Getting out on Santa Barbara’s waters is simple and rewarding. The coastal waters here offer prime kayaking and canoeing conditions year-round, with several well-organized operators providing both guided tours and rentals.
Wildlife tours stand out as the best bet, letting you paddle alongside harbor seals and brown pelicans while learning about the local marine ecosystem. For romantic souls, sunset tours along the harbor provide unforgettable views of the American Riviera coastline.
Local outfitters supply all necessary gear and safety equipment, making these adventures accessible even for first-timers. The guided harbor tours and sea cave explorations near Santa Cruz Island particularly impress with their mix of natural beauty and expert instruction.
Check out our favorite Santa Barbara paddling experiences below.
Key Points
- Private kayak tours along the Santa Barbara coastline offer immersive encounters with diverse marine life, ranging from 1.5 to 2.5 hours in duration.
- Stand-up paddle board (SUP) experiences include a 90-minute lesson on the basics in the scenic harbor, suitable for ages 14 and up.
- Kayak and stand-up paddle board rentals are available at West Beach and Stearns Wharf, providing opportunities for independent exploration.
- Sunset kayak tours offer breathtaking views of the coastline, with personalized attention and potential sightings of seals, dolphins, and sea lions.
- Activities are suitable for families and nature enthusiasts, with an emphasis on safety and knowledgeable local guides.
Kayak Tour of Santa Barbara With Experienced Guide
Embarking on a private kayak tour along the Santa Barbara coastline, adventurous travelers can enjoy the region’s natural beauty.
With 380 reviews and a 100% traveler recommendation, this badge-of-excellence experience offers the opportunity to spot seals and dolphins in sapphire-blue waters.
Suitable for beginners and advanced kayakers, the tour features four different routes ranging from 1.5 to 2.5 hours.
Kayaks, life jackets, and an expert local guide are provided, along with hotel pickup and drop-off.
Children aged 5-11 can join in tandem kayaks with a parent or guardian.
Explore the cliffside vistas and Santa Ynez Mountains at a tailored pace during this immersive coastal adventure.
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Santa Barbara: Stand-up Paddle Board Rental
For those seeking an alternative water-based activity in Santa Barbara, stand-up paddleboard rentals offer a tranquil and leisurely way to explore the coastline.
From Kč 601 per person, visitors can enjoy a 1 to 1.5-hour paddleboard experience along the Californian shores, with the possibility of spotting marine life like sea lions, seals, and dolphins.
The rental package includes a paddleboard, personal floatation device, and paddle, along with basic instructions.
While the activity isn’t suitable for non-swimmers or individuals over 275 lbs, it provides a great opportunity to master paddleboarding skills while soaking up Santa Barbara’s sunshine.
Participants can take advantage of the free cancellation policy and pay later.
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Guided Kayak Wildlife Tour in the Santa Barbara Harbor
The Guided Kayak Wildlife Tour in the Santa Barbara Harbor provides visitors with an immersive and up-close encounter with the region’s diverse marine life.
Guests paddle approximately 1-2 miles through the harbor, under the pier, and along the beach, spotting harbor seals, sea lions, brown pelicans, and more.
With 99% traveler recommendation and a Badge of Excellence, this guided tour offers spectacular views, knowledgeable guides, and all necessary kayaking gear.
The experience is suitable for all levels, with a maximum group size of 20 travelers.
At $55 per person, the tour provides excellent value, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
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Santa Barbara: Guided Kayak Wildlife Tour
Nestled along Santa Barbara’s picturesque coastline, the Guided Kayak Wildlife Tour offers visitors an up-close encounter with the region’s diverse marine life.
Over the course of two hours, participants can explore the palm-lined harbor, spotting dolphins, seals, and a variety of birds. Guided by knowledgeable staff, the tour provides an introductory lesson for beginners and a relaxing experience for experienced paddlers.
Suitable for ages 5 and up, the tour departs from the Santa Barbara Harbor, covering 1-2 miles along the coast. With a 4.9/5 rating based on 19 reviews, this tour promises a memorable and educational adventure for all skill levels.
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Sea Lion Kayak Tour – Santa Barbara Harbor
Embarking on the Sea Lion Kayak Tour in Santa Barbara Harbor promises an unforgettable experience for adventure-seekers.
Rated 5.0 based on 28 reviews, this highly recommended tour offers close encounters with sea lions, birds, and other marine life.
With a knowledgeable local guide, you’ll learn about the ecosystem while enjoying a mix of adventure and relaxation.
The tour includes skip-the-line access, hassle-free parking, and accessibility features, catering to various skill levels and group sizes up to 32 travelers.
Priced at SEK 809.89 per person, this Badge of Excellence experience is a must-try for those seeking an immersive and educational kayaking adventure in Santa Barbara.
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Santa Barbara: 1.5-Hour Harbor Kayak Tour
For those seeking a more intimate encounter with Santa Barbara’s serene harbor, the 1.5-Hour Harbor Kayak Tour offers a delightful alternative to the Sea Lion Kayak Tour.
Priced at $60 per person, this English-language excursion allows participants to paddle through the harbor and view wildlife like harbor seals.
Led by licensed expert guides, the tour highlights the area’s history, landscape, and panoramic vistas of the waterfront, mountains, and islands.
All necessary equipment, including kayaks and life jackets, is provided.
While swimmers ages 5 and up are welcome, the tour isn’t suitable for non-swimmers or those with mobility issues.
Advance reservations are recommended to secure your spot.
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Kayak or Stand Up Paddle Board Rental
Travelers seeking a more independent exploration of Santa Barbara’s picturesque harbor can opt for a kayak or stand-up paddle board rental from the conveniently located West Beach.
