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Kayak Tour of Santa Barbara with Knowledgeable Guide
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Santa Barbara, United States
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From $59.00
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Kayak Tour of Santa Barbara with Knowledgeable Guide
Free cancellation
Up to 24 hours in advance. Learn more
Cancellation policy
Free cancellation
- 24 hours prior100% refund
- Within 24 hoursNo refund
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
- Cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time.
- This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.
Learn more about cancellations
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Safety measures
Keeping you safe during COVID-19
Vaccine? Quarantine? Masking?
Vaccine? Quarantine? Masking? We know, there’s a lot to keep track of. Be sure to check local guidelines so you’re aware of all travel requirements before you go.
What you can expect during your visit
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Gear/equipment sanitized between use
Transportation vehicles regularly sanitized
Guides required to regularly wash hands
Contactless payments for gratuities and add-ons
Safety precautions are provided by the tour operator and are not checked by Viator for accuracy
More questions?
(888) 651-9785
2 hours (approx.)
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English
Good for avoiding crowds
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Overview
Get another perspective on the southern California coast during this leisurely kayak tour in Santa Barbara. Learn the basics of kayaking from your guide, and hear about Santa Barbara’s natural history and marine life during your tour. Includes use of all kayaking gear.
- Kayak tour in Santa Barbara
- Receive instruction on paddling and steering the kayak
- Watch harbor seals, sea lions, and other wildlife in their natural environment
- Get a new perspective on the beaches and city
- Suitable for beginners, no experience needed
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From $59.00
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What's Included
All taxes, fees and handling charges
All associated kayaking gear (wet suit, PFD, helmet, paddle, etc.
Knowledgeable guide and discussion of natural history/marine ecology
Spectacular views of Santa Barbara
Personal expenses
Parking is $2.00 per hour, maximum $12.00 per car.
Gratuity for your guide(s) - While optional it is very much appreciated and to be given at your discretion in return for their leadership, expertise, and professionalism.You can tip the guide in cash or via credit card at the end of your tour as you feel appropriate.
Departure & Return
301 W Cabrillo Blvd , 301 W Cabrillo Blvd, Santa Barbara, CA 93101, USA
This activity will end right where it started.Enter the harbor at Harbor Way. Turn left and enter at the kiosk. Continue in the direction of the wharf. Follow the signs to the boat launch area. We will meet you at the boat ramp located at the end of the harbor parking lot (next to West Beach). Look for your guide with the kayaks.
What To Expect
Make your own way to the boat launch at Santa Barbara Harbor to meet your kayak guide.
Start by getting outfitted with paddle jackets, PFDs, a paddle, and a kayak. Your guide provides a paddling demonstration and safety talk, then makes sure you are comfortable in your boat. Set out on the water from the boat launch and paddle through the harbor, passing other boats, the historic wharf, under the pier, and along the beach. Along the way, look for wildlife like harbor seals, sea lions, brown pelicans, sea stars, cormorants, and seagulls.
Expect to paddle approximately one to two miles (1.5–3 km) along the coast before returning to the boat dock where your tour ends.
Start by getting outfitted with paddle jackets, PFDs, a paddle, and a kayak. Your guide provides a paddling demonstration and safety talk, then makes sure you are comfortable in your boat. Set out on the water from the boat launch and paddle through the harbor, passing other boats, the historic wharf, under the pier, and along the beach. Along the way, look for wildlife like harbor seals, sea lions, brown pelicans, sea stars, cormorants, and seagulls.
Expect to paddle approximately one to two miles (1.5–3 km) along the coast before returning to the boat dock where your tour ends.
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking, unless booked within 1 day of travel. In this case confirmation will be received as soon as possible, subject to availability
- If your contact number is international please include your email address in the comment section.
- Minimum numbers apply. Our kayak tours require a minimum of 2 participants to run. There is a possibility of cancellation after confirmation if there are not enough passengers to meet requirements. In the event of this occurring, you will be offered an alternative or full refund.
- If you are a single traveler, please feel free to call our office to confirm availability
- Children under 5 are not permitted. Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult in a double kayak.
- Although we offer dry bags to help keep gear dry, everything that comes on the kayaking trip runs the risk of getting wet. We therefore recommend that you only bring personal gear that can get wet or damp during the trip. Items that must stay dry such as cameras or other electronic devices, change of clothes or personal belongings should stay in your vehicle.
