Sunset Sails
A private golden-hour sail along the Santa Barbara coast.
Sail Into Golden Hour on The American Riviera®
Set out from Santa Barbara Harbor aboard Kelpie, a classic sailing yacht reserved entirely for your group. As the sun begins to soften over The American Riviera®, settle in for a private sunset sail with ocean air, coastal views, and a relaxed golden-hour atmosphere.
Each sail is guided by the day’s wind, sea conditions, and sunset timing, creating an effortless experience designed for unwinding, celebrating, and enjoying Santa Barbara from the water.
GOLDEN HOUR VIEWS
Sunset over the coast
FROM $518
Transparent pricing
DURATION OPTIONS
90 minutes to 3 hours
PRIVATE CHARTER
Just your group
UP TO 6 GUESTS
Friends, family, you
Choose Your Sunset Sail
MOST POPULAR
2-Hour Sunset Sail
Our most popular sunset experience, with more time to sail, relax, and enjoy the changing light along the Santa Barbara coast.
From $638 for up to 6 guests
90-Minute Sunset Sail
A beautiful golden-hour escape with open water, coastal views, and just enough time to unwind before sunset.
From $518 for up to 6 guests
3- Hour Sunset Sail
A longer private sail with plenty of time to settle in, celebrate, and savor golden hour from the water.
From $898 for up to 6 guests
Looking for something extra special? Contact us and we’ll help plan a private sunset sail aboard Yacht Kelpie with thoughtful enhancements for your occasion.
What’s Included
Private charter for just your group
Professional USCG-licensed captain
Golden-hour sailing along the Santa Barbara coast
Beautiful sunset, ocean, and mountain views
Wildlife spotting opportunities
Cozy blankets for cooler evening air
Bluetooth speaker for your playlist
Easy boarding from Santa Barbara Harbor
Every sunset sail is designed to to feel effortless, personal and memorable.
Enhancements Available
CURATED CATERING
BEVERAGES
FLORAL ARRANGEMENTS
SPECIAL OCCASION ADD-ONS
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
Kick off your shoes, step aboard Kelpie, and settle in as the boat is prepared for your private sunset sail.
UNDERWAY
Watch the harbor fall behind as Kelpie catches the wind and the coastline glows in the evening light.
RETURN
We will return to the same dock where your adventure began, leaving you ready to step ashore and explore the waterfront at your own pace.
Ready to Sail Into Sunset?
Reserve your private sunset sail aboard Yacht Kelpie.
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, proposal enhancements, 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 sunset sails depart at varied times throughout the year following the sunset. We aim to return 30-45 minutes after sunset.
-
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.
SunSwept Sailing maintains a tradition of sailing excellence.
You May Also Enjoy
-
![SunSwept Sailing gift card for a private sailing experience in Santa Barbara]()
Gift an Experience
The perfect gift for birthdays, anniversaries, holidays and special occasions.
-
![Couple enjoying a private sailing charter aboard Yacht Kelpie in Santa Barbara]()
Coastal Adventures
Explore Santa Barbara’s coastline aboard a private sailing yacht.
-
![Kelpie sailing through Santa Barbara Harbor during a private harbor cruise.]()
Harbor Cruises
Cruise Santa Barbara Harbor and the waterfront aboard a private yacht.
-
![Couple celebrating a private sailing proposal aboard Yacht Kelpie in Santa Barbara]()
Romantic Proposals
Create an unforgettable proposal aboard a private sailing yacht.
-
![Guests relaxing during a floating sound bath aboard Yacht Kelpie in Santa Barbara]()
Sound Bath Sails
Unplug, unwind, and restore with a floating sound bath experience.
-
![Yellow rose petals floating on the ocean during a memorial at sea scattering of ashes in Santa Barbara.]()
Memorials at Sea
Honor a loved one with a dignified and private memorial at sea.
