Wildlife Kayak Tour in Santa Barbara Harbor (2 Hours)

Name: Wildlife Kayak Tour in Santa Barbara Harbor (2 Hours)
Price: 59 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 4.91 (187 reviews)

Overview

Available languages

English

2 hours

Mobile ticket

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!

Additional Info

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.

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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.

What‘s Included

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.

Options

Departure

Reviews

4.91

187 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

176

Fun views of the harbor, SB, and wildlife from kayaks.
jeanlucj689,Apr 18, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Great experience. Definitely recommend. Guides were Rachel and Andrey. We liked them a lot.
So fun to see the sights from the water!
V4803CPchristinaf,Apr 12, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
It was great to see Santa Barbara from the water. A new and exciting vision and experience since the views were amazing
Perfect family friendly kayak adventure
Katherine M,Apr 9, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00
Perfect family friendly kayak trip! Guide was professional, welcoming and made everyone feel comfortable. Saw seals, sea lions, and sea birds, and had a safe journey into open sea!
Fun harbor experience.
leannem217,Apr 8, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00
My entire family really enjoyed our kayaking experience. The guides were helpful and thorough in prep before the trip and everyone was made to feel comfortable and safe. Our tour was titled Wildlife Kayak tour and it would be nice if the guides were a bit more forthcoming on info on the birds we encountered as they were the main wildlife we saw. We paddled around the harbor and made a brief visit to rougher, unprotected waters which was fun.
Great Experience
DIANA R,Apr 8, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00
It was great, our first time kayaking and tour guides did excellent job. Very friendly and informative
Great family kayak in the Harbor!
mbrand1024,Apr 5, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
We had a wonderful kayak with Artie. Since it was low tide he showed us a warty sea cucumber, a bat star and a mermaid’s purse. We even saw a mom and baby seal swimming in the harbor. Very fun for families.
Gar and Sophia were great...
Karen D,Apr 3, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00
Gar and Sophia were great guides who helped us with kayaking techniques and tugging our kayaks if needed. It was overcast day and we had a small group so it was a nice intimate experience. They gave us great knowledge of the harbor and wildlife. We saw seals, sea lions, and lots of birds, including a mama seal bringing up her baby seal to the shore! Fun activity if you’re feeling adventurous and want to be in the water.
Santa Barbara harbor sea life kayak tour
Compass61245637157,Mar 25, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Easy harbor kayaking with knowledgeable and friendly guides. Perfect for beginners and families!
Asa our tour guide was...
Leilani F,Mar 22, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00
Asa our tour guide was awesome, brought 3 teenagers and they had a blast! The seals, sea lions and the pelicans were a plus!!! Thanks Asa
Cool experience on a hot day
Trek561475,Mar 20, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
This was truly one of the highlights of our trip! Johnny is an exceptional guide. We had a blast and to our delight saw many marine animals (including dolphins). We highly recommend the Santa Barbara Adventure Company. Suggestion is to bring a waterproof phone case or ziplock bag for your phone (or a waterproof camera) to take pictures.

From US$59.00

4.91

(187 reviews)

Free cancellation

Check availability

Want a private experience? Upgrade to a private tour

Related Experiences

Operated by Santa Barbara Adventure Company

Wildlife Kayak Tour in Santa Barbara Harbor (2 Hours)

Overview

Available languages

English

2 hours

Mobile ticket

Additional Info

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.

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.

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.

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

What To Expect

What‘s Included

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.

Options

Departure

Reviews

4.91

187 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

176

Fun views of the harbor, SB, and wildlife from kayaks.
jeanlucj689,Apr 18, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Great experience. Definitely recommend. Guides were Rachel and Andrey. We liked them a lot.
So fun to see the sights from the water!
V4803CPchristinaf,Apr 12, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
It was great to see Santa Barbara from the water. A new and exciting vision and experience since the views were amazing
Perfect family friendly kayak adventure
Katherine M,Apr 9, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00
Perfect family friendly kayak trip! Guide was professional, welcoming and made everyone feel comfortable. Saw seals, sea lions, and sea birds, and had a safe journey into open sea!
Fun harbor experience.
leannem217,Apr 8, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00
My entire family really enjoyed our kayaking experience. The guides were helpful and thorough in prep before the trip and everyone was made to feel comfortable and safe. Our tour was titled Wildlife Kayak tour and it would be nice if the guides were a bit more forthcoming on info on the birds we encountered as they were the main wildlife we saw. We paddled around the harbor and made a brief visit to rougher, unprotected waters which was fun.
Great Experience
DIANA R,Apr 8, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00
It was great, our first time kayaking and tour guides did excellent job. Very friendly and informative
Great family kayak in the Harbor!
mbrand1024,Apr 5, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
We had a wonderful kayak with Artie. Since it was low tide he showed us a warty sea cucumber, a bat star and a mermaid’s purse. We even saw a mom and baby seal swimming in the harbor. Very fun for families.
Gar and Sophia were great...
Karen D,Apr 3, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00
Gar and Sophia were great guides who helped us with kayaking techniques and tugging our kayaks if needed. It was overcast day and we had a small group so it was a nice intimate experience. They gave us great knowledge of the harbor and wildlife. We saw seals, sea lions, and lots of birds, including a mama seal bringing up her baby seal to the shore! Fun activity if you’re feeling adventurous and want to be in the water.
Santa Barbara harbor sea life kayak tour
Compass61245637157,Mar 25, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Easy harbor kayaking with knowledgeable and friendly guides. Perfect for beginners and families!
Asa our tour guide was...
Leilani F,Mar 22, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00
Asa our tour guide was awesome, brought 3 teenagers and they had a blast! The seals, sea lions and the pelicans were a plus!!! Thanks Asa
Cool experience on a hot day
Trek561475,Mar 20, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
This was truly one of the highlights of our trip! Johnny is an exceptional guide. We had a blast and to our delight saw many marine animals (including dolphins). We highly recommend the Santa Barbara Adventure Company. Suggestion is to bring a waterproof phone case or ziplock bag for your phone (or a waterproof camera) to take pictures.