With 100% positive reviews and a 5.0 rating, this activity offers an excellent opportunity to enjoy the coastal scenery at your own pace.
For $15.39 per person, you’ll receive all the necessary equipment, including paddles and life vests, along with friendly staff assistance for setup and takedown.
While not recommended for those with certain medical conditions, the rental is accessible to most travelers, providing a flexible and self-guided way to experience the beauty of Santa Barbara’s waterfront.
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Santa Barbara: Sunset Kayak Tour
The Santa Barbara: Sunset Kayak Tour offers travelers a unique opportunity to experience the city’s picturesque harbor and coastline during the golden hour.
This 2-hour activity takes paddlers on a 1-2 mile journey, departing from the Santa Barbara Harbor. No prior kayaking experience is required, as the live tour guide provides basic paddling instruction and safety talk.
Guests can look forward to stunning sunset views over the sea and Santa Ynez Mountain range. The tour includes double kayaks, with singles available for odd number parties and guests over 230 lbs.
Rated 4.9/5 based on 14 reviews, the sunset kayak tour is an enjoyable and memorable introduction to the sport.
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Coastline Kayak Tour Near Santa Barbara With Knowledgeable Guide
Nestled along the scenic coastline near Santa Barbara, the Coastline Kayak Tour offers travelers a unique opportunity to explore the region’s diverse marine ecosystem. Rated 4.9 out of 5 stars with 97% of travelers recommending it, this morning tour takes participants on a journey through the picturesque Refugio State Beach.
Led by knowledgeable guides, guests will have the chance to spot over 1,500 species of plants and animals, including dolphins, while learning about the area’s natural history and marine ecology.
The experience includes all necessary equipment, transportation, and a lunch stop on a secluded beach. Whether you’re a seasoned kayaker or a first-timer, this tour promises an unforgettable glimpse into the wonders of Santa Barbara’s coastal landscapes.
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Santa Barbara: Coastline Kayak Tour With Knowledgeable Guide
Exploring Santa Barbara’s breathtaking coastline by kayak offers travelers an unparalleled opportunity to enjoy the region’s diverse marine ecosystem.
The 3-hour Coastline Kayak Tour takes guests to the Gaviota Coast, home to over 1,500 species of plant and animal life. Paddlers can expect to see dolphins, sea lions, and a wealth of birdlife as they glide through the undeveloped California coastline.
The knowledgeable guide provides comprehensive kayaking instruction and insightful discussions on natural history and marine ecology.
The tour includes all necessary gear and transportation, making it an accessible adventure for all ages and skill levels, with double kayaks available for those seeking a shared experience.
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Santa Barbara Kayak or Stand Up Paddle Rental
Located adjacent to the iconic Stearns Wharf on West Beach, Santa Barbara Kayak or Stand Up Paddle Rental offers visitors an accessible and family-friendly way to explore the city’s picturesque coastline.
With a 100% traveler recommendation and a Badge of Excellence, the rental company provides high-quality equipment, including kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, paddles, and life vests. The friendly staff is on hand to assist and ensure a smooth experience.
Prices start at $30 per group, and free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance. Though not recommended for travelers with back problems, the activities are suitable for the whole family, making it an ideal choice for a day of water-based adventure in Santa Barbara.
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Santa Barbara Sunset Kayaking Tour
As the sun slowly dips below the horizon, the Santa Barbara Sunset Kayaking Tour offers a breathtaking opportunity to witness the city’s picturesque coastline in an entirely new light.
Recommended by 90% of travelers, this tour provides nature lovers, romantic couples, and special occasion celebrants a safe and guided experience to explore Santa Barbara’s stunning sunsets from the water.
With a maximum of 24 participants, the tour ensures personalized attention from knowledgeable local guides who share their insider knowledge.
Paddlers can enjoy the included amenities, such as hotel pickup and drop-off, as well as guaranteed skip-the-line access.
While some have reported issues with cancellations and refunds, the overall 4.6-star rating from 10 reviews highlights the tour’s ability to create memorable experiences.
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Sunset Kayak Tour of Santa Barbara With Knowledgeable Guide
The Sunset Kayak Tour of Santa Barbara allows nature enthusiasts to witness the city’s picturesque coastline in a captivating new light.
This guided kayaking experience focuses on Southern California’s coastal environment, with a knowledgeable guide offering insights on natural history and marine ecology. The tour lasts approximately 2 hours, starting 2 hours before sunset, and accommodates a maximum of 10 travelers.
All necessary equipment is provided, and the scenic route may include sightings of seals, dolphins, and sea lions.
While personal expenses and gratuity are additional, the tour’s 95% traveler recommendation and stunning views make it a must-do activity for visitors to Santa Barbara.
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Learn to Stand-Up Paddle Board (SUP) in Santa Barbara
If you’re looking to try a new water sport in Santa Barbara, the Stand-Up Paddle Board (SUP) experience is a fantastic option.
This 90-minute lesson teaches you the basics of SUP in the scenic harbor. For $90 per person, you’ll receive all the necessary equipment, including wetsuits and lockers, and a knowledgeable local guide will lead the way.
The maximum group size is 16 travelers, and the activity is suitable for most participants aged 14 and up.
With free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, this SUP lesson is a great way to enjoy the beautiful Santa Barbara waterfront.
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Recap
Santa Barbara’s waterways offer a variety of kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding experiences. From guided wildlife tours to sunset paddles, visitors can explore the harbor, spot sea lions, and learn new skills. Whether you’re a beginner or experienced, there are options to suit all abilities and interests. With its beautiful scenery and diverse marine life, Santa Barbara is an ideal destination for water-based adventures.