Kayaking

Santa Barbara’s many beaches, bays, and the beautiful Channel Islands National Park beckon you to explore them first-hand, in a sea kayak. When kayaking in Santa Barbara, you’ll often get quite a natural show that can include migrating gray and humpback whales, dolphins, sea lions, starfish, and sea birds. Santa Barbara Harbor is always a fun choice for a quick ocean jaunt. Paddle the calm waters that surround Stearns Wharf and extend along Santa Barbara’s local beaches.

For the ultimate sea kayaking adventure, make sure to plan a trip to Channel Islands National Park, which possesses some of the best coastal kayaking in the world. Let your guide take you through the sea caves of Scorpion Bay, or gliding over the area’s famous kelp beds.

Skip the car ride and hop in a kayak for an exciting way to see Santa Barbara’s shores.

Kayaking in Santa Barbara


Paddle Sports Center

Kayak and SUP Rentals and Tours - Ocean Fun Since '91 Santa Barbara's Only 90 minute rental and best "All-Day" rates! Explore the Santa Barbara Waterfront and get to paddle with Sea Lions and Dolphins! Paddle Sports Center is your gateway to ocean…


Captain Jack’s Santa Barbara Tours

Captain Jack’s offers custom wine tours, beer tours, historical and architectural tours, kayaking, hiking, horseback riding, sailing, and whale watching. The company prides itself in making sure each tour is suited to the individual…



Channel Islands Adventure Company

Prepare for an unforgettable adventure at Scorpion Anchorage on Santa Cruz Island, part of Channel Islands National Park. Guests will have the chance to see unique wildlife up close, navigate renowned sea caves, and wander through dense kelp…


Santa Barbara Adventure Company

Experience an unforgettable adventure in Santa Barbara with the city's premier outfitter, providing exciting experiences to thousands of visitors yearly. CHANNEL ISLANDS TOURS Sea Cave Kayaking Tour at Channel Islands National ParkExplore Channel…


Santa Barbara Sailing Center/Double Dolphin Cruises

California’s premier destination for on-the-water fun. If you're looking for a little adventure, we offer kayak & stand up paddle board rentals, tours & instruction. Learn to sail, charter a sailboat with a captain, rent a variety of…


Channel Islands Expeditions

Day Trips to the Channel Islands National Park from Santa Barbara Harbor Santa Barbara is the entrance to the Channel Islands National Park across one of the most biologically diverse bodies of water on earth, the Santa Barbara…


Additional Experiences