banner
banner
banner
banner
banner

Guided Kayak Wildlife Tour in the Santa Barbara Harbor | 2 hours

112 Reviews | Santa Barbara
From $55.00 per person Lowest Price Guarantee
Select Date and Travelers
You can select up to 15 travelers in total.
Adult (13-99) Minimum: 1, Maximum: 15
2
Child (5-12) Minimum: 0, Maximum: 15
0
Free Cancellation For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Departure
2 Adults x $55.00
$110.00
Approx Total
$110.00

Inclusions / Exclusions

  • Mobile ticket
  • Offered in: English
  • 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.

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!

Meeting points

Enter the harbor at Harbor Way. Turn left and enter at the kiosk. Continue in the direction of the wharf. Follow the signs to the boat launch area. We will meet you at the boat ramp located at the end of the harbor parking lot (next to West Beach). Look for your guide with the kayaks.

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

Itinerary

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.

Sample Menu

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.

Free Cancellation

October 25100% refund
October 26No refund

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

  • For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
  • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
  • Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
  • Cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time.
  • This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Reviews

4.9

112 reviews

Total review count and overall rating based on Viator and Tripadvisor reviews
  • 5 stars
    107
  • 4 stars
    4
  • 3 stars
    0
  • 2 stars
    0
  • 1 star
    1

Reviews by TravelOne travelers

Showing 1-5 of 107 reviews with 5 stars

Fantastic despite storm

Published on Jan, 2025

It was looking to be a rough day, windy, wet, stormy all around. Our guide Dave did really good to motivate us and make what we could of it. Trust the guides, trust the experience. Highly recommend.

Excellent

Published on Nov, 2024

Conner was an excellent guide and very knowledgeable of the wildlife around us. My whole family enjoyed it including my 14 and 8 year olds!

Easygoing harbor kayaking with spectacular wildlife

Published on Nov, 2024

We had a fantastic time kayaking in and around the harbor with Nora as our guide. She was extremely knowledgeable and even communicated with our son in French, as his English is still limited. For a harbor tour, we saw an impressive amount of wildlife, including giant kelp, crabs, anemones, sea lions, cormorants, pelicans, and harbor seals. The view of Santa Barbara and the Santa Ynez Mountains was absolutely spectacular from the water. The tour was easygoing, and we all thoroughly enjoyed it. Thank you again, Nora!

Sunset kayaking tour

Published on Oct, 2024

I went on this excursion for the sunset kayaking tour and it was amazing! Bret was very knowledgeable with marine life and the history of Santa Barbara. This was so much fun and if you're into kayaking this is your place. You'll have to use elbow grease to move in the current, but it's not that bad. Definitely recommend!

First time on kayak. Absolutely loved it. Would highly recommend.

Published on Sep, 2024

Had a fabulous morning kayaking in Santa Barbara. This was definitely one of the highlights of our USA trip. I had never kayaked before so was a little apprehensive but the instructions given were spot on and I had no issues. It was fantastic.

Customers Who Bought This Tour Also Bought
Downtown SB Walking Food & Drink Tour
Skip The Line
7606P1
time

3 hours to 4 hours

time Free Cancellation
526
From
$175 /   Person
Santa Barbara Electric Bike Tour
5753EBT
time

2 hours 30 minutes

time Free Cancellation
472
From
$85 /   Person
Kayak Tour of Santa Barbara with Experie ...
5753KAYAK
time

1 hour 30 minutes

time Free Cancellation
382
From
$55 /   Person
Small-Group Wine Tour to Private Locatio ...
88374P5
time

7 hours

time Free Cancellation
240
From
$235 /   Person
The Haunt: Solvang Ghost Hunting Tour
16540P11
time

1 hour 45 minutes

time Free Cancellation
204
From
$55 /   Person
Wine Tasting Tour in Santa Ynez Valley ( ...
117409P1
time

5 hours

time Free Cancellation
170
From
$239 /   Person
Electric Bike Rental in Santa Barbara
5753P10
time

1 hour to 24 hours

time Free Cancellation
168
From
$50 /   Person
Epic Zipline Tour near Santa Barbara
Likely To Sell Out
421920P2
time

2 hours

time Free Cancellation
120
From
$139 /   Person
Solvang Santa Ynez Valley Small Group Al ...
27140P2
time

5 hours

time Free Cancellation
111
From
$190 /   Person
High Ropes Adventure Course near Santa B ...
New On TravelOne
421920P3
time

