Santa Barbara Harbor and Waterfront Tour
60-90 Minutes • All Ages • Up to 6 Passengers
| $477 | 90 Minute Private Charter |
Prices for Wednesday, April 2, 2025 at 3:00 PM ›
Overview
Activity details
Join us for an authentic sailing adventure exploring the beautiful Santa Barbara Harbor, Waterfront, and Stearns Wharf with a narrated tour and magnificent views of the American Riviera coastline. Experience the pure joy of sailing on the classic yacht, Kelpie, with occasional views of wildlife like sea lions, dolphins and more.
What's included
• Charter
• Captain
• Beverages*
• Blankets
- Alcoholic beverages are limited per group. Waters are complimentary aboard every cruise.
What's not included
• Picnic Platters / Catering
• Additional beverages
Itinerary
1. Arrival
• Arrive 5-10 minutes prior to departure
• Private restrooms available prior to departure
• Boarding and safety announcements
2. Departure
• Motor out of the harbor
• Hoist sails
3. Cruise route
• Depending on wind and sea conditions we will sail up or down the coast and occasionally out to sea. In general we stay within 2 miles of the harbor.
4. Return
• Return to the dock at the scheduled end time
• Private restrooms available post charter.
Highlights
Experience the best view of Santa Barbara, from the ocean. The transverse Santa Ynez mountain range towers above our coastal town. Mountains and Sea something few cities can boast.
Dolphins, sea lions, harbor seals, sea birds, and migratory whales are just some of the exciting wildlife we see quite often.
Boasting over 300 days of sunshine annually and an average temperature of 65º - 70º sailing in Santa Barbara is gorgeous all year long.
Additional information
Check-in details
Please plan your arrival to allow ample time to find parking during the high season and on weekends year round. Yacht Kelpie is located behind a private marina gate.
We ask that you kindly wait at the gate for your captain to greet you 5-10 minutes prior to departure.
There will be an opportunity to use the adjacent locked restroom prior to departure.
What to bring
We recommend dressing in layers as it tends to be 10º cooler on the water than on land. A hat, polarized sunglasses, camera and non-aerosol reef safe sunblock will make your experience more comfortable. Please note spray sunblock is NOT allowed aboard.
Kelpie has warm blankets aboard if you forget a jacket!
Special requirements
• Children under 12 & under are required by federal law to wear a life jacket at all times while underway. We have a selection of comfortable wearable PFDs aboard for your children.
• Children must be accompanied to the restroom by an adult.
Restrictions
Furry Friends:
Please leave your pets at home for their safety and the safety of the yachts brightwork.
Passenger Weight Restriction:
The seating area aboard our yacht is intimate and we are required to comply with U.S. Coast Guard regulations pertaining to onboard passenger weight. If you have a concern about onboard weight, please contact us prior to booking to make special arrangements. In compliance with USCG federal safety regulations, access to the vessel is at the sole discretion of the captain.
ADA Compliance:
Due to Waterfront and Harbor dock conditions, our slip is not ADA accessible without risk. Passengers must board the vessel through a series of steps and must be ambulatory enough to board the vessel with limited assistance. There is no space on board to accommodate mobility devices. USCG federal regulations require marine operators to insure the safety of all passengers on board. Due to variable conditions caused by wind and sea state certain disabled passengers, service or therapy animals may not be allowed. In compliance with USCG federal safety regulations, access to the vessel is at the sole discretion of the captain.
Extras
Picnic & Cocktail Platters are available for purchase during checkout.
Savor a light snack . . .
The perfect amount for 2-4 people, this Picnic Platter features 3 crowd-pleasing cheeses, dried apricots and cherries, house made crostini, and house made sweet & spicy nuts. You also have the option to add some of our freshly sliced Rosette de Lyon.
Vegetarian, Gluten Free, Vegan, and Allergy substitution options available.
Or for larger groups, a Santa Barbara signature…..
Excellent for 4 to 6 people. This platter is made with your choice of 5 cheeses & 2 sliced salumi, our best selling Italian Dry and Rosette de Lyon, OR you can choose to enjoy it without the salami, in which case we will add a 6th cheese. Also includes our signature sweet & spicy nuts, some dried apricots & dried cherries plus a box of Rustic Bakery crackers on the side.
