
Discover Santa Barbara Yacht Experience
Pick your date
Highlighted days have spots open. Grey days are sold out or not running.
September 2026
Loading live availability
Who is going?
Adults
Age 13 and over
Children
Age 12 and under
Select a highlighted day to see live departure times and the exact price for your group.
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before. Same price on Viator, Outty earns a commission.
Traveler rating
4.6/5
Based on 48 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Discover Santa Barbara Yacht Experience worth booking?
Discover Santa Barbara Yacht Experience is a 1.5-hour experience in Santa Barbara, United States, from $36 per person. It scores 72 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 4.6/5 rating across 48 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 72 / 100
- Rating
- 4.6/5 (48)
- Duration
- 1.5 hours
- From
- $36 per person
Cruise the beautiful Santa Barbara coastline and soak in breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean. This scenic tour offers a unique opportunity to delve into Santa Barbara's rich maritime history and vibrant wildlife. Spo
What you get
About this experience
Cruise the beautiful Santa Barbara coastline and soak in breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean. This scenic tour offers a unique opportunity to delve into Santa Barbara's rich maritime history and vibrant wildlife. Spot diverse marine life and marvel at the Channel Islands as you glide through the waters, uncovering why Santa Barbara is known as the 'American Riviera.' This coastal cruise is perfect for anyone eager to explore the magic of the city from a unique perspective. - Scenic coastal cruise along Santa Barbara's picturesque shoreline - Opportunities for vibrant wildlife sightings and stunning island views - Ideal for visitors looking to experience Santa Barbara from the sea **All Viator bookings are main-deck. ***Our boats do not accommodate wheelchairs, canes, or walkers.
What's included
Included
- narrated tour
Not included
- Alcoholic beverages
What you'll see and do
Santa Barbara
This informative and scenic tour offers a unique opportunity to learn about the rich maritime history, local ecology, and diverse wildlife that make Santa Barbara a special place. Along the way, our expert guide will share fascinating insights into the area’s maritime past, the thriving marine life, and the distinctive beauty that has earned Santa Barbara its reputation as one of the most picturesque coastal destinations in the world. With stunning views of the Channel Islands, vibrant wildlife sightings, and the opportunity to discover why Santa Barbara is considered the “American Riviera,” this coastal cruise is a must-do for any visitor looking to experience the magic of our city from the sea.
Pass by without stopping
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Santa Barbara
237 Stearns Wharf in Santa Barbara. There is limited paid parking available on the wharf and additional lots available along Cabrillo Blvd. Plan ahead, check-in time is 15 minutes prior to departure. Boat departs on time and does not wait for those who have not checked in early. Don't miss the boat!
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
237 Stearns Wharf in Santa Barbara. There is limited paid parking available on the wharf and additional lots available along Cabrillo Blvd. Plan ahead, check-in time is 15 minutes prior to departure. Boat departs on time and does not wait for those who have not checked in early. Don't miss the boat!
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Boat Rides in Santa Barbara
Know before you go
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Due to various ramps, stairs and threshold, our boats do not accommodate wheelchairs or mobility assistance devices such as canes, walkers or crutches (including boots or braces). With loading and unloading passengers from an open ocean pier (Stearns Wharf), we are unable to board passengers that require assistance from others or any special equipment. All guests must be able to walk independently, using strong and wide unassisted steps. Safety is our highest priority.
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 46 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Photo opportunities
3 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Traveler reviews
46 verified traveler reviews for Discover Santa Barbara Yacht Experience. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Great View and pleasant weather.
The crew was pleasantly impressed with their performance on the boat. I loved the view of Santa Barbara coast line from the boat.
via Viator
A must do in Santa Barbara
What a fun and worthwhile Santa Barbara costal cruise. The boat was large and comfortable. Staff were helpful and courteous. An hour and a half was plenty of time to enjoy being on the ocean. I live here and can’t believe this was my first, though not my last time taking the cruise.
Response from the operator: Thank you for the fantastic review! We’re delighted you enjoyed your time on the water and appreciated our comfortable boat and helpful crew. We look forward to having you back aboard again soon!
via Tripadvisor
90 minute boat ride...
90 minute boat ride around the harbor. Drinks are served for purchase . The tour was advertised as having a guided history. It did not, which was a little disappointing but if you want to see Santa Barbara from the water, it's nice and comfortable
Response from the operator: Thank you for your honest feedback, MaryAnne! We’re happy you enjoyed the harbor views and comfortable ride. We apologize that the guided history portion fell short of what was advertised, and we truly appreciate you letting us know. We hope to welcome you back for a better experience!
via Viator
Vacation
We were on vacation celebrating our Anniversary. Had a great time viewing the coastline, sea lions and just the brilliant sky and ocean currents. Just a memorable experience. Highly recommend.
Response from the operator: Thank you for celebrating your anniversary with us, David! We’re so happy to hear it was a memorable experience and that you enjoyed the coastline, sea lions, and beautiful ocean views. Congratulations, and we hope to see you again!
via Viator
My trip
So good we went sunset then next day in the afternoon loved it
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 1.5 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $36 to $45
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 17
- Verdict
- Strongly Recommended
Why this scores 72
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Discover Santa Barbara Yacht Experience: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Santa Barbara.
How much does Discover Santa Barbara Yacht Experience cost?
+
Prices start at $36 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Santa Barbara usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Discover Santa Barbara Yacht Experience take?
+
Plan for about 1.5 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Santa Barbara is not rushed.
Is Discover Santa Barbara Yacht Experience worth it?
+
It holds an Outty Ranking of 72 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.6/5 across 48 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Santa Barbara, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Discover Santa Barbara Yacht Experience?
+
Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Discover Santa Barbara Yacht Experience suitable for kids and families?
+
Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 1.5-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Discover Santa Barbara Yacht Experience?
+
Around 17 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Santa Barbara can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
+
Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Santa Barbara and add a light layer if any part of the 1.5-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Discover Santa Barbara Yacht Experience start and how do I get there?
+
The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Santa Barbara within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Santa Barbara?
+
Santa Barbara runs wine tours into the Santa Ynez Valley, harbour sailing and whale watching, Channel Islands day trips, and Spanish colonial walking tours through the Presidio and Mission. Tasting-room access and group size make the biggest difference in wine tours here. On Outty we rank every Santa Barbara experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Santa Barbara Electric Bike Tour, Kayak Tour of Santa Barbara with Experienced Guide, Small-Group Wine Tour in Santa Barbara to Exclusive Vineyards. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Santa Barbara?
+
March to June and September to November, dodging the May and June marine layer. Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Santa Barbara?
+
Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
+
Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
Ready to lock in your spot?
Pick a date, choose your group, and see the exact price for Discover Santa Barbara Yacht Experience.
Pick your date