2 hours

time Free Cancellation
91
From
$50 /   Person
Inclusive Full-Day Wine Tasting Tour fro ...
52457P13
time

5 hours

time Free Cancellation
89
From
$209 /   Person
Inclusive Full-Day Santa Ynez Valley Win ...
52457P4
time

6 hours 30 minutes

time Free Cancellation
78
From
$239 /   Person
Recently Viewed
Benidorm Bike Tour with Hotel Pick up
28266P2
time

7 hours

time Free Cancellation
366
From
$42 /   Person
Cappadocia Hot Air Balloon Flight Over T ...
Likely To Sell Out
286580P2
time

1 hour to 2 hours

time Free Cancellation
31
From
$299 /   Person
Master Of Illusions Magic & Paranormal E ...
35568P5
time

1 hour

time Free Cancellation
58
From
$32 /   Person
Customizable Private Seoul Tour in luxur ...
Likely To Sell Out
42053P132
time

8 hours to 9 hours

time Free Cancellation
6
From
$700 /   Group
Private Tour City Tour Bogotá + Monserr ...
351961P1
time

6 hours 15 minutes

time Free Cancellation
708
From
$60 /   Person
Butterflies Valley & Chalki from Rhodes
6761P111
time

8 hours

time Free Cancellation
29
From
$59 /   Person
Port Arthur Historic Site on Saturday in ...
276771P16
time

8 hours 45 minutes

time Free Cancellation
20
From
$101 /   Person
3-Hour Small-Group Maalaea Luxury Snorke ...
2774P39
time

3 hours

time Free Cancellation
14
From
$425 /   Person
Blue Stars Kayaking Adventure in Angthon ...
9574P435
time

8 hours

time Free Cancellation
10
From
$75 /   Person
Arvi Park (Private Tour)
23817P28
time

6 hours

time Free Cancellation
0
From
$130 /   Person
Connect with TravelOne
Louise Berg
Destination Expert
Customize Your Trip
TravelOne Subscribe
We organise unforgettable vacations.
Subscribe for trending deals.
© Copyright 2025 TravelOne Technologies Inc. | All Rights Reserved.
Visa Card Mastercard Maestro Amex Discover
TravelOne uses cookies to give you the best possible service. If you continue browsing, you agree to the use of cookies. More details can be found in our privacy policy.

Do you have a destination in mind, or should we recommend one?

Where do you want to go next?

Is this your first time visiting ?

When do you plan to travel?

Select the general vibe you're looking for on this trip

What theme best captures the vibe you want for this trip?

Choose your preferred travel flow

Customize your trip's activity flow

Who's traveling and how many of you?

Adults
Ages 12 or above
Child
Ages 8-12
Child
Ages 3-7
Infant
Ages 0-2
Women Only
Adults
Ages 12 or above
Child
Ages 8-12
Child
Ages 3-7
Infant
Ages 0-2
Women Only
Join A Group

What kind of accommodation do you prefer?

Preferred Star Rating?

Property Preference?

Property Location?

Preferred Hotel Chain?

Meal At The Hotel?

Choose Hotel Options

We’ll help find the meals that suit your taste

Which meal package would you like to choose?

What are your meal preferences?

Dining Style Preferences?

Cuisine Preferences?

Dining Atmosphere Preferences?

Preferred Meal Times?

Tell us how you’d like to travel between places

What are your preferences for Arrival/Departure Airport Transfers?

What are your preferences for internal transfers?

Select your preferred guide style

What kind of guide support do you prefer during your trip?

Preferred Language for Guide?

Preferred Type of Guide?

Group Size for Tours with Guides?

Desired Role of the Guide?

Specific Guide Personality/Style Preference?

Do you need dining recommendations/reservations support from the guide?

Let us know if you want flight assistance

What are your preferences for onward and return flights?

Cabin Class

Preferred Departure Time

Preferred Arrival Time

Preferred Airlines

What are your preferences for internal flight?

Cabin Class

Preferred Departure Time

Preferred Arrival Time

Preferred Airlines

What type of experiences do you seek while traveling?