- To ensure proper equipment, please provide your heights & weights. Thank you.
- Double kayaks are automatically provided. Singles are available for odd number parties. Guests over 230lbs will be provided a single kayak.
- Guests under 18 years of age MUST have a parent or legal guardian sign their release forms. If you need this paperwork sent to you ahead of time, please contact our office.
- Wheelchair accessible
- Near public transportation
- No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
- Most travelers can participate
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 10 travelers
- OPERATED BY Santa Barbara Adventure Company
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
- Cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time.
- This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.
Learn more about cancellations.
Frequently Asked Questions
The answers provided below are based on answers previously given by the tour provider to customers’ questions.
Q:
What is the policy on sanitization during Kayak Tour of Santa Barbara with Knowledgeable Guide?
A:The policies on sanitization are:
- Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
- Gear/equipment sanitized between use
- Transportation vehicles regularly sanitized
Q:
What is the social distancing policy during Kayak Tour of Santa Barbara with Knowledgeable Guide?
A:The policy on social distancing is:
- Contactless payments for gratuities and add-ons
Q:
What measures are being taken to ensure staff health & safety during Kayak Tour of Santa Barbara with Knowledgeable Guide?
A:The policy on staff health & safety is:
- Guides required to regularly wash hands
Traveler Photos



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Reviews
5.0
51 Reviews
5 stars
48
4 stars
2
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0
2 stars
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1 star
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Reviews by Viator travelers
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Showing 1-10 of 51 reviews
Great Tour!! Highly recommend!!
Linda_B
, Jul 2022
This was a wonderful tour with a very knowledgeable and attentive and responsive guide, Carly! I hadn't kayaked in over ten years and she was so helpful in going over the basics again. We saw wildlife, some beautiful sights around the harbor and beach, and several points of interest. I met some wonderful people as well. Great tour!!!
Active and fun way to see the city
Debbie_K
, Jun 2022
Great tour!
kathrynpierce91
, May 2022
Anders was awesome! We had a great afternoon kayaking in the SB harbor. It was an awesome tour, great to learn a little more about SB and see some sea life! So glad we went. Thanks to the tour company for being super accommodating. Can’t tell you how much we appreciate it. Will absolutely be back!
Great experience
Eseta_J
, May 2022
Excellent first ocean kayak experience
Sybil_D
, May 2022
Wonderful guides and easy, safe way to familiarize yourself with ocean kayaking. Proper instruction was given at outset with plenty of time for questions and support along the way. My son who is 11 totally loved this experience and can’t wait to go back. We also saw seals, toured the harbor and learned about the building of Santa Barbara harbor. Guides were really awesome and good coaches too!
1st Time Kyakers 👍🏽
Hillary_S
, May 2022
Fun kayaking trip
Catherine_P
, Mar 2022
superb way to learn about SB harbor and wildlife and to bond with family members you don't see often
elizabeth_h
, Dec 2021
So much fun!
Cindy_D
, Aug 2021
Fun 🤩 must do
Shahab_S
, Aug 2021
Tons of Fun
Ryan_G
, Jun 2021
My wife and I had so much fun on this trip! Our guide Kyle did a great job teaching us how to kayak, accommodating the different comfort levels people had and explaining the history of the area. We saw lots of wild life ranging from sea lions to pelicans to even a species of crab that our guide had not seen before. I would definitely recommend this to anyone interested in kayaking. It will not disappoint.
Perfect santa Barbara morning
Tray_R
, Jun 2021
Great experience
Sandra_G
, Aug 2019
This tour was absolutely what we...
Jessica G
, Aug 2017
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On some pages, you can select how to sort the results we display and also use filter options to see only those search results that meet your chosen preferences. You’ll see explanations of what those sort options mean when you select them.
You’ll see some experiences with a “Promoted” badge, which means that the operators of those experiences have agreed to pay Viator more to have their experience highlighted.
If you see an Experience Award Winner label, the award is based on average review ratings, share of bookings with a review, and number of bookings through Viator over a 12-month period.
The importance of any one factor over any other in a sort order varies, and the balance is constantly being reviewed and adjusted. We’re always updating our systems and testing new ways to refine and improve your results to make them as relevant as possible to meet your needs.
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