Private Tour
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
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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.
What‘s Included
Local guide
Life jackets
Kayaks
Gratuities
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Options
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.
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.
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.
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
Reviews
434 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
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
Morning kayak fun in the SB Harbor
peoplesandnations,Mar 29, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We very much enjoyed our kayak tour. It was early morning and foggy which felt eerie and adventurous. Blaze was a great guide as he was helpful in getting our gear together and interesting and funny during our tour. We highly recommend the kayak tour as a fun morning or afternoon in Santa Barbara.
Perfect tour for first time sea kayaking
658debk,Feb 10, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had Josh for our private kayak tour of the Santa Barbara harbor. He is fabulous! Knowledgable about the history of the harbor and the environment . We had a great view of sea lions and saw seals and pelicans. It was our first time sea kayaking and Josh was a wonderful instructor. The water was perfect and it was not too hot. Highly recommend .
Fun tour, approachable for kayakers with limited experience.
joshp858,Jan 29, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Really enjoyed our Kayak Tour of the Santa Barbara Harbor and just beyond the breakwall. Sean was a great tour guide, very informative! Only watch out was my 12 yr old son and I developed blisters on our hands from gripping too hard with the paddles. The conditions were perfect so the issue was all of our own making. I'd definitely recommend a tour of the harbor by kayak, it's a great way to get out and see the boats, some sea lions, and the city and mountains from the water!
10/10 would recommend!
871tianas,Jan 17, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00My boyfriend and I had the best experience. It was a very reasonable price. Our tour guide was very excellent very kind and informative. The water and environment was very peaceful. We seen pelicans, sea lions, and seals. The highlight of the kayaking trip was passing through the waves when boats passed by. It was scary at first because of how much the kayak was rocking but it was fun after you got over that fear.
Great Adventure
V9855IEkimt,Nov 12, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Don't miss this kayak adventure. Our guide was Danny. He was personable, informative, and fun! We had a blast and highly recommend!!
Best kayaking tour in Santa Barbara
Stay681895,Nov 8, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had the best time on our Wildlife Kayak tour in Santa Barbara! Josh Kamen, our tour guide, was extremely knowledgeable and taught us so much in his friendly, laid back manner. We were first time kayakers and he was so kind to be patient with us and go at a comfortable speed while also maximizing the most picturesque sights in Santa Barbara. This adventure was the highlight in of our trip and I highly recommend it for anyone that wants to enjoy the beautiful SB coastline!
Kayaking
judyeN5337JI,Nov 4, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great trip and great guide (Alex). Alex is knowledgeable and professional, and there's Lots of great scenery and fun kayaking!
Private tour was great!
yvettej980,Oct 30, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great experience as usual! Our guide Alex was great and very knowledgeable. Thank you so much! Definitely will be back.
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