Reset keyword
    Theme
    Adventure & Outdoor Activities
    Air & Water-Powered Thrill Rides
    Airboat Tours Flyboarding Jet Boat Rentals Jetpacks
    Climbing & Vertical Challenges
    Caving Climbing Ice Climbing Rock Climbing Sea Caving
    High-Adrenaline Aerial Adventures
    Air Tours Hang Gliding Heli-Hiking Helicopter Tours Helicopter Transfers Paragliding Parasailing Skydiving Ziplining
    Land-Based Extreme Driving
    4WD Tours ATV Tours Buggy Rentals Dune Bashing Go Kart Hummer Tours Motor Sports Motorcycle Tours Off-Road Tours Performance Car Driving Road Trip Vespa Rentals
    Sand & Desert Adventures
    Camel Rides Sandboarding
    Snow & Ice Adventures
    Dog Sledding/Mushing Husky Dog Tours Ice Fishing Ice Skating Snowboarding Snowmobiling Snowshoeing
    Unique & Unconventional Challenges
    Bungee Jumping Escape Rooms Flight Simulator Fun & Games Scavenger Hunts Shooting Shooting Ranges Tubing Zorbing
    Water & Surf Sports
    Freediving Kitesurfing Rafting Scuba Diving Surfing Lessons Wakeboarding Waterskiing White Water Rafting
    Theme
    Cruises & Water Journeys
    Classic & Scenic Cruises
    Canal Cruises Catamaran Cruises Dhow Cruises Gondola Cruises Sightseeing Cruises Water Tours
    Multi-Day & Extended Water Journeys
    Multi-day Cruises Ports of Call Tours Shore Excursions Worry-Free Shore Excursion
    Private & Adventure Boating
    Boat Rentals Power Boats Sailing
    Themed & Specialized Cruises
    Dinner Cruises Night Cruises Submarine Tours
    Unique & Alternative Water Travel
    Duck Boat Tours Ferry Services Pack Animal Tours Water Equipment Rentals Water Parks Water Transfers
    Theme
    Eco & Sustainable Travel
    Cycling & Eco-Friendly Transport
    Bike Rentals Bike Tours Cycling Cycling Classes E-Bike Tours
    Land-Based Exploration
    Hiking Tours Nature Walks Self-guided Tours Walking Tours
    Nature & Wildlife Conservation
    Eco Tours Nature and Wildlife Tours Wildlife Encounters Wildlife Watching
    Protected Natural Areas
    Involves Animals Involves Poverty Stricken Communities National Parks Nature Parks
    Sustainable & Responsible Travel
    Sustainable Tours Volunteer Tours
    Theme
    Food & Culinary Experiences
    Culinary Classes and Workshops
    Candy Making Classes Chocolate Tours Cocktail Tastings Mixology Classes Olive Oil Tasting Paella Making Classes Pasta Making Classes Pizza Making Classes Wine Making Workshops
    Dining Experiences and Meals
    Breakfast Brunch Dinner Dinner and Show Tickets Lunch Restaurants
    Food & Beverage Tours
    Beer & Brewery Tours Chocolate Tours Coffee & Tea Tours Culinary Tours Pastry Tours Sake Brewery Tour Sake Tasting Street Food Tours Taco Tours Wine Tours
    Food Tastings and Sampling
    Cocktail Tastings High Tea Olive Oil Tasting Sake Tasting Wine Tastings
    Food-Related Cruises
    Brunch Cruises Coffee Cruises Dinner Cruises Lunch Cruises
    Specialized Food Events
    Dining Experiences Dinner and Show Tickets
    Thematic Food Events & Experiences
    Donut Walking Tour Markets
    Theme
    Historical & Heritage Sites
    Classic & General History Tours
    Archaeology Tours Architecture Tours City Tours Cultural Tours Historical Tours
    Historical Landmarks & Sites
    Ancient Ruins Castles Tours Monuments and Memorials Religious Sites
    Industrial & Commercial History
    Factory Tours Plantation Tours
    Literature, TV & Film-Based Tours
    Game of Thrones Tours Harry Potter Tours Literary Tours TV Tours
    Museum & Cultural Institutions
    Attractions & Museums Museum Tickets & Passes Museums Planetariums
    Mystery & Dark History Tours
    Crime Tours Ghost Tours Underground Tours
    Observation & Structural History
    Classic Car Tours Observation Decks Skyscrapers & Towers
    Theme
    Local Culture & Traditions
    Art & Creative Workshops
    Art Classes Craft Classes Painting Classes Photography Tours Pottery Classes
    City Exploration
    Hop on Hop Off Buses Trolley Tours Tuk Tuk Tours
    Cultural & Heritage Experiences
