After 34 years spent exploring the islands of the Caribbean, the Florida Keys and the mighty Gulf of Mexico, the Sunset Kidd “retired” to The American Riviera® where she now hosts sailing cruises and tours along the Santa Barbara coastline. A 41-foot sailing yacht, the Sunset Kidd offers public daytime and sunset cruises as well as private charters for up to 16 passengers. During whale-migration season, the vessel departs twice a day for three-hour whale-watching adventures. The Sunset Kidd also hosts a variety of special-event cruises throughout the year, including the Fourth of July Fireworks Cruise and Valentine’s Day Sunset Cruise.

Photo credit: Jay Sinclair

Looking for a truly one-of-a-kind experience? Set sail on Santa Barbara’s only amphibious boat—The Landshark. Your tour begins with a ride around downtown where you’ll get up close to some of the area’s historical landmarks and attractions, like the Santa Barbara County Courthouse and Old Mission Santa Barbara. Then, splash into the harbor to search for sea lions and enjoy scenic views of the surrounding Santa Ynez Mountains and waterfront. Land and Sea offers both daily public and private tours. 

Day trip to the majestic Channel Islands National Park, one of the most biologically diverse bodies of water in the world, with Channel Islands Expeditions. For more than 33 years, the outfitter has offered public and private expeditions to the park where visitors can kayak the world’s largest sea cave, see dozens of dolphin and whale species, go snorkeling and hike around the islands’ remote terrain. Channel Islands Expeditions has three large charter boats that can seat anywhere from 24 to 50 people.

Photo credit: Ralph A Clevenger

A member of the Celebration Cruises fleet, Lil’ Toot is a canary-yellow water taxi known as “the happiest boat in the harbor.” This small-but-might vessel has been providing narrated public tours of the Santa Barbara waterfront for more than two decades. On board, you’ll find knowledgeable guides who will share stories and lesser-known facts about the area as well as information on local marine life, some of which you’ll see around the harbor during your 25-minute tour between the Santa Barbara Harbor to Stearns Wharf. Lil’ Toot can also be booked for private events and can accommodate up to 19 passengers. 

Photo credit: Mindy Rainey

Docked at Santa Barbara Landing, the Condor Express is best known for its exhilarating whale-watching tours, which offer an unforgettable experience of spotting majestic whales, dolphins and other marine life off the Santa Barbara coast. The tours provide a unique chance to witness the seasonal migration of gray whales, blue whales and humpbacks, often accompanied by playful dolphins and sea lions, all in their natural habitat. The spacious vessel offers daily public tours, holding up to 127 guests, ensuring a comfortable journey with a protected cabin, three decks for optimal viewing and a fully equipped galley and bar. Beyond whale watching, the Condor Express is perfect for hosting events, from corporate gatherings and birthday parties to weddings and at-sea burials. Guests can also book festive public party cruises, including themed experiences like the Opera, Broadway and Hawaiʻi cruises, or seasonal celebrations such as the Fourth of July and Parade of Lights holiday cruises.

Photo credit: David Collier

Owners and Santa Barbara locals Spencer and Courtney MacRae have spent their lives sailing around The American Riviera®, and they bring this expertise to every tour and cruise they offer at SunSwept Sailing. For a quintessential experience, book the Santa Barbara Harbor & Waterfront Tour, a one-hour narrated journey with occasional views of native wildlife. Or, find ultimate relaxation on the Sound Bath Sail where the soothing lulls of the sea perfectly blend with the resonant harmonies of Nepalese singing bowls. SunSwept Sailing also offers sunset cruises and two-, three- and four-hour private coastal tours. 

Photo credit: Blake Bronstad

As the name suggests, it’s always a party with Celebration Cruises. Choose from a wide variety of daily public cruises, including the one-hour Coastal Cruise on The Azure Seas, a 70-foot luxury yacht where every seat offers panoramic views of the coastline. Or, host your own fête aboard a private charter. Options range from the Whisper, a Venetian-style vessel that holds up to six passengers, and the Voyager, a lime-green center console that can seat up to 12 guests.

Santa Barbara Channel Charters offers personalized private cruises for up to six passengers, perfect for an intimate group adventure. You can choose from morning, afternoon or evening trips and even bring your own food and drinks to make the experience your own. The captain offers cold water and soda on board, making it easy to sit back, relax and enjoy the stunning Santa Barbara coast however you like. Santa Barbara Channel Charters is also one of the most dog-friendly outfitters in the harbor, as the captain’s dog Luka often serves as his first-mate.

Photo courtesy of Santa Barbara Channel Charters

Boasting a robust fleet of yachts and catamarans, Santa Barbara Sailing Center is one of the largest accredited American Sailing Association (ASA) schools in the nation—meaning when you sail with them, you’re sailing with the experts. Visitors can choose from a large selection of daily public charters aboard the Double Dolphin, which ranges from coastal, sunset and whale-watching cruises. Specialty public tours include Sipping on the Sea, hosted in partnership with various local wineries and breweries every third Thursday from May through October. Live music fans can groove to the Music on the Water tour, held every Friday from Labor Day through October, featuring local musicians and a dreamy, tangerine sunset. The Sailing Center also offers a wide array of private charters available, seating anywhere from two to 140 people. Whether you’re proposing to your special someone or hosting a big corporate event, the Sailing Center’s got you covered. 

Photo credit: @sbsailing via Instagram