Santa Barbara: Coastline Kayak Tour With Knowledgeable Guide

Exploring the stunning Gaviota Coast by kayak is an unforgettable experience. Guided by a knowledgeable expert, adventurers of all skill levels can paddle through breathtaking coastal scenery and spot over 1,500 species of wildlife. With comprehensive instruction and necessary gear provided, you will engage in interactive challenges, learn about marine ecology, and create lasting memories amidst nature’s splendor. For those seeking an immersive adventure that showcases the best of Santa Barbara’s natural beauty, this 3-hour kayak tour promises to be a highlight of any visit. What else can this tour offer that makes it a must-do activity?

This experience made our list of the 14 Best Guided Tours In Santa Barbara.

Key Points

• This 3-hour kayak tour along the Gaviota Coast offers the opportunity to spot over 1,500 species of plant and animal life.
• The tour includes comprehensive kayaking instruction, knowledgeable guides, and transportation to the launch point at Haskell’s Beach.
• Participants can engage in interactive kayak challenges and games led by the guide, promising an exciting and educational experience.
• The tour caters to adults and children aged 5 and up, with single and double kayak configurations available.
• The tour has a minimum group size of 2 people and a cancellation policy that allows for full refunds up to 24 hours in advance.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview

The Coastline Kayak Tour in Santa Barbara is a 3-hour adventure that takes participants along the Gaviota Coast.

Priced from $122 per person, the tour is open to adults of all ages, with children under 5 not permitted.

Participants can expect an easy to moderate difficulty level, covering a paddling distance of 3 miles. A minimum of 2 people is required for the tour to run.

All necessary kayaking gear, comprehensive instruction, and transportation to the meeting point at Haskell’s Beach are included.

Guests will have the opportunity to spot over 1,500 species of plant and animal life, learn about marine ecology, and potentially encounter dolphins and sea lions.

Experience Highlights

Often, participants on the Coastline Kayak Tour can discover over 1,500 species of plant and animal life.

They’ll learn about the marine ecology and the Santa Barbara Channel from the knowledgeable guide. Kayakers may have opportunities to swim, kayak with dolphins and sea lions, and simply enjoy the natural beauty of the coastline.

The guide also leads fun kayak challenges and games, making the experience interactive and engaging.

Whether it’s spotting unique wildlife or challenging oneself in the water, the Coastline Kayak Tour promises a memorable adventure filled with learning and excitement along the Gaviota Coast.

Inclusions

The Coastline Kayak Tour includes all the necessary kayaking gear – wetsuits, paddle jackets, PFDs, and helmets.

Comprehensive kayaking instruction ensures participants feel confident and safe on the water. Throughout the tour, a knowledgeable guide provides informative discussions on the natural history and marine ecology of the Santa Barbara Channel.

Travelers also enjoy the convenience of transportation to the meeting point at Haskell’s Beach. The tour package also covers gratuity, so there are no unexpected costs.

With these inclusive offerings, adventurers can fully enjoy the stunning coastal scenery and wildlife sightings during the 3-hour kayaking experience.

Meeting Point and Directions

Haskell’s Beach, located 12 miles north of Santa Barbara, serves as the meeting point for the Coastline Kayak Tour. The address is 8301 Hollister Ave., Goleta, CA 93117.

Guests should look for the Adventure Company vehicle and guide wearing a "GUIDE" shirt in the parking lot.

To get there, travelers should follow Highway 101 north and take Exit #110 for Winchester Canyon Road, then continue to the parking lot. Parking is available on-site.

The tour guide will provide transportation to the launch point, where the kayaking experience begins.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Cancellation Policy

With free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, guests can receive a full refund for the Coastline Kayak Tour. This flexible policy allows participants to plan their trip with confidence, knowing they can make changes if needed.

However, the tour requires a minimum of two participants, so the company reserves the right to cancel if this threshold isn’t met. In such cases, guests will be offered an alternative tour or a full refund.

Pets and unaccompanied minors aren’t permitted on the tour. Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult. These guidelines ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all.

Participant Requirements

Participants for the Coastline Kayak Tour must meet certain requirements. The tour is open to adults aged 99 and younger, but children under 5 aren’t permitted.

Those under 12 must be accompanied by an adult. Kayakers over 230 lbs will be provided a single kayak, while double kayaks are available for other participants.

The tour requires a minimum of 2 people to run, so if the minimum isn’t met, the tour may be canceled or an alternative offered.

Plus, pets and unaccompanied minors aren’t allowed on the tour. These guidelines ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all participants.

Kayak Configuration

For the Coastline Kayak Tour, guests are provided with a choice of kayak configurations to accommodate their individual needs and preferences.

Double kayaks are the default option, allowing pairs to paddle together. However, single kayaks are available for odd-numbered parties or guests weighing over 230 pounds. This ensures everyone can comfortably and safely navigate the 3-mile (4.8 km) route.

The knowledgeable guides provide thorough kayaking instruction, ensuring participants feel confident and in control throughout the excursion.

This flexibility in kayak selection, combined with the expert guidance, allows guests to fully enjoy the stunning coastal scenery and wildlife encounters during the 3-hour tour.

Tour Logistics

The Coastline Kayak Tour departs from Haskell’s Beach, located 12 miles north of Santa Barbara.

Participants will meet in the parking lot, where they’ll find the Adventure Company vehicle and guide wearing a "GUIDE" shirt.

The tour lasts 3 hours and covers a paddling distance of 3 miles. Guests must be at least 5 years old, and children under 12 need to be accompanied by an adult.

Double kayaks are provided, with single kayaks available for odd-numbered parties and guests over 230 lbs.

The tour includes comprehensive kayaking instruction, a knowledgeable guide, and transportation to the meeting point.

Cancellation is possible if the minimum of 2 participants isn’t met, in which case an alternative or full refund will be offered.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Kayak Equipment?

No, you cannot bring your own kayak equipment. The tour provides all the necessary gear, including a wetsuit, paddle jacket, PFD, and helmet. This ensures everyone has the proper equipment for a safe and enjoyable kayaking experience.

What Type of Wildlife Might We Encounter?

Participants may encounter over 1,500 species of marine life, including dolphins, sea lions, seabirds, and a variety of fish and invertebrates. The knowledgeable guide will provide information about the local marine ecology and wildlife.

Is the Tour Suitable for Beginners?

The tour is suitable for beginners. The difficulty is described as easy to moderate, with a 3-mile paddling distance. The guide provides comprehensive kayaking instruction, making it appropriate for those with little or no prior kayaking experience.

Is There a Weight Limit for Single Kayaks?

The tour information states that guests over 230 lbs will be provided with a single kayak, rather than a double kayak. This suggests there is a weight limit for the double kayaks on the tour.

Can I Store My Belongings Securely During the Tour?

Tour participants can store their belongings securely in the tour company’s vehicle during the kayak tour. Personal items are not brought on the kayaks to ensure safety and comfort throughout the activity.

Recap

This kayaking adventure along the Gaviotta Coast offers breathtaking scenery and a chance to discover over 1,500 species of wildlife. With knowledgeable guides, all necessary gear, and comprehensive instruction, participants can engage in interactive challenges, learn about marine ecology, and create unforgettable memories amidst nature’s splendor. Whether a beginner or experienced paddler, this 3-hour tour is perfect for those seeking an immersive coastal experience in Santa Barbara.

You can check if your dates are available here: