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Santa Barbara Water activities

Our most recommended Santa Barbara Water activities

Santa Barbara: Catamaran Sunset Cruise

1. Santa Barbara: Catamaran Sunset Cruise

Unwind with a relaxing early evening sunset cruise on the Santa Barbara Harbor. Admire the beauty of the scenery as you sail along the coast in a catamaran, then enjoy the romantic atmosphere as the sun sets over the water. Board the Double Dolphin catamaran at the meeting point and set off from Santa Barbara Harbor. Keep your eyes peeled for seals, otters, birds, and other coastal wildlife. Sit back and relax alongside friends or family, and put your feet up after a day of work or sightseeing. Marvel at the sunset views before returning to your original starting point.

Channel Islands: 3-Hour Whale Watching Tour

2. 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: Sunset Kayak Tour

3. Santa Barbara: Sunset Kayak Tour

Discover the beautiful landscapes of Santa Barbara on a relaxing sunset kayak tour. You will watch a basic paddling demonstration and hear the safety talk before setting out on the water. Spend 2-hours on the water exploring the Santa Barbara harbor and the shoreline. Watch the sun as it settles over the sea, creating a gorgeous backdrop of the city and the Santa Ynez Mountain range. Enjoy paddling along the coastline and soak in the stunning surrounding views of the sea. Immerse yourself into a dream-like nature experience for all sea kayaking skill levels, including beginners to advanced.

Santa Barbara: Catamaran Coastal Cruise

4. 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.

Ventura: 1.5-Hour Private Beginner's Surf Lesson

5. Ventura: 1.5-Hour Private Beginner's Surf Lesson

Learn to surf at Mondos Beach with a private 1.5-hour beginner's surf lesson. Take advantage of the more gentle waves and generous space at Mondos Beach as you pick up the techniques and etiquette of surfing. Meet your instructor at the surf van located on Mondos Beach and get suited up in a wetsuit. Grab a longboard and walk to the sand for beach instructions. You'll be briefed on water and surf safety, etiquette, and proper technique before jumping into the ocean to catch some waves. Follow your instructor as they coach and push you into waves to give you an experience that will last a lifetime. Enjoy the gentle long breaking waves of Mondo Beach lending itself to longer rides for you. Your lesson is private so you or your group can have their own instructor and a more personalized experience.

Santa Barbara: 1.5-Hour Harbor Kayak Tour

6. 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 Surfing Lesson

7. Santa Barbara Surfing Lesson

This is a simple introduction for a first-time surfer or someone who has tried surfing a few times and needs some pointers. The instruction starts with beach lesson reviewing: how to position yourself on the board, paddling techniques, and proper stance. Once in the water students will get pointers on maneuvering waves, balance techniques, and surf etiquette. Santa Barbara Adventure Company’s surf lessons offer students a great foundation for this exciting sport. Our knowledgeable instructors have over 25 years of combined experience and will use their skills to point out the finer points of catching waves. Instructors choose surf sites based on the current swell and tide conditions, finding the best breaks for successful learning. Lessons require a minimum of four students.

Santa Barbara: Haskell's Beach Kayaking Tour

8. Santa Barbara: Haskell's Beach Kayaking Tour

Join us on an exploration of the Gaviota Coast, home to more than 1,500 species of plant and animal life. This is our most popular coastal trip and offers a perfect day of kayaking, swimming and fun in nature. We will meet at Haskell’s Beach, a secluded icon in the Santa Barbara beach scene. Your guide will outfit the members of your group and offer a thorough kayaking lesson onshore. Once on the water, we will tour a total of 3 miles, stopping in pristine kelp beds to learn about marine ecology and the Santa Barbara Channel (and hopefully kayak with dolphins and sea lions!). If you want to pack a sack lunch, we can stop mid-way through for a beach picnic for an hour or so or you’re welcome to picnic at the conclusion of your tour. As the trip progresses, your guide may offer a fun series of kayak challenges and games. This unforgettable trip will provide great opportunities to swim, play or just float. It’s perfect for all ages of adventure seekers!

Santa Barbara: Stand-up Paddle Board Rental

9. 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

It was a wonderful trip around Santa Barbara the sunset view was amazing, the music gave the cruise a great vibe, the staff was very nice, and the little selection of wine in the bar was very tasty. Overall if your looking for something romantic to do with your significant other this is definitely a great idea.

Sophia was very nice and explained everything to us well. We really managed to ride several waves. Beach a bit crowded in the afternoon.

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

Fantastic Sunset Cruise. The Catamaran was beautiful, and the staff was excellent. We all enjoyed the music as well!

Very friendly guide, she took her time and explained everything very well