For an unforgettable adventure on the water, Paddle Sports Center offers top-rated kayak and stand-up paddleboard (SUP) rentals right in the heart of the Santa Barbara waterfront at Santa Barbara Harbor.
Santa Barbara Harbor
Kayak & Standup Paddleboard Rentals
Family Ocean Fun since 1991
2026 Rental Rates
Let's Go Paddling!
Select your equipment and rental duration to compare pricing, see recommended routes, and reserve everything in one booking cart.
No taxes No hidden fees Free cancellation before rental day Walk-ins welcome
Reserve online to lock in the best public rate and secure equipment availability.
Single Kayak
Single Kayak
1 Hour · 1 item
Best Public Rate Online Total $20.00
Save $5.00 vs. walk-in
Walk-in Total $25.00
$5.00 more than online
Member Total $18.75
Save $6.25 vs. walk-in
Reserve all equipment in one booking. Choose multiple equipment types without leaving the cart.
Reserve NowRecommended: Harbor Explorer
A relaxed, beginner-friendly paddle within Santa Barbara Harbor—ideal for families and first-time paddlers.
What’s Included
- Selected rental equipment
- Paddle for kayaks and SUPs
- Personal flotation device
- Pre-launch safety briefing
- Local route guidance
- Dog PFDs when available
Choose the Right Rental Time
- 1 HourCalm harbor loop; great for beginners and families.
- 90 MinutesVisit the harbor entrance and sea lion buoy area.
- 2 HoursExplore farther around Stearns Wharf at an easy pace.
- 3–6 HoursLonger waterfront adventure toward Leadbetter and beyond, conditions permitting.
Save Every Visit with PSC Lifetime Membership
Unlock discounted member pricing whenever you rent. Select your equipment and duration above to see your exact member savings.
For 1 item: save $6.25 versus walk-in pricing. A $99 lifetime membership would have $92.75 left to pay for itself.
We value those who serve. Teachers, military personnel, first responders, and students receive 10% off. Use code VIP-Service at checkout.
4.9 / 5Customer review rating
Since 1991Family ocean fun
Dog FriendlyDog PFDs available
Harbor LocationNearby 90-minute parking
Most Popular Harbor Experience
Book Harbor Adventure Go Guided in Santa Barbara Harbor
Let a professional local guide lead you through Santa Barbara Harbor, the sea lion buoy, Stearns Wharf, and the waterfront while sharing local history and marine wildlife.
Sea Lions Stearns Wharf Local Wildlife Great for First-Timers
Bucket List Experience
Explore EPIC Day Trip EPIC Sea Cave Day Trip
Upgrade to a full Channel Islands National Park adventure featuring sea cave kayaking, wildlife, optional snorkeling, and an unforgettable island day.
Sea Caves Wildlife Optional Snorkeling Channel Islands National Park
Prices are per rental item. The 3–6 hour option is one flat rate within that duration window. Routes depend on ocean, wind, and harbor conditions. Availability and eligibility restrictions may apply.
Join us at Santa Barbara Harbor
Location
Santa Barbara Harbor
117 Harbor Way
Santa Barbara, CA 93109
OPEN YEAR-ROUND
We’re conveniently located in the Santa Barbara Harbor next to the Fish Market and Brophy Bros. Our paddlers frequently see Pelicans, Sea Lions, Dolphins & Whales!
You can easily walk or bike to the Harbor from the many hotels in downtown Santa Barbara or right off the 101. Feel free to call, email or stop in with any questions.
FAQ’s
Are you dog friendly?
Yes, and we are Santa Barbara’s Only Dog Friendly Paddling!
Bring your 4-legged and enjoy the ocean with your BFF. We have dog life jackets for getting them back in the kayak/SUP. No extra cost… but we may ask for a trick!
Do you have student or military pricing?
Yes, we offer 10% off for students, military, and first responders/hospital workers.
use code at checkout: student-military-10
Should I make a Reservation?
Save money and time by making a reservation ahead of time. Making a reservation in advance will speed up the rental process and also ensure that equipment is available for you when you arrive.
Walk-ins are welcome at anytime.
If I'm a PSC Member, do I need to make a reservation?
No, you can come in at your convenience and we’ll set you up as quickly as we are able.
Here are our age (height and weight) policies.
Age and Weight Restrictions to be aware of:
- Children Under 12 must paddle with an adult on a tandem.
- You must be 16 or older to paddle without an adult.
- You must be 5 feet tall to paddle a SUP on your own.
- Weight limit on all SUPs is 200 with 2 people and 240 solo.
- Dogs are welcome, we have dog PFDs.
Will I get wet?
Yes, you will get wet and you must know how to swim! Treat kayaking like going to a waterpark. It depends on the ride, but you have a very good chance of going swimming and getting soaking wet. 90% of people don’t get more than their butts wet, but the chance exists so dress for it!
Should I bring my cell phone?
Cell phones do not float, so they should be in a dry bag or attached to you in a lanyard. If you drop your cell phone in the harbor/ocean you will lose it.
We sell dry bags and phone cases in the shop.
Do you have lockers?
Yes, they are $5 per locker.
Do we have changing rooms?
Yes, changing rooms are in the back of the shop next to the lockers. You can use these to change into your water clothing or a wetsuit that you rent from us.
What is your "rental cancelation" policy?
You can receive a full refund at any time until the day of your reservation. No same day cancellations.
See why our Customers Love Us!
Bringing Paddle Sports to the Santa Barbara area for over 30 years!
