Unfortunately no, United States Coast Guard Federal Law prohibits uninspected passenger vessels (UPVs) from carrying more than 6 paying passengers. We value our charter permit and appreciate your understanding.

Unfortunately we cannot depart the dock with more than 6 passengers. We would be happy to split your charter time into two sails taking up to 6 guests on each segment. The split charter ends at the scheduled return time of the original charter. Additional time, if available is billed at $150/half hour.

Should you choose not to split up your group, you may opt to enjoy dock time aboard Kelpie in our slip with your entire party.

Please click here to view our catering selection, bar menu, floral options, and more.

We appreciate you not bringing outside food or drink aboard. We have a wonderful selection of beer & wine from the region available from our yacht’s donation bar. Catering options are available during checkout. We have two different sized picnic platters suitable for 2-6 people.

We recommend dressing in layers as it tends to be 10º cooler on the water than on land. A hat, polarized sunglasses, camera and non-aerosol reef safe sunblock will make your experience more comfortable.

Kelpie has warm blankets aboard if you forget a jacket!

Click for Current Weather in Santa Barbara

WEATHER IN SANTA BARBARA

Sunny skies 300+ days a year is the norm in our beautiful seaside town. Santa Barbara has many micro-climates between transverse Santa Ynez mountains to the North and the Pacific Ocean to the South. The average daytime temperature on land is between around 70ºF. Mountain regions tend to run 15º warmer and the waterfront region 15º cooler. Evening temperatures cool slightly.

Weather on the water is similar to that on land, with the sea breeze cooling by 10-15 degrees on average. Evening sails can be chilly in the Winter and Spring and we recommend dressing in layers.

During the fall the Santa Ana winds blow in warm air from the desert causing Sundowner winds in the evenings, one of the best times to visit and enjoy warm sailing conditions during sunset.

The ocean temperature ranges drastically because of our unique geographical location. We receive a confluence of currents from both Mexico and Alaska. The ocean is typically cool year round with occasional spikes in the late summer and early fall when Santa Ana winds and sunny skies warm the water.

The cool water next to warm land can bring coastal fog and an inversion layer of clouds during the spring and summer. This typically burns off by afternoon but occasionally persists through sunset. Luckily sailing conditions and the beautiful backdrop of the town makes for a wonderful sail year-round.

Our charter insurance does not allow swimming from the vessel. The waters tend to be in the 50’s and 60’s most of the year which is a bit chilly for most folks!

Santa Barbara is 30 miles from the nearest port, which is outside of our charter range.

We love the Channel Islands and think everyone should take the time to visit them. The closest island is Santa Cruz at 22nm from our harbor, the journey takes an average of 4 hours each way. During the summer months we are happy to charter Kelpie to the islands for the full day weather permitting for groups up to 4. Please reach out to us via our contact page for pricing and availability.

Alternatively there are public ferries running from Ventura Harbor and Channel Islands Harbor, in Oxnard, daily.

Please find a spot inside the paid parking lot, as close to the entry as possible. The parking lot is monitored 24/7 and costs $2.50/hr, $15/24hrs. Please leave your parking ticket in your car, lost tickets are $20.

We feel our customers deserve the very best which is why our captains are all U.S. Coast Guard licensed Masters, having put in thousands of days at sea to perfect their craft and uphold the highest standards of professionalism, excellence, and safety.

Gratuities are customary across the yachting industry and vary in size by region and type of charter.

The industry standard for U.S. private yacht charters is outlined below:

15% for mediocre service

20% for good service

22%-25% for great service

30%+ for outstanding service

Remember your captain works hard to keep you safe, please tip accordingly if you enjoyed your charter.

Due to Waterfront and Harbor dock conditions, our slip is not ADA accessible without risk. Passengers must board the vessel through a series of steps and must be ambulatory enough to board the vessel with limited assistance. There is no space on board to accommodate mobility devices. USCG federal regulations require marine operators to insure the safety of all passengers on board. Due to variable conditions caused by wind and sea state certain disabled passengers, service or therapy animals may not be allowed. In compliance with USCG federal safety regulations, access to the vessel is at the sole discretion of the captain.

The seating area aboard our yacht is intimate and we are required to comply with U.S. Coast Guard regulations pertaining to onboard passenger weight. If you have a concern about onboard weight, please contact us prior to booking to make special arrangements. In compliance with USCG federal safety regulations, access to the vessel is at the sole discretion of the captain.