Sea Lion Kayak Education Tour
A guided 2-hour educational kayak tour for students in grades K-12. We paddle out of the Santa Barbara Harbor to see the resident sea lions up close and learn about their behavior, the local marine ecosystem, and how we can help protect it.
Kayak, paddle, life jacket and guide included. Beginner friendly. No experience needed.
Please arrive 15 minutes early. We suggest a bathing suit or clothes that can get wet, plus a towel, a water bottle and reef-safe sunscreen.
Sea Lion Kayak Education Tour
Select a session below to register for your adventure.
Space is limited
Reserve your Sea Lion Kayak Education Tour space today!
Program is $50 per session.
1 day per week for 2 hours.
Also Accepts Charter Monthly Payments
Learning Objectives
More than a traditional class, this is a close-knit community where children build water confidence, practice teamwork, develop new skills, and deepen their relationship with the natural world. Guided by our motto, “Play to Protect,” we believe children care for the ocean when they are given the opportunity to truly experience it.
What Children May Study
- Kelp forests and tide-pool animals
- Seals, sea lions, whales, and dolphins
- Coastal birds and marine food webs
- Waves, currents, tides, and weather
- Channel Islands and maritime history
What Each Day May Include
- Kayaking, paddleboarding, and surfing
- Marine science and nature journaling
- Reading, storytelling, art, and songs
- Museum and marine classroom visits
- Teamwork, beach play, and conservation
Activities
Kayaking
Surfing
Snorkeling
Beach Play
SUP
And More!
Camp Safety
Our Water Safety Policy – Humpback Age Group
We don’t expect kids to come to camp as excellent swimmers, this camp was designed to help kids improve on already existing swimming skills and help them build confidence in the water.
- Campers will all be asked to do a swim test on day 1 so we can get an idea of where each kids is at with their swimming ability. They can do this with our without a PFD on.
- We ask that campers have had previous swimming lessons and are at least comfortable floating in their life jacket.
- Campers are only required to wear PFDs when on kayaks and paddle boards. Campers that struggle during the swim test will be asked to wear a PFD at all times.
Campers will learn skills on kayaks, paddle boards, and in the surf zone. While PFDs are required to be worn by paddlers under 16 by USCG when on personal watercraft it is also good practice for young paddlers to become comfortable paddling with a PFD for future ocean paddling experiences when they are older.
We provide wetsuits and lifejackets.
Counselor Training
- Our Marine Learning Adventures – Afterschool Pod ratio is 5:1 (campers: counselors)
- All counselors are CPR for the Professional Rescuer and have gone through our internal 2-day “Ocean Water Safety Leadership Training” course.
Pricing
- Non Members$50Grades K-12
- PSC Lifetime Members$45Membership required
Location
Paddle Sports Center
117 B Harbor Way,
Santa Barbara, CA 93109
Pod drop off and pick-up is in the alley behind the Fish Market and Paddle Sports Center.
