Kayak Tour of Santa Barbara with Experienced Guide
Overview
Available languages
1 hour 30 minutes
Mobile ticket
Our Santa Barbara Kayak Tour can be a private tour or group tour experience. You choose your adventure! If you're looking for a more intimate Santa Barbara kayaking experience then our private kayak tour will be a perfect fit. If you're hoping to kayak Santa Barbara with other travelers and enjoy the sights with new friends then the group kayak tour is the way to go!
Whichever kayaking tour you choose you'll be in the very capable hands of our friendly and experienced tour guides. Your local kayaking guide will show you the stunning boats in our harbor as well as introduce you to some cute and cuddly sea lions and seals!
Prepare to take in views of Santa Barbara and the Santa Ynez Mountains, and keep your eyes peeled for dolphins! Your expert guide will share information about Santa Barbara's top attractions and customize the speed of the ride to suit your needs.
Our goal is that kayaking Santa Barbara will be the highlight of your trip!
Additional Info
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
You will be meeting your guide at West Beach which is located on the beach directly across from the Harbor View Inn Hotel (28 W Cabrillo Blvd, Santa Barbara). You will see our blue rental flags, white equipment shed, and stand up paddle boards and kayaks.
Children ages 5 to 11 years must be in a tandem kayak with an parent or guardian regardless of skill level
All persons must be able to swim
Please remember to bring your swimsuit and towel
What To Expect
Experience Santa Barbara kayaking from a local's perspective. Your experienced kayaking guide will lead you safely through the harbor and if you're lucky you'll visit some adorable sea life! You’ll encounter breathtaking 360 degree panoramic views of the Waterfront, Santa Ynez Mountains, Channel Islands, and the majestic vessels in the harbor. Kayaking Santa Barbara is never complete without hearing fun facts about our harbor. As you wind through the calm waters of the harbor your guide will provide intriguing insights. As you kayak Santa Barbara your guide will offer knowledge about the local landscape, topography, wildlife, historical landmarks, and more. Our guided kayak tour is suitable for all skill levels, including first-time Kayakers! Life vests are provided to all participants. To embark on this Santa Barbara kayak tour each participant must know how to swim. You'll likely not need to swim during your tour but as a safety precaution, we ask that everyone kayaking with us knows how to SWIM. Please note that gratuities are not included in the cost of the tour. If you enjoyed your tour be sure to tip your guide as service industry workers often work for tips.
Options
10am Private Kayak Tour
10am Start Time: This is a private tour. It will just be your group and your very own kayak guide from 10:00am-11:30am.
1pm Group Kayak Tour
1pm Start Time: This is a group tour. You'll be kayaking Santa Barbara with other travelers from 1:00pm-2:30pm.
3pm Private Kayak Tour
3pm Start Time: This is a 1.5 hour private tour. It will just be your group and your very own kayak guide from 3:00 pm - 4:30 pm
11am Group Kayak Tour
11am Start Time: This is a group tour. You'll be kayaking Santa Barbara with other travelers from 11:00am-12:30pm.
What‘s Included
Local guide
Life jackets
Kayaks
Gratuities
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
442 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Great experience.
H9145SSmichaelz,Jun 16, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00That was fun and not too difficult. Thank you.
Super fun experience
joshuacH3076VF,Jun 10, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Tour guide was knowledgeable and very personable. Great deal for the money. Coming back again soon.
Kayaking with Wildlife
Karen Z,Jun 5, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00We went on the 11 am tour, and the weather was still a little cool and overcast, which is what we prefer. If you want a lot of sun for your tour, try later in the afternoon. The tour itself was great. Ryan was our guide and he obviously has a passion, not only for water sports and kayaking, but also local history and wildlife education. We really enjoyed the whole tour!
Great start to the day!
Amber G,Jun 2, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had a lovely time on the water with our guide Audrey. We stayed in the harbor and she pointed out the wild life (seals, sea lions, cormorant birds, and fish) She was very knowledgeable. We would definitely do it again
A great time on the water
Z4915LLdorothyh,May 4, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had a great kayak trip with Ryan, he showed us the harbor, the local wildlife and pointed out local attractions from the water.
Perfect couple activity
emmymendoza85,May 4, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Audrey was amazing! Took the time to share fun facts about the area and was very friendly.
Amazing
irinacC7914KJ,Apr 20, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had an amazing experience kayaking with Audrey as our tour guide. She is very knowledgeable of the area and she guided us to see the amazing spots with seals and sea lions. She gave us the information about the area and directed us to areas we would not even know to explore on our own. She is amazing tour guide and we would recommend this tour to our friends!
Ryan with Cal Coast Adventures is the BEST kayak guide Ever!
Maureen M,Apr 16, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Ryan was an excellent tour guide! He was full of interesting SB facts, really friendly and helpful in explaining how to maneuver the kayak. We highly recommend Ryan with Cal Coast Adventures. Definitely will be back again!
Beautiful day to kayak in...
Barbara J,Apr 4, 2026
- Review from Viator
4.00Beautiful day to kayak in Santa Barbara. It was fun to see the boats in the harbor and go through narrow passageways. The sea lions and seals we so cite to watch.
Recommend these guys
TravelfoodLover,Apr 3, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Audrey - our tour guide was awesome. We had an opportunity to go to open water and enjoy our time with kids
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Operated by Cal Coast Adventures