Los Angeles · CANOES & KAYAKS
A shortlist you could hand a friend landing tomorrow: 15 kayak trips worth the money, each with its price, its traveller verdict and the one thing to know before you commit.
Review of Santa Barbara’s private guided kayak tour, with harbor views, sea lions, beginner-friendly instruction, route choices, and practical tips.
“The weather was perfect and our guides were awesome. They told us some very interesting information about the Santa Barbara harbor.”
Paddle Laguna Beach’s marine preserve with expert guides, kelp forests, sea lions, dolphins, and a small-group ocean kayak tour.
“Awesome day on the water with our guide, Justin. He shared fun facts about the sea life & Laguna Beach area. A “must do” activity when visiting this quaint area in so. Cal.”
Paddle Marina del Rey with sea lions on a small-group kayak or paddleboard tour led by friendly local guides. Two hours, $79 per person.
“We had a great time. Our guide, Walker, was very informative and was able to find some sea lions along the route. We got some outstanding photos of one posing in the sun.”
Paddle Santa Barbara Harbor for two hours, spotting seals, sea lions, pelicans, and more with a friendly beginner-focused guide.
“more of a harbor tour than a wildlife tour but Aidan was a great tour guide! But you will definitely get to see a few seals at least. Great for beginner kayakers over more experienced ones.”
Paddle Santa Barbara Harbor at sunset, spot seals and sea lions, and learn about local marine life on this relaxed two-hour kayak tour.
“Took my sister to Santa Barbara to celebrate her birthday and though the sunset kayak would take us both out of our comfort zone and offer and adventure. We loved it! I am planning to bring my son for his birthday in a few months. Casey Cleland is fantastic!”
Paddle Marina del Rey for two hours, spot sea lions and seabirds, and learn basic kayak or SUP skills in a small group.
“Awesome time with Walker! He has a great attitude and was super knowledgeable about the sea lions and kayaks. Thank you! Kids loved it.”
Kayak Laguna Beach’s kelp forests, reefs, coves, and sea lions on a guided 90-minute ocean trip for all skill levels.
“My husband , 17 year old daughter and I went on our second kayaks tour in Laguna and we had an amazing time! Jeff was our guide and he was very friendly and accommodating to our level of experience. Will be back for sure!”
Paddle Santa Barbara Harbor for two hours with expert guides, spotting seals, sea lions, birds, and coastal views for $55.
“We had a beautiful trip around Santa Barbara Harbor with Spencer. He is very charming and funny, at the same time provided us with knowledge and confidence to score the open ocean, see the sea lions and come back safely. I definitely can recommend experience with him! Honestly, he is just the best and deserves a raise!”
Rent a kayak or SUP beside Santa Barbara Pier, paddle calm harbor water, spot seals, and enjoy an easy one-hour ocean outing.
“Great experience and very convenient. Rental tent is set up right on the beach. Friendly and top notch customer service.”
Paddle the Gaviota Coast from Refugio State Beach on a small-group kayak tour with marine life, kelp views, swim breaks, and expert guides.
“Riley was a great guide. Knowledgeable about the history of the area which made the experience even more memorable.”
Kayak Santa Barbara Harbor for two hours with a local guide, sea lions, birds, mountain views, and a chance to spot dolphins or whales.
“Fun time on the water with our 15 & 12 year old boys! Our guide was very knowledgeable and personable.”
Rent a kayak or SUP beside Santa Barbara Pier, paddle from calm sand-to-shore access, and reach seal-covered buoys within minutes.
“Nice and quite place to kayak, Elias is the guide guy and he is very helpful. Thank you viator, it was helpful booking thru you.”
Paddle Santa Barbara Harbor at sunset, pass Stearns Wharf, spot sea lions and pelicans, and enjoy an easy two-hour kayak tour for all skill levels.
“This susnset kayak tour was so incredible!! Santa Barbara looks so different from the sea, it was cool to see it from a different point of view. Our tour guide was so knowledgable and we learned a lot about the local wildlife. It's such a great way to spend sunset, I will definetely be reccomending this to my friends and family!”
Kayak Redondo Beach Harbor with sea lions, octopus, and coastal birds on a small-group tour led by naturalist guide Gary.
“If you want to get as close as you can to sea lions in the wild, this activity is for you. Gary is a skilled guide and taught us how to kayak. He was very patient and EXCEPTIONAL in handling my autistic son who loves sea lions. He was also very generous with his time and talents. He didn’t rush us and I think it’s because I said my son needed time to acclimatize. It took us about 3-4hrs and every cent was worth it seeing my son so happy. Just some insights to help travelers: 1. Balance is needed to get on and off the kayak plus courage. I…”
Paddle Santa Barbara Harbor for 90 minutes, meet seals, see Stearns Wharf and the mountains, and hear local stories for $65.
“The group tour started on time, meeting location easy to find, community locker for belongings was watched while we were on the water, cool boats in the harbor, cute sea lions, guides were personable. This activity was our 1st time kayaking and would recommend it’s safe enough for other beginners too!”
Pick a coastline, a canyon or a back lot.
