Gaviota Coast Kayak Tour Near Santa Barbara (3.5 Hours)

Recommended by 97% of travelers

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Santa Barbara, USA

3 hours 30 minutes (approx.)
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English

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Overview

Explore one of California’s last undeveloped coastlines on this small-group, half-day kayaking adventure. Paddle through pristine kelp beds, look out for marine wildlife including dolphins and sea lions, and take in stunning coastal views. All necessary kayaking gear, including wetsuits and helmets, is provided. Swim and relax during breaks to make the most of this scenic journey along the Gaviota Coast.

This small-group tour is capped at just eight to keep things personal
All necessary kayaking gear is provided for your ease
Discover views of the Gaviota Coast that few others get to see
Optional swim breaks to enjoy the pristine waters along the coast

What's Included

Knowledgeable guide and discussion of natural history/marine ecology
Kayaking gear (wetsuit, paddle jacket, PFD, and helmet)
All taxes, fees and handling charges

Transportation to meeting point
Personal expenses
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

Haskell's Beach, Goleta, CA 93117, USA
Take exit #110 for Winchester Canyon Rd toward Hollister Ave. Continue onto Calle Real for .3mi. Turn left on Cathedral Oaks Rd over the freeway. Turn right onto Hollister Ave. In .6 miles turn left into a parking lot for the beach where your guide will meet you & walk you down to the beach.

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

Operating hours
.9:30 am

What To Expect

Head to Refugio State Beach near Santa Barbara in the morning for the start of your Gaviota Coast kayaking trip. Before climbing into your boat, get outfitted with your gear and listen to a safety lesson, paddling demonstration, and explanation of how to get in and out of the kayak.

Once you’re feeling ready, continue on for the journey along the shore with just your guide and small group for company.

As you paddle, your guide points out marine life like pristine underwater kelp and some of the more than 1,500 species of plants and animals that call this state preserve home. If you’re particularly lucky, you might also see some of Refugio State Beach’s dolphin residents.

After several hours on the water, return to your original departure point.

The Ritz-Carlton Spa Bacara, Santa Barbara

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
If your contact number is international, please include your email address in the comment section.
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.
Not wheelchair accessible
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.
Service animals allowed
What you will need:
Sun Screen (SPF 30 or higher).
A full water bottle. One liter or larger - please help us reduce our environmental footprint by bringing a re-usable bottle
A hat with a brim.
A beach towel
Beach shoes or flips.

Sunglasses with a neck strap such as "Chums" or “Croakies”
Swim suit or swim trunks
No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
Most travelers can participate
Sweatshirt or sweater and a dry change of clothes
Waterproof camera (optional)
Lycra rashguard. (optional)
Neoprene booties. (optional)
To ensure proper equipment, please provide your heights & weights. Thank you.
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.
This tour/activity will have a maximum of 8 travelers

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Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

Traveler Photos

Gallery picture 1 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 2 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 3 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 4 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 5 (from a traveler's review)

Reviews

4.9

based on 38 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

We perform checks on reviews

Riley was a great guide....

Rachyl_C, Jun 2022

Riley was a great guide. Knowledgeable about the history of the area which made the experience even more memorable.

Okay

Ria_S, Apr 2021

Overall it was pretty good but the description advertised lunch on a secluded beach and we foubd out when we arrived that wasn’t part of the tour which was a little disappointing.