Santa Barbara Sea Kayaking Vacations

Santa Barbara Sea Kayaking Travel Guide

Sea Kayaking Destinations Near Santa Barbara

Channel Islands National Park,CA
(34 mi.)
Los Angeles,CA
(87 mi.)

Sunset over the beach and ocean in Santa Barbara, California

Sunset in Santa Barbara (Corbis)

Photo Galleries

California Photo Gallery

Santa Barbara Sea Kayaking Travel Tips

By Cameron Walker

Rent a kayak and put in at the Santa Barbara Harbor, and then paddle under Stearns Wharf and out to the buoys for great views of the American Riviera.
The Santa Barbara Channel is filled with wildlife, including sea lions, pelicans, cormorants, and dolphins. Kelp forests sway just off the beaches—stop paddling for a moment and peer in for glimpses of silvery fish and the spotted backs of leopard sharks. Visit the Ty Warner Sea Center for more info on what lies below.
Head to the Gaviota Coast for wildlife and views. This stretch of coastline remains undeveloped and hosts a wealth of species on land and in the rich Channel waters. Try the three-mile stretch from Refugio State Beach to El Capitan State Beach.
Plan to paddle in the morning or make it a one-way trip so you don't have to battle Santa Barbara's strong winds, especially in spring and fall.
Include a day or overnight trip to the Channel Islands to explore the sea caves at the eastern end of Santa Cruz Island.

Get Advice About Santa Barbara

Do you have a travel question about this destination or can you provide a tip to a fellow traveler? Join the discussion in our Travel Q&A.
Im looking for a vacation destination thats warm in late april near a beach and airport...
Asked on March 16, 2011 by an anonymous user
Are there any good activities for a family of couple and two infant children under 3 yrs...
Asked on June 11, 2010 by an anonymous user
Are there any beaches in Santa Barbara that allow dogs?
Asked on April 06, 2010 by an anonymous user
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Hotels

from: $84

Motel 6 Santa Barbara Beach - Hotel

443 Corona Del Mar
Santa Barbara93103

Distance: 1.5 mi.
(from destination center)

Hotel Class:

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Attractions

Anacapa Island

Channel Islands National Park, California

Distance: 33.5 mi. (from destination center)

Description:

Snorkelers should take a dive boat from the Channel Islands Harbor in Oxnard to Anacapa... Read More

Expert Rated & Recommended

Channel Islands National Park

Distance: 28.0 mi. (from destination center)

Description: Santa Cruz is the largest of the Channel Islands, covering more than 60,000 acres. The highest of... Read More

Expert Rated & Recommended

Airports

Major Airports near Santa Barbara

	Distance (mi.)
Burbank Bob Hope Airport	78.5map
Los Angeles International Airport	81.8map
Santa Ana John Wayne Airport	117.1map

Other Smaller Airports near Santa Barbara

	Distance (mi.)
Santa Barbara Municipal Airport	7.8map
Santa Maria Public Airport	54.2map
Bakersfield Meadows Field	79.5map

More Airports

Flight Deals to Santa Barbara

Originating	From
Phoenix (PHX) to Burbank (BUR)	$180
Portland, OR (PDX) to Burbank (BUR)	$225
Seattle (SEA) to Burbank (BUR)	$240
San Francisco (SFO) to Burbank (BUR)	$244
Houston (HOU) to Burbank (BUR)	$410

See all flight deals to Burbank (BUR)

Santa Barbara Sea Kayaking Advice

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