    Costume Dress Up Experiences Cultural Tours Culture Fashion Shows Fashion Tours Lantern Festival
    Dance & Music Participation
    Dance Lessons Dance Shows
    Historical & Traditional Skills
    Archery Classes Swordsmanship Classes
    Language & Cultural Learning
    Language Classes Spanish Lessons
    Performing Arts & Live Shows
    Acoustic Concerts Ballet Tickets Ballroom Dance Shows Belly Dance Shows Broadway Shows Cirque du Soleil Shows Classical Concerts Classical Music Flamenco Performance Live Concerts Musicals Opera Performances Sufi Whirling Shows Tango Dance Shows Theater Shows Traditional Dance Performances
    Theme
    Luxury & Romantic Getaways
    Exclusive & VIP Experiences
    Once in a Lifetime Experiences Private and Luxury Viator Exclusive Tours Viator Experience Award 2022 Viator Experience Award 2023 Viator Experience Award 2024 Viator VIP Tours
    Private & Personalized Travel
    Private Day Trips Private Drivers Private Sightseeing Tours
    Romantic & Scenic Experiences
    Helicopter Tours Limousine Tours Luxury Car Tours Photo Shoots Romantic Tours Sunset Cruises
    Weddings & Special Celebrations
    Photo Shoots Wedding Ceremonies Wedding Packages Weddings & Celebrations
    Theme
    Nature & Scenic Experiences
    Adventure & Sports in Nature
    Horseback Riding Mountain Bike Rentals Mountain Bike Tours Sandboarding
    Boating & Cruises
    Glass Bottom Boat Tours Gondola Cruises Sailing
    Camping & Outdoor Stays
    Camping Honeymoon Packages
    Fishing & Marine Experiences
    Eco Tours Fishing Charters
    Hiking & Exploration
    Glacier Walks Hiking Tours National Parks Natural Attractions Nature Parks Nature Walks Outback Tours Parks
    Paddle & Active Water Sports
    Jet Ski Rentals Kayaking Tours Stand Up Paddleboarding
    Sky & Aerial Nature Experiences
    Hot Air Balloon Rides Northern Lights
    Underwater Exploration
    Scuba Diving Shark Diving Snorkeling Swim with Dolphins
    Wildlife Observation & Encounters
    Aquariums Bird Watching Dolphin Watching Safaris Shark Diving Swim with Dolphins Whale Watching Wildlife Encounters Wildlife Watching Zoos & Wildlife Parks
    Theme
    Nightlife & Festivals
    Dance & Cultural Party Experiences
    Disco Dance Shows Luaus Samba Dance Shows
    Festivals & Seasonal Celebrations
    Carnival Christmas Festivals Halloween Mardi Gras Oktoberfest Packages & Special Events
    Live Music & Performances
    Concerts Jazz Shows Live Concerts Music Tours Musical Shows Opera Performances R&B/Soul Concerts Rap & Hip-Hop Concerts Samba Dance Shows Theater Shows
    Nightlife & Entertainment
    Adults-only Shows Bar Tours Burlesque Shows Cabaret Casino Tours Comedy Shows Night Cruises Night Tours Nightlife Pub Tours
    Spectacle & Family-Friendly Entertainment
    Children’s Shows & Concerts Circus Shows Family-friendly Shows Fireworks Shows Shows
    Unique & Themed Experiences
    LGBT Friendly Tours Street Art Tour Theme Parks Universal Theme Parks
    Theme
    Seasonal & Holiday Trips
    Travel by Season
    Autumn / Fall Spring Spring Break Summer Winter Winter Sports
    Theme
    Spiritual & Religious Journeys
    Healing & Wellness Experiences
    Spas Thermal Spas & Hot Springs Yoga Classes
    Immersive Spiritual Experiences
    Light & Sound Shows
    Sacred & Religious Sites
    Religious Sites Religious Tours
    Spiritual & Cultural Rituals
    Easter Lunar New Year Sufi Whirling Shows
    Traditional & Cultural Bathing Practices
    Arab Baths Hammams & Turkish Baths Onsens
    Theme
    Sports & Active Travel
    Ball Sports
    Golf Tours & Tee Times Lacrosse Classes Softball Classes Tennis
    Combat & Tactical Sports
    Martial Arts Classes Paintball
    Extreme & Challenge-Based Sports
    Obstacle Courses
    Spectator Sports & Events
    Baseball Tickets Horse Racing Rugby Soccer Sporting Event Tickets & Passes
    Sports Training & Lessons
    Cycling Cycling Classes Sports Lessons
    Winter Sports
    Skiing Skiing Classes

    Choose your preferred travel flow