
Kayak Tour of Santa Barbara with Experienced Guide
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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
5.0/5
Based on 455 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Kayak Tour of Santa Barbara with Experienced Guide worth booking?
Kayak Tour of Santa Barbara with Experienced Guide is a 1.5-hour experience in Santa Barbara, United States, from $55 per person. It scores 92 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “90+ Club”, based on a 5/5 rating across 455 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing. It sits in the Outty 90+ Club, the top tier of everything we rank.
- Outty Ranking
- 92 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (455)
- Duration
- 1.5 hours
- From
- $55 per person
Our Santa Barbara Kayak Tour can be a private tour or group tour experience. You choose your adventure! If you're looking for a more intimate Santa Barbara kayaking experience then our private kayak tour will be a perfec
What you get
About this experience
Our Santa Barbara Kayak Tour can be a private tour or group tour experience. You choose your adventure! If you're looking for a more intimate Santa Barbara kayaking experience then our private kayak tour will be a perfect fit. If you're hoping to kayak Santa Barbara with other travelers and enjoy the sights with new friends then the group kayak tour is the way to go! Whichever kayaking tour you choose you'll be in the very capable hands of our friendly and experienced tour guides. Your local kayaking guide will show you the stunning boats in our harbor as well as introduce you to some cute and cuddly sea lions and seals! Prepare to take in views of Santa Barbara and the Santa Ynez Mountains, and keep your eyes peeled for dolphins! Your expert guide will share information about Santa Barbara's top attractions and customize the speed of the ride to suit your needs. Our goal is that kayaking Santa Barbara will be the highlight of your trip!
What's included
Included
- Local guide
- Life jackets
- Kayaks
Not included
- Gratuities
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Santa Barbara
You'll meet your guide on the sand of West Beach just north of the pier! You'll see our gear on the sand directly across from the Harbor View Inn Hotel. When looking at the ocean we are just to the right of Stearns Warf. Look for a white equipment shed and a blue tent. That's us!
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
You'll meet your guide on the sand of West Beach just north of the pier! You'll see our gear on the sand directly across from the Harbor View Inn Hotel. When looking at the ocean we are just to the right of Stearns Warf. Look for a white equipment shed and a blue tent. That's us!
Options you can book
1pm Group Kayak Tour
1pm Start Time: This is a group tour. You'll be kayaking Santa Barbara with other travelers from 1:00pm-2:30pm.
11am Group Kayak Tour
11am Start Time: This is a group tour. You'll be kayaking Santa Barbara with other travelers from 11:00am-12:30pm.
10am Private Kayak Tour
10am Start Time: This is a private tour. It will just be your group and your very own kayak guide from 10:00am-11:30am.
3pm Private Kayak Tour
3pm Start Time: This is a 1.5 hour private tour. It will just be your group and your very own kayak guide from 3:00 pm - 4:30 pm
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
- Cal Coast Adventures
Know before you go
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- You will be meeting your guide at West Beach which is located on the beach directly across from the Harbor View Inn Hotel (28 W Cabrillo Blvd, Santa Barbara). You will see our blue rental flags, white equipment shed, and stand up paddle boards and kayaks.
- Children ages 5 to 11 years must be in a tandem kayak with an parent or guardian regardless of skill level
- All persons must be able to swim
- Please remember to bring your swimsuit and towel
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 455 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
6 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
4 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Good for families
2 mentionsReviewers traveling with kids report it landed well with their group.
Traveler reviews
455 verified traveler reviews for Kayak Tour of Santa Barbara with Experienced Guide. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Awsome!
Knowledgeable and super friendly guide. Calm and relaxing tour around the harbor. No previous experience required.
Response from the operator: Thank you for the great review! We’re glad you enjoyed a calm, relaxing kayak tour and had a great experience with your guide. We appreciate you joining us!
via Viator
Fun
Excellent time, highly recommend
Response from the operator: Thank you for the great review! We’re glad you had a fun time on our Santa Barbara kayak tour. We really appreciate the recommendation! 🛶
via Tripadvisor
Kayak Tour with Mia
Our kayak tour with Mia was really great. For our first time to Santa Barbara, she was very welcoming and friendly. Thank you!
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for the kind review! We’re glad you enjoyed your kayak tour with Mia and that she helped make your first visit to Santa Barbara so welcoming! 🛶
via Tripadvisor
Great family fun
Great experience with my husband and 4 children, ages 9 to 15. Knowledge and experienced guide, safety and comfort were a priority of the guide. Would definitely recommend to other families with school aged and teenage kids. They loved it too. Will book again when back in SB. I believe the guide's name was Audrey? She was awesome!
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for your kind words! We’re so glad your whole family had a great time and felt safe and comfortable out on the water with Audrey. It’s wonderful to hear the kids loved the kayak tour as well. We’d love to have you all back again next time you’re in Santa Barbara! 🛶
via Tripadvisor
great family experience
This kayak tour was the highlight of our quick little family getaway before school starts back. Kenzie, our guide, was so knowledgeable and friendly. Our four kids, ages 11-18, all enjoyed kayaking around the harbor, checking out the ships, viewing seals up close, and enjoying the beauty of the ocean. It was a great time!
Response from the operator: Glad you enjoyed kayak tour with Kenzie! We are pleased to hear you had. a great experience touring the coast on our kayaks! Thank you for the kind words and feedback!
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
- $55 to $65
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 159
- Verdict
- 90+ Club
Why this scores 92
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Kayak Tour of Santa Barbara with Experienced Guide: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Santa Barbara.
How much does Kayak Tour of Santa Barbara with Experienced Guide cost?
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Prices start at $55 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 Kayak Tour of Santa Barbara with Experienced Guide take?
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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 Kayak Tour of Santa Barbara with Experienced Guide worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 92 out of 100, which we label "90+ Club". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 455 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable most highly reviewed in Santa Barbara, and how flexible the cancellation terms are. Scoring 90 or above puts it in the Outty 90+ Club, the top tier of everything we rank.
Can I cancel or reschedule Kayak Tour of Santa Barbara with Experienced Guide?
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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 Kayak Tour of Santa Barbara with Experienced Guide suitable for kids and families?
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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 Kayak Tour of Santa Barbara with Experienced Guide?
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Around 159 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 1.5-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Kayak Tour of Santa Barbara with Experienced Guide 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, Small-Group Wine Tour in Santa Barbara to Exclusive Vineyards, Spooky Solvang Ghost Hunting & History Tour. 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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