Viator Rating : 5 (171 reviews)
Dyvarcity Score : 8.4/10 (Verified Excellent)
Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara Kayak Tour: Wildlife & Harbor Views
120
Overview
The Wildlife Kayak Tour in Santa Barbara Harbor offers an unforgettable 2-hour paddling adventure. Experienced local guides lead guests through Santa Barbara's thriving marine environment.
Participants will learn about the area's natural history and marine ecology while enjoying spectacular views of the city and beaches from the water. The tour explores the harbor, passing boats, the historic wharf, and the beach. Keep an eye out for harbor seals, sea lions, pelicans, and more! This tour is great for families and those who want to see Santa Barbara from a different point of view.
This experience includes all kayaking gear, taxes, and fees. Guests will receive a knowledgeable guide who will discuss the area’s history. Please note that personal expenses and parking fees are not included. While optional, gratuity for the guide is appreciated. 
Experience DNA Fingerprint
Scores are shown on a scale of 1 to 10, 1 = lowest score, 10 = highest score.
What People Love
Crowd Density (8 - Empty / Light) : Very few people, free movement
Safety (9 - Secure) : Strong feeling of safety and control
Upsell Risk (9 - Transparent) : No upsells or hidden costs
Logistics (9 - Seamless) : Smooth and well executed
Mobility (8 - Easy / Accessible) : Comfortable for most people
Pacing (8 - Balanced) : Smooth and comfortable timing
Guide Quality (9 - Exceptional) : Engaging and memorable
Guide Reliability (9 - Dependable) : On time with strong follow-through
What to Watch Out For
Instagram Factor (7 - Scenic) : Some good photo moments
Highlights
See Amazing Wildlife: Paddle through the harbor and look for seals, sea lions, and birds.
Learn About the Area: The guide will teach you about Santa Barbara's history and sea life.
Great Views of the City: See Santa Barbara's beaches and buildings from the water.
All Gear Provided: The tour includes everything you need, like a kayak and wetsuit.
Sentiment Analysis
Customers loved seeing lots of animals like seals and sea lions up close.
-
Many said the guides were friendly and knew a lot about the area.
-
Guests enjoyed paddling around the harbor and seeing the city from the water.
-
The tour was fun and a good way to spend time outdoors.
Some people felt cold even with the wetsuit provided.
-
A few wished the tour was longer to see more of the harbor.
The Journey
Santa Barbara Harbor
Santa Barbara Harbor is a bustling marine hub, home to various boats and marine life. As a central point for the tour, it offers scenic views of the city and beaches from the water.
Historic Wharf
The historic wharf is a landmark within Santa Barbara Harbor, offering a glimpse into the area's maritime history. Paddling past it provides a unique perspective and photo opportunity.
Santa Barbara Pier
Paddling under the pier offers a thrilling experience and a chance to observe the pier's structure from a unique angle. It is a key highlight of the tour.
Santa Barbara Beaches
The beaches along the Santa Barbara coastline provide opportunities to spot wildlife and enjoy the scenic beauty. Paddling along the coast offers a unique view of the city's shoreline.
Know Before You Go
This kayak tour includes all necessary kayaking gear such as a wetsuit, PFD (personal flotation device), helmet, and paddle. All taxes, fees, and handling charges are also included. Participants will enjoy spectacular views of Santa Barbara and benefit from a knowledgeable guide who will discuss the area's natural history and marine ecology. Not included are personal expenses and parking, which costs $2.00 per hour with a maximum of $12.00 per car. Gratuity for the guide is optional but appreciated and can be given in cash or via credit card at the end of the tour.
Hot Tip
Wear layers under your wetsuit, even on a warm day, as it can get chilly on the water. Also, bring a waterproof camera or phone case to capture the amazing wildlife and views without worrying about getting your device wet!
Review Summary
People usually say the Wildlife Kayak Tour in Santa Barbara Harbor offers a fun and informative experience led by friendly and knowledgeable guides who provide excellent paddling instruction. Reviewers frequently highlight the stunning views of Santa Barbara from the water and opportunities to see seals, sea lions, and other wildlife up close as major positives. Some travelers note the physical activity level requires moderate fitness but confirm it is beginner-friendly. Negative comments are rare but occasionally mention parking fees or the tour being weather-dependent.
Frequently Asked Questions
This page is synthesized and developed by Dyvarcity Team
More like this
Santa Barbara
$55
Santa Barbara Kayak Tour: Seals, Views & Fun!
5.0
(429 reviews)
Duration: 90
minutes
Experience the beauty of Santa Barbara from a unique perspective on a Kayak Tour of Santa Barbara with Experienced Guide. This tour offers both private and group options, allowing travelers to customize their adventure. Whether seeking an intimate experience or a chance to meet new friends, this kayaking tour promises stunning views and memorable encounters.
