5.0 (458) · Santa Barbara · By Cal Coast Adventures ▶ Watch the videoFree cancellation Private tour
Embark on a memorable kayaking adventure in Santa Barbara, choosing between a private or group experience to suit your preference. For a more intimate journey, our private kayak tour offers a personalized adventure. If you prefer to share the experience with fellow travelers and make new friends while exploring, our group kayak tour is the ideal choice!
Regardless of the option you select, you will be guided by our friendly and knowledgeable local guides. They will lead you through the stunning harbor, pointing out fascinating boats and introducing you to charming sea lions and seals!
As you paddle, take in the breathtaking panoramic views of Santa Barbara and the Santa Ynez Mountains. Keep an eye out for playful dolphins! Your expert guide will share insights into Santa Barbara's most captivating attractions and tailor the pace of your tour to your comfort level.
Our aim is to make your Santa Barbara kayaking experience the absolute highlight of your visit!
✓ Local guide✓ Life jackets✓ Kayaks✕ Gratuities✕ Hotel pickup and drop-offActivity Schedule
1 h 30
Discover Santa Barbara from a local's perspective through our engaging kayak tours. Your experienced guide will navigate you safely through the harbor, and with a bit of luck, you might encounter some delightful marine life!
You will be treated to spectacular 360-degree views of the Waterfront, the Santa Ynez Mountains, the Channel Islands, and the impressive vessels docked in the harbor.
No Santa Barbara kayaking tour is complete without learning interesting facts about our harbor. As you glide through the calm waters, your guide will share captivating stories and information.
Throughout your kayak journey, your guide will provide fascinating details about the local landscape, topography, wildlife, historical sites, and more. Our guided kayak tour is designed for all skill levels, including beginners! Life vests are provided to all participants.
To ensure safety, all participants must be able to swim. While swimming is unlikely to be necessary during the tour, this is a mandatory safety precaution for everyone joining us on the water.
Please note that gratuities are not included in the tour price. If you thoroughly enjoyed your experience, we encourage you to tip your guide, as service industry professionals often rely on tips.
Stearns Wharf Santa Barbara Waterfront West Beach
Your mobile or paper ticket is accepted. One ticket is required per booking.
You will meet your guide on the sand of West Beach, just north of the pier. Look for our equipment set up on the sand directly across from the Harbor View Inn Hotel. When facing the ocean, we are located to the right of Stearns Wharf. Our distinctive white equipment shed and blue tent will be your meeting point!
You will meet your guide on the sand of West Beach, just north of the pier. Look for our equipment set up on the sand directly across from the Harbor View Inn Hotel. When facing the ocean, we are located to the right of Stearns Wharf. Our distinctive white equipment shed and blue tent will be your meeting point!
Your meeting point is West Beach, located directly across from the Harbor View Inn Hotel at 28 W Cabrillo Blvd, Santa Barbara. You'll easily spot our blue rental flags, white equipment shed, and the kayaks and stand-up paddleboards.
Children aged 5 to 11 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian in a tandem kayak, regardless of their swimming ability.
Please arrive wearing your swimsuit.
Remember to bring a towel and water for after your activity.
You can store personal belongings in our secure shed. However, for any valuables, we recommend leaving them in your car or hotel.
Restrooms are conveniently located next to the dolphin fountain.
This activity ends back at the meeting point.
Service animals are permitted. Public transportation options are conveniently located nearby. This activity is not recommended for individuals with spinal injuries. Suitable for all levels of physical fitness. Your meeting point is West Beach, located directly across from the Harbor View Inn Hotel at 28 W Cabrillo Blvd, Santa Barbara. You'll easily spot our blue rental flags, white equipment shed, and the kayaks and stand-up paddleboards. Children aged 5 to 11 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian in a tandem kayak, regardless of their swimming ability. All participants must be able to swim. Please remember to bring your swimsuit and towel. 3pm Private Kayak Tour This private tour is scheduled from 3:00 PM to 4:30 PM, offering a 1.5-hour experience exclusively for your group with a dedicated kayak guide. 10am Private Kayak Tour This private tour is scheduled from 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM, offering a 1.5-hour experience exclusively for your group with a dedicated kayak guide. 11am Group Kayak Tour This group tour is scheduled from 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM, where you will join other travelers for a kayaking adventure in Santa Barbara. 1pm Group Kayak Tour This group tour is scheduled from 1:00 PM to 2:30 PM, where you will join other travelers for a kayaking adventure in Santa Barbara. Arrive wearing your swimsuit. Bring a towel and water. Valuables should be left at your hotel or in your car. All participants must know how to swim. Gratuities for your guide are not included but appreciated. For a full refund, please ensure you cancel at least 24 hours prior to your scheduled departure time.
