For more information, please reference Carlsbad Municipal Code 11.24.
In order to operate any vessel on the lagoon, the purchase of either an annual or daily permit and the observance of lagoon regulations are required. For more information, please call the Monroe Street Pool.
Applications, requirements checklist and permits may be obtained by mail or in person at the Monroe Street Pool. Office hours are Monday through Friday 10 a.m. to 6:45 p.m. At the start of a new year, applications are mailed out to all who purchased permits the previous year.
Use of areas at own risk: The city does not expand its liability, if any, for accidents or injuries sustained by the public user of Agua Hedionda Lagoon, and any person using the lagoon does so at their own risk.
Requirements for lagoon use permits
Lagoon permit application
Please use one application per vessel. All applications must be in the name of and signed by the vessel owner or parent/guardian (if a minor). For registered vessels, the application must be completed and signed by the registered/insured owner, and a copy of the current year's registration included with the application.
Permit fee
Annual permits run January through December and are half price after September 1. Fees are based on residency and are non-refundable and non-transferable. Make checks or money orders payable to the City of Carlsbad or use the Master Card/Visa option.
* Until Sept. 1 when permits half price. Example: First Kayak is full price, second is half, third is full, fourth, half, etc.
Note: The cost of two daily permits for the same vessel may be credited toward the full purchase of an annual permit, any time prior to Sept 1, by submitting the daily fee receipt(s) with the annual permit application.
Vessel registration
Provide a copy of the current year's registration/DMV Certificate of Number (the one kept on board), which is required for all watercraft except passive vessels and sailboats under 8 feet.
All vessels (except non-powered ones launching at the passive use area) require a launching facility permit.
- If launching from California Water Sports:
4215 Harrison St.
Carlsbad, CA 92008
760-434-3089
- If a Bristol Cove resident, contact Bristol Cove Property Owner's Association:
c/o CHAMPS/The Kelly Group
5731 Palmer Way #B
Carlsbad, CA 92008
760-603-0501
Lagoon patrol
The safety of people using the Agua Hedionda Lagoon is the main responsibility of the Police Department community services officer. In addition to educating boaters on the rules and requirements for lagoon use, the community services officer is also empowered to enforce Harbors and Navigation, Fish and Game, penal, state and city codes.
The city is also responsible for all buoys and their placement. Education, maintenance and enforcement are accomplished from a top of the line 19' Hydro Sport police boat. This fast, maneuverable boat is equipped with life saving and sonar devices, which helps make Aqua Hedionda one of the safest recreational lagoons in the state.
Compliance with orders
It is an infraction for any person to refuse to follow or comply with the stated rules of the road or with any lawful sign, order, warning signal or other lawful direction of a police officer, a community services officer or a lifeguard, or for any person to deface, injure, knock down or remove any sign or warning placed for the purpose of enforcing the law.