Sunset Kidd Sailing Cruises and Whale Watching

Santa Barbara, United States

4.7

20 reviews

Accepts Credit Cards

Contacts

QR code, vCard

Telephone:
+1 805-962-8222
Website:
www.sunsetkidd.com
Address:
125 Harbor Way Ste 13, Santa Barbara, CA, 93109
Nearby public transportation stops & stations:
0.5 miMontecito & Rancheria
0.5 miCliff & Loma Alta (SBCC)
0.6 miCastillo & Montecito
Categories:
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Bussiness info

Accepts Credit Cards
Yes
Accepts Apple Pay
No
Accepts Bitcoin
No
Parking
Valet, Street, Private Lot
Bike Parking
Yes
Wheelchair Accessible
Yes
Good for Kids
Yes
Dogs Allowed
Yes

Today

Today 9:00 am – 7:15 pm
Local time (Santa Barbara) –

Business hours

Monday 8:00 am – 7:15 pm
Tuesday 9:00 am – 7:15 pm
Wednesday 9:00 am – 7:15 pm
Thursday 8:00 am – 7:15 pm
Friday 8:00 am – 7:15 pm
Saturday 8:00 am – 7:15 pm
Sunday 8:00 am – 7:15 pm

Description

Specialties

Offering Whale Watching from Feb. 15th thru May 15th. Sunset-​Cocktail cruises all year long with a specialty in Wine Tasting. Morning and daytime sailing cruises. History: Once a private sailboat, designed to sail the Islands of the Caribbean. She was converted to meet passenger safety codes (codes for up to 49 passengers) yet the Sunset Kidd sets sail with a capacity of 15.

Once onboard, you will experience our love for «True Sailing». Yes there is room for narrated tourist rides… but we’re not one of them! As we love to turn the engine off. Santa Barbara is a beautiful place and setting sail aboard our double masted Ketch is the perfect way to experience the beauty of Santa Barbara… the American Riviera. If you know how to sail, then you can pitch in with the crew, or simply sit back and relax… with a cocktail in hand. Thinking romance? then certainly join in our Sunset Sail, where it’s typical to only have 4 to 7 couples out sailing. No Crowds

History

Established in 1987.

Sunset Kidd is under the same ownership since inception. By design, our cruise is about «sailing»… not an engine running with sails up. Every time we go out is different, because «we sail with the wind». This has been the measure of our success as the «Sailor’s way» to go to sea. There is nothing better than the peaceful quiet of the wind and the water. We are currently on to our second sailboat, purchased in 1998. She is a 41 ft Morgan OutIsland Ketch (certified for 15 passengers). Our first boat was a 25 ft. Coronado, where we used to sail off and on to the dock, on every cruise.

2012 is our twenty-​fifth year in business, please come celebrate with us!

Meet the Business Owner

Captain Dennis L.

Business Owner

Native of Southern California, sailing since age nine, grew up a mile from the marina. Owned my first sailboat at age 15. In my teen years, I became a «thrill seeker», sailing when the storms and super high waves hit the Pacific. Meanwhile, a neighbor (Naval Engineer), asked me to crew on his racing boat. What an opportunity, as Engineers are So demanding to the Art of sailing. This taught me the finest degrees of proper sail handling, which combined well with my passion for stormy adventure. in my college years, I got a job on a 96′ Schooner and have earned an income in sailing ever since. I had a 2 year stint doing boat rescues for the City of Santa Barbara. Now that was fun… adrenaline rush! as I had to go out when the weather was it’s worse… rescue everyone and bring em all home safely. This also taught me prudence at sea! Today, Sunset Kidd has a unblemished (25 years) safety record! As we always bring em home, the way they got onboard!

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20 reviews of Sunset Kidd Sailing Cruises and Whale Watching

