagoon 2026

From soaring birds and marine life to native plants, Carlsbad’s coastal wetlands are home to an incredible variety of wildlife. Batiquitos Lagoon is one of these treasured natural spaces and one of the few remaining along the Southern California coast. For one weekend only, you can experience this unique habitat from a new perspective. Join the Batiquitos Lagoon Foundation for its annual kayak fundraiser and cleanup event and paddle through the lagoon while helping protect this special piece of Carlsbad.

This year’s 20^th Annual Batiquitos Lagoon Kayak Fundraiser and Cleanup Event will take place on Oct. 3 and Oct. 4. There are several launch times available, but a few time slots have already sold out, so it’s best to get your tickets soon.

Tickets cost $160 per two-person tandem kayak and are available for purchase through Eventbrite. Each ticket offers a two-hour experience that includes check-in, personal flotation device provisioning, a tandem kayak and water safety instruction before you head out on a ninety-minute kayak adventure.

Check-in times for Saturday, Oct. 3 are 7:30 a.m., 9:45 a.m., 12 p.m. and 2:15 p.m. The check-in times for Sunday, Oct. 4 are 8 a.m., 10:15 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.

Hoping to make this a family event? Children as young as six can ride in a tandem with a parent or guardian, making it a great way to enjoy one of Carlsbad’s most beautiful natural spaces as a family.

Batiquitos Lagoon is wildlife haven and awe-inspiring natural gem in Carlsbad. You can find over 200 species of birds flitting among the trees and strolling along the mudflats, as well as a variety of marine life swimming in the calm waters. Kayaking on the lagoon’s waters offers a unique viewpoint that lets you get up close to some of this marine life.

Event participants from years past have spotted a friendly green sea turtle bobbing its head above the surface to say hello to kayakers, as well as an inquisitive seal. Others have observed graceful bat rays gliding in the water. Leaping fish may also make an appearance, along with a graceful blue heron fishing along the shoreline. Whatever you may see, you’re sure to have a memorable experience exploring the lagoon from the water.

This year’s event is also the 20th year this event has taken place and will be a wonderful celebration of community and the joy the lagoon brings.

When the event started 20 years ago, there was a much smaller number of kayaks and the cost of the event was covered by donations and sponsors. Now there are many more kayaks available, and the event is the primary fundraiser that supports the mission and vision of the Batiquitos Lagoon Foundation.

One major difference is the amount of trash collected in past cleanups. At the beginning of the event, the foundation counted more than 1,000 pounds of trash during one kayak cleanup, whereas now that amount is closer to a few hundred pounds. Hopefully this year even less trash will be found by participants, a sign that the community treasures its natural spaces and is helping reduce pollution in local watersheds.

Batiquitos Lagoon has a very popular 3.2-mile out-and-back hiking trail that is wide and flat, making it a great spot for all ages. The trail is dog-friendly as well as wheelchair-friendly and stroller-friendly, so the whole family can join for a hike through towering eucalyptus trees and take in the views of the shimmering waters of the lagoon.

Start your hike at the Batiquitos Lagoon Nature Center, located at 7380 Gabbiano Lane, Carlsbad, CA 92011. The center is open every day from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and offers parking, a restroom, educational displays, a dedicated kids’ corner and small retail area featuring Batiquitos Lagoon Foundation merchandise.

Twice a month, the Batiquitos Lagoon Foundation hosts free events that are open to the public. On the second Saturday of every month, the Foundation invites an expert to share their wealth of knowledge as part of a speaker series. Coming up on Saturday Oct. 10, is an interesting talk by a Wildlife Rehabilitation Associate who will share ways to coexist with wild animals. Check out the full list of upcoming speakers on the Foundation’s website. There are also docent-led walks that offer insights into some of the wildlife and plant life visitors can find along the trail.

The Batiquitos Lagoon Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit with a mission of preserving, protecting and enhancing Batiquitos Lagoon. As a volunteer-driven nonprofit, the foundation relies on membership to support its efforts to preserve all elements of the of the Batiquitos Lagoon for the wildlife that calls it home, as well as for the community and visitors who enjoy it. You can become a member for as little as $30, with higher membership levels offering special perks like merchandise, a complimentary kayak for the annual fundraiser and more. The foundation also offers business membership levels and benefits for businesses that want to highlight their commitment to protecting the environment.

Become a member by signing up online.

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Insider tip: Snag one of the first kayak spots of the morning for glass-like waters, a soft mist and a little extra morning magic on the lagoon.