About
Outdoor Education includes Santa Barbara Coastal Ecology Excursion, High & Low Ropes Course, Channel Islands National Park Day Trip, Santa Barbara Marine Biology Excursion, Channel Islands National Park Exploration, California Coastline Discovery: Gaviota Coast, and Santa Barbara Surf & SUP Lessons. Activities listed across these offerings include coastal kayaking, hiking, whale watching, camping, tide pooling, exploring Santa Barbara Harbor, kayaking through kelp beds, marine ecology, species documentation, geology, snorkeling, guided sea kayaking, natural history hikes, leadership building activities, surf lessons, and stand-up paddleboarding.
Programs
- Outdoor Education — Kindergarten–College; suitable for students of all ages
- Santa Barbara Coastal Ecology Excursion — Activities may include coastal kayaking and hiking.
- High & Low Ropes Course — High and low ropes course activities focused on leadership and social skills.
- Channel Islands National Park Day Trip — Activities include kayaking, whale watching, hiking, camping, and tide pooling.
- Santa Barbara Marine Biology Excursion — Explore Santa Barbara Harbor; students may kayak through kelp beds and visit Santa Barbara’s Ty Warner Sea Center.
- Channel Islands National Park Exploration — Two- to five-day excursion based at Scorpion Anchorage on Santa Cruz Island; activities include marine ecology, hiking, species documentation, geology, snorkeling, guided sea kayaking, and camping.
- California Coastline Discovery: Gaviota Coast — Multi-day learning adventure at Ocean Mesa Campground or El Capitan Canyon with natural history hikes, a high ropes challenge course, leadership building activities, and kayaking.
- Santa Barbara Surf & SUP Lessons — Age minimum 7 years old · Lessons include surf and stand-up paddleboarding; all tours include a full body wetsuit and all necessary equipment.
At a glance
- Ages: 5–18 years old
- Facility hours: 8am-5pm, 7 days a week
About the provider
Santa Barbara Adventure Company has provided outdoor education trips for over 24 years. Its mission is to inspire a love of nature and community by empowering all people through exceptional guided experiences. The company says its programs are inclusive and welcoming for students of all needs and abilities, and that NGSS is incorporated into the curriculum. It also lists awards including the 2026 Sunset Travel Awards Winner for Sea Cave Kayaking at Channel Islands National Park, #1 Adventure Tour Company in the U.S., Best Adventure Tour Company by Newsweek Readers’ Choice 2026, and #1 "Best Kayak Tour" in the Nation by USA Today’s Readers.
Custom proposals and rate information are available. Programs are inclusive and welcoming for students of all needs and abilities. NGSS is incorporated into the curriculum. Pricing is subject to change at any time. Some dates may be unavailable. Additional fees may apply.
What families say
“The highlight of our trip. An experience we will never forget.” — Life’s an Adventure
“Absolutely fantastic trip. The best I’ve experienced.” — Expert Guided Experiences
“The guides' knowledge & communication were beyond all expectations” — Leading World-Class Adventures
Last updated October 7, 2026.
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