Best Santa Barbara Sunset Cruise: 6 Stunning Santa Barbara Sunset Cruises You Will Love (2024)

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Are you looking for the best Santa Barbara sunset cruise? We’ve got you covered! As a travel couple, we have visited Santa Barbara, USA and can confirm it earned its name of the American Riviera. One of the best ways to experience its coastline is by hopping on one of the sunset cruises in Santa Barbara.

On top of being an amazing elopement activity in California, going on a sunset cruise in Santa Barbara is one of the most romantic things you can do in Santa Barbara. But finding the right sailing at sunset experience can be difficult. That’s essentially because there aren’t many options for a romantic boat ride at sunset from Santa Barbara in comparison to San Diego or even San Francisco cruises opportunities. visitors also often look for a dinner cruise California style and those aren’t too popular in Santa Barbara.

To avoid having to turn to private charters, we’ve put together the best Santa Barbara cruises at sunset so you can have the best experience on the American Riviera.

***Some of the links in this post are affiliate links meaning we earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. This does not change the fact that we only recommend products, stays, activities and attractions we are satisfied with and all opinions expressed here are our own.

Our Top 3 Picks: for the best Santa Barbara sunset cruise

6 Best Santa Barbara sunset cruise experiences

1. Santa Barbara: Catamaran Sunset Cruise, a Double Dolphin Cruise

⭐️ RATING: 4.8/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH:  2 hours | ✅ Book it!

Our top pick for the best Santa Barbara Sunset Cruise is one by the Santa Barbara Sailing Center. People love this sunset sail Santa Barbara offers, and have given it a rating of 4.8 out of 5. 

At sunset, you’ll be sailing on a cool catamaran named the Double Dolphin Santa Barbara, cruising through the Santa Barbara harbor.

This is a two-hour adventure where you’ll have the chance to spot lots of cool coastal wildlife like seals, otters, and even whales if you’re lucky! This is some of our favorite parts of sailing as it always feels like we’re privileged to be able to observe such wonderful animals in their natural habitats! Seal and sea lions are some of our favorites!

One of the best parts of this cruise is that there is a friendly guide on board who will share interesting tidbits about the area while you enjoy the stunning sunset views along the coast and Santa Ynez Mountains.

The meeting point for this epic experience is the Santa Barbara Harbor, which is super easy to find and also provides a parking lot if you’re coming by car. On this harbor cruise Santa Barbara offers, there is also a bar right on the catamaran boat, so as passengers, you can grab your favorite drinks and sip away as you take in the beautiful sights.

Now, imagine this for a second: you and your partner, hand in hand, enjoying a romantic and unforgettable date night aboard the sunset cruise. It’s the perfect setting to create magical memories together in Santa Barbara.

“It was a wonderful trip around Santa Barbara the sunset view was amazing, the music gave the cruise a great vibe, the staff was very nice, and the little selection of wine in the bar was very tasty. Overall if your looking for something romantic to do with your significant other this is definitely a great idea.” (Read more reviews here)

This is our top pick and definitely the best sunset cruise Santa Barbara offers!

Top Features: Catamaran + on board bar + raving reviews

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2. Santa Barbara: Catamaran Coastal Cruise, one of the best Santa Barbara Cruises

⭐️ RATING: 4.4/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH:  2 hours | ✅ Book it!

On this cruise, you’ll be sailing off with the Santa Barbara Sailing Centre, surrounded by the stunning Santa Ynez Mountains and the Channel Islands providing a breathtaking backdrop.

Rated an impressive 4.4 out of 5, this cruise allows you to explore the enchanting coastline with a dozen beautiful beaches and picturesque villas dotting the shoreline. As you sail along, you should keep your eyes open to spot the incredible coastal wildlife, including California sea lions, otters, seals, playful dolphins, and an array of coastal birds.

While technically it’s an afternoon cruise, the real bonus comes when the sunset arrives earlier. You’ll have the opportunity to witness the magical sunset without having to book a later cruise. Not only that, but this option is also more budget-friendly compared to dedicated sunset cruises, offering you the best of both worlds. So if you’re looking for a romantic but cheaper date idea by the beach, this might be a good idea!

