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Santa Barbara Safaris & wildlife activities

Our most recommended Santa Barbara Safaris & wildlife activities

Channel Islands: 3-Hour Whale Watching Tour

1. Channel Islands: 3-Hour Whale Watching Tour

The Channel Islands are the best place to view the California gray whale migration as they head back up to Alaska with their young from their calving grounds in Baja. This experience is a Naturalist-led Whale Watching Adventure! See whales, dolphins & other amazing wildlife in the Santa Barbara Channel! Experience the gray whale migration as these amazing animals make their annual northern migration up the California coast to Alaska with their calves in tow. Destination: Anacapa Island (NON LANDING) & the Santa Barbara Channel

Santa Barbara: Catamaran Coastal Cruise

2. Santa Barbara: Catamaran Coastal Cruise

Experience the beauty of Santa Barbara on this coastal catamaran cruise. Sail along the coast and breathe in the salt air, with the Santa Ynez Mountains and the Channel Islands surrounding you as the backdrop. Try to spot local marine and aerial life and relax in the sun with friends and family. Bask in the afternoon sun as you sail the Santa Barbara coastline on a catamaran. Climb aboard and set off, with the Santa Ynez Mountains calling in the distance. Over a dozen beaches and stunning villas line the ocean-carved coastline, making the best view of Santa Barbara, from the ocean. Enjoy a unique experience with family and friends, spotting California sea lions, otters, seals, dolphins, and many coastal birds. Lear, about local life and why this city is a popular place to visit year-round.

Santa Barbara: 1.5-Hour Harbor Kayak Tour

3. Santa Barbara: 1.5-Hour Harbor Kayak Tour

Launch from the sand of Santa Barbara’s West Beach and follow your guide along Santa Barbara’s famous surf spot, the Sandspit. Admire panoramic views of the Waterfront, Santa Ynez Mountains, the Channel Islands, the Riviera, Stearns Wharf, and more. Paddle through the calm waters of Santa Barbara's harbor and enjoy views of sailboats, yachts, and fishing vessels. Learn valuable insight from your guide into the local landscape, topography, wildlife, and history of the harbor, as well as the best places to enjoy a fresh-caught meal.

Santa Barbara: Stand-up Paddle Board Rental

4. Santa Barbara: Stand-up Paddle Board Rental

Make your way to the beach rental stand located at West Beach located between Stearn's Wharf and Santa Barbara Harbor. Upon arrival, get equipped with all the gear required, as well as a safety briefing before you set off. With plenty of advice from the team on where to go and what to see, start discovering the beautiful coastline at your leisure. See various points of interest within the harbor and the areas around Stearn's Wharf. Search for marine life, with sightings of sea lions, seals, and dolphins common in the area.

Frequently asked questions about Santa Barbara

What are the best day trips and excursions from Santa Barbara?

The best day trips and excursions from Santa Barbara are:

Solvang

What are the best outdoor activities to do in Santa Barbara?

Other Sightseeing Options in Santa Barbara

Want to discover all there is to do in Santa Barbara? Click here for a full list.

What people are saying about Santa Barbara

Took a day trip from LA to SB with a friend and we had the best time kayaking! We booked a private tour and the two of us took a great tour around the harbor with our awesome guide, Paige. She was really fun and energetic as well as knowledgeable about the local flora and fauna and history of Santa Barbara. Spending a few hours on the water learning about the city and seeing the beautiful sights was a great way to spend the day. I would absolutely recommend this to anyone looking for a unique way to experience Santa Barbara.

Great crew! Unobtrusive, communicative, imparting knowledge about dolphins and other sea creatures. Small bar with alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks on board. Lots of dolphins seen right off the boat. The overall experience is a clear recommendation! Good value for money!

We found the tour very good. Tray, our guide, was great!! :) Unfortunately, the time went very quickly. Were only on the road with three other boats, a total of 5 participants, great :) Sea lions, saw great boats, it's worth it!! :)

In general everything was very nice, the captain was friendly, but unfortunately I didn't see any dolphins and/or whales and that was the main reason why I booked the trip.

Beautiful and relaxing! Staff were wonderful…did everything to make sure we were comfortable and had everything we needed.