
Gaviota Coast Kayak Tour Near Santa Barbara (3.5 Hours)
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September 2026
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Who is going?
Adults
Age 13 and over
Children
Age 12 and under
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Free cancellation up to 24 hours before. Same price on Viator, Outty earns a commission.
Traveler rating
4.9/5
Based on 49 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Gaviota Coast Kayak Tour Near Santa Barbara (3.5 Hours) worth booking?
Gaviota Coast Kayak Tour Near Santa Barbara (3.5 Hours) is a 3.5-hour experience in Santa Barbara, United States, from $122 per person. It scores 74 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 4.9/5 rating across 49 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 74 / 100
- Rating
- 4.9/5 (49)
- Duration
- 3.5 hours
- From
- $122 per person
Kayak one of the few remaining sections of undeveloped, scenic coastline in California, home to more than 1,500 plant and animal species. This popular, 3-hour kayaking trip features regular wildlife encounters, beautiful
What you get
About this experience
Kayak one of the few remaining sections of undeveloped, scenic coastline in California, home to more than 1,500 plant and animal species. This popular, 3-hour kayaking trip features regular wildlife encounters, beautiful coastal views and some time to swim (optional).
What's included
Included
- Kayaking gear (wetsuit, paddle jacket, PFD, and helmet)
- All taxes, fees and handling charges
- Knowledgeable guide and discussion of natural history/marine ecology
Not included
- Transportation to meeting point
- Personal expenses
- 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.
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Santa Barbara
Take exit #110 for Winchester Canyon Rd toward Hollister Ave. Continue onto Calle Real for .3mi. Turn left on Cathedral Oaks Rd over the freeway. Turn right onto Hollister Ave. In .6 miles turn left into a parking lot for the beach where your guide will meet you & walk you down to the beach.
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
Take exit #110 for Winchester Canyon Rd toward Hollister Ave. Continue onto Calle Real for .3mi. Turn left on Cathedral Oaks Rd over the freeway. Turn right onto Hollister Ave. In .6 miles turn left into a parking lot for the beach where your guide will meet you & walk you down to the beach.
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
- Santa Barbara Adventure Company
Know before you go
- Service animals allowed
- 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.
- What you will need:
- Sun Screen (SPF 30 or higher).
- A full water bottle. One liter or larger - please help us reduce our environmental footprint by bringing a re-usable bottle
- A hat with a brim.
- A beach towel
- Beach shoes or flips.
- Sunglasses with a neck strap such as "Chums" or “Croakies”
- Swim suit or swim trunks
- Sweatshirt or sweater and a dry change of clothes
- Waterproof camera (optional)
- Lycra rashguard. (optional)
- Neoprene booties. (optional)
- 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.
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What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 49 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Knowledge and storytelling
9 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
The guide
7 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Traveler reviews
49 verified traveler reviews for Gaviota Coast Kayak Tour Near Santa Barbara (3.5 Hours). Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Best way to see the SoCal coast
What a great way to see the SoCal coast and introduce the kiddos to ocean kayaking. Artie and Liam made it fun and easy for everyone, entertaining us with stories, jokes and lessons about the natural world. Highly recommend.
via Tripadvisor
Another great Kayak Tour
My son and I had a wonderful time with our guide, Spencer. We lucked out and were the only kayakers that day, so we got a private tour. Spencer was very knowledgable about the local ecosystem and history of the area, and he pointed out so many interesting things from both an historical and environmental perspective. It was our second year to do the trip and it was fantastic.
via Tripadvisor
Great value.
It was so enjoyable! Great value.
via Tripadvisor
Luke was awesome -...
Luke was awesome - knowlegable about sea life and kelp forrest. Had great stories of areas dating back to ice age.
via Viator
unique experience of the ocean and coastline with a helpful guide
We had never been ocean kayaking before. Marley was our guide and was very helpful and patient with getting us launched into the sea on Haskell beach. She guided us for the booked number of hours to see kelp beds, bird tower roosts, and the pier. There were beautiful views of the coastline cliffs at this location, and there were no other boats or paddlers nearby so it was like we had the ocean to ourselves. The guide was very knowledgeable about all aspects of the history, flora, and fauna of the channel. Altogether a unique experience of the central coastline and the SB channel, I'm glad we did it.
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 3.5 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 17
- Verdict
- Strongly Recommended
Why this scores 74
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Gaviota Coast Kayak Tour Near Santa Barbara (3.5 Hours): questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Santa Barbara.
How much does Gaviota Coast Kayak Tour Near Santa Barbara (3.5 Hours) cost?
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Prices start at $122 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 Gaviota Coast Kayak Tour Near Santa Barbara (3.5 Hours) take?
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Plan for about 3.5 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 Gaviota Coast Kayak Tour Near Santa Barbara (3.5 Hours) worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 74 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.9/5 across 49 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 Gaviota Coast Kayak Tour Near Santa Barbara (3.5 Hours)?
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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 Gaviota Coast Kayak Tour Near Santa Barbara (3.5 Hours) suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 3.5-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Gaviota Coast Kayak Tour Near Santa Barbara (3.5 Hours)?
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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?
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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 3.5-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Gaviota Coast Kayak Tour Near Santa Barbara (3.5 Hours) start and how do I get there?
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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?
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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?
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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?
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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?
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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.
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