Sunset Kayak Tour in Santa Barbara Harbor (2 Hours)
Recommended by 95% of travelers
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Santa Barbara, USA
- 2 hours (approx.)
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
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Overview
Paddle into the sunset along the Southern California coast during this beginner-friendly, small-group 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. Pass by the historic wharf, keeping an eye out for marine life; a guide and all necessary kayaking gear are included to make logistics easy.
- 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
Start your trip in the late afternoon at Santa Barbara Harbor, beginning your adventure with a comprehensive lesson in kayaking safety and technique. 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. Have plenty of time to admire the beautiful surroundings and look for wildlife. Best of all, your trip takes place in the golden light at the end of the day, offering the 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 also offers 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.
Once you’re ready, travel out into the harbor in either a double- or single-person boat. Have plenty of time to admire the beautiful surroundings and look for wildlife. Best of all, your trip takes place in the golden light at the end of the day, offering the 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 also offers 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.
1
Stearns Wharf
2
Santa Barbara Waterfront
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
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Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Featured review
Eric_P
Nice mellow paddle at sunset. Friendly and knowledgeable guide. Great way to get out on the water. Would recommend it to everyone. No prior experience required.
Reviews
4.9
based on 66 reviews
Judy_K, Aug 2025
This was the best way to end the day on the water and watching the sunset. Dario R. was a fantastic guide who enthusiastically shared his knowledge of the sea life and the area. My daughter and I had a fabulous time together.
susan_T, Aug 2025
Our guide was professional and fun. He had great facts/info about the area and things we saw. I was a little worried about the waves even in the harbor but he expertly guided us thru and i came back braver than i thought i would. I liked the small group size and the trip length was about perfect, i got a bit of a workout but was not exhausted.
Angela_O, Aug 2025
Asa, the guide was amazing and had a wealth of knowledge. My family and I had a wonderful time…thank you Asa’
Eric_P, Jul 2025
Nice mellow paddle at sunset. Friendly and knowledgeable guide. Great way to get out on the water. Would recommend it to everyone. No prior experience required.
Sophia_C, Jul 2025
Asa was such a knowledgeable and fun tour guide!! He had so many cool tidbits to share about Santa Barbara and answered a bunch of our questions. We had zero experience kayaking but he was very helpful and it was so wonderful being out in the ocean.
Jack_R, May 2025
Excellent tour of the harbour and a short trip out into the open ocean. Wildlife spotted on our trip, Pelicans, Sea Lions, Seals and Cormorants, almost in touching distance. Andre was a great tour guide and safe and done a good job explaining everything we saw.
Adriana_V, Nov 2024
We had a great time! Parker was a fun tour guide. He was a little hard to find at first. He might need signage or coordinates. He has dry packs and phone cases so your stuff stays dry. The trip was great. Hard work, but we had fun! There is a lot of birds and boats. We were able to see a harbor seal. The sunset was worth it.
Amy_B, Oct 2024
Wow, don't miss this tour if you're in Santa Barbara! We've done many kayak tours over the years but this one was really special. Our guide Bret was so incredibly informative about local wildlife and sealife, while also proving excellent details about the history of the Harbor. The view from the kayaks is magical with the mountains rising above the sea. Highly recommend this tour, it was a perfect pace and a lovely 2 hours on the water.
Leslie_O, Sep 2024
Great tour! We toured the harbor, the wharf, the marina, got up close and personal with sea lions, bird colonies and other wildlife. And, oh what a sight to see all of Santa Barbara at sunset from the sea! Our guide was terrific; easy going, great sense of humor and made us (novice kayakers) all feel comfortable.
EILEEN_l, Sep 2024
Tour guide very knowledgeable. We were able to see a lot of marine life and get up close to sea lions and seals (not too close) It was windy but we were able to go out in the bay. My only critique would to put warning on site to wear clothes your not to attached to as the water can stain your clothes
Eleni_A, Aug 2024
Amazing experience. Our guide, Luke was incredible. Lots of cool facts and very friendly. Very peaceful being out at sunset. Would definitely recommend!!
Matt_F, Aug 2024
Aiden was an excellent guide. Lots of fun facts and we were able to see dolphins, sea lions and seals very close up.
ConnieA, Jul 2024
The guide Dave was amazing. He was very interactive and knowledgable about the area. My only negative which is why I gave it a 3 rating is it should be clear that we are not given a choice if we want to have a single or double kayak. We planned on single and were disappointed we were forced into a double.
Response from Host, Jul 2024
Thank you so much for your feedback. The tour description does mention that we provide tandem kayaks (singles are provided for odd-number parties and solo kayakers). We hope you rejoin us in the future. If so, please feel free to reach out to us in advance and let us know your preference for single kayaks. We are sometimes able to accommodate such requests depending on the available equipment and the staff on the trip.
Mirna_F, Jul 2024
The experience of this tour was wonderful. Lucky day for us we had the opp to see the sunset completely. We are planning to do it again… Bret was an awesome guide tour
David_K, Jun 2024
We signed up for this guided tour (sunset) and it was spectacular! We loved our guide, Forrest, as he spent the time to make sure we were able to see everything in comfort. The scenery was amazing, one which can only be appreciated if on the surface of the water. Highly recommend it!
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!
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!
Joe_H, Jul 2023
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.
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!
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.
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!
Kelly_C, Oct 2022
Great experience! Beautiful views with lots of wildlife. Lots of interesting facts about Santa Barbara and wildlife. We enjoyed it!
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
Celia_B, Jun 2022
We saw seals. Sea lions, dolphins and a lot of birds. The sunset was beautiful! Our guide, Zack, was fantastic!
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!!
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.
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!!!
From $89.00
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Sunset Kayak Tour in Santa Barbara Harbor (2 Hours)
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