Coastal Kayaking in Santa Barbara

Click through all our adventures below!

Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara from the Water – Santa Barbara Harbor

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Starting point and time: Santa Barbara Harbor, 10am-2pm.

Level of difficulty: Easy to Moderate.

Cost: $85 per person, 2 person minimum.

Paddling time and distance: 3-4 miles.

Includes: All necessary kayaking gear, deli style lunch, comprehensive instruction, knowledgeable guide, and discussions of natural history and marine ecology.

Overview

A relaxing day of paddling along the Santa Barbara waterfront. See the American Riviera from a unique perspective. We can’t promise you’ll be as lucky, but some of our guests have paddled with whales on this trip–even with its proximity to the city. We “put-in” at the Santa Barbara harbor, after a comprehensive kayak lesson. Our journey takes us through the harbor, along secluded beaches, past sea lions and kelp forests and around the historic pier. Guides will offer insight in to the history of the region as well as local marine ecology. The group will stop on a secluded beach for lunch, before completing a large loop, ending back at the harbor. People love this paddle because of the relaxed pace and incredible marine life as well as taking in the views of town from the water.

Refugio Kayak

Refugio State Beach Kayak

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Starting point and time: Refugio State Beach, 10am – 2pm.

Level of difficulty: Easy to Moderate.

Cost: $105 per person, 2 person minimum.

Paddling time and distance: 3 miles.

Includes: All necessary kayaking gear, deli style lunch, comprehensive instruction, knowledgeable guide, and discussions of natural history and marine ecology.

Overview

A perfect day of kayaking, swimming and fun.
This is our most popular coastal trip, showing you an incredible section of coastline. The Gaviota Coast is one of the few remaining sections of undeveloped, open coastline in California, and is home to more than 1500 species of plant and animal life.

We meet at Refugio State Beach. Once outfitted, your guide will offer a thorough kayaking lesson on shore, including instruction for surf entries and exits. Once we are on the water and feeling comfortable, we will tour a total of 3 miles, stopping in pristine kelp beds to learn about Marine Ecology and the Santa Barbara Channel, and hopefully kayaking with dolphins. At mid-day we’ll stop for lunch, served on a secluded beach (included in your fee). As the trip progresses, we offer a fun series of kayak challenges and games. This unforgettable trip provides great opportunities to swim, play or just float. It’s perfect for kids (age 7 and older) as well.

Fun Paddle

2 Hour Fun Paddle

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Starting point and time: Santa Barbara Adventure Company HQ, departing at 10:00am and 1:00pm.

Level of difficulty: Easy.

Cost: $50 per person, 4 person minimum. Available Saturdays and Sundays throughout the Summer. Please call our office for midweek availability.

Paddling time and distance: 1-2 miles.

Includes: Knowledgeable guide, basic instruction, all necessary kayaking gear.

Overview

Join us for a relaxing introduction to kayaking  where we’ll take a 2 hour paddling adventure around Santa Barbara shoreline. This tour is the perfect half day activity, and a great introduction to the exciting sport of sea kayaking. Fun and affordable for the whole family!

Astronomy Kayak

Evening Astronomy Kayaking

Evening Astronomy Kayak

Starting point and time: Twilight, location to be determined per trip.

Level of difficulty: Easy to Moderate.

Cost: $85 per person, 4 person minimum.

Paddling time and distance: 1-2 miles, 2+ hours on the water.

Minimum Age: Children need to be at least 8 years old and able to share a double kayak with an adult. Children 10 years and older may be able to paddle their own single kayak, depending on their size and strength.

Includes: Astronomy and marine ecology, all necessary kayaking gear, basic paddling instruction, knowledgeable guide.

Overview

An evening of paddling and watching the night sky. This twilight trip is a great way to end a full day.

We meet just before sunset for a comprehensive kayaking lesson. Then we head out to sea in single or double kayaks where we watch the colors change and stars appear. While the sky’s transition from day to night is reflected on the water, our guides offer astronomy facts and myths, pointing out constellations and visible planets. We tour the perfect distance before landing on the beach.

Please note: Online reservations are only available for this activity once minimum numbers are met. If you have a group of four or more, please call or email our office to book. (805) 884-WAVE or toll free (877) 885-WAVE. Letsgo@SbAdventureCo.com

Kayak Surfing

Kayak Surfing Lesson

kayak surfing

Starting point and time: 10am to 2:30pm, meeting place to be announced.

Level of difficulty: Beginners through Advanced welcome. Must be comfortable swimming in the ocean.

Cost: $105 per person, 2 person minimum.

Paddling time and distance: 1-2 miles, (typically 2 sessions of surfing)

Includes: Kayak surfing instruction, all necessary kayaking gear, deli style lunch, knowledgeable instructor.

Overview

This class is designed for paddling enthusiasts who want to learn to kayak surf for advanced touring or riding local breaks. We provide sit-on-top kayaks, which allow paddlers to excel quickly in this dynamic sport. We cover all aspects of kayak surfing from surf entries to catching waves and advanced paddling techniques. We use a high instructor-to-student ratio to ensure you gain the most from your lesson. We avoid crowded beaches and pick the best spots for current conditions. The excitement of dropping in on a wave will not soon be forgotten. Call for current surf conditions and details.

Custom Trips

Custom Trips & Kayak Instruction

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Highlights: Santa Barbara Adventure Company offers basic kayak instruction as part of all our kayak trips. Our experienced guides make learning a fun adventure in itself. From first time kayakers who want to get comfortable on the water to advanced kayakers who want to perfect surfing or rescue techniques, we provide a dynamic and fun environment for learning.

We also offer shorter kayaking sessions of 2 to 3 hours for youth, corporate, and school groups. Please call us to discuss your group’s interests, dates, and times.

Online reservations are not available for custom activities.
Please call or email for more information (805) 884-WAVE or toll free (877) 885-WAVE.

Letsgo@SbAdventureCo.com