No registration required
Place rating: 5
Santa Barbara, CA
This is an awesome sailing cruise! I went on the sunset cruise and within the first few minutes First Mate Cody spied whales and Captain Alyssa expertly sailed the boat right up to see them. We followed along watching the whales frolicking and sailing into the sunset. This is a real sailing adventure with a fun, informative, professional Captain. Alyssa, along with Cody, made sure that everyone on the boat was having the best time. I would definitely recommend this cruise to all!
Place rating: 5
Lancaster, CA
Awesome — the Captain — Aylssa — was great, and we found a whale within the first 15 minutes!!! After a few more minutes the dolphins came out to play — got some great video and the entire crew was great!!! Would highly recommend, didn’t want to go back to the hotel!
Place rating: 5
Santa Barbara, CA
We had such a awesome time!!! The crew went out of their way to make sure we enjoyed ourself. I will cruise with them anytime. Great experience.
Thank you.
Place rating: 5
Bakersfield, CA
This was an awesome experience for our whole family! The kids had a blast! The crew was so friendly to our kids and sang songs with them and even played guitar! You have got to try this!
Place rating: 5
Carpinteria, CA
There’s nothing better then being out on the ocean watching the sunset and enjoying cocktails with your friends and family. This was the perfect way to end the weekend, and start out the new week — day-​dreaming!
My wife and I will be making this one of our regular date night spots there is no doubt.
Place rating: 5
Portland, OR
Okay so just book this. We went on a full moon sunset cruise and the 2 that ran the boat are adorable. They made it so fun but the whole ride is beautiful. You see the sunset and the moon rise at the same time. Sipping tequila sunrise with jazz music going. Best 40 bucks you will spend in SB!
Place rating: 5
VALLEY VILLAGE, CA
Always have a good time on this sail boat. I think I must have been on the tours including the whale watching tour (we saw whales) about 10 times. I always take friends and family. This is one of the major ways I escape from Los Angeles and refresh my brain from the stressful work I do. Captain Dennis has been very nice. We had a new captain last time I went about a week ago (female) and she was just as nice. I actually was very impressed by her skills and how she made you feel welcome.
I recommend anyone to try this.
Place rating: 5
Nuevo, CA
So, I had a wonderful trip through SBB. The captain and first mate both were entertaining and there is booze. It’s not a history lesson, just a kickback sailing trip. I strongly recommend.
Place rating: 4
Cupertino, CA
We went on the sunset harbor cruise. While a little annoying at first in finding the sailboat and not knowing what to do regarding boarding (maybe this information was on the website, but couldn’t find it), the cruise itself and the friendly first mate and captain were great. The sailboat was beautiful and fun to be on. It also helped that the weather was absolutely perfect for an evening cruise.
Place rating: 5
McKinney, TX
We went out last night and there were only 2 couples on the sunset cruise (apparently that is unusual). Drinks are available for purchase and we had a great bottle of Syrah to enjoy. We were able to sail without using the motor and it was quiet, peaceful, beautiful and relaxing. There is no narration (like this is where so and so lives and this is the famous blah, blah, blah) but Dennis and Alyssa are interesting locals who can answer your questions if you have any. Highly recommend this professional organization and wonderfully experienced crew. Bring something warm as it gets chilly on the water as the sun goes down.
Place rating: 4
San Francisco, CA
A bunch of friends and I went down to SB and since I’m weirdly obsessed with boats, I found the sunset Kidd. We did the sunset cruise, and loved being able to see the sunset on the water. For $ 40, I’d highly recommend.
Place rating: 5
Hollywood, Los Angeles, CA
My family and I had an amazing experience sailing with the captain and crew. We felt as though it was our own private boat. It was a small setting. About 10 – 15 minutes after leaving the deck the captain turned off his engine. Walaaaah. I was able to listen to the ocean. We were able to relax and take in the beauty of the ocean. While my husband, the captain and crew and another couple chat up a storm, I laid out on the deck with a fancy margarita made by a crew member. I almost fell asleep I was so relaxed. We were even greeted by a pair of Dolphins at one point. I loved that it wasn’t one of those narrated tours. This experience was more personable. Perfect addition to our Santa Barbara vacation. As a first time tourist in Santa Barbara this was the one of the highlights of our trip. Oh. Great for a date night activity. Or date day
Place rating: 5
Tempe, AZ
Spencer and Baron were AWESOME! Thank you so much for the tour! We had a great time!!!
Place rating: 5
Denver, CO
Good sail. Brought our well trained and behaved dog. Saw a few whales and enjoyed a few drinks. Dog friendly, but for people traveling with their dog and if your dog has never been on a boat I suggest renting a small boat from the marina to insure on the sail your dog will not be losing its lunch out an end to the dismay of others on the sail that may not have a dog. Bang for your buck you cannot do better in the area for sail.
Place rating: 5
West Covina, CA
Had a great time with captain Dennis and his first mate. Incredibly hospitable and knowledgeable, we’ll be coming back soon. Well worth the money. The sunset was incredible, a must see!
Place rating: 1
Brooklyn, NY
Went out with a group so we called prior and explained we’d be 8 or 9 and possibly 12 – 15. When we arrived my wife went to pay for the 9 of us that came and they forced her to pay for 12.
Apparently she told them we are just 9 but they brow beat her.
She hadn’t made the reservation and it was her birthday so rather than argue she paid.
the boat was small and for 40 bucks a head not even close to worth it.
Avoid the tour and just hang out the beach.
Place rating: 5
Goleta, CA
Love Captain Dennis and first mate! I’m a local and highly recommend the Sunset Kidd to my friends and family when they visit beautiful Santa Barbara. This is not a «touristy» cruise. It’s a relaxing, wine sipping, breathtaking voyage that hopefully results in some whale sightings depending on the time of year. You are sure to see plenty of sea lions, dolphins, and pelicans among other marine life!
SET SAIL AND ENJOY!!!
Place rating: 4
Las Vegas, NV
Great excursion! $ 40 for sunset cocktail cruise! guide and captain were awesome! You can bring your own food. Wine available for purchase on the boat. If you being ur own $ 15 corkage fee applies
Place rating: 5
Chino, CA
Our last night in Santa Barbara called for something fun and romantic. We walked around the pier and found a flyer for Sunset Kidd Sailing. $ 40 per person for a sunset cruise, this is an incredible price if you ask me.
We purchased our tickets in the office and waited for our adventure to begin. The captain and first mate took us on our 2 hour adventure to sea with a beautiful sunset and some humor. I loved it when the captain hooked up his I-​phone to his speaker and started the trip with the Gilligan’s Island them song, very funny. The rest of the evening called for an assortment of music that was perfect for sailing.
As the sun went down and it became a bit chilly, our first mate was so nice to offer my wife a blanket. I managed to stay warm with a chilled Syrah that was filled to the top, oh yeah. If you have never gone sailing, this adventure will give you a good idea of what it takes to be a sailor. If you ask nicely, the captain will let you pull ropes and help with sails.
For an intimate time, Sunset Kidd Sailing is perfect to enjoy with that special someone. My wife and I enjoyed our 10 year anniversary with a sunset and an unforgettable experience. If I may offer a suggestion, the only song missing from the mix was Sailing by Christopher Cross ;o)
Place rating: 5
Santa Barbara, CA
This is not a tourist trap with celebrity sightings. This is real sailing.
Denis take you on an adventure in style aboard a beautiful boat.
A huge fan of the Sunset cruise but recently took visitors on the 2:00 Adventure Cruise offering a bit more excitement in swift, but calm seas.
You can take a party barge or booze cruise but if you want to sail, there’s only one Sunset Kidd. We not only take our out-​of-​town guests, we go ourselves throughout the year.