Led by friendly and knowledgeable local guides, the kayak tour showcases the stunning boats in the harbor and introduces participants to playful sea lions and seals. Participants can enjoy panoramic views of Santa Barbara, the Santa Ynez Mountains, and keep an eye out for dolphins. The guide shares interesting facts about the area's attractions, ensuring an engaging and informative experience. The tour's pace is adjusted to suit all skill levels, making it perfect for beginners and experienced kayakers alike.
The Kayak Tour of Santa Barbara with Experienced Guide ensures that kayaking Santa Barbara will be the highlight of any trip. Participants will discover the local landscape, topography, and wildlife. This guided tour is suitable for all skill levels, and life vests are provided for safety. Participants must know how to swim to participate.
Santa Barbara
$85
Santa Barbara: Private Surf Lesson – Ride the Waves!
5.0
(96 reviews)
Duration: 90
minutes
Private Surf Lesson with Instructor, Board, & Wetsuit in Santa Barbara offers a personalized introduction to surfing in sunny Southern California. Participants learn to ride the waves with guidance from an experienced instructor, ensuring a fun and safe experience for all skill levels. All necessary equipment, including a surfboard and wetsuit, is provided.
The lesson begins a short drive south of Santa Barbara, where participants will meet their instructor at a designated surf van. After getting geared up with a wetsuit and surfboard, they will receive beach instruction covering surf safety, etiquette, and basic techniques. Then, it's into the ocean for hands-on coaching and wave-riding assistance. Because lessons are private, each surfer will have their own instructor, making it more of a unique experience.
This 1.5-hour surfing lesson caters to beginners and those looking to improve their skills. With expert guidance and quality equipment, you're sure to have an unforgettable surfing experience, learning a classic California pastime while enjoying the beautiful Santa Barbara coastline.
Santa Monica
$99
Venice Beach: Private Surfing Lessons for All Levels
5.0
(9 reviews)
Duration: 120
minutes
2-Hours Private Surfing Lesson in Venice Beach offers an exciting introduction to surfing with a top-rated Los Angeles surf school. Participants will learn to ride the waves at the iconic Venice Beach, one of California's most famous shorelines. This private lesson ensures personalized attention and a high-quality surfing experience.
Whether it's a first-time surfing adventure or an opportunity to refine existing skills, certified instructors provide detailed guidance on land and in the water. The 2-hour program adapts to individual abilities, ensuring comfort and progress. Minimum age is 7 years old. All necessary equipment, including wetsuits and surfboards, is provided for a hassle-free experience.
This surfing lesson guarantees quality and safety, promising an unforgettable surfing experience. With experienced instructors and a focus on individual needs, participants can confidently learn and enjoy the thrill of surfing in a world-renowned location.
Santa Monica
$69
Catch a Wave: Group Surf Lesson on Venice Beach
5.0
(8 reviews)
Duration: 120
minutes
Shared 2 Hours Group Surf Lesson in Venice Beach provides an excellent surfing experience for all skill levels. Enjoy beach training, in-ocean instruction, and practice time on Venice Beach. Explore the unique culture while learning to surf, creating unforgettable memories. This lesson includes wetsuits and surfboards.
Santa Monica
$125
Santa Monica Surfing: Private Lesson for All Levels
4.9
(47 reviews)
Duration: 120
minutes
Private Surfing Lesson in Santa Monica offers an exciting chance to learn to surf with one of Los Angeles's top-rated surf schools! This experience is perfect for anyone wanting to ride the waves, from beginners to those looking to improve their skills. Lessons are held near Venice Beach, a famous California spot.
During the 2-hour private lesson, a certified instructor will teach and help students both on land and in the water. Whether someone is new to surfing or has some experience, the lesson is designed to fit their abilities. The minimum age to participate is 7 years old.
With these private surfing classes, participants get high-quality instruction. Safety is a top priority, ensuring everyone has the best and safest surfing experience possible.
Santa Monica
$69
Ride the Santa Monica Waves: Group Surf Lesson Adventure!
5.0
(4 reviews)
Duration: 120
minutes
Shared 2 Hours Regular Group Surf Lesson at Santa Monica offers a thrilling introduction to surfing. Learn essential skills on Venice Beach, explore the vibrant culture, and ride the waves with expert guidance. Enjoy provided wetsuits and surfboards for an unforgettable experience.
Nearby Events
Toyota Arena
Feb 11
4:30 PMAEW Dynamite Tickets at Toyota Arena
AEW Presents Dynamite by All Elite Wrestling electrifies Toyota Arena with high-octane wrestling action, featuring top stars in intense matches and dramatic storylines. As a flagship weekly show, it delivers the pinnacle of modern pro wrestling entertainment.
All Elite Wrestling has revolutionized the industry since 2019 with its athletic style, star power like Jon Moxley and Swerve Strickland, and fan-focused booking that emphasizes unpredictability and rivalries. Toyota Arena, a premier Southern California venue, hosts major sports and entertainment events with excellent sightlines.
