It is always a good idea to look at the weather forecast for the land as well as for the marine forecast. Both forecasts together help you know the conditions more fully before you go. Your guides will always try their best to stay up to date with the weather forecasts, so feel free to ask them about the conditions as well.

When looking at the conditions, there are some basic terms that are helpful to understand. When the forecast mentions swell height that refers to the height of the wave measured from the trough (the lowest point) to the peak (the highest point). The swell period is the time it takes for successive waves to pass the same point. Wind also plays a factor on tours, whether it is onshore (going from sea to the mainland) or offshore (going from the mainland to sea), and how fast it is blowing. All these factors can impact your kayaking experience.

We do kayak rain or shine, so enjoy the adventure! 

When the weather does impact the trip, please refer to our cancelation policy.

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We would like to think every day is going to be sunny and bright in Santa Barbara, but on occasion the rain will come down. Luckily there are several interesting and fun things to do on these wet occasions.

Here are five of our favorite things to do when it rains in Santa Barbara:

1. Visit the Natural History Museum – Located just behind the Santa Barbara Mission, there are lots of fun and interesting exhibits to explore at this museum. The entry fee is very reasonable, $12 which includes free parking.
2. Read a book or check out a new one at the Santa Barbara Library. Open from 10am to 8pm Tuesday through Thursday, this is a great place to spend a rainy afternoon. Or check out a book and head to your favorite coffee house.
3. Drive to Santa Ynez and visit some of California’s best wine tasting rooms. Some wineries offer winery tours throughout the day, to make the trip educational as well as delicious!
4. Go kayaking. Now I know what you are thinking; kayaking, in the rain? But with a full body wetsuit and the right equipment kayaking in the rain can be an invigorating experience. Gliding through the water with the rain sprinkling around you is a beautiful thing. Don’t knock it until you’ve tried it!
5. Cook! And if you don’t know how – take a class. Santa Barbara City College offers several adult education cooking courses from Cake Decorating to Making Healthy Foods for Kids. You’re never too old to learn something new.

What is your favorite rainy day activity? Let us know in a comment below.

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Refugio State Beach

Refugio State beach hosts a long stretch of undeveloped coastline, where various types of wildlife can be spotted daily. This beautiful beach also has palm trees planted along the creek and campground area for shade. This is a great location for kayaking, provided by Santa Barbara Adventure Company!

Alice Keck Park and Kids World

If you are downtown and need a great spot to relax for lunch, let the kids roam or take an afternoon nap – this is the place. The gardens include a pond filled with turtle and koi, as well as a gazebo and many walkways and paths. All the plants in the garden are chosen specifically to be able to thrive in Santa Barbara’s climate. Just across the Street you will find Kids World, an amazing play structure with swings, climbing and much more.

Chase Palm Park

This park runs from East Beach to Stearns Wharf.  On the harbor side there is a long bike and rollerblading trail, a skateboard park, a recreation house and access to the beach. There is grass for soccer and other activities. On the other side of the street there is a pond, music pavilion, merry-go-round, playground and many paths.

Shoreline Park

Shoreline Park is one of Santa Barbara’s most popular parks and includes a playground, a whale watching area, as well as a  Japanese garden. It also has a clear view of the Channel Islands on a virtually cloudless day. Walking from the Harbor to Shoreline Park is about 5.8 miles round trip. Santa Barbara Adventure Company offers a Coast Biking Trip that explores this area and often stops at Shoreline Park.

Channel Islands National Park

Are you ready to relax, snorkel and kayak at a home away from home? Channel Islands National Park is the perfect place. Kayaking through the various caves, you may see seals, sea lions, bright colored fish, sea stars, different species of bird and other wildlife. The translucent water paired with the giant kelp beds is very picturesque. Channel Islands National Park also has great campsites available for those who wish to savor its grandiose beauty for more than a day.

These are a few of our favorite parks. If you have a favorite, please share it with us in the comment section below.

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1) Know the weather forecast. Check the forecast and know what type of day to plan for. While a thermal shirt and windbreaker might be perfect for a cool, breezy day, it will be very uncomfortable on a hot summer afternoon. Find out ahead of time if you are going to need wind or chill protection for your day. If it is looking like a wet or rainy day, consider wearing a wetsuit.

2) Don’t wear cotton. Cotton absorbs water and stays wet, making for a cold and uncomfortable day on the water. Even if you never flip your kayak, you will get wet from splash, spray, and drips. If you are in a sit-on-top kayak you will be sitting in some water, so cotton pants will quickly become soaked and cold. Instead of cotton, wear synthetic materials such as polyester, fleece, or Gore-Tex. This means you shouldn’t show up for your kayak trip in jeans and a cotton T-shirt unless you like being cold and wet.

3) Dress in layers. Your outer layer should help you stay dry. A good paddle jacket is a water-resistant, breathable layer that should fit snuggly and help keep you dry.  If you are going on an Adventure Company trip, we will provide you with a lightweight paddle jacket to use for the day. Under your paddle jacket, you should have a few synthetic layers so you can easily peel out of clothing if the weather gets warm.

4) Wear shoes that will stay on your feet. A water bootie or water shoe is the ideal choice for kayaking. They will stay on your feet, keep out the rocks, and your feet will stay warm while kayaking. Water sandals with proper straps are also a good option, such as Tevas, Chacos, or Crocs, though you might have chilly feet if the weather is cool. Flip flops are not recommended, as they tend to easily come off your feet in the water and the soles are often slippery.

5) Protect your head! Wear a hat or beanie to protect your head from the sun or cold, but don’t forget to protect your brain with a proper helmet if you are kayaking whitewater or in a rocky environment. (Helmets are provided by Santa Barbara Adventure Company and are required for all guests on Channel Islands sea cave kayaking trips and for kayak surfing.)

6) Pack a change of clothes. At the end of your kayak trip, chances are you are going to be wet. So pack a towel to dry yourself off and a comfortable change of clothes for your journey home.

Lastly, wear your biggest smile. It helps make every experience better!

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