The Santa Barbara Coast offers incredible kayaking opportunities. All of our one-day coastal trips cover comprehensive paddling instruction, include an excellent lunch served on a secluded beach, and showcase the Santa Barbara area from a unique perspective. Once we are on the water we are away from all the crowds and cars. Our knowledgeable guides point out marine ecology and natural history along the way, often spotting dolphins, sea lions, marine birds and whales during their migration. These leisurely floats always go with the prevailing winds and currents, allowing us to explore and have fun with kayak games and challenges. The scenery is remarkable and renders the day unforgettable.

Summer Special

An incredible 2-hour tour of Santa Barbara's coastline via kayak. Includes instruction, kayaking gear, as well as natural history and marine ecology. $35 per person.

Typical Distance and Time: 2-3 miles, Wednesday through Sunday, 10am and 1pm. Reservations required.

Level of Difficulty: Easy to Moderate

Santa Barbara from the Water

A relaxing day of paddling along the Santa Barbara waterfront. See the American Riviera from a unique perspective. We can't promise you'll be as lucky, but some of our guests have paddled with whales on this trip--even with its proximity to the city. We "put-in" at the Santa Barbara harbor, after a comprehensive kayak lesson. Our journey takes us through the harbor, along secluded beaches, past sea lions and kelp forests and around the historic pier. Guides will offer insight in to the history of the region as well as local marine ecology. The group will stop on a secluded beach for lunch, before completing a large loop, ending back at the harbor. People love this paddle because of the relaxed pace and incredible marine life as well as taking in the views of town from the water.

Typical Distance and Time: 3-4 miles, 10am to 2pm

Level of Difficulty: Easy to Moderate

Minimum Age: Children need to be at least 8 years old and able to share a double kayak with an adult. Children 10 years and older may be able to paddle their own single kayak, depending on their size and strength.

Cost: $85 per person, 2 person minimum. Includes natural history and marine ecology, all necessary paddling gear, and enjoyable lunch.

Refugio to El Capitan

A perfect day of paddling, swimming and fun.
This is our most popular coastal trip, showing you an incredible section of coastline. The Gaviota Coast is one of the few remaining sections of undeveloped, open coastline in California, and is home to more than 1500 species of plant and animal life.

We meet at El Capitan State Beach and shuttle by company vehicle up the coast to our "put-in" spot. Once outfitted, your guides offer a thorough kayaking lesson on shore, including instruction for surf entries and exits. Once we are on the water and feeling comfortable, we will tour a total of 3 miles, stopping in pristine kelp beds to learn about Marine Ecology and the Santa Barbara Channel, and hopefully paddling with dolphins. At mid-day we'll stop for lunch, served on a secluded beach (included in your fee). As the trip progresses down the coast toward El Capitan State Beach, we offer a fun series of kayak challenges and games. This unforgettable trip provides great opportunities to swim, play or just float. It's perfect for kids (age 8 and older) as well.

Typical Distance and Time: 3 miles, 10am to 2:30pm

Level of Difficulty: Easy to Moderate

Minimum Age: Children need to be at least 8 years old and able to share a double kayak with an adult. Children 10 years and older may be able to paddle their own single kayak, depending on their size and strength.

Cost: $105 per person, 2 person minimum. Includes natural history and marine ecology, all necessary paddling gear, shuttle and lunch.

Gaviota to Refugio

A full day of paddling along a secluded section of coast.
This is our longest paddling trip, designed to be physically challenging as we travel 9 miles along the secluded Gaviota Coast. We paddle this stretch of water when we really want to get away from it all. Because of the lack of boat traffic and secluded reaches of the coast, there are great opportunities for spotting dolphins, sea lions and whales (during seasonal migration). After our comprehensive kayak lesson, we get on the water and put some miles behind us as we work our way down wind. We stop at a secluded beach for a hearty lunch and enjoy the rest of the afternoon on the water, reaching take-out just in time for sunset.

Previous paddling experience is required.

Typical Distance and Time: 9 miles, 10am to 4:30pm

Level of Difficulty: Moderate to Strenuous. Recommended for intermediate paddlers who are ready for a full day of exercise.

Cost: $120 per person, 2 person minimum. Includes natural history and marine ecology, all necessary paddling gear, shuttle and lunch.

Evening Astronomy Kayaking

An evening of paddling and watching the night sky.
This twilight trip is a great way to end a full day. We meet just before sunset for a comprehensive kayaking lesson. Then we head out to sea in single or double kayaks where we watch the colors change and stars appear. While the sky's transition from day to night is reflected on the water, our guides offer astronomy facts and myths, pointing out constellations and visible planets. We tour the perfect distance before landing on the beach.

Typical Distance and Time: 1-2 miles, 2+ hours on the water

Level of Difficulty: Easy to Moderate

Minimum Age: Children need to be at least 8 years old and able to share a double kayak with an adult. Children 10 years and older may be able to paddle their own single kayak, depending on their size and strength.
Cost: $85 per person, 4 person minimum. Includes astronomy and marine ecology, all necessary paddling gear.

Kayak Surfing Adventure

This class is designed for paddling enthusiasts who want to learn to kayak surf for advanced touring or riding local breaks. We provide sit-on-top kayaks, which allow paddlers to excel quickly in this dynamic sport. We cover all aspects of kayak surfing from surf entries to catching waves and advanced paddling techniques. We use a high instructor-to-student ratio to ensure you gain the most from your lesson. We avoid crowded beaches and pick the best spots for current conditions. The excitement of dropping in on a wave will not soon be forgotten. Call for current surf conditions and details. Lunch is included.

Time: 10am to 2:30pm (typically 2 sessions of surfing)

Level of Difficulty: Beginners through advanced welcome. Must be comfortable swimming.

Cost: $105 per person with a 2 person minimum. Includes kayak surfing instruction, all necessary paddling gear, and enjoyable lunch.

Custom Trips & Kayak Instruction

Santa Barbara Adventure Company offers complete kayak instruction as part of all our trips. Our experienced guides know how to make learning a fun adventure in itself. From first time paddlers who want to get comfortable on the water to advanced kayakers who want to perfect surfing or rescue techniques, we provide a dynamic and safe environment for learning this exhilarating sport.

We also offer shorter kayaking sessions of 2 to 3 hours for youth, corporate, and school groups. Please call us to discuss your group's interests, dates, and times.

Reservations: We operate on an open calendar, which means if you meet the minimum number of required participants (2-4, depending on the activity) we can schedule your trip on just about any date. If you're traveling solo or are otherwise unable to meet the minimum, we'll do our best to add you into an existing group. Call us with your date, preferably at least 24 hours in advance.