Santa Barbara isn’t just a pretty face—its calm, blue waters and rugged coastline make it a prime spot for canoe and kayak adventures. Whether you’re paddling along the historic harbor or exploring untouched coastlines, Santa Barbara offers a variety of options that suit all tastes and experience levels. A standout is the Kayak Tour of Santa Barbara with Experienced Guide, which earns top marks for its friendly guides and flexible private or group options. Watching sea lions, dolphins, and seabirds glide past as you paddle along the Santa Ynez Mountains makes for a memorable day out. For a more relaxed wildlife experience, the Wildlife Kayak Tour in Santa Barbara Harbor offers gentle paddling combined with expert insight into local marine life. And if you’re after a sunset adventure, the Sunset Kayak Tour in Santa Barbara Harbor combines stunning scenery with the peaceful glow of the setting sun.
Quick Overview
Our list covers a range of kayak and canoe tours in Santa Barbara, from guided wildlife excursions and sunset paddles to rental options that let you explore at your own pace. Notably, these include guided tours, where knowledgeable guides share local insights, and rental options, perfect for independent explorers. All tours focus on enjoying nature, learning about marine ecology, and experiencing Santa Barbara’s scenic coast. Below are the top picks:
- Guided kayak tours for wildlife viewing and sunset paddles
- Family-friendly options suitable for beginners
- Longer excursions exploring undeveloped coastlines
- Rental opportunities for flexible, self-paced adventures
1. Kayak Tour of Santa Barbara with Experienced Guide
This popular tour combines the personal touch of a private or group experience with the stunning Santa Barbara coastline. Priced at $55 per person, it lasts about 1 hour 30 minutes and offers three different kayaking routes, each with views of the Santa Ynez Mountains. The guides are friendly and knowledgeable, sharing fun facts about local wildlife and history as you paddle past seals, dolphins, and sea lions. This tour is ideal if you want a personalized experience—the private option is perfect for families or couples seeking intimacy. Reviewers rave about their guides’ attentiveness, noting how safe and engaging the experience is, even for first-timers. The tour’s flexibility and friendly guides make it a top choice for those new to kayaking or travelers wanting a tailored adventure.
Bottom line: A well-rounded, friendly tour that offers great value for those eager to explore Santa Barbara’s coast with expert guidance.
2. Wildlife Kayak Tour in Santa Barbara Harbor (2 Hours)
For around $55, this 2-hour guided tour provides a relaxed, beginner-friendly approach to exploring Santa Barbara’s harbor. The guides focus on safety and instruction, making it perfect for those new to kayaking. As you paddle through calm waters, you’ll spot harbor seals, sea lions, and an array of birdlife in their natural environment. The guide shares interesting facts about the harbor’s natural history and marine life, enriching the experience. Reviewers highlight how friendly and knowledgeable the guides are, noting that even those with minimal experience can enjoy seeing wildlife up close. The tour’s shorter duration and accessible pace make it a good choice for a half-day outing or families with kids.
Bottom line: Ideal for beginners who want a guided, wildlife-focused paddle with a relaxed atmosphere.
3. Sunset Kayak Tour in Santa Barbara Harbor (2 Hours)
Sharing a similar price point at $89 per person, this sunset tour offers a magical experience—paddling through the harbor as the sky turns to shades of orange and pink. It lasts about 2 hours and includes an introduction to paddling, making it suitable for novices. The guide points out marine life like pelicans, seals, and sea lions, all set against the backdrop of Santa Barbara’s historic wharf and the Santa Ynez Mountains. Guests consistently mention the stunning scenery and peaceful atmosphere, especially during the “golden hour.” The tour is perfect for those seeking a calm, scenic paddle with some basic instruction, and it’s a wonderful way to end a day in Santa Barbara.
Bottom line: A serene, photo-worthy paddle that blends wildlife spotting with the beauty of a sunset.
4. Kayak or Stand Up Paddle Board Rental
If you’d rather explore on your own, this rental option at West Beach costs just $15.39 per hour, including gear and brief instruction. It’s a flexible way to experience Santa Barbara’s coastline at your own pace, whether you’re a beginner or seasoned paddler. The rental staff are friendly and helpful, making setup smooth so you can head straight into the water. Reviews highlight the quality of the equipment and the convenience of a central location. It’s perfect for independent travelers or families wanting a spontaneous adventure without a set itinerary. Be aware that this option requires some basic paddling skills, so beginners should arrive ready to learn.
Bottom line: Great for those who prefer to set their own schedule and enjoy a self-guided paddle with top-notch gear.
5. Gaviota Coast Kayak Tour Near Santa Barbara (3.5 Hours)
At 3.5 hours and $122, this tour is a more immersive experience along one of California’s most pristine and undeveloped coastlines. The guide takes you through kelp beds, where you can spot dolphins, sea lions, and even explore tide pools during breaks. The tour includes all gear, wetsuits, and helmets, making it suitable for those comfortable with a longer paddle. Guests praise the knowledgeable guide Riley and the stunning coastal scenery, emphasizing the chance to encounter abundant marine life. The trip’s longer duration allows for more exploration and wildlife viewing, making it ideal for active travelers who want to spend a significant part of the day on the water.
Bottom line: For those seeking a longer, wildlife-rich adventure in a largely untouched environment, this tour fits the bill.