Vegetarian, Gluten Free, Vegan, and Allergy substitution options available.
Served on a 14" balsa octagon wood tray and includes 2 wooden knives + bamboo tongs.
Available at checkout 72+ hours in advance. For last minute add on, please call us and we will do our best to accommodate.
Disclaimers
Inclement Weather
Cruises, charters, or lessons scheduled during unfavorable weather such as rain, fog, high or low temperatures that do not pose any risk to safety (rain, fog, temperature, etc.) will still operate as planned. Non-expiring house credits and/or full refunds are available when it is determined by our captain that the current sea and/or wind conditions deem it potentially unsafe to be on the water, this call is made by the captain 1 hour prior to departure.
FAQs
Can we have more than 6 passengers in our party?
Unfortunately no, United States Coast Guard Federal Law prohibits uninspected passenger vessels (UPVs) from carrying more than 6 paying passengers. This includes children & infants. We value our charter permit and appreciate your understanding.
Is the Kelpie wheelchair accessible?
Oh we are so sorry, but the folks in 1976 didn’t make our boat wheelchair accessible. With that said, we are able to get most folks aboard, and assist even those with limited mobility. If your guest can walk a step or two and go down and up 2 stairs we can help get them aboard. If your guest is completely wheelchair bound then we recommend you call to discuss your personal needs.
My dog loves boats and is very friendly, can I bring them?
As you may know, Kelpie has lots of varnished surfaces, easily scratched by tiny claws, so we simply ask that pets be left at home. That way, when something exciting happens (a bird flies over, a bee buzzes about, a big wave rocks the boat) and your pup scrambles, the scrambling doesn’t end up damaging the boat, or worse your pup ends up in the drink!
Does the crew accept gratuities & how much should we tip?
We feel our customers deserve the very best which is why our captains are all U.S. Coast Guard licensed Masters, having put in thousands of days at sea to perfect their craft and uphold the highest standards of professionalism, excellence, and safety.
Gratuities are customary across the yachting industry and vary in size by region and type of charter.
The industry standard for U.S. private yacht charters is outlined below:
15% for mediocre service
20% for good service
22%-25% for great service
30%+ for outstanding service
Remember your captain works hard to keep you safe, please tip accordingly if you enjoyed your charter.
Cancellations
Cancellation, Refunds, & Payment Options
We get it, mistakes happen and plans change, thats why SunSwept Sailing offers free cancellation for 24 hours after booking - no questions asked! Cancellations requested between 24 hours after booking and two weeks (14 days) prior to the scheduled activity time, may choose a partial refund of 50%, or a gift card for the full amount that never expires. Cancellations inside 14 days are not eligible for refunds, house credits or rescheduling without express permission from management. There are no refunds for cruises booked on major holidays, or for no-shows.
Catering orders are confirmed by our caterer 24 hours after booking and must be placed at least 72 hours in advance. Any order that is placed within 72 hours will be subject to caterer availability. If the order is unable to be placed SunSwept Sailing will refund the catering charges. Confirmed catering orders are not eligible for a refund. However, you will have the option to pick up your catering at the date/time of your charter.
All refunds will be credited to the original form of payment and less booking fees and catering charges where applicable.
We accept all major credit cards. Non-refundable service fees are charged on all reservation using a credit/debit card as payment. Customary gratuity and service fees are not included in list pricing.
Drug & Alcohol Policy
We are regulated by the United States Coast Guard, all federal, state and local laws apply to our yacht and we must abide by them to stay in business.
We have a Zero Tolerance policy for the use or possession of illegal drugs of any kind including marijuana, any charter that is caught using drugs or in possession of drugs will immediately be terminated and returned to the dock.
California Alcohol & Beverage Control regulations are in place for all guests. Guests must be 21+ to consume alcohol. We regulate the amount of guests' alcohol consumption to prevent over serving per ABC regulations, any overuse of alcohol that presents a threat to the safety of the charter will result in the immediate termination of the charter.
Guests who appear excessively inebriated prior to boarding will not be allowed aboard our yacht for safety concerns.
Charters that are terminated prior to or underway due to violation of any of the above policies will not receive a refund or option to reschedule.
We thank you for your cooperation and understanding.