Kayak Tour of Santa Barbara with Experienced Guide
Active
1h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Instant confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Our Santa Barbara Kayak Tour can be a private tour or group tour experience. You choose your adventure! If you're looking for a more intimate Santa Barbara kayaking experience then our private kayak tour will be a perfect fit. If you're hoping to kayak Santa Barbara with other travelers and enjoy the sights with new friends then the group kayak tour is the way to go!
Whichever kayaking tour you choose you'll be in the very capable hands of our friendly and experienced tour guides. Your local kayaking guide will show you the stunning boats in our harbor as well as introduce you to some cute and cuddly sea lions and seals!
Prepare to take in views of Santa Barbara and the Santa Ynez Mountains, and keep your eyes peeled for dolphins! Your expert guide will share information about Santa Barbara's top attractions and customize the speed of the ride to suit your needs.
Our goal is that kayaking Santa Barbara will be the highlight of your trip!
Available options
11am Group Kayak Tour
11am Start Time: This is a group tour. You'll be kayaking Santa Barbara with other travelers from 11:00am-12:30pm.
3pm Private Kayak Tour
3pm Start Time: This is a 1.5 hour private tour. It will just be your group and your very own kayak guide from 3:00 pm - 4:30 pm
10am Private Kayak Tour
10am Start Time: This is a private tour. It will just be your group and your very own kayak guide from 10:00am-11:30am.
1pm Group Kayak Tour
1pm Start Time: This is a group tour. You'll be kayaking Santa Barbara with other travelers from 1:00pm-2:30pm.
What's included
Local guide
Life jackets
Kayaks
What's not included
Gratuities
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
Reviews breakdown
Viator
4.9
88 reviews
5★
83
4★
4
3★
0
2★
0
1★
1
Tripadvisor
5.0
340 reviews
5★
335
4★
4
3★
1
2★
0
1★
0
Important information
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
You will be meeting your guide at West Beach which is located on the beach directly across from the Harbor View Inn Hotel (28 W Cabrillo Blvd, Santa Barbara). You will see our blue rental flags, white equipment shed, and stand up paddle boards and kayaks.
Children ages 5 to 11 years must be in a tandem kayak with an parent or guardian regardless of skill level
All persons must be able to swim
Please remember to bring your swimsuit and towel
Meeting point
You'll meet your guide on the sand of West Beach just north of the pier! You'll see our gear on the sand directly across from the Harbor View Inn Hotel. When looking at the ocean we are just to the right of Stearns Warf. Look for a white equipment shed and a blue tent. That's us!
Important notes
You will be meeting your guide at West Beach which is located on the beach directly across from the Harbor View Inn Hotel (28 W Cabrillo Blvd, Santa Barbara). You will see our blue rental flags, white equipment shed, and stand up paddle boards and kayaks.
Children ages 5 to 11 years must be in a tandem kayak with an parent or guardian regardless of skill level.
Please remember to arrive wearing your bathing suit
Please remember to bring a towel and water for after your experience
You can store belongings in our secure shed but any valuables we recommend keeping in your car or hotel.
Bathrooms are located next to the dolphin fountain
About Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara is a picturesque coastal city in Southern California known for its Mediterranean climate, beautiful beaches, and Spanish colonial architecture. With its vibrant arts scene, delicious wine, and outdoor activities, it offers a blend of relaxation and adventure.
Top Attractions
Stearns Wharf
Stearns Wharf is a historic pier and popular tourist attraction in Santa Barbara. It features shops, restaurants, and a museum, as well as stunning views of the coastline.
Beach/Historical
1-2 hours
Free (some attractions may have fees)
Santa Barbara Mission
The Santa Barbara Mission is a historic Spanish mission founded in 1786. It features beautiful architecture, lush gardens, and a museum showcasing the history of the mission and the local area.
Historical/Religious
1-2 hours
Free (donations appreciated)
Santa Barbara County Courthouse
The Santa Barbara County Courthouse is a stunning example of Spanish-Moorish Revival architecture. It features a clock tower, beautiful gardens, and panoramic views of the city and coastline.
Architecture/Historical
30 minutes to 1 hour
Free
East Beach
East Beach is a popular beach in Santa Barbara, offering a wide sandy shore, gentle waves, and stunning views of the coastline. It's perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and beach volleyball.
