Santa Barbara’s coastal location makes it perfect for paddling adventures, with several excellent kayak and canoe options.
The best tours include a practical 3-hour Gaviota Coast paddle – ideal for seeing pristine coastline away from crowds – and an atmospheric 2-hour sunset harbor tour that showcases the city’s best angles.
Wildlife enthusiasts will appreciate the guided nature tours, where spotting seals, dolphins, and seabirds is practically guaranteed.
We especially love the beginner-friendly stand-up paddleboard lessons with local instructors who know these waters inside and out.
For independent spirits, equipment rentals offer flexibility to explore at your own pace.
Let’s look at our favorite water tours in Santa Barbara.
Key Points
Key Points:
- Coastline Kayak Tour along the Gaviota Coast, home to over 1,500 species, led by knowledgeable guides with opportunities to spot dolphins and sea lions.
- Sunset Kayak Tour in Santa Barbara Harbor, showcasing stunning views, suitable for all skill levels with a basic paddling lesson and safety instructions.
- Harbor Kayak Tour exploring Santa Barbara Harbor, featuring views of harbor seals, sailboats, yachts, and fishing vessels, guided by a licensed expert.
- Guided Kayak Wildlife Tour, a 2-hour excursion focused on searching for dolphins, seals, and bird species, suitable for novice kayakers.
- Stand-Up Paddle Board Rental at West Beach, offering the opportunity to spot marine life like sea lions, seals, and dolphins, with basic instruction and safety briefing.
Learn to Stand-Up Paddle Board (SUP) in Santa Barbara
Directly on the shores of Santa Barbara, travelers can learn to stand-up paddle board (SUP) with the guidance of experienced local instructors from the Paddle Sports Center.
For $90 per person, you will receive all necessary equipment like the paddleboard, paddle, and wetsuit. The 3-hour small-group lesson, limited to 16 travelers maximum, takes place at the scenic meeting point of 117 Harbor Way.
After the guided instruction, paddlers can enjoy a hot shower and free parking before returning to the starting location.
With an overall 5-star rating, this is a popular activity that most travelers can easily participate in.
Read our full review: Learn to Stand-Up Paddle Board (SUP) in Santa Barbara Review
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Santa Barbara: Coastline Kayak Tour With Knowledgeable Guide
Travelers seeking a captivating way to explore Santa Barbara’s picturesque coastline can embark on the Santa Barbara: Coastline Kayak Tour. Priced at $122 per person, this 3-hour excursion allows participants to paddle through the Gaviota Coast, home to over 1,500 species of plant and animal life.
Guided by knowledgeable instructors, the tour offers opportunities to learn about the region’s marine ecology and potentially spot dolphins and sea lions. With comprehensive kayaking instruction and gear provided, the easy to moderate difficulty level makes this tour suitable for a wide range of participants, including children 12 and older.
Cancellation is possible with a full refund up to 24 hours in advance.
Read our full review: Santa Barbara: Coastline Kayak Tour With Knowledgeable Guide Review
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Santa Barbara: Sunset Kayak Tour
Participants can embark on a captivating 2-hour Sunset Kayak Tour in the picturesque Santa Barbara Harbor. This tour offers stunning sunset views over the sea and the Santa Ynez Mountain range.
Guests can explore the harbor and shoreline, with a basic paddling lesson and safety instructions provided. The tour is suitable for all skill levels, from beginners to advanced.
Kayaking gear is included, along with a knowledgeable live guide. The meeting point is at the Santa Barbara Harbor’s Sea Landing boat launch.
This tour is likely to sell out, so booking in advance is recommended. With free cancellation up to 24 hours prior and a pay-later option, it’s an excellent choice for a memorable sunset adventure.
Read our full review: Santa Barbara: Sunset Kayak Tour Review
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Santa Barbara: 1.5-Hour Harbor Kayak Tour
Guests can embark on a captivating 1.5-hour Harbor Kayak Tour in the picturesque Santa Barbara Harbor. Priced from $162 per person, this tour allows participants to paddle through the harbor, enjoying views of harbor seals, sailboats, yachts, and fishing vessels.
The experience also offers panoramic vistas of the Waterfront, Santa Ynez Mountains, Channel Islands, and Stearns Wharf. Guided by a licensed expert, guests will learn about Santa Barbara’s rich history, local landscape, wildlife, and topography.
The tour includes kayak rental, life jackets, water, and snacks. All participants must be able to swim, and children aged 5 to 11 must be in a tandem kayak with a parent or guardian.
With an overall 5/5 rating based on 8 reviews, this tour promises a personalized and knowledgeable experience.
Read our full review: Santa Barbara: 1.5-Hour Harbor Kayak Tour Review
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Santa Barbara: Guided Kayak Wildlife Tour
The Santa Barbara Guided Kayak Wildlife Tour offers a captivating 2-hour excursion along the city’s picturesque coastline. Priced from $55 per person, this easy activity welcomes even novice kayakers to explore the harbor and search for dolphins, seals, and various bird species.
The tour includes all necessary gear, comprehensive instruction, and a knowledgeable guide who’ll share insights about the area’s natural history and marine ecology. With a paddling distance of 1-2 miles, participants can enjoy a leisurely pace while taking in spectacular views of Santa Barbara.
Bookings can be made with no upfront payment, and cancellations are free up to 24 hours in advance.
Read our full review: Santa Barbara: Guided Kayak Wildlife Tour Review
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Santa Barbara: Stand-up Paddle Board Rental
For those seeking a more independent and self-guided water adventure in Santa Barbara, the Stand-up Paddle Board Rental offers an excellent option. Priced from $25 per person, the 1-1.5 hour rental allows you to paddle along the Californian coastline, with the possibility of spotting marine life like sea lions, seals, and dolphins.
The rental includes basic paddleboard instruction, safety briefing, and all necessary equipment. Located at West Beach, the rental site provides easy access to the water and nearby parking options.
Participants must be able to swim, and the activity isn’t suitable for non-swimmers or individuals over 275 lbs. With a perfect 5/5 rating based on customer reviews, this stand-up paddle board experience is a great way to explore Santa Barbara’s scenic waterways.
Read our full review: Santa Barbara: Stand-up Paddle Board Rental Review
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The Sum Up
Santa Barbara offers a variety of exciting canoe and kayak experiences for both beginners and experienced paddlers. Whether you’re looking to learn stand-up paddleboarding, explore the coastline, or spot wildlife, there are guided tours and rentals available to suit your preferences. With its beautiful scenery and calm waters, Santa Barbara is an excellent destination for a fun and memorable day on the water.