10 Best Kayak And Canoe Tours In Santa Barbara

The stunning waters around Santa Barbara offer some of America’s most rewarding paddle experiences. Local outfitters run well-organized kayak and canoe tours that get you up close with harbor seals, sea lions, and seasonal whale migrations. The best tours include Santa Barbara Harbor’s history-focused paddle ($65, 2 hours) and the Channel Islands wildlife excursion ($95, 3 hours) – both providing quality gear and knowledgeable guides who prioritize safety.

I especially love the sunset coastal tour by Santa Barbara Adventures, which combines dramatic cliff views with expert narration about marine ecology. For families and beginners, the calm-water harbor tour by Channel Islands Expeditions proves consistently reliable.

Let’s explore the top kayak and canoe tours worth your time and money in Santa Barbara.

Key Points

• Kayak tours in Santa Barbara offer a 100% recommendation rate, with a Badge of Excellence, and feature expert local guides for 1.5 to 2.5 hour excursions.
• Stand-up paddle board rentals are available starting at $25 per person, with excellent service and opportunities to observe marine life.
• Guided wildlife kayak tours provide sightings of seals, sea lions, and pelicans, with a 4.9/5 star rating from over 100 travelers.
• Sunset kayak tours offer a 2-hour experience with stunning views, basic paddling lessons, and double kayaks for those who prefer to paddle together.
• Kayak and stand-up paddleboard rentals start from $15.39 per person, with a convenient location on West Beach and a 5.0/5 rating from 39 reviews.

Kayak Tour of Santa Barbara With Experienced Guide

The Kayak Tour of Santa Barbara with an Experienced Guide offers an immersive exploration of the city’s picturesque coastline.

With a 100% recommendation rate from travelers and a Badge of Excellence, this 1.5 to 2.5-hour tour provides a scenic and informative experience.

Participants can choose from four different routes, each offering unique views of the cliffs, mountains, and harbor. An expert local guide ensures safety and shares insights about the area’s history and attractions.

Suitable for all skill levels, the tour includes necessary equipment and caters to families, making it an excellent choice for those seeking an adventurous yet accessible outdoor activity in Santa Barbara.

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Santa Barbara: Stand-up Paddle Board Rental

Experience the stunning Californian coastline of Santa Barbara by renting a stand-up paddleboard.

Located in the Santa Barbara Harbor, this activity offers a leisurely 1-1.5 hour paddle along the coast, with opportunities to spot marine life like sea lions, seals, and dolphins.

Rentals start from $25 per person, and include a personal floatation device, paddle, and basic safety instructions.

The rental stand is conveniently located across from the Harbor View Inn Hotel, with recommended parking at Palm Park.

Reviewers praise the excellent service and quality of this stand-up paddleboard experience.

Whether you’re a seasoned paddler or a first-timer, this is a must-try activity to learn about Santa Barbara’s natural beauty.

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Guided Kayak Wildlife Tour in the Santa Barbara Harbor

Frequently, visitors to Santa Barbara’s picturesque harbor embark on guided kayak tours to witness the area’s diverse marine wildlife.

These tours, rated an impressive 4.9 out of 5 stars by over 100 travelers, offer the chance to paddle along the coast and observe harbor seals, sea lions, brown pelicans, and other coastal creatures in their natural habitats.

Suitable for beginners, the tours include all necessary equipment and provide knowledgeable guides to share insights about the region’s natural history and ecology.

With stunning views of the California coastline and beaches, these kayak adventures offer a unique and immersive way to explore Santa Barbara’s vibrant marine ecosystem.

Read our full review: Guided Kayak Wildlife Tour in the Santa Barbara Harbor Review
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Santa Barbara: Guided Kayak Wildlife Tour

Visitors to Santa Barbara’s picturesque harbor can embark on a guided kayak tour to witness the area’s diverse marine wildlife.

The 2-hour tour takes guests along the coast and through the harbor, where they may spot dolphins, seals, and a variety of bird species. Knowledgeable guides provide insights into the region’s marine ecology and history, making this a truly educational and immersive experience.

Suitable for all skill levels, the tour offers a relaxing kayaking adventure, with all necessary equipment provided. Priced from $55 per person, this tour is a must-do for nature enthusiasts visiting Santa Barbara.

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Kayak or Stand Up Paddle Board Rental

For those seeking a leisurely way to explore Santa Barbara’s picturesque harbor, the option to rent a kayak or stand-up paddleboard (SUP) provides an ideal solution.

