It’s known as a sport for the soul, and when you paddle out in Santa Barbara, you’ll quickly see why. The surfing in Santa Barbara allows for some of the best in California, with something for every skill level.
If you’re just getting your feet wet, so to speak, it’s easy to find surf lessons or rent a board. Once you’re geared up, head to the inviting beginner surf breaks south of town, or up the bravery level with a visit to Gaviota or Jalama.
An alternative to surfing, is stand up paddleboarding, or SUP. It can be done anywhere there is water and Santa Barbara is no exception. Its curvy coastline offers respite from northwest winds. For the experienced standup paddler, enjoy an exciting downwinder that ends right in Santa Barbara Harbor. There’s nothing quite like paddling with a carefree pod of coastal bottlenose dolphins, the only sounds being the slice of your paddle through the water and one of the most intelligent creatures on the planet briefly coming up for air, breaking the surface of the water.
Best Places For Surfing & Stand Up Paddleboarding (SUP) In Santa Barbara:
SCUBA DIVING: From single day dives to multi-day expeditions, Truth Aquatics is the #1 provider of Channel Islands diving. The best liveaboard dive fleet on the west coast, Truth Aquatics leads dive excursions to the giant kelp forests and rocky…Learn MoreView Website
The Paddle Sports Center is Santa Barbara’s premier Kayak | SUP | Surf rental, membership, instruction center. we have been around since 1993 offering the highest quality experience, gear and instruction. We are conveniently located in…Learn MoreView Website
With unbeatable views, delicious dining and dozens of exciting activities, the Santa Barbara Harbor is the perfect place to spend the day by—or, better yet, on—the water. Located along the bustling Santa Barbara Waterfront, this…Learn MoreView Website
Captain Jack’s Tours has been voted “Best Wine Tour” in the Santa Barbara News Press Readers Choice award for the 3rd year in a row. We offer Wine Tasting tours starting at $70, Beer Tasting tours, Coastal Sailboat Cruises and Kayak…Learn MoreView Website
Santa Barbara Adventure Company
See a part of Santa Barbara few visitors ever get to experience with the best outfitter in town. Our guides create thousands of unforgettable travel adventures each year – come join us! Channel Islands National Park – Sea Cave Kayaking. View Website
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…Learn MoreView Website
Santa Barbara Sailing Center/Double Dolphin Cruises
Santa Barbara’s premier destination for on-the-water fun. Learn to sail, charter a sailboat with a captain, rent a variety of sail and power boats or enroll in a Liveaboard Instructional Vacation to the world-famous Channel Islands National View Website