Sunset Kayak Tour of Santa Barbara with Knowledgeable Guide

Badge of ExcellenceSanta Barbara, USA

2 hours
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English

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Overview

Paddle into the sunset along the Southern California coast during this beginner-friendly kayaking trip from Santa Barbara. Watch the last rays of the day melt into the Pacific as you travel through the glassy waters of Santa Barbara Harbor. As you move, you’ll pass by the historic wharf and past other boats, keeping your eyes out for marine life. An included lesson in astronomy and ecology from your guide is an added bonus. A guide and all necessary kayaking gear is included.

Take a sunset kayak tour along the shore of Santa Barbara
Discover the beautiful beaches and diverse marine life of this unique coastal environment
Get an introduction to kayaking or simply a chance to get on the water for a little while
Learn about the astronomy and marine ecology of Southern California
Enjoy the beautiful colors of the setting sun as it slowly 'melts' into the ocean
Great trip for nature lovers and fans of outdoor activities

What's Included

All associated kayaking gear (wet suit, PFD, helmet, paddle, etc.
Knowledgeable guide and discussion of natural history/marine ecology
Spectacular views of Santa Barbara

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.

Meeting and Pickup

Meeting point

C855+C4P, Santa Barbara, CA, USA
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 r parking lot (next to West Beach). Look for your guide with the kayaks.

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

What To Expect

Get out on the water and learn about the unique coastal environment of Southern California during this Santa Barbara kayaking trip. Whether you’re brand-new to kayaking or just looking for a great way to admire this beautiful coastal area from the water, you’re sure to enjoy this outdoor adventure.

Begin your trip in the late afternoon from Santa Barbara Harbor, beginning your adventure with a comprehensive lesson in kayaking safety and technique. You’ll receive a personal floatation device and a splash jacket, along with an explanation of how to paddle to maximize each stroke with minimal effort. Once you’re ready, travel out into the harbor in either a double- or single-person boat. As you complete your paddle trip, you’ll have plenty of time to admire the beautiful surroundings, checking out gorgeous views of the nearby beaches as you continue. Best of all, your trip takes place in the golden light at the end of the day, offering amazing chance to admire the ocean as its color slowly changes to a rosy orange and subtle pink in the setting sun.

While you paddle, your guide will also offer an introduction to the marine ecology and astronomy of Southern California, helping you to better connect to the natural environment of this unique aquatic environment. Return back to your original departure point to finish your kayaking adventure.

Additional Info

Confirmation will be received at time of booking, unless booked within 1 day of travel. In this case confirmation will be received as soon as possible, subject to availability
PLEASE NOTE: The start time changes throughout the year and is approximately 2 hours prior to sunset. Please call our office for confirmation of your meet time.
If your contact number is international please include your email address in the comment section.
Wheelchair accessible
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.
Near public transportation
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.
Sun Screen (SPF 30 or higher).
A hat with a brim.
Sunglasses with a neck strap such as "Chums" or “Croakies”
1-quart (or greater) water bottle filled with water - please help us reduce our environmental footprint by bringing a re-usable bottle.

Wet shoes such as "Tevas" or "Aqua Socks" or an old pair of tennies.
Swim suit or swim trunks
No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
Most travelers can participate
Sweatshirt
A beach towel
Waterproof camera (recyclable).(optional)
Polyester shirt or other synthetic clothing (layering). (optional)
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.
Santa Barbara Adventure Company . Channel Islands Adventure Company . 805-884-WAVE (805-884-9283)
This tour/activity will have a maximum of 10 travelers

Cancellation Policy

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.
This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.

Traveler Photos

Featured review

Joe_H

My first time on a Kayak was a wonderful experience. Luke Fox was our tour guide, he made it so fun. I liked how he knew so much what we were seeing, but also some of the history behind it. One of my favorite sights was a small white egret chasing big seagulls off the the platform where gigantic seals were warming themselves.

Reviews

5.0

42 reviews

Total review count and overall rating based on Viator and Tripadvisor reviews

Reviews by Viator travelers.

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Showing 1-10 of 42 reviews

Great experience! Even for a kayaking newbie!

Rebecca_H, Sep 2023

I’m a non-athletic, almost senior who has never been kayaking before. I’ve always wanted to try it and what better time than sunset when in Santa Barbara? Our guide, Katie was very knowledgeable, extremely patient and kind! I’m so happy I went and would absolutely go again! Great experience-go for it!

Great experience

Chris_R, Sep 2023

Nora was an awesome tour guide! We really enjoyed the entire experience. Tips for others...wear a GoPro camera if you want photos as there really is no opportunity to simply stop rowing to take photos. You will get very wet from the waist down, so be sure to wear swim trunks or a bathing suit. It's quite a hike from the parking lot to wear you launch, so het there early! Have fun!

My first kayaking experience couldn't have been better. Loved every minute. Thanks Luke Fox!

Joe_H, Jul 2023

Amazing Kayak Experience!

Gabriela_G, Jul 2023

Our tour guide Luke did so good! He helped us when we needed it and took us a bit out of our comfort zone which made it so worth it! I had so much fun and so did my mom! And the sunset was gorgeous! We were able to get some pictures with help from Luke!

Son's birthday kayaking...

Robin_K, Jun 2023

Son's birthday kayaking Friday 6/23., 6:25 pm. Our guide, Quinton (?) Was excellent 👍🏾. Would definitely request him for future trips.

Sunset Kayak Birthday Surprise

Robin_K, Apr 2023

Took my sister to Santa Barbara to celebrate her birthday and though the sunset kayak would take us both out of our comfort zone and offer and adventure. We loved it! I am planning to bring my son for his birthday in a few months. Casey Cleland is fantastic!

Great experience!...

Kelly_C, Oct 2022

Great experience! Beautiful views with lots of wildlife. Lots of interesting facts about Santa Barbara and wildlife. We enjoyed it!

Underwhelming- wouldn’t recommend for the price or experience

Vonda_R, Aug 2022

Unfortunately our impression of this tour is unfavorable. We were under the impression that we were getting 2 kayaks for the price. When we went to meet our guide Anders before our tour started and asked him a couple questions he acted as if we were bothering him. Throughout the tour he wasn’t very helpful, for example my friend needing help with her life jacket adjustments. We thought the areas we kayaked to could have been better. Around the boats and under the dock seemed rather lame. Two thumbs down

Beautiful evening!

Celia_B, Jun 2022

We saw seals. Sea lions, dolphins and a lot of birds. The sunset was beautiful! Our guide, Zack, was fantastic!

Great experience!!

Jennifer_B, Mar 2022

Jess was AMAZING! Patient and knowledgeable! Kind soul. My kids and I had a blast and learned a lot. On top of seeing sea lions, harbor seals and a grey whale!!

Sunset Kayaking

Dwayne_D, Aug 2020

Scott was a great guide. We felt safe and had a great time. He was very knowledgeable. We saw the Santa Barbara area from a great perspective.

Kayak sunset tour of Santa Barbara

LompocLalas, Jul 2020

Scott our kayak tour guide was THE BEST! Very knowledgeable and friendly and took us all over the place. Our favorite was going under the wharf a couple of times. Great instruction on how to maneuver the kayak as well. Highly recommend!!!