Product code: 5753KAYAK
Activity offered by Cal Coast Adventures via Viator.
WizardTrip Help Center Adventurers Families Couples Nature lovers Beginners Explore Santa Barbara's beautiful harbor by kayak. See local marine life like sea lions and seals. Enjoy stunning views of the coastline and mountains. Suitable for all skill levels, including beginners. Choice of private or group tour.
Population 88,665 (2020)
Currency United States dollar
Driving on the right
Power plugs A, B · 120 V
Emergency number 911
Capital city Washington, D.C. Average temperatures 12° Jan 12° Feb 13° Mar 14° Apr 16° May 19° Jun 22° Jul 22° Aug 21° Sept 18° Oct 15° Nov 12° Dec Sources: Wikidata; climate: NASA POWER, 2001-2025 averages.
What is the duration of the kayak tour? + The kayak tour lasts for 1 hour and 30 minutes.
What should I bring for the kayak tour? + Please remember to bring your swimsuit and a towel. You may also want to bring water.
Do I need to know how to swim to participate? + Yes, all persons must be able to swim as a safety precaution.
Are children allowed on the tour? + Children ages 5 to 11 must be in a tandem kayak with a parent or guardian.
What is the meeting point for the tour? + You will meet your guide on the sand of West Beach, just north of the pier, across from the Harbor View Inn Hotel.
★★★★★ Tripadvisor review
Nice experience!
NataliaT1592, September 2026
The experience was great! I went with my 8 year old daughter, and our guide was Owen. He did an awesome job showing us some sea life and also gave us great recommendations for places to visit, things to do, and restaurants around Santa Barbara.
It was a pretty cool experience, and he was definitely super friendly with kids. We had a great time!
Response from the operator · calcoastadventures Thank you for the lovely review! We’re so glad you and your daughter had fun exploring Santa Barbara’s sea life with Owen! He has a knack for making our kayak tours fun for all ages, and it’s great to hear his local tips helped with your visit, too. We’d love to welcome you both back for another paddle!
★★★★★ Tripadvisor review
Bonding with my love one’s
518romeov, September 2026
Our guide Mia was very friendly, knowledgeable especially when it comes to safety. She gave us some insights about history of the place and gave us recommendations of possible other activities. And most of all, gave us ample time to get a break before we finish our session.
Thank you very much Mia and God bless you! 😊🙏
Response from the operator · calcoastadventures Thank you so much for the kind words! 😊 We’re glad Mia made your experience safe, informative, and enjoyable. We hope to see you again soon! 🙏
★★★★★ Tripadvisor review
Great day on the water
anaiss627, September 2026
Mia was a great guide. Waves were bigger than usual the day we went out (for the short venture out of the harbor) and she was very considerate of people's comfort levels. She made sure we all stayed together and were safe. All in all, a fun day out on the water.
Response from the operator · calcoastadventures Glad you enjoyed your kayak tour with Mia! Glad she was able to adapt to the conditions and provide a safe and fun experience. Thank you for the feedback!
★★★★★ Viator review
Awsome!
Virginia_M, August 2026
Knowledgeable and super friendly guide. Calm and relaxing tour around the harbor. No previous experience required.
Response from the operator · calcoastadventures Thank you for the great review! We’re glad you enjoyed a calm, relaxing kayak tour and had a great experience with your guide. We appreciate you joining us!
★★★★★ Tripadvisor review
Fun
436kelsier, August 2026
Excellent time, highly recommend
Response from the operator · Mitch Hawkins Thank you for the great review! We’re glad you had a fun time on our Santa Barbara kayak tour. We really appreciate the recommendation! 🛶
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