What to Expect While Kayaking in Santa Barbara

Whether you are a beginner or an experienced kayaker, our guides begin your tour through the harbor with safety and skills training to guarantee you have a delightful exploration. As you navigate the waters during one of three tours with options for all ages, you will learn about the history of the region through fascinating stories and get an up-close view of local marine life. Our knowledgeable and experienced guides will accommodate varying points of interest and skill level, delighting all your senses as you take in your surroundings. Whether there are only two in your group or you have more with you, we will make sure that your Santa Barbara kayaking adventure is a memorable experience for everyone.

All of our tours come with all your necessary kayaking gear, lifejackets, and an experienced guide who is equipped to ensure the safety of all on the tour. Starting at a minimum of two-hours, the length, distance, location and time of tours vary by tour type and should be selected to meet your group’s specific needs.

Choose from the following tour types:

Harbor Wildlife Kayak Tour – Best for beginners and parents with children over 5 years old

Gaviota Coast Kayak Tour – Best for those interested in the history and ecology of the area

Sunset Kayak Tour– Best for a late afternoon adventure

Best Places To Eat While In Santa Barbara

This captivating kayaking adventure taking in the refreshing view of the region’s caves, mountains, beaches and it’s diverse marine flora and fauna will work up an appetite best served by dining at some of Santa Barbara’s highest-rated restaurants. Lunch can be provided during an extended version of our tours to prevent wait times and allow you to have a seamless
staycation or getaway in one of the west coast’s most popular hotspots Whether you’re in the mood for Asian-fusion, some of the best Mexican cuisine or your palate is fixed for locally-sourced, fresh ingredients at another of our favorite dining establishments, we can bring the flavor to you or point you to an immersive experience for dinner on-site at a nearby location.

Our favorites include:

Hana Kitchen – Asian-fusion
Mony’s – Mexican
Shalhoob Meat Co. – Tri-tip (they also brew their own beer!) Brophy Bros. – Seafood
The Lark – Light, fresh fare

Whether you’re new to the area, on a vacation or just want an exciting local activity to do with your team or family, our Santa Barbara Kayaking tours are an affordable and enjoyable must-do for all who join. Check out our customer reviews and book your paddling tour with Santa Barbara Adventure Company today!

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The spill has already resulted in devastating effects on the beautiful and beloved marine and terrestrial environment of this pristine section of coastline. In addition, there are undoubtedly numerous repercussions to yet be unveiled.

Remembering the 1969 Santa Barbara oil spill that ensued from from carelessness and mismanagement on Union Oil Platform A in the Santa Barbara Channel, Tuesday’s spill presents itself as an unacceptable wake-up call.

Santa Barbara Adventure Company supports our local environmental organizations such as the Environmental Defense Center, Santa Barbara Channelkeeper and the Community Environment Council in their heroic efforts to monitor, contain, and clean the spill, as well as prevent future oil developments. We hope that those responsible will put forth efforts to mitigate the consequences of this environmental tragedy.

Refugio State Beach is a priceless piece of paradise that we hold dear to our hearts.  Many come here to enjoy the serenity and beauty of nature, and to see it infected by black oil is tragic and devastating.

We have been leading guided kayaking trips, beach days, and outdoor education programs at Refugio for over 17 years. In 2014, we took 1400 people kayaking, and 1000 of them were school groups on outdoor education programs.  Refugio is a magical place. Spending time there is our work, our play and our passion.

The value of clean and protected marine areas like this is immeasurable, and the impact of this event is far reaching. What is the value of sunset at Refugio, or catching a green wave on the point? What is the value of children seeing migrating grey whales while kayaking or tidepooling?

The economic impacts of this spill on our small business have been immediate and dramatic. With the busy summer season about to start we have cancelled dozens of kayaking tours booked for the next few weeks at Refugio State Beach. While these impacts are direct and measurable we are also receiving many calls from concerned visitors about the greater Santa Barbara region and how the waterfront is impacted.

We’d like to point out that while this spill has devastated the marine environment around Refugio, the impact is limited to a 4 mile stretch of coastline located 23 miles north of Santa Barbara. Santa Barbara hotels and tour operators remain open for business and those with plans to visit Santa Barbara should not cancel their trips as there are many other unaffected beaches around Santa Barbara to enjoy.

Photo by Cara Sottak – Refugio State Beach on April 20, 2015.

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