To keep you refreshed throughout the journey, there’s a small bar on board, ensuring you can sip on your favorite drinks as you soak in the picturesque views. The meeting point is the Santa Barbara Harbor, making it convenient for you to start your adventure. if you want to turn the cruise into a sailboat dinner cruise, you can potentially bring your own food on board.

“Great crew! Unobtrusive, communicative, imparting knowledge about dolphins and other marine animals. Small bar with alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks on board. Lots of dolphins seen right off the boat. The overall experience is a clear recommendation! Good value for money!” (Read more reviews here)

Top Features: Wildlife spotting + bar on board

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3. Celebration Cruises of Santa Barbara for a sunset boat cruise Santa Barbara bound

⭐️ RATING: 4.7/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 1.5 hours | ✅ Book it!

If you’re looking for an amazing Sant Barbara sunset cruise on a yacht, we’ve got just the thing for you. Picture this: a 1.5-hour long journey on the renowned Azure Seas, a 70′ multi-level luxury yacht.

This sunset cruise is rated an impressive 4.7 out of 5, and is perfect for creating unforgettable memories. You’ll embark on Stearns Wharf, where the adventure begins. the best part is that even if the weather isn’t at its best, previous cruisers have reported that the cruise still went on as the captain spotted dolphins! In the end they got to observe adorable seals and playful dolphins that came close to the boat and were jumping by it!

The Azure Seas is a cruise ship sunset proof that offers an inviting atmosphere for you and your partner so you’ll be very comfortable there. You’ll have access to a full bar serving a range of drinks, from refreshing Santa Barbara wine options to delicious cocktails. Plus, they’ve got chips and snacks to keep you fueled throughout the journey. This is actually the closest you’ll get to a sunset dinner cruise Santa Barbara style as Santa Barbara sunset dinner cruise experiences are not exactly common. You can, alternatively, book a private Santa Barbara dinner cruise with Celebration though that will have to be a much more expensive private event. They also offer Santa Barbara whale watching cruise experiences.

For your comfort, there are indoor booths and outdoor padded seating on the deck, ensuring you can relax and enjoy the stunning views in whichever way suits you best. If you’re up for an even more luxurious experience, you can opt to upgrade to first class upper deck seating.

Departure time for this sunset cruise varies depending on the season, typically falling between 3pm and 7pm. So, make sure to check the schedule and plan accordingly.

“The sunset cruise was amazing! The staff was very friendly and they had some nice drink options. The views were fantastic! We even spotted a whale 😍. It does get a bit chilly, so I recommend you pack a light sweater or jacket.” – Sonia Valencia 

Top Features: Full bar on board + indoor and outdoor seating

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4. Private Santa Barbara Channel Islands Full-Day Excursion

⭐️ RATING: New Activity | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH:  Full Day | ✅ Book it!

If you’re looking for a romantic yacht cruise that’s different from your usual boat tours, how about a full day adventure on the M/V Kanalo, captained by experienced professionals who will ensure a fantastic time for you and your partner? This excursion stands sort of between a private charter and a small group tour. With the support of your professional guides, you’ll be able to learn plenty on the Channel Islands, the marine life and more.

This unique excursion is another Santa Barbara harbor cruise as it starts at the Santa Barbara harbor launching ramps, where you’ll meet up with your captain and embark on an unforgettable journey. The best part? It’s a completely private cruise, so it’s just you and your group, making it even more special.

You’ll hop on board and speed across the channel to one of the breathtaking local channel islands. Once there, you’ll have an array of activities to choose from. Whether you’re into SCUBA diving, freediving, spearfishing, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, surfing, or hiking, there’s something for everyone. All these listed activities are supported by the tour so the captain will be able to help you and provide you with the material.

This cruise accepts that you bring your service animal, which is definitely a plus. Plus, to keep you hydrated throughout the day, a water bottle is included, ensuring you stay refreshed and energized.

As the day comes to a close, you’ll have the pleasure of experiencing a stunning sunset when you return. It’s the perfect way to end your full-day adventure on a magical note.

Since this is a new and exciting activity, you can expect exceptional service and attention from the crew, ensuring you have an extraordinary experience.

Top Features: Private tour + mix of Channel Islands and Sunset experience

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5. Santa Barbara Sunset Kayak Tour

⭐️ RATING: 5/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH:  2 hours | ✅ Book it!

