Santa Barbara’s kayaking and canoeing scene delivers some of Europe’s – oops, California’s! – finest coastal paddling opportunities. Two standout experiences make this stretch of Pacific waters especially rewarding: the harbor-to-coastline wildlife tours (perfect for spotting seals and dolphins up close) and the mellow sunset paddles that showcase the area’s famous golden shoreline.
The guided Gaviota Coast tour particularly impresses with its combination of expert naturalist commentary and family-friendly pace – it’s ideal for both first-timers and experienced paddlers. Meanwhile, independent explorers will appreciate the well-maintained rental operations right along the waterfront, offering quality equipment without complicated logistics.
Let’s look at our favorite kayak and canoe adventures in Santa Barbara.
Good To Know
- Private Kayak Tours offer customizable routes, scenic views, and opportunities to spot wildlife like seals, dolphins, and pelicans at a 100% recommendation rate.
- Sunset Kayak Tours provide a beginner-friendly, guided experience with scenic sunset views and potential wildlife sightings along the Santa Barbara coastline.
- Coastline Kayak Tours focus on wildlife spotting and marine ecology, including kayaking, lunch on a secluded beach, swimming, and games along the Gaviota Coast.
- Kayak and Stand-Up Paddleboard Rentals offer flexible options with a 5.0-rated experience and convenient location near Pier/Stearns Wharf.
- Specialized Tours and Lessons, such as Sea Lion Kayak Tour and SUP lessons, provide personalized experiences in small groups with high recommendation rates.
Kayak Tour of Santa Barbara With Experienced Guide
Embarking on a private kayak tour of Santa Barbara’s captivating coastline, visitors can discover the area’s diverse wildlife and breathtaking scenery with the guidance of experienced local experts.
Boasting a 100% traveler recommendation from 380 reviews and a Badge of Excellence, the tour is suitable for beginners and advanced kayakers alike.
Customizable routes and durations cater to various skill levels, allowing participants to marvel at seals, dolphins, sea lions, and pelicans, while also taking in the scenic views of the Santa Ynez Mountains and cliffside vistas.
Equipped with kayaks, life jackets, and informative guides, the tour includes hotel pickup/drop-off and gratuities, making it an all-inclusive adventure in Santa Barbara.
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Sunset Kayak Tour of Santa Barbara With Knowledgeable Guide
As the sun begins to dip below the horizon, visitors can embark on a captivating sunset kayak tour along the Santa Barbara coastline.
This beginner-friendly experience allows paddlers to explore the Santa Barbara Harbor and witness the Pacific Ocean’s vibrant sunset. A knowledgeable guide provides instruction on kayaking safety and techniques, as well as insights into the area’s marine ecology and astronomy.
Travelers can spot seals, dolphins, and other wildlife while enjoying the scenic views of Santa Barbara’s beaches and mountains.
With a maximum of 10 participants per tour, this intimate excursion offers a unique opportunity to connect with nature at its most breathtaking.
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Coastline Kayak Tour Near Santa Barbara With Knowledgeable Guide
The Coastline Kayak Tour near Santa Barbara provides an immersive adventure along the Gaviota Coast’s captivating shoreline. This family-friendly activity focuses on wildlife spotting and marine ecology, led by knowledgeable guides.
The tour includes kayaking gear, a lunch stop on a secluded beach, and opportunities for swimming and games. With a maximum of 8 travelers, this intimate experience allows for personalized attention.
Guests can expect to explore underwater kelp beds, potentially spot dolphins, and enjoy fun kayak activities on the return trip. Catering to various ages and abilities, this coastline tour is a must-try for nature enthusiasts visiting Santa Barbara.
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Santa Barbara Kayak or Stand-Up Paddleboard Rental
Visitors to Santa Barbara can explore the scenic coastline by renting a kayak or stand-up paddleboard (SUP) from the rental center located at West Beach.
The center offers a flexible rental option, allowing guests to choose from single kayaks, tandem kayaks, or SUPs. The equipment includes the vessels, paddles, and life vests, along with a brief instruction.
Customers can enjoy a 5.0-rated experience with 100% traveler recommendation. The rental center is conveniently located near the Pier/Stearns Wharf, and the activity ends back at the meeting point.
While the rental isn’t wheelchair accessible, most travelers can participate, and safety gear is provided.
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Santa Barbara Kayak or Stand Up Paddle Rental
Travelers seeking to explore Santa Barbara’s picturesque coastline can conveniently rent kayaks or stand-up paddleboards (SUPs) from the only water sports rental company on the city’s West Beach.
Santa Barbara Kayak or Stand Up Paddle Rental offers high-quality, up-to-date gear and easy sand-to-shore access, making for a fun and memorable ocean experience.
With a 5.0 rating from 27 reviews and a Badge of Excellence, the company is recommended by 100% of travelers.
The friendly and helpful staff ensures a successful adventure, though the facility isn’t wheelchair accessible.
Booking is hassle-free, with a Confirmation received at booking, free cancellation, and a Lowest Price Guarantee.
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Sea Lion Kayak Tour – Santa Barbara Harbor
Exploring the serene Santa Barbara Harbor, the Sea Lion Kayak Tour offers a unique opportunity to encounter California’s iconic marine wildlife.
Boasting a stellar 5.0 rating from 28 reviews, this 2-hour adventure is highly recommended by 100% of travelers. Led by knowledgeable guides, the tour allows you to spot pelicans, egrets, dolphins, sea lions, and even gray whales while learning about the local history and ecology.
Priced from $72 per person, the tour accommodates up to 32 travelers and is wheelchair accessible.
With free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, this family-friendly experience promises memorable encounters and stunning coastal views, making it a must-try for nature lovers visiting Santa Barbara.
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Santa Barbara Sunset Kayaking Tour
Why not experience the stunning Santa Barbara sunset from a unique vantage point – on the open waters?
The Santa Barbara Sunset Kayaking Tour offers just that, a guided kayaking adventure to witness the area’s spectacular sunsets. With a 90% recommendation rate and a 4.6 rating, this tour is a must-do for nature lovers and romantic couples alike.
You’ll have the chance to observe wildlife like sea lions and harbor seals while paddling in the calm harbor.
The tour includes all taxes, fees, and gratuities, as well as hotel pickup and drop-off.
Don’t miss out on this opportunity to enjoy Santa Barbara’s natural beauty from a whole new perspective.
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Learn to Stand-Up Paddle Board (SUP) in Santa Barbara
For a fun and invigorating way to experience Santa Barbara’s picturesque harbor, visitors can join a Stand-Up Paddle Boarding (SUP) lesson.
The experience includes all necessary equipment, from the SUP board and wetsuit to on-shore orientation. Instructors, who are CPR and first aid certified, guide both beginners and experienced paddlers through a 1.5-hour tour.
Participants can expect to see local wildlife, including sea birds, seals, dolphins, and occasionally whales, as they paddle along the harbor.
With a maximum of 16 travelers, the $90 per person activity offers a safe and intimate way to explore Santa Barbara’s waterways.
Read our full review: Learn to Stand-Up Paddle Board (SUP) in Santa Barbara Review
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The Sum Up
Santa Barbara offers a variety of exciting water experiences for visitors. Whether you prefer a guided tour or self-guided rental, there are plenty of options to explore the area’s stunning coastline from the water. From kayaking to stand-up paddleboarding, these activities provide a unique perspective and allow you to spot local marine life. With both daytime and sunset tours available, there’s an aquatic adventure to suit every interest.