The mystery of a kayak found empty in Port Phillip Bay has been solved after the owner came forward to police.

The Easter Sunday finding had prompted a mass search, involving a helicopter, water police, search and rescue divers, the coast guard and SES volunteers, after police feared the owner could have fallen into the water.

The kayak which was located off the coast of Port Melbourne on Sunday night. Credit:Victoria Police

The kayak was found anchored and partially submerged about 150 metres from Sandridge Beach, Port Melbourne.

The owner, a Craigieburn man, 21, contacted police after seeing the search reported in the news.