Beach
2-3 hours
Free (some activities may have fees)
Santa Barbara Botanic Garden
The Santa Barbara Botanic Garden is a 78-acre garden showcasing the diverse plant life of California. It features beautiful gardens, walking trails, and a museum showcasing the natural history of the region.
Nature
1-2 hours
$15 (adults), $10 (seniors and students), Free (children under 12)
Must-Try Local Dishes
Fish Tacos
A popular dish in Santa Barbara, featuring fresh local fish, crispy batter, and a variety of toppings such as salsa, guacamole, and sour cream.
Lunch/Dinner
Can be made gluten-free with a corn tortilla and without the batter.
Santa Maria Style Barbecue
A traditional California Central Coast dish featuring beef or tri-tip cooked over an open flame and seasoned with salt, pepper, and garlic.
Dinner
Can be made with other proteins such as chicken or vegetables.
Ahi Poke
A Hawaiian-inspired dish featuring fresh ahi tuna, marinated in soy sauce, sesame oil, and green onions, and served over rice or salad.
Lunch/Dinner
Can be made with other types of fish or tofu for a vegetarian option.
Santa Barbara Style Pizza
A local favorite featuring fresh local ingredients such as artichokes, mushrooms, and goat cheese, topped with a tangy tomato sauce and mozzarella cheese.
Lunch/Dinner
Can be made with gluten-free crust and vegan cheese.
Popular Activities
Hiking
Kayaking
Surfing
Mountain biking
Rock climbing
Beach lounging
Spa treatments
Wine tasting
Best Time to Visit
April to October
This is the best time to visit Santa Barbara for outdoor activities, beach trips, and festivals. The weather is warm and sunny, perfect for exploring the city and its surroundings.
16-27°C (61-81°F)
61-81°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: English
- Widely spoken: Spanish
- English: Widely spoken
Currency
US Dollar (USD)
Time Zone
Pacific Standard Time (PST) (GMT-8) or Pacific Daylight Time (PDT) (GMT-7) during daylight saving time
Electricity
120VV, 60HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe
Santa Barbara is generally a safe and welcoming destination for visitors, with low crime rates and a strong sense of community. However, as with any destination, it's important to take precautions and be aware of your surroundings.
Important Precautions:
- • Keep valuables secure and out of sight
- • Be cautious when using ATMs and credit cards
- • Only use licensed taxis and tour operators
Getting there
By air
- Santa Barbara Airport • 8 km (5 miles) from city center
By train
Santa Barbara Amtrak Station
By bus
Santa Barbara Bus Depot
Getting around
Public transport
MTD operates a network of buses that serve the city and nearby communities. The buses are affordable and convenient for getting around.
Taxis
Available • Apps: Uber, Lyft
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
Downtown Santa Barbara
The Funk Zone
Mission Canyon
Westside
Eastside
Day trips
Solvang
45 km (28 miles) northwest of Santa Barbara • Half day to full day
Solvang is a charming Danish-themed town in the Santa Ynez Valley, featuring a variety of shops, restaurants, and museums. The town is known for its beautiful architecture, windmills, and bakeries.
Los Olivos
50 km (31 miles) northwest of Santa Barbara • Half day to full day
Los Olivos is a small town in the Santa Ynez Valley, known for its wine tasting rooms, art galleries, and beautiful countryside. The town is a popular destination for wine lovers and those looking to explore the local wine country.
Channel Islands National Park
20 km (12 miles) offshore from Santa Barbara • Full day to overnight
Channel Islands National Park is a group of eight islands off the coast of Southern California, known for their rugged beauty, diverse wildlife, and outdoor activities. The park is a popular destination for hiking, camping, kayaking, and wildlife viewing.
Festivals
Santa Barbara International Film Festival • Late January to early February
Santa Barbara Wine Festival • June
Santa Barbara Greek Festival • September
Pro tips
- Visit Stearns Wharf for stunning views of the coastline and delicious seafood
- Explore the Santa Barbara Mission and its beautiful gardens for a glimpse into the city's history and culture
- Stroll along State Street for shopping, dining, and street performers
- Take a day trip to Solvang or Los Olivos for wine tasting and scenic countryside views
- Visit the Santa Barbara Museum of Art or the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History for a dose of culture and education
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation
