Santa Barbara Harbor Kayak Tour

My boyfriend planned a weekend trip to Santa Barbara for my birthday, and, knowing I love to do any and all outdoor activities, booked a harbor kayak and horseback riding tour with Captain Jack's. We can't say enough about this experience, and Meredith and Billy as tour guides. From the moment we booked, Meredith was attentive and helpful, checking in with my boyfriend to make sure all the details were in order and we had everything we needed. Knowing it was my birthday, she even offered recommendations for dinners and brunches and other things to do in Santa Barbara for the rest of our time in town. We started the day with Billy taking us on a morning kayak tour around the harbor. We had a quick but thorough tutorial on kayaking technique and safety - great for beginners, and not too long to 'sit through' for more experienced kayakers. They got us in the boats, and we were off with Billy leading the pack! As a SB native, Billy has tons of knowledge about the history of the area, and lots of fun facts through out the tour. We got to paddle around with seals and sea lions - I can't believe how close we were able to get! Billy also took pictures throughout the morning so we didn't have to worry about dropping phones in the water, and could be fully present in the moment. After a could hour and half on the water, we came back in to get ready for horseback riding. Captain Jack's has a (very comfortable) passenger van stocked up with water and snacks to take you from one activity to the next. Per the instructions they provided when we booked, we brought a change of clothes, and had about 25 minutes to dry off and change at the harbor rest area, before heading to the horse ranch in the canyon. (Billy played some awesome tunes for the ride - he offered for us to plug in, but we opted for him to DJ and it was definitely the right call!). Once we got to the farm, the ranch team took over, and they were also wonderful! Everyone was so kind, excited for us to be there, and thoughtful about our experience and comfort levels with riding. We all got paired with our trusted steed, had another quick "tutorial" for safety and handling instructions, and then set off with our guide for a ride through the canyon trails. The trail is absolutely stunning, with streams, and waterfalls, wildflowers in full bloom everywhere, and lots of wild life. It was an absolutely perfect day - sun shining with not a cloud in the sky, and hot but not uncomfortably so. I'd definitely recommend sunscreen, especially if you're coming in the summer months. The views were breath taking, and the whole ride was relaxing and so nice to spend some time surrounded by nature. Once we made it back to the ranch, Billy was waiting with a smile to take us back to town. He dropped us right at the friend door of our hotel mid-afternoon, as promised, and wished us well for our evening birthday plans. All in all, this was an absolutely perfect day from the weather, to the activities, to Billy, Meredith, and all of the guides at the ranch. I couldn't have asked for a more ideal Earth Day birthday adventure. If you're planning a trip to Santa Barbara, I highly recommend booking a tour with Captain Jack's and the team - it's sure to be a magical time!