Intuit Dome
Mar 28
10:00 AMLA Card Show at Intuit Dome: Get Tickets
LA Card Show brings its world-famous trading card and collectibles extravaganza to Intuit Dome in Inglewood, CA, featuring over 500 vendors for buying, selling, and trading sports cards, memorabilia, and more.[6][3] This premier hobby expo unites collectors in a vibrant day of deals, culture, food, music, and fashion, celebrated as the ultimate West Coast event with hype from fans calling it the best show of the year.[6]
As LA's premium cards and collectibles show, LA Card Show delivers non-stop energy and epic pickups, drawing massive crowds for its unbeatable atmosphere and community vibe.[6] Intuit Dome, the state-of-the-art home of the LA Clippers, offers a top-tier venue with premium amenities for an unforgettable experience.[7]
BMO Stadium
Feb 28
8:00 PMGloria Trevi Live Celebration at BMO Stadium
Gloria Trevi - LIVE CELEBRATION at BMO Stadium in Los Angeles brings Mexico’s irreverent pop icon to one of the city’s premier outdoor venues for a high-energy Latin music spectacle that traces every era of her career.[4][6][7] Fans can expect a hit‑packed set that blends her rebellious early anthems with newer, empowering tracks, all delivered with the theatrical flair and emotional intensity that have made her a legend across the Spanish‑speaking world.[6][7]
Gloria Trevi, often called *La Reina Irreverente** and **la Reina del Pop Latino**, is known for transforming personal stories into cathartic, arena‑sized performances, from classics like “Pelo Suelto” and “Dr. Psiquiatra” to modern favorites such as “Grande” and “Nos Volvimos Locos.”[6][7] BMO Stadium, a modern open‑air venue in Exposition Park designed for major concerts and sports, offers excellent sightlines, upgraded sound, and easy access from downtown Los Angeles, making it an ideal stage for a large‑scale Latin pop celebration.[4][7]
Peacock Theater - LA
Apr 18
8:00 PMIl Volo Live at Peacock Theater LA Tickets
Il Volo brings their operatic mastery to Peacock Theater in Los Angeles for an enchanting evening of classical crossover hits. The Italian trio, celebrated for their powerful tenor voices and timeless arias, delivers performances that blend opera tradition with contemporary flair, captivating audiences worldwide.
Formed in 2009 on Italy's Ti Lascero' Stelle talent show, Il Volo—Piero Barone, Ignazio Boschetto, and Gianluca Ginoble—rose to fame with Sanremo Festival wins and chart-topping albums like 'Il Volo' and 'Passione.' Their emotive renditions of Puccini, Verdi, and pop crossovers have earned Grammy nominations and global acclaim. Peacock Theater, the renowned L.A. LIVE venue with 7,100 seats and one of the largest indoor stages in the US, promises pristine acoustics and intimacy[1][2].
The Comedy Store
May 08
10:00 PMBert & Shaq Crowd Work Show at Comedy Store
Netflix Is A Joke Presents: Bert and Shaq brings comedy titans Bert Kreischer and Shaquille O'Neal to The Comedy Store's Main Room for an explosive crowd work showdown. This special event, part of the star-packed Netflix Is A Joke Fest 2026, features the duo's signature unscripted banter, drawing from Kreischer's wild storytelling fame and O'Neal's charismatic NBA-to-comedy crossover appeal.
Bert Kreischer, known for his high-energy tales and Netflix specials like 'The Machine,' teams up with Shaq, the larger-than-life hoops legend venturing into hilarious audience roasts. The Comedy Store, the world's premier stand-up venue founded in 1972 on LA's Sunset Strip, elevates this festival highlight with its intimate Main Room intimacy.
Shrine Auditorium-CA
Mar 20
8:00 PMAshnikko Live in Los Angeles at Shrine Auditorium
Ashnikko's electrifying live performance at the iconic Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles promises a night of cutting-edge music and dynamic stage presence. Known for her unique blend of pop, rap, and experimental sounds, Ashnikko continues to captivate audiences with hits like "Daisy" and "Stupid," keeping her tour momentum strong.
The Shrine Auditorium, a historic Moorish Revival architectural landmark with a seating capacity of approximately 6,300, has hosted prestigious events like the Grammys and Academy Awards. This venue's vast stage and state-of-the-art sound systems set the perfect backdrop for Ashnikko’s innovative show, offering fans an unforgettable music experience in the heart of Los Angeles.
The Bucket List Playbook: Top Things to do in Los Angeles
Ready for adventure? Dyvarcity is your ultimate guide to the top 100 things to do in Los Angeles From must-see attractions like Short Term Availability, Music, Private Sightseeing Tours & Rock in Los Angeles. We've handpicked events & experiences with passion: whether you love activities that move your body, vibrant music, sports, food, or cultural explorations.
View Los Angeles Activities