Are you looking for a Santa Barbara sunset cruise, but a bit different? We’ve got just the thing for you! How about embarking on a memorable kayaking sunset adventure? This 2-hour experience has received a perfect 5/5 rating, making it an excellent choice for a romantic date.

Here’s what you can picture: paddling along with a professional guide, surrounded by the magnificent Santa Ynez Mountains and the beautiful coastal scenery. As you venture out, your guide will take you to the best spots to catch the mesmerizing sunset, creating a truly magical atmosphere.

The meeting point for this unforgettable experience is the Fishing Pier in the main Santa Barbara Harbor Village. You’ll usually launch off one hour before sunset and return one hour after sunset, giving you ample time to savor the breathtaking views.

During your kayaking excursion, you might even have the chance to meet some adorable seals and sea lions along the way. Additionally, you’ll get to take in the captivating backdrop of the American Riviera, creating picture-perfect moments.

Covering a distance of approximately two miles, this kayaking adventure is easily accessible, suitable for all skill levels. Plus, the group size is limited to a maximum of 24 travelers, ensuring a comfortable and intimate experience. Tickets can be sent to your mobile for maximum practicability.

“I brought along my husband as well as my sister and niece from Virginia and their FIRST Kayak experience was simply phenomenal!!! We all enjoyed paddling while watching the beautiful sunset! We had the best tour guide, Ceann!” – Maryanne A. (Read more reviews here)

Top Features: Wildlife encountering + local guide for the best sunset spots

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6. Santa Barbara Channel Charters, a Santa Barbara private sunset cruise

⭐️ RATING: 5/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH:  Varies depending on your preferences | ✅ Book it!

Another option for a Santa Barbara sunset cruise is setting sail on the Star Jasmine, a charming 31ʼ sailboat, for an unforgettable experience. Santa Barbara cruises to Channel Islands are popular and quite the experience to remember!

The duration of this private sunset cruise Santa Barbara offers is approximately 2-3 hours, but the flexibility is there depending on your booking preferences. You’ll be in the capable hands of Captain Pascal Sada, a true local of Santa Barbara who knows all the best spots to make your trip memorable. Reviews actually rave about him!

As you cruise along, you’ll be lucky to take in breathtaking scenic views of the coastline, magnificent mountain ranges, and the captivating Channel Islands. We recommend keeping your cameras handy as you may spot a range of marine wildlife, from graceful seabirds to playful dolphins, which will leave you and your partner with unforgettable memories.

The adventure begins with a departure from the Santa Barbara Harbor, where you and your loved one will have the boat all to yourselves. As it is a private cruise, it ensures an intimate and personalized experience just for you and your group. And guess what? You can bring your furry friends along too, as dogs are allowed on board.

To ensure your comfort, sea sickness bracelets are provided, which can be reassuring especially if you easily get sea sick like we do. And if you fancy a toast during your journey, wine is available on board, allowing you to sip and savor the moment.

As prices vary, it’s best to inquire directly with them to get all the details and secure your spot for this unforgettable sunset cruise.

“My boyfriend and I ended an amazing trip to Santa Barbara with a beautiful sunset cruise. Pascal made it a night that we will truly never forget. On such an intimate, private excursion we were able to admire the best views and scenery of Santa Barbara.” – Nicole G. (Read more reviews here)

Top Features: Private tour + Personalized experience

🗓 Check availability here

Santa Barbara sunset cruises FAQs

Final thoughts: Santa Barbara sunset cruise

One of the best ways to watch the stunning sunset Santa Barbara offers is by going on one of the stunning Santa Barbara cruise experiences. Our favorite is this sunset catamaran cruise as it’s top notch romantic! You’ll be well taken care of with access to a bar and of course opportunities to see both the breathtaking coastal views, the stunning sunsets and even wildlife like dolphins.

Alternatively, we’re quite fond of the sunset kayak tour as it’s another type of cruise experience, that’s just as fun and romantic. Whether you decide to kayak in the same canoe or not, you’ll be able to see the beautiful Santa Barbara sunset along with spotting seals and potentially dolphins! Quite the memories!

If like us, you are pushing to Hawaii during your trip, we highly recommend one of these top sunset cruises from Waikiki. Alternatively, you can also watch the sunset from this Hawaiian volcano!

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