Gaviota Coast Near Santa Barbara: Kayak Tour (3.5 Hours)

The Gaviota Coast near Santa Barbara offers a unique opportunity to explore the region’s breathtaking natural beauty by kayak. This 3.5-hour tour takes adventurers through pristine kelp beds, where they’ll encounter an array of wildlife, from playful dolphins to curious sea lions. Led by knowledgeable guides, you will learn about the diverse ecosystem and its over 1,500 plant and animal species. Whether you’re a seasoned kayaker or a first-timer, this adventure promises to create unforgettable memories along the unspoiled coastline.

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Key Points

This 3.5-hour kayak tour explores the undeveloped Gaviota Coast, home to over 1,500 species, with opportunities to paddle with dolphins and sea lions.
The tour departs from Haskells Beach, 12 miles north of Santa Barbara, and covers a 3-mile (4.8 km) distance of easy to moderate paddling.
All necessary kayaking gear, including wetsuits, paddle jackets, PFDs, and helmets, is provided, and a knowledgeable guide offers comprehensive instruction and safety support.
Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult, and a minimum of 2 participants is required for the tour to run.
The tour is suitable for all ages and skill levels, with the option of double kayaks for children under 12 and single kayaks for odd groups.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

The Gaviota Coast Kayak Tour lasts for 3.5 hours and is priced from €111.72 per person.

Guests can cancel their booking for a full refund if done 24 hours in advance.

The tour offers a reserve now, pay later option, allowing travelers to secure their spot without upfront payment.

Explorers will paddle through pristine kelp beds, learning about the area’s marine ecology and the Santa Barbara Channel.

With opportunities to swim, kayak with wildlife, and engage in fun challenges, the tour is suitable for all ages of adventure seekers.

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Experience Highlights

What can adventurers expect on this Gaviota Coast Kayak Tour? They’ll explore the undeveloped California coastline, home to over 1,500 species of plant and animal life.

Kayaking through pristine kelp beds, they’ll learn about the marine ecology and Santa Barbara Channel. With opportunities to swim, paddle with dolphins and sea lions, and take part in kayak challenges and games, this tour caters to all ages of adventure seekers.

Whether a beginner or experienced paddler, this easy to moderate 3-mile (4.8 km) tour provides an immersive experience in this ecological wonderland.

Tour Details

Participants meet at Haskells Beach, located 12 miles north of Santa Barbara, where the guide will greet them in the parking lot and direct them to the Adventure Company’s vehicle.

The tour has an easy to moderate difficulty level, with a paddling distance of 3 miles (4.8 km). Guests will receive comprehensive instruction from the knowledgeable guide and all necessary kayaking gear, including a wetsuit, paddle jacket, PFD, and helmet.

Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult, and double kayaks are provided for these parties. Solo kayaks are available for odd groups, and guests over 230lbs will be given a single kayak.

Inclusions and Requirements

The tour includes all necessary kayaking gear, such as a wetsuit, paddle jacket, PFD, and helmet.

Outfitted for the elements, the tour provides all essential kayaking equipment – wetsuit, paddle jacket, PFD, and helmet.

A knowledgeable guide provides comprehensive instruction to ensure guests are prepared for the adventure.

Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult, and double kayaks are provided for them. Single kayaks are available for odd parties.

Guests over 230lbs will be provided a single kayak.

No pets or unaccompanied minors are allowed, and a minimum of 2 participants is required for the tour to run.

Guests should be aware of the potential for tour cancellation if the minimum isn’t met.

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Difficulty Level

The Gaviota Coast Kayak Tour is rated as easy to moderate in difficulty. The tour covers a paddling distance of around 3 miles (4.8 km), which is suitable for most adventurers.

Participants can expect to navigate through pristine kelp beds and along the undeveloped coastline. While the tour is suitable for all ages, proper instruction and safety gear are provided to ensure a comfortable and secure experience.

The overall difficulty level allows both beginner and experienced kayakers to fully enjoy the natural beauty of the Gaviota Coast without feeling overwhelmed by the physical demands of the trip.

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Meeting Point and Transportation

The meeting point for the Gaviota Coast Kayak Tour is Haskells Beach, located 12 miles north of Santa Barbara.

Guests will meet the knowledgeable guide in the parking lot and look for the Adventure Company vehicle. Transportation to the launch site is provided, so guests don’t need to worry about driving themselves.

The guide will be on-site to greet everyone and ensure a smooth start to the excursion.

The guide will be on-site to greet everyone and ensure a smooth start to the excursion.

With all the necessary kayaking gear included, guests can simply arrive ready to embark on an unforgettable adventure along the undeveloped Gaviota Coast.

Important Information

No pets or unaccompanied minors are allowed on the Gaviota Coast Kayak Tour.

The tour requires a minimum of 2 participants, and may be canceled if the minimum isn’t met. Guests over 230lbs will be provided a single kayak rather than a double. This ensures the stability and safety of the vessel.

All participants must sign a liability waiver before the tour. The kayak outfitter reserves the right to refuse service to anyone they deem unfit for the activity.

Adhering to these policies helps create a seamless, enjoyable experience for everyone.

Pricing and Cancellation Policy

The Gaviota Coast Kayak Tour is priced at €111.72 per person. This fee covers all necessary kayaking gear, comprehensive instruction by a knowledgeable guide, and the 3.5-hour tour experience. The tour offers free cancellation with a full refund if canceled 24 hours in advance. Guests also have the option to reserve their spot without any upfront payment.

| Pricing Details | Cost |

| :— | :—: |

| Per Person | €111.72 |

| Free Cancellation | 24 Hours |

| Reserve Now, Pay Later | Yes |

| Minimum Participants | 2 |

This affordable and flexible pricing structure makes the Gaviota Coast Kayak Tour an accessible adventure for all.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Kayak or Other Equipment?

No, guests cannot bring their own kayaks or equipment. The tour provider includes all necessary gear, such as wetsuits, paddles, and life jackets. Guests simply need to show up and the guides will provide everything needed for the tour.

What Is the Cancellation Policy if I Need to Reschedule?

The cancellation policy allows for a full refund if you cancel 24 hours in advance. You’ll need to book the tour without upfront payment to take advantage of the free cancellation option.

Is the Tour Still Available if It Rains or the Weather Is Bad?

The tour will still run in light rain or overcast conditions, as the kayaks and gear provide adequate protection. However, the tour may be canceled for safety reasons in the event of heavy rain, high winds, or other severe weather.

How Often Do the Kayak Tours Run Throughout the Day?

The kayak tours run several times throughout the day, with exact schedules varying based on demand. Guests are encouraged to check availability and book in advance to secure their preferred tour time.

Is It Possible to Request a Specific Guide or Group Size?

Specific guides or group sizes can’t be requested. Tour has a minimum of 2 participants and single kayaks are provided for guests over 230lbs. Cancellation’s possible if the minimum isn’t met.

The Sum Up

Explore the stunning Gaviota Coast by kayak and learn about California’s natural beauty. Paddle through kelp beds, encounter wildlife, and create unforgettable memories. With comprehensive instruction and all necessary gear provided, this easy to moderate tour is suitable for all ages, offering an unforgettable adventure along an undeveloped coastline rich in plant and animal life.