There are many who prefer to enjoy our beaches in a more leisurely fashion. There are lots of ways to take pleasure in our local waters without even getting wet. This might include a kayak tour, whale watching, or just a simple walk on the beach.
Kayaking is an easy and very accessible way for people of all ages and physical abilities to enjoy the water. “Sit-On-Top” kayaks are more stable and easier to get in and out of making them perfect for leisurely paddles and getting in and out of the surf zone. Kayaks can be fished from, surfed on, or used to tour more remote stretches of coast that are otherwise inaccessible. Paddle Sports of Santa Barbara is the Mecca of all things Kayak in our area, although there are many places to rent kayaks for the day or by the hour.
Another wonderful way to enjoy Santa Barbara’s waters is by taking part in a whale watching tour. Several boats run day-trips out of the Santa Barbara harbor including The Condor and the Double Dolphin. Depending on the time of year, whale sightings are almost guaranteed as the Santa Barbara Channel is a main thoroughfare for the Grey Whale migration as they make their way to and from Alaska and the Gulf of Mexico. Whale watching boats also commonly see Blue and Humpback Whales, dolphins, seals, and sea lions in addition to the scenic views of the Channel Islands and Santa Barbara coastline. Use the hyperlinks below to see find out more about which times during the year are the most likely to yield successful whale watching trips.
However it doesn’t require a boat to enjoy the natural splendor of our coast. An afternoon spent tide-pooling is a great (and cost-effective) way for people to gain an appreciation for our beaches. There is no equipment necessary, and only knowledge of tidal activity is required for successful tide-pooling. Optimal tide-pooling occurs when the tides are at their lowest meaning that more of the ocean’s floor will be exposed and the more there will be to explore. Tide books are widely available at surf shops and other aquatically inclined stores as well as online. Some of the best local beaches for tide pools would be Leadbetter beach or the Deveraux Beach located just south of Coal Oil Point in Goleta.
One need not be an adrenaline junkie to enjoy our coastline. Something like a relaxing kayak tour or a simple walk on the beach are great ways to indulge in the coastal lifestyle for those who may be unwilling to dive into the waves (or wary of anything living underneath). It does not matter how one chooses to enjoy our coast only that we do make time to appreciate and enjoy one of the more spectacular aspects of our city.