Guided Kayak Wildlife Tour in the Santa Barbara Harbor | 2 hours

112 Reviews | Santa Barbara
Select Date and Travelers
You can select up to 15 travelers in total.
Adult (13-99) Minimum: 1, Maximum: 15
2
Child (5-12) Minimum: 0, Maximum: 15
0
Free Cancellation For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Departure
2 Adults x $55.00
$110.00
Approx Total
$110.00

Inclusions / Exclusions

  • Mobile ticket
  • Offered in: English
  • All associated kayaking gear (wet suit, PFD, helmet, paddle, etc.
  • All taxes, fees and handling charges
  • Spectacular views of Santa Barbara
  • Knowledgeable guide and discussion of natural history/marine ecology
  • 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.

Overview

Experienced local guides take you on an unforgettable Santa Barbara kayak tour spotlighting one of California's most thriving marine regions. Learn about Santa Barbara’s natural history and marine ecology, as well as local trivia during this fun and exhilarating day on the water. This 2 hour paddling adventure offers spectacular views of the city and beaches from a unique perspective on the water!

Meeting points

Enter the harbor at Harbor Way. Turn left and enter at the kiosk. Continue in the direction of the wharf. Follow the signs to the boat launch area. We will meet you at the boat ramp located at the end of the harbor parking lot (next to West Beach). Look for your guide with the kayaks.

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

Itinerary

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.

Sample Menu

Additional Info

  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • 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.

Free Cancellation

June 18100% refund
June 19No refund

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 good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Reviews

4.9

112 reviews

Total review count and overall rating based on Viator and Tripadvisor reviews
  • 5 stars
    107
  • 4 stars
    4
  • 3 stars
    0
  • 2 stars
    0
  • 1 star
    1

Reviews by TravelOne travelers

Showing 1-5 of 107 reviews with 5 stars

Fantastic despite storm

Published on Jan, 2025

It was looking to be a rough day, windy, wet, stormy all around. Our guide Dave did really good to motivate us and make what we could of it. Trust the guides, trust the experience. Highly recommend.

Excellent

Published on Nov, 2024

Conner was an excellent guide and very knowledgeable of the wildlife around us. My whole family enjoyed it including my 14 and 8 year olds!

Easygoing harbor kayaking with spectacular wildlife

Published on Nov, 2024

We had a fantastic time kayaking in and around the harbor with Nora as our guide. She was extremely knowledgeable and even communicated with our son in French, as his English is still limited. For a harbor tour, we saw an impressive amount of wildlife, including giant kelp, crabs, anemones, sea lions, cormorants, pelicans, and harbor seals. The view of Santa Barbara and the Santa Ynez Mountains was absolutely spectacular from the water. The tour was easygoing, and we all thoroughly enjoyed it. Thank you again, Nora!

Sunset kayaking tour

Published on Oct, 2024

I went on this excursion for the sunset kayaking tour and it was amazing! Bret was very knowledgeable with marine life and the history of Santa Barbara. This was so much fun and if you're into kayaking this is your place. You'll have to use elbow grease to move in the current, but it's not that bad. Definitely recommend!

First time on kayak. Absolutely loved it. Would highly recommend.

Published on Sep, 2024

Had a fabulous morning kayaking in Santa Barbara. This was definitely one of the highlights of our USA trip. I had never kayaked before so was a little apprehensive but the instructions given were spot on and I had no issues. It was fantastic.

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