6. Santa Barbara Kayak or Stand Up Paddle Rental
This group rental offers a quick, convenient way to enjoy Santa Barbara’s West Beach for just $30. It’s designed for families or small groups, with friendly staff, high-quality gear, and easy beach access. The reviews confirm the smooth check-in process and the helpful staff, making it a stress-free way to get on the water. At around an hour, it’s perfect for a spontaneous outing or a quick break from sightseeing. You can choose between a single or tandem kayak or a stand-up paddleboard, depending on your preferences.
Bottom line: An accessible, budget-friendly option for small groups or families wanting a quick paddle.
7. Santa Barbara Harbor: Wildlife Kayak Tour (2 Hours)
This highly rated (4.9 stars) tour at $55 offers a focused wildlife experience. It’s similar in length to the earlier harbor tour but emphasizes learning about marine ecology and the harbor’s natural environment. The guide’s local knowledge makes it especially engaging, and the small-group size ensures a personalized experience. It’s suitable for all ages and skill levels, making it a good option for families or casual paddlers. Guests often see seals and dolphins up close, while the commentary adds depth to the experience.
Bottom line: A friendly, wildlife-centered paddle that balances fun with educational content.
8. Santa Barbara Harbor: Sunset Kayak Tour (2 Hours)
Rated 4.7 stars, this sunset tour is priced at $89 and offers a peaceful paddle through the harbor during the magic hour. Guides provide basic paddling lessons and safety instructions, making it accessible for beginners. As you glide past the wharf, boats, and coastline, you’ll enjoy stunning sunset colors and opportunities for wildlife sightings like seals and seabirds. Guests mention how relaxing and beautiful the experience is, especially with the vibrant sky reflecting on the water.
Bottom line: Perfect for a romantic or calming end to your day, with memorable views and gentle paddling.
9. Santa Barbara: 1.5-Hour Harbor Kayak Tour
This shorter, more affordable tour at $65 offers a quick, 1.5-hour paddle around the harbor. Led by an expert guide, you’ll see harbor seals and learn about Santa Barbara’s maritime history. It’s a good choice if time is limited but you still want to enjoy quality scenery and wildlife. Reviews show that it’s appreciated for its local insights and the chance to paddle with minimal fuss. It’s suited for those looking for a concise, guided experience in a scenic setting.
Bottom line: A quick, informative paddle for travelers short on time but wanting to see the harbor’s highlights.
10. Santa Barbara: Stand-up Paddle Board Rental
This stand-up paddleboard rental for $25 per person is ideal for the self-reliant. The calm waters of Santa Barbara Harbor and the friendly staff offer a relaxed environment to practice or enjoy a leisurely paddle. It’s suitable for those wanting a workout, to explore at their own pace, or search for local sea life like sea lions and dolphins. The reviews note the quality of the equipment and the ease of check-in, making it a stress-free way to enjoy the water.
Bottom line: Perfect for independent paddlers who want to enjoy Santa Barbara’s waters on their own schedule.
11. Gaviota Coast Near Santa Barbara: Kayak Tour (3.5 Hours)
This longer, 3.5-hour trip at $122 takes you along California’s pristine Gaviota Coast, home to over 1,500 species of flora and fauna. Paddle through expansive kelp beds and keep an eye out for dolphins and sea lions. The guide shares insights into marine ecology and the Santa Barbara Channel, enriching the experience. Guests love the chance to swim and relax during breaks, making it a well-rounded adventure. The longer duration suits active travelers who want to cover more ground and see a less-developed coastline.
Bottom line: An excellent choice for nature lovers looking for an immersive, wildlife-rich kayak trip.
12. Santa Barbara: All Day EBike, Hike, Kayak Excursion + Lunch
For a full-day adventure, this $250 experience combines e-bike riding, hiking, and kayaking with a picnic lunch. It’s best suited for those who want a varied and active day exploring Santa Barbara’s mountains and coast. The guide helps tailor each activity to your fitness level, and the included lunch adds a local touch. The kayak portion takes you around the harbor and past Stearn’s Wharf, providing a scenic and fulfilling day.
Bottom line: A comprehensive option for active travelers seeking a multi-sport day with local flavors.
$250 per person
How to Choose Your Perfect Santa Barbara Kayaking Experience
When deciding which tour fits your interests, consider your budget, time availability, skill level, and what you hope to see or experience. For a relaxed wildlife watch, the Wildlife Kayak Tour offers an excellent balance of scenery and education. If sunset scenery is your goal, the Sunset Kayak Tour is unbeatable. For those wanting more independence, the rental options give flexibility at a lower cost. For a longer, more immersive trip, the Gaviota Coast Kayak Tour offers stunning untouched scenery.
Booking early is advisable, especially during peak summer months and holidays, to secure your preferred date and boat type.
Final Thoughts
Santa Barbara provides a wonderfully varied selection of canoe and kayak experiences—from short, scenic paddles to full-day wildlife adventures. The guided tours stand out for their knowledgeable guides and inclusion of marine ecology insights, making them ideal for travelers who want a safe, educational experience. Meanwhile, rental options give independent explorers the freedom to customize their day on the water. For a special occasion, the sunset tours provide a peaceful, picture-perfect experience that’s hard to beat.
Whether you’re paddling for wildlife, romance, or just a bit of fun on the water, Santa Barbara’s coast is waiting. Be sure to book your favorite experience ahead of time and enjoy the tranquil beauty that makes this California city such a special spot for paddling adventures.