Alviso Marina Boat Launch Ramp — Attraction in San Jose

5 star as a first timer but won’t be a second time

Paddling the Alviso slough was a bucket list. I have paddled many of surrounding waters, Elkhorn slough, Oakland estuary, crown beach, San Mateo ponds, and reservoirs near by, etc but this paddle was rather intimidating. The main reasons being lack of information online, never seeing anyone paddling in here while on the walk on the Don Edward sanctuary trail, rangers never available to return calls about tide etc, and the only boat rental place closing down.

If you look online ppl suggested paddling against the tide and get back with the help of tide. That is rather impractical for a 2 hr paddle if you are not planning to go far. We intentionally picked high tide time early morning as soon as gate opened to be safe and not get caught in the mud, also at the peak of tide curve there is almost glass condition in the slough.

Plus: I liked the quietness of the area, and having access to boat ramp and clean bathrooms. However the ride is boring unless you just want a workout, you won’t see that many bird varieties other than heron family or seagulls, the water is super murky and stinky and oh the mud ….., :( it is a mess and smell horrible, had to wash the water shoes twice in washing machine to get rid of smell. Overall 5 stars as a first time experience but not sure I...

This place isn't a park with playgrounds nor benches, it's for people who love the outdoors, and not just want to take a walk. When you drive up, the place can resemble a dark and lonely place, filled with brush and water stream that leads to the bay. However, if you take your time and appreciate life, you'll learn how invasive with incredible creators it is. One creator would be Leopard sharks, it is ...

Really close distance launch ramp to go out in the bay fishing for sturgeon, sharks, rays and stripe bass. Becareful when navigating through the slough since some places are very shallow, best to go is during the low tide so you can see the landscape. Seen people get stuck in the mud, and almost happen to me a couple of time. Beside that the launch ramp is very easy to launch and not too...