Top Santa Barbara activities
Top Santa Barbara landmarks
Beyond Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara trip ideas

Wildlife Kayak Tour in Santa Barbara Harbor (2 Hours)

213 Reviews 4.94 out of 5 stars Based on 213 traveler reviews collected by Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor | Recommended by 99% of reviewers |
Badge of Excellence |Badge of Excellence This experience is highly rated by travelers and has met our top quality standards.
Santa Barbara, USA

Loading Options
Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 25 (0) days in advance.

2 hours (approx.)
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English

Overview

Experienced local guides take you on an unforgettable Santa Barbara kayak tour spotlighting one of California's most thriving marine regions. Learn about Santa Barbara’s natural history and marine ecology, as well as local trivia during this fun and exhilarating day on the water. This 2 hour paddling adventure offers spectacular views of the city and beaches from a unique perspective on the water!

What's Included

  • All associated kayaking gear (wet suit, PFD, helmet, paddle, etc.
  • All taxes, fees and handling charges
  • Spectacular views of Santa Barbara
  • Personal expenses
  • Parking is $2.00 per hour, maximum $12.00 per car.
  • Gratuity for your guide(s) - While optional it is very much appreciated and to be given at your discretion in return for their leadership, expertise, and professionalism.You can tip the guide in cash or via credit card at the end of your tour as you feel appropriate.
See 1 moreSee 3 more

Meeting Location

Meeting point

C855+C4P
Santa Barbara, CA, USA

Show on Google Maps

Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

What To Expect

Start by getting outfitted with paddle jackets, PFDs, a paddle, and a kayak. Your guide provides a paddling demonstration and safety talk, then makes sure you are comfortable in your boat. Set out on the water from the boat launch and paddle through the harbor, passing other boats, the historic wharf, under the pier, and along the beach. Along the way, look for wildlife like harbor seals, sea lions, brown pelicans, sea stars, cormorants, and seagulls. Expect to paddle approximately one to two miles (1.5–3 km) along the coast before returning to the boat dock where your tour ends.

Additional Info

  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Children under 5 are not permitted. Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult in a double kayak.
  • Although we offer dry bags to help keep gear dry, everything that comes on the kayaking trip runs the risk of getting wet. We therefore recommend that you only bring personal gear that can get wet or damp during the trip. Items that must stay dry such as cameras or other electronic devices, change of clothes or personal belongings should stay in your vehicle.
  • To ensure proper equipment, please provide your heights & weights. Thank you.

Frequently Asked Questions

(11)

Q: Are there any weight restrictions for kayaking?

A: The maximum weight capacity for kayaking is 340 lbs / 154 kg. Read more Nov 2021

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

Still have questions?

We're here to help.
Activity code: C-7270P12

Traveler Photos

Reviews

4.94
213 reviews

Average 4.94 out of 5 stars based on 212 traveler reviews collected by Cool Destinations and partner sites such as Trustpilot, Viator, and TripAdvisor

5 stars
201
4 stars
9
3 stars
2
2 stars
0
1 star
0

Loading Options
Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 25 (0) days in advance.

Similar Tours & Activities

Stand-Up Paddleboard Lesson in Santa Barbara
Likely to Sell Out
Likely to Sell Out

Learn to stand-up paddleboard in beautiful Santa Barbara, with all equipment included! Your expert guide will teach you how to paddle, offer balance tips and...

1 hour 30 minutesFree Cancellation
1 hour 30 minutesFree Cancellation
1 hour 30 minutes • Free Cancellation
5.0 (26)
from
$65
Surfing Lesson in Santa Barbara (4 Hours)

Experience the best of the Santa Barbara coastline during an introductory surfing lesson at Mondo's Beach. Learn the basics with an instructor who focuses on the fundamentals of reading...

4 hoursFree Cancellation
4 hoursFree Cancellation
4 hours • Free Cancellation
4.8 (4)
from
$155
Sunset Kayak Tour in Santa Barbara Harbor (2 Hours)

Join us for a relaxing sunset ocean kayak tour. This is a great way to end your day. We’ll enjoy 2-hours together on the water...

2 hoursFree Cancellation
2 hoursFree Cancellation
2 hours • Free Cancellation
4.9 (78)
from
$89
Kayak Tour of Santa Barbara with Experienced Guide

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...

1 hour 30 minutesFree Cancellation
1 hour 30 minutesFree Cancellation
1 hour 30 minutes • Free Cancellation
5.0 (451)
from
$55

Travelers Who Bought This Tour Also Bought

Santa Barbara Trolley Tour

All Aboard Santa Barbara’s Original & Longest Running Trolley Tour and Charter Services See the American Riviera in 90 minutes Santa Barbara sightseeing at its...

1 hour 30 minutes
1 hour 30 minutes
1 hour 30 minutes
4.7 (875)
from
$37
Discover Santa Barbara Yacht Experience
Likely to Sell Out
Likely to Sell Out

Cruise the beautiful Santa Barbara coastline and soak in breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean. This scenic tour offers a unique opportunity to delve into...

1 hour 30 minutesFree Cancellation
1 hour 30 minutesFree Cancellation
1 hour 30 minutes • Free Cancellation
4.7 (44)
from
$36
The ORIGINAL Downtown Santa Barbara Walking Food & Drink Tour

Eat and drink your way through downtown Santa Barbara with a local—no planning required. We’ll take you to a mix of favorite spots, with generous...

