Lessons, Tours & Rentals

Santa Barbara offers some of the best outdoor recreation opportunities in the country, and lessons and tours allow you to maximize your time with memorable experiences. Whether you want to explore on sea or on land, Santa Barbara outdoor tours and classes will give you a firsthand look at the action.

Water Sports

Santa Barbara’s coastline is one of the best for sea level exploring, so make the most of your beach days by trying a new sport in a lesson or guided tour. Start with a sea kayak or stand-up paddleboard (SUP) lesson. And for the surfer in you, many local outfitters offer daily surfing classes. Hang ten on welcoming beginner, intermediate, or advanced surf breaks. A guided sailing lesson or class from Santa Barbara Harbor is another great way to get out on the water.

Land Adventures

There’s just as much fun to be had on a Santa Barbara outdoor tour on land. Spend an evening making memories on a guided sunset horseback ride along a glorious secluded beach or take a longer ride along the coastal bluffs. Want to take it higher? Channel your inner adventurer for a variety of rock climbing lessons. If biking is more your speed, let an expert guide take you and your family on a ride through  Santa Barbara’s incredible front and backcountry trails.

Air Adventures

If you’re looking for the most exciting local experience, take to the skies and see Santa Barbara’s great outdoors from your own chartered helicopter tour. You’ll have a truly unique airborne perspective of the region, from beautiful downtown to The Channel Islands National Park. You can even incorporate a stop at a vineyard in the San Ynez Valley for a wine tasting.  And make sure to take your camera; focal points don’t get much better than this.

Lessons, Tours & Rentals in Santa Barbara


Paddle Sports Center

Kayak and SUP Rentals and Tours - Ocean Fun Since '91 Santa Barbara's Only 90 minute rental and best "All-Day" rates! Explore the Santa Barbara Waterfront and get to paddle with Sea Lions and Dolphins! Paddle Sports Center is your gateway to ocean…


Surf Happens Premier Surf School

Surf Happens is Santa Barbara’s premier surf school – this is our profession and our passion. We are a community-based business dedicated to sharing the spirit of Aloha and the lifestyle of surfing with people of all ages and…


Condor Express Whale Watching

The Condor Express offers daily whale watching trips year round from the Sea Landing dock in the Santa Barbara Harbor. The Condor Express is a 75' state-of-the-art, ecofriendly, high-speed catamaran. Our cruising ground includes the…


Santa Barbara Trapeze Co.

Santa Barbara Trapeze Company is Southern California’s premier flying trapeze school, but it’s not just a circus school - it’s a space where you come and find out who you are, and what you are made of; you will leave feeling…


Captain Jack’s Santa Barbara Tours

Captain Jack’s offers custom wine tours, beer tours, historical and architectural tours, kayaking, hiking, horseback riding, sailing, and whale watching. The company prides itself in making sure each tour is suited to the individual…


Celebration Cruises of Santa Barbara

Whether you want to experience a tour of Santa Barbara’s beautiful coast, have a romantic evening with loved ones, enjoy music out on the water with friends, or plan your perfect anniversary, reception or family reunion: Celebration Cruises…


Land and Sea Tours ~ The Landshark

Voted the best City & Harbor tour of Santa Barbara! Make a splash aboard the LAND SHARK! View one of the most historical beachside cities on a boat with wheels designed for both land and sea cruising. Experience the best of Santa Barbara in…


Additional Experiences


POPULAR BIKE TRAILS IN SANTA BARBARA
Gorgeous ocean views, diverse terrain and a delightfully mild climate make Santa Barbara an ideal place for a bike ride.
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Kid Friendy: 3-Day Itinerary
From whale watching to guided kayaking, here's your three-day guide to family fun along Santa Barbara's Waterfront.
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