Kayaking in Santa Barbara Harbor: Wildlife & Marine Views

Paddle past the wharf, under the pier, and along the coast spotting marine wildlife

A 2-hour kayaking tour in Santa Barbara Harbor where you paddle through the working harbor, past the historic wharf and under the pier while looking for harbor seals, sea lions, brown pelicans and other coastal wildlife. Your guide provides all gear, a safety talk and paddling instruction before you set out, and discusses Santa Barbara's marine ecology and natural history along the way. Children from age 5 are welcome. Double kayaks are standard, with singles available for solo paddlers.

The experience

You start at the boat launch where your guide fits you with a paddle jacket, PFD, helmet and paddle, then walks you through a paddling demonstration and safety talk to make sure you're comfortable in the kayak before leaving the dock. The gear is included (wet suit, helmet, all of it), so you show up and paddle. From there you head out into Santa Barbara Harbor, paddling roughly one to two miles along the coast. The route takes you past other boats, under the historic wharf, through the pier, and along the beach, which means you're moving through a working harbor and seeing the city from an angle most visitors never get.

The wildlife is what draws people here. As you paddle, your guide points out harbor seals, sea lions, brown pelicans, cormorants, sea stars and seagulls: the animals that actually live in this part of California's coast. Between the sightings, the guide talks about the marine ecology and local natural history, so you're learning something about what you're seeing rather than just passing through. The whole thing takes 2 hours from start to finish, which is long enough to get out on the water and short enough to fit into a morning or afternoon.

A few logistics matter before you book. The tour requires a minimum of 2 participants, so single travelers should call ahead to confirm a departure is running. Children under 5 aren't permitted. Children under 12 paddle in a double kayak with an adult. Double kayaks are the default, but if you're paddling solo or in an odd-numbered group, singles are available. Guests over 230 pounds get a single kayak. The operator asks for your height and weight ahead of time to make sure the equipment fits. Everything on the kayak can get wet, so leave cameras, electronics and dry clothes in your vehicle. Bring only what you're okay with getting damp.

What’s included

• All kayaking gear including wet suit, PFD, helmet and paddle.
• paddling instruction and safety talk from your guide.
• discussion of Santa Barbara's marine ecology and natural history.
• all taxes and fees.

Information

Lasts 2h, runs every day at 10:00 and 13:00, from US$ 59 per person, with a live guide in English and with free cancellation up to 24 h before.

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 10:00 and 13:00Another time? ›

GroupUp to 201 private ›

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Book up to8h before

AgesAdult (13 and older) · Child (5 to 12 years) · Under 5: can't be booked

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Low physical effortWheelchair accessiblePublic transport nearbyNot recommended with heart problems

Operated by Santa Barbara Adventure Company

Is this one for you?Small groups work best here: the tour runs with a minimum of 2 paddlers, so you're never alone on the water, and the guide can keep everyone together and point out wildlife as you move along the coast. If you're a single traveler, call ahead to confirm a departure is scheduled.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (5 to 12 years). Children under 5 can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What wildlife will I see on the Santa Barbara kayaking tour?

Harbor seals, sea lions, brown pelicans, cormorants, sea stars and seagulls live in Santa Barbara Harbor and are regularly spotted during the paddle. Your guide points them out and explains the marine ecology as you paddle past.

Do I need kayaking experience to book this tour?

No experience is required. Your guide provides a paddling demonstration and safety talk at the boat launch and makes sure you're comfortable in the kayak before you leave the dock.

What's included in the kayaking tour price?

All kayaking gear is included: wet suit, PFD, helmet, paddle and kayak; all taxes and fees; and a knowledgeable guide who discusses Santa Barbara's natural history and marine ecology during the paddle.

How far do I paddle on this tour?

You paddle approximately one to two miles along the coast, passing the historic wharf, under the pier and along the beach before returning to the boat dock. The full tour takes 2 hours.

What should I bring and what should I leave behind?

Bring only personal items that can get wet or damp. Leave cameras, electronics, change of clothes and other gear that must stay dry in your vehicle, since everything on the kayak runs the risk of getting wet during the paddle.