3 to 4 hoursFree Cancellation
3 to 4 hoursFree Cancellation
3 to 4 hours • Free Cancellation
4.9 (549)
from
$175
Coastal Cruise on Yacht in Santa Barbara
Likely to Sell Out
Likely to Sell Out

The Santa Barbara coastline is undoubtedly a breathtaking and scenic destination, and a cruise on the Azure Seas yacht is a fantastic way to enjoy...

1 hourFree Cancellation
1 hourFree Cancellation
1 hour • Free Cancellation
4.7 (71)
from
$38

What's Included

Activity name

  • All associated kayaking gear (wet suit, PFD, helmet, paddle, etc.
  • All taxes, fees and handling charges
  • Spectacular views of Santa Barbara
  • Knowledgeable guide and discussion of natural history/marine ecology
  • Personal expenses
  • Parking is $2.00 per hour, maximum $12.00 per car.
  • Gratuity for your guide(s) - While optional it is very much appreciated and to be given at your discretion in return for their leadership, expertise, and professionalism.You can tip the guide in cash or via credit card at the end of your tour as you feel appropriate.

Additional Info

Activity name

  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • If your contact number is international please include your email address in the comment section.
  • Minimum numbers apply. Our kayak tours require a minimum of 2 participants to run. There is a possibility of cancellation after confirmation if there are not enough passengers to meet requirements. In the event of this occurring, you will be offered an alternative or full refund.
  • If you are a single traveler, please feel free to call our office to confirm availability
  • Children under 5 are not permitted. Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult in a double kayak.
  • Although we offer dry bags to help keep gear dry, everything that comes on the kayaking trip runs the risk of getting wet. We therefore recommend that you only bring personal gear that can get wet or damp during the trip. Items that must stay dry such as cameras or other electronic devices, change of clothes or personal belongings should stay in your vehicle.
  • To ensure proper equipment, please provide your heights & weights. Thank you.
  • Double kayaks are automatically provided. Singles are available for odd number parties. Guests over 230lbs will be provided a single kayak.
  • Guests under 18 years of age MUST have a parent or legal guardian sign their release forms. If you need this paperwork sent to you ahead of time, please contact our office.
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 20 travelers
  • Operated by a business

Protecting you

Activity name

For your protection and stress-free bookings, use our secure platform to pay for bookings. Santa Barbara Adventure Company

Report Product Issue

Activity name

Language
Currency

Site Settings

Activity name

Currency

Activity name

Activity name

Free Cancellation

100% refund
No refund

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

  • For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
  • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
  • Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
  • Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (PDT).
  • This tour requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
  • This tour requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.

Sorting, ranking, and search results

Activity name

Cool Destinations wants to make your searches as relevant as possible. That's why we offer many ways to help you find the right experiences for you.

On some pages, you can select how to sort the results we display and also use filter options to see only those search results that meet your chosen preferences. You'll see explanations of what those sort options mean when you select them.

If you see a Badge of Excellence label, the award is based on average review ratings, share of bookings with a review, and number of bookings through Cool Destinations over a 12-month period.

The importance of any one factor over any other in a sort order varies, and the balance is constantly being reviewed and adjusted. We're always updating our systems and testing new ways to refine and improve your results to make them as relevant as possible to meet your needs.

Choose an option

Activity name

or

Cool Rewards Terms & Conditions

Activity name

Cool Rewards

  • Cool Rewards is a loyalty program operated by Cool Destinations. Rewards may be earned by any eligible person holding a Cool Destinations account, subject to the Cool Destinations customer Terms of Use.

Earning rewards

  • Rewards can be earned by making bookings on the Cool Destinations website. You will be able to see the value of the rewards you can earn during the booking process.
  • Earned rewards will be issued in a pending state and will move to a confirmed state 24 hours after the start time of the experience.
  • Earned rewards will be available to redeem once they are no longer in a pending state.
  • For bookings that are moved to a different travel date, the rewards will be redeemable after the amended travel date.
  • If a booking where rewards were issued is canceled, the earned rewards will not be redeemable and will be moved to a canceled state.

Redeeming rewards

  • To redeem rewards, you must be logged into your Cool Destinations account.
  • Any available rewards will be automatically applied the next time you make a booking, and their value will be deducted from your order at checkout, unless you choose not to apply them, which requires you to indicate this via the toggle switch. Bookings made using rewards are subject to the standard Cool Destinations Customer Terms of Use.
  • You will not be able to redeem only a portion of your available rewards at checkout. It is only possible to redeem all or none of your available rewards.
  • There is no minimum order value required to redeem your rewards. This means that you can pay for 100% of your order with rewards.
  • Rewards are non-transferable and cannot be redeemed for cash.
  • If rewards are redeemed against a booking that is canceled or refunded, the rewards will be reissued to your account.

Miscellaneous

  • You can check your Cool Destinations account to see the rewards you have collected at any time. You are responsible for ensuring that your rewards balance is correct.
  • We reserve the right to modify these Cool Rewards Terms and Conditions at any time, with or without notice, including the rules for earning and redeeming rewards. Any changes will be reflected in the updated Terms and Conditions.
  • We reserve the right to terminate the Cool Rewards program and cease issuing any further rewards on future bookings. All pending and available rewards balances will be honored.
  • By earning and redeeming rewards, you agree to these Terms and Conditions, as well as any subsequent changes made to them.