Harbor Cruises

Harbor views, coastal stories, classic sailing

Harbor & Waterfront Tour

Step aboard classic yacht Kelpie for a private 1-hour harbor cruise designed for families, friends, and small groups. Enjoy Santa Barbara Harbor, Stearns Wharf, waterfront views, and occasional wildlife sightings from the comfort of a timeless sailing yacht.

Guests relaxing around the wooden helm aboard Kelpie during a private Santa Barbara Harbor cruise.

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NARRATED TOUR
Harbor and waterfront highlights

FROM $518
Transparent pricing

1-Hour Cruise
Easy daytime outing

PRIVATE CHARTER
Just your group

UP TO 6 GUESTS
Friends, family, visitors

1-Hour Harbor Cruise

A relaxed private cruise through Santa Barbara Harbor, past Stearns Wharf, and out to the sea lion buoys with narrated highlights and beautiful coastal views.

From $388 for up to 6 guests

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90-Minute Harbor Cruise

A longer private cruise through Santa Barbara Harbor, past Stearns Wharf, and along the waterfront with narrated highlights and beautiful coastal views.

From $468 for up to 6 guests

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What’s Included

Private 1-hour cruise for your group
Professional USCG-licensed captain
Narrated harbor and waterfront tour
Views of Santa Barbara Harbor and Stearns Wharf
Occasional wildlife sightings, including sea lions, seabirds, and dolphins
Easy boarding from Santa Barbara Harbor
A relaxed experience aboard classic yacht Kelpie

Multigenerational family with a baby enjoying a private harbor cruise aboard Kelpie in Santa Barbara.

Mother and two young children aboard Kelpie during a private family cruise in Santa Barbara Harbor.

Classic yacht Kelpie sailing near the Santa Barbara waterfront with colorful signal flags flying.

Want to make it extra special?

Ask about beverages, light bites, or simple touches for your private harbor cruise.

ADD-ONS AVAILABLE

What to Expect

BEFORE YOUR CHARTER
Arrive at Santa Barbara Harbor, Marina 2 Gate, 10 minutes before departure. Your captain will meet you at the gate and walk you down to Kelpie.

BOARDING
Step aboard, settle in, and get comfortable as your private harbor cruise begins.

UNDERWAY
Cruise through the harbor and waterfront while enjoying scenic views, local highlights, and classic Santa Barbara harbor atmosphere.

RETURN
Return to the same dock, relaxed and ready to continue your day at the waterfront

Ready for a Harbor Cruise?

Reserve your private 1-hour cruise
aboard Yacht Kelpie.

book your harbor cruise

Frequently Asked Questions

Every SunSwept Sailing experience is a completely private charter for your group. You will have the yacht and captain to yourselves—we do not combine unrelated parties or sell individual tickets.
Your charter price includes private use of Kelpie, an experienced USCG-licensed captain, and the sailing or cruising experience you select.
FareHarbor’s booking fee is added at checkout. SunSwept Sailing covers the credit card processing fee.
Optional enhancements are priced separately. Sales tax is added to applicable items such as beverages and floral arrangements, while tax is already included in the listed price of catering selections.
A suggested 20% captain gratuity is automatically selected during checkout, but it is completely optional and may be adjusted or removed before payment.
Kelpie accommodates up to six passengers, including children and infants. Your charter price covers the private yacht rather than being charged per person, so you may bring anywhere from one to six guests.
What should we bring?
We recommend dressing in layers, as it is often about 10°F cooler on the water than on land. A hat, polarized sunglasses, a camera, and non-aerosol, reef-safe sunscreen will help make your experience more comfortable.
Kelpie is a barefoot yacht, so guests will be asked to remove their footwear before boarding unless shoes are medically necessary. Warm blankets are available aboard in case you forget a jacket.
Outside food and hard-sided coolers are not permitted. Curated food and beverage options are available to add to your charter. Please contact us in advance regarding dietary or medical circumstances that may require an exception.

Yes. Depending on the experience, you may add curated picnic or cocktail platters, beverages, floral arrangements, and other special touches.
Available options and ordering deadlines vary by charter. Visit the Add-Ons section of your experience page or select available enhancements during booking.
Your captain monitors marine conditions closely and makes the final decision regarding weather and safety. Santa Barbara often has excellent sailing conditions even when the forecast appears overcast or breezy on land.
If SunSwept Sailing must cancel because conditions are unsafe, we will work with you to reschedule. When rescheduling is not possible, the options available under our weather policy will apply. Guests should not assume their charter is canceled unless they hear directly from us.
Our one-hour harbor and waterfront cruises depart at varied times throughout the day depending on booking slots available.
Cancellation and rescheduling terms depend on the experience and how far in advance the request is made. Most standard charters may be rescheduled for account credit when notice is provided at least 72 hours before departure. Refunds are limited, and special experiences, catering, floral arrangements, holidays, and bookings made close to departure may have different terms.
Please review the full policies which are also displayed during booking before completing your reservation.