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Guided Ocean Adventures

Paddling Experiences in Santa Barbara and the Channel Islands National Park

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⭐ExperiencesFive Guided Adventures
⭐DestinationsHarbor to National Park
⭐ExperienceBeginner Friendly
⭐WildlifeSea Lions, Dolphins & More
⭐Local CompanyFamily Owned Since 1991
Choose Your Adventure

Explore Santa Barbara from the Water

Paddle to sea lions, watch the sun set across the harbor, learn to stand-up paddleboard, or journey into Channel Islands National Park for a full day of sea caves, snorkeling, and wildlife.

Our experiences begin with approachable guided paddles in Santa Barbara Harbor and build toward our signature boat-supported island expedition.

Start with Our Most Popular Tour ↓Call for Help Choosing
Our Most Popular Guided Tour

America’s Riviera Starts Here

An approachable two-hour experience combining Santa Barbara’s iconic waterfront, maritime history, and resident wildlife.

Most Popular
Guided Sea Lion & Wharf Tour

Santa Barbara Harbor Adventure

Paddle to sea lions, explore beneath historic Stearns Wharf, and see Santa Barbara’s waterfront and mountains from the best seat in the house.

Wildlife · History · Waterfront

The Perfect Introduction to Santa Barbara

Begin with instruction inside the protected harbor before setting out with a local guide to visit sea lions, explore Stearns Wharf, and discover the working waterfront.

  • ✓Visit the sea lion buoy
  • ✓Paddle beneath Stearns Wharf
  • ✓Beginner-friendly instruction
  • ✓Tandem and single kayaks
  • ✓Local wildlife interpretation
  • ✓Family-friendly format
Discover the Waterfront

What You May See Along the Way

Every outing is different, but Santa Barbara Harbor supports a remarkable variety of marine and coastal wildlife.

🦭Sea Lions
🐬Dolphins
🦦Harbor Seals
🐦Brown Pelicans
🐟Rays & Fish
🌿Kelp Forests
Discover Your Perfect Paddle

More Ways to Experience Santa Barbara

Choose a golden-hour paddle, a rare full-moon evening, or a guided introduction to stand-up paddleboarding.

Sunset over Santa Barbara Harbor
Best for Couples

Santa Barbara Sunset Paddle

⏱ 2 Hours🌅 Seasonal Start🛶 Beginner Friendly

Launch in the late afternoon and watch the waterfront transform as evening colors reflect across the harbor and Santa Barbara’s hills glow behind you.

  • ✓Golden-hour views
  • ✓Peaceful evening paddle
  • ✓Ideal for couples
  • ✓Equipment included
Starting at$88 Adult · $55 Child
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Santa Barbara Harbor at sunset before a full moon paddle
Limited Full-Moon Dates

Full Moon & Sunset Paddle

⏱ 2 Hours🌕 Select Evenings✨ Unique Experience

Watch the sunset in the west as the full moon rises above the Santa Barbara mountains to the east on this limited-date evening adventure.

  • ✓Sunset and moonrise
  • ✓Limited monthly dates
  • ✓Headlamp included
  • ✓Memorable evening
Per paddler$89
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Stand-up paddleboard lesson in Santa Barbara Harbor
Lesson and Tour Combined

SUP Lesson & Waterfront Tour

⏱ 2 Hours☀ 9:00 AM🏄 Instruction Included

Learn to stand, balance, turn, and paddle efficiently before exploring the Santa Barbara waterfront with an experienced instructor.

  • ✓Beginner instruction
  • ✓Board and paddle
  • ✓Protected harbor
  • ✓Guided waterfront tour
Per adult$90
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Ready for Something Bigger?

Graduate from the Harbor to Channel Islands National Park

Make the crossing aboard our custom adventure vessel and spend the day exploring sea caves, kelp forests, wildlife, and one of California’s most spectacular national parks.

Signature Adventure
Boat Trip Included

Epic Sea Cave Kayak & Snorkel Combo

⏱ 8 AM–4 PM🚤 SUNFISH Included📍 Departs Oxnard

Travel aboard our custom 54-foot island excursion vessel for a full-day journey into Channel Islands National Park. Paddle downwind along the island, explore sea caves, snorkel in kelp forests, and watch for whales and dolphins.

  • ✓Boat transportation
  • ✓Downwind kayaking
  • ✓Sea caves and arches
  • ✓Optional snorkeling
  • ✓Whales and dolphins
  • ✓Equipment provided
Full-Day Adventure$275 Adult · $255 Child & Senior
Explore the Epic Adventure →
Why Paddle Sports Center?

Guided by People Who Know These Waters

👨‍👩‍👧

Family Owned Since 1991

A locally owned Santa Barbara company built around paddling and coastal exploration.

🧭

Experienced Local Guides

Instruction, wildlife interpretation, history, and local knowledge.

🛶

Quality Equipment

Stable, beginner-friendly equipment selected for each experience.

🌊

Harbor to National Park

From easy harbor paddles to a full Channel Islands expedition.

🦭

Responsible Wildlife Viewing

Wildlife is observed respectfully while guides explain the habitat.

📍

Waterfront Location

Harbor tours depart from our shop in Santa Barbara Harbor.

