Refugio State Park

Starting point and time

Refugio State Beach, 10am – 2pm.

Level of difficulty

Easy to Moderate. Children under age 5 not permitted.

Cost

$122 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 in nature.
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, one of Santa Barbara’s most beautiful beaches. Your guide will outfit the members of your group and offer a thorough kayaking lesson on shore. Once we are on the water, 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 and sea lions. At mid-day we’ll stop for deli lunch, served on a secluded beach. As the trip progresses, your guide may 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 all ages of swimmers.

Sunset Kayak

Starting point and time

Santa Barbara Harbor between 3pm and 7pm – start times vary throughout the year and trips meet 2 hours prior to sunset.

Level of difficulty

Easy to Moderate. Children under age 5 not permitted.

Cost

$89 per person*

Paddling time and distance

1-2 miles, 2+ hours on the water.

Minimum Age

Children need to be at least 7 years old and share a double kayak with an adult.

Tour includes

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 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 myths, pointing out constellations and visible planets. We tour the perfect distance before landing on the beach.