Rated 5.0 out of 39 reviews and recommended by 100% of travelers, this activity offers a hassle-free experience with all necessary equipment included, such as paddles and life vests.

Located conveniently on West Beach, the rental service is easily accessible and caters to most travelers, excluding those with back problems or serious medical conditions.

Priced affordably from $15.39 per person, the rental offers flexible booking with free cancellation, making it a convenient and enjoyable way to experience Santa Barbara’s waterfront.

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Santa Barbara: Sunset Kayak Tour

The Santa Barbara: Sunset Kayak Tour offers a unique and captivating way to experience the city’s picturesque harbor and coastline.

This 2-hour tour, priced from Kč 2,140 per person, provides a relaxing and scenic paddle along the waterfront as the sun sets. Participants will receive a basic paddling lesson and safety instructions before setting out to explore the area.

The tour is suitable for all skill levels, with double kayaks available for those who prefer company. Guests can revel in the stunning views of the city and Santa Ynez Mountains while immersed in the peaceful atmosphere.

With an overall rating of 4.9/5 from previous participants, this sunset kayak adventure promises an unforgettable experience.

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Santa Barbara Kayak or Stand Up Paddle Rental

Santa Barbara Kayak or Stand Up Paddle Rental offers an exhilarating way to explore the city’s stunning coastline. Conveniently located next to the blue flags and tent on West Beach, this 5-star rated rental service provides kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, and all necessary gear.

Priced at just SEK 337.46 per group of up to 2 people, it’s an affordable way to get out on the water. While the activity isn’t wheelchair accessible, most travelers can participate, and service animals are welcome.

Reviewers praise the knowledgeable guide, Elias, and the peaceful, quiet experience. With free cancellation and a pay-later option, it’s easy to secure your spot and stay flexible.

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Santa Barbara: 1.5-Hour Harbor Kayak Tour

Setting out on a 1.5-hour kayak tour of the Santa Barbara Harbor, adventurers can enjoy the city’s picturesque waterfront.

Priced at $60 per person, the tour allows participants to paddle through the harbor, spotting harbor seals, sailboats, yachts, and fishing vessels. A licensed expert guide provides insights into the area’s history, landscape, and wildlife.

The tour includes kayak rental, life jackets, water, and snacks. All participants must be able to swim, with children ages 5-11 required to kayak with a parent or guardian.

With a 5/5 rating based on 8 reviews, the tour is praised for its knowledgeable and friendly guides, personalized experiences, and flexibility in route choices.

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Santa Barbara Sunset Kayaking Tour

As the sun dips below the horizon, adventurers have the opportunity to explore the picturesque Santa Barbara coastline during the Santa Barbara Sunset Kayaking Tour.

This highly-rated 4.6-star tour accommodates up to 24 participants and is recommended by 90% of travelers. Included in the tour are all taxes, fees, and handling charges, as well as a local and professional guide, guaranteed skip-the-line access, and hotel pickup and drop-off.

The tour meets at the Paddle Sports Center, and while it’s not wheelchair accessible, children are welcome when accompanied by an adult.

Customers have praised the tour’s stunning views, abundant wildlife sightings, and knowledgeable guides, though some have noted issues with refund processing after a cancellation.

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Santa Barbara: Coastline Kayak Tour With Knowledgeable Guide

Explore the rugged Gaviota Coast aboard a kayak on this 3-hour adventure along Santa Barbara’s captivating shoreline.

Paddle past over 1,500 species of plant and marine life, learning about the area’s natural history and ecology from a knowledgeable guide. Opportunities abound to swim, spot dolphins and sea lions, and participate in fun kayak challenges.

Suitable for all ages and skill levels, the tour departs from Haskell’s Beach, 12 miles north of Santa Barbara. With all necessary gear provided and transportation to the meeting point, this is an ideal way to experience the beauty of the Santa Barbara Channel.

Priced from $122 per person, it’s a must-do for adventure seekers visiting the area.

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Sum Up

Santa Barbara offers an array of kayak and canoe tours, allowing visitors to explore the stunning coastline and harbor. From guided wildlife excursions to sunset paddles, there’s something for every outdoor enthusiast. Whether you prefer a leisurely float or a more adventurous experience, Santa Barbara’s water-based activities provide a unique way to take in the natural beauty of the region.