Santa Barbara Kayak Tour

37 Reviews

Santa Barbara, United States

From $59.00

Lowest Price Guarantee

Free cancellation

Up to 24 hours in advance. Learn more

Safety measures

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

Lowest Price Guarantee

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

Departure Point

301 W Cabrillo Blvd, Santa Barbara, CA 93101, USA

Enter the harbor at the kiosk; Follow the signs to boat launch area. We will meet you at the “Sea Landing” at the end of the Harbor (boat launch). Look for your guide with the kayaks.

Return Details

Returns to original departure point

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.

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.

What is the policy on face masks and attendee health during Santa Barbara Kayak Tour?

A:The policies on face masks and attendee health are:

Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers

See all safety measures taken by Santa Barbara Kayak Tour.

What is the policy on sanitization during Santa Barbara Kayak Tour?

A:The policies on sanitization are:

Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Regularly sanitized high-traffic areas
Gear/equipment sanitized between use
Transportation vehicles regularly sanitized

See all safety measures taken by Santa Barbara Kayak Tour.

What is the social distancing policy during Santa Barbara Kayak Tour?

A:The policies on social distancing are:

Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Contactless payments for gratuities and add-ons

See all safety measures taken by Santa Barbara Kayak Tour.

What measures are being taken to ensure staff health & safety during Santa Barbara Kayak Tour?

A:The policies on staff health & safety are:

Guides required to regularly wash hands
Regular temperature checks for staff

See all safety measures taken by Santa Barbara Kayak Tour.

Traveler Photos

Reviews

5.0

37 Reviews

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Reviews by Viator travelers

Showing 1-8 of 37 reviews

superb way to learn about SB harbor and wildlife and to bond with family members you don't see often

elizabeth_h

, Dec 2021

excellent experience. the guide really made the tour. without him, it could have fallen flat as skies were grey and we were chilly. thank you for a family memory we'll have forever.

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So much fun!

Cindy_D

, Aug 2021

Beth had a bubbly personality and did a great job sharing her knowledge of the harbor. We were all pretty inexperienced and she made it so much fun. This was the best Experience we had while visiting Santa Barbara.

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Fun 🤩 must do

Shahab_S

, Aug 2021

It was a great experience. We enjoyed the experience and our guide , Jess, was friendly and knowledgeable

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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.

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Perfect santa Barbara morning

Tray_R

, Jun 2021

You have to get Shawn he was our guide he was amazing with his knowledge base of the area and took us to some really very cool fun ocean kayaking spots it was totally A-blast and he was part of the fun of it

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Great experience

Sandra_G

, Aug 2019

It was my friends and i first time kayaking we had an amazing time. Our tour guide peter has great. Gave good instrutions on how to kayak. Will 100% go again.

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This tour was absolutely what we...

Jessica G

, Aug 2017

This tour was absolutely what we needed. We had 4 kids ages 9-16 and we all had a blast, this teaches teamwork and communication for all. Great for beginners, like us. A big thanks to Alex, our tour guide!!!

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We had an awesome outing! Even got to...

Marion G

, Aug 2017

We had an awesome outing! Even got to see a sea lion on a buoy!

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1 traveler found this review helpful