Compare the Experiences

Which Adventure Is Right for You?

Most Popular

Harbor Adventure

★★★★★
  • 2 hours
  • Best for families
  • Sea lions and Stearns Wharf
  • No experience required
$85 Adult
Reserve

Sunset Paddle

★★★★★
  • 2 hours
  • Best for couples
  • Golden-hour views
  • Seasonal start time
$88 Adult
Explore

Full Moon Paddle

★★★★★
  • 2 hours
  • Limited monthly dates
  • Sunset and moonrise
  • Unique evening
$99
Book Now
Bucket List

Epic Sea Caves

★★★★★
  • Full day
  • Boat trip included
  • Sea caves and snorkeling
  • National park expedition
$275 Adult
Explore
Guest Experiences

See Why Guests Love Paddling with Us

★★★★★
“We received a lot of information about the history and ecology of Santa Barbara. Our guide pointed out a whole host of local wildlife.”
— John S.
★★★★★
“The view of the sunset was amazing from the water. Our guide was friendly, helpful, and informative.”
— Cody B.
★★★★★
“This was our first time kayaking and it was really fun. Our guide was friendly and knowledgeable.”
— Vickie C.
Frequently Asked Questions

Know Before You Choose

The Santa Barbara Harbor Adventure is the best starting point for most first-time paddlers.

The Harbor Adventure is generally the most family-friendly choice because of its duration, tandem kayaks, and protected setting.

No. The necessary kayak or paddleboard, paddle, PFD, and instruction are included.

No. Wildlife is wild, and sightings vary with season and conditions.

Harbor tours depart from 117 Harbor Way, Suite B, Santa Barbara. The Epic trip departs from Oxnard.

Routes, times, or departures may be adjusted when necessary for safety.

Your Santa Barbara Adventure Starts on the Water

Begin with our popular Harbor Adventure, enjoy a specialty paddle, or take the next step into Channel Islands National Park.

Reserve the Harbor AdventureCall (805) 617-3425Explore the Epic Trip
Most Popular TourHarbor Adventure · $85
Reserve

Fun for Everyone!

See why our Customers Love Us!

Family owned and operated for 30+ years.

Tours

Sunset Paddle

My wife and I did the sunset paddle and it was incredible! The view of the sunset was amazing from the water. Our guide, Ian, was great! He was very friendly and helpful. He also had a perfect balance between providing interesting information about Santa Barbara and allowing my wife and I to enjoy the sunset peacefully. I highly recommend Paddle Sports!

Rated 4.9/5 based on 9 customer reviews

Cody Bremer

5/5stars
Rentals

AWESOME! GREAT FOR KIDS!

We contacted the Sports Centre late with a large group wanting to do a quick paddle arounf the harbour. Jordan looked after us, made sure we had everything we needed, and had a great time with the kids paddling around the harbour. Great for kids aged 5 up.

Rated 4.9/5 based on 9 customer reviews

Dean E.

5/5stars
Rentals

Very Knowledgeable

It was definitely an amazing time overall. Our tour guide was awesome and very knowledgeable. We are looking forward to coming back. Thank you to Paddle Sports Center for providing a wonderful experience.

Rated 4.9/5 based on 9 customer reviews

Thalia Farias

5/5stars
Tours

Highly Recommended

My wife and I had a great time on the guided tour. We received a lot of information regarding the history and ecology of the Santa Barbara area. Our guide took us all the way down to the Kelp forest and pointed out a whole host of wildlife indigenous to the area. Well worth the money. Would recommend this to anyone living in or visiting the area.

Rated 4.9/5 based on 9 customer reviews

John S.

5/5stars
Classes

First time kayakers

This was the first time my friend and I did kayaking, and it’s really fun! Our guide / instructor was friendly and knowledgeable. Really enjoyed the two hours on the water, and would certainly love to do it again!

Rated 4.9/5 based on 9 customer reviews

Vickie Chao

5/5stars
Tours

KAYAK TOUR

We loved our kayak tour with Adam. He was really knowledgable and friendly and ensured that we had a great time (despite the rainy and cold weather).

Rated 4.9/5 based on 9 customer reviews

Heather S.

5/5stars
Tours

GREAT KAYAK TOUR

We loved our kayaking trip with Ryan as our guide. The ferry ride was awesome, food was great and our kayaking through caves very exciting! Lots of swells.

Rated 4.9/5 based on 9 customer reviews

Karen R.

5/5stars
Classes

FABULOUS PADDLE BOARD EXPERIENCE

I was so glad to have gone there for paddle board lessons with my granddaughter. Terrific instruction and really nice people and facilities.

Rated 4.9/5 based on 9 customer reviews

Beryl K.

5/5stars
Youth Camps

Summer Camp

Paddle Sports offers wholesome, fun, activity filled weekly summer camps for kids! Drop off at 8:30 and pick up at 3:00 and they provide the wetsuit and the fun responsible counselors. Our 13 yr old niece from out of town can’t wait for her SB summer camp year after year!
Thanks PS Crew

Rated 4.9/5 based on 9 customer reviews

Kathryn Nelson

5/5stars
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