We took a family of four on a beautiful (and informative) kayak ride last Saturday. We paddled around the periphery of the Santa Barbara Harbor and pointed out the things we like to share with our guests. The first attraction is the Condor Express from The Landing. We talk about the whale watching voyages it takes almost every day of the year. We point out the Double Dolphin from the Santa Barbara Sailing Center to talk about the sunset cruises offered.

As we turn into the main channel, we paddle under the Channel Cat and share  its story, then the Ocean Harvest vessel that brings seaweed in from the ocean and takes it to an onshore abalone farm.

Next, we make sure guests know about the Maritime Museum and the great exhibits featured there, then to Brophy’s, a local favorite for seafood and the pier that hosts a fisherman’s market every Saturday.

As we paddle past the commercial fishing boats we see the Yacht Club, then tell our guests the history of how our harbor came to be, namely thanks to Max Fleischmann, heir to Fleischmann’s Yeast fortune.

The flags along the breakwater blow in the breeze, reminding us of the many non-profits in town. Paddling toward Sandspit we can see the San Rafael east-west mountain range and below it the Riviera and beyond the city the white tower at the Montecito Club.

As we turn the corner at Pelican’s Point, we see the sea lion buoy where there is almost always a group of sea lions resting in the sun. We keep a wide berth as we go around it, then paddle under Stearns’ Wharf and back to the harbor.

Article by Meredith Brace