Adventure for Hire

There’s no doubting the outdoors rule, but sometimes, getting to the most special of places can prove challenging. Thankfully, Santa Barbara is jam-packed with clubs and companies that can take you there, whether it’s whale-watching, kayaking, biking, climbing, hiking, flying, or fishing. Here’s a list of such folks.

A-Frame Surf

Surfboard and boogie board rentals on the beach in Carpinteria. 3785 Santa Claus Ln., Carpinteria. Call 684-8803.

Anacapa Dive Center

Catch a charter boat to experience the underwater wonderland off the islands; SCUBA lessons also available. 22 Anacapa St. Call 963-8917 or visit anacapadivecenter.com.

Aqua tics

SCUBA lessons, equipment, and more. 5822 Hollister Ave., Goleta. Call 967-4456.

Beach Bike Rentals

Inline skates, bikes, strollers, and other vehicles are available for self-guided tours. 23 E. Cabrillo Blvd. Call 966-2282.

Beach House

Learn how to surf this summer, dude! All types of surfboards, boogie boards, and wetsuits for rent. 10 State St. Call 963-1281

Captain Don’s

Cross the channel in search of whales or just take in a sunset. 219 Stearns Wharf, Ste. G. Call 969-5217.

Channel Islands Aviation

Take flights for day hikes, coastal fishing, or camping trips to Santa Rosa Island. Based at Camarillo Airport. Call 987-1301 or visit flycia.com.

Circle Bar B Stables

Ride through remote canyons on a guided tour or go solo on one of the stable’s strong horses. Dinner and accommodations are also available. 1800 Refugio Rd., Goleta. Call 968-1113.

Cloud Climbers

To scale mountains the four-wheel way, jeeps with tour guides can be rented at 933 Olive Street. Call 965-6654.

Condor Express

This 75-foot vessel is ideal for watching the channel’s numerous whales or for sunset dinner cruises along the coast. 301 W. Cabrillo Blvd. Call 882-0088.

Cycles 4 Rent

Mountain bikes, tandems, and cruisers are all available for rent. 633 E. Cabrillo Blvd. Call 340-BIKE.

Eagle Paragliding

Award-winning paragliding instruction by Rob Sporrer. 3115 Calle Fresno. Call 968-0980, email info@eagleparagliding.com, or visit eagleparagliding.com.

El Capitan Canyon and Ranch

Camp in style and comfort or just go for a sunset trail ride. 11560 Calle Real. Call 685-8522.

Fly Away Hang Gliding

Learn to conquer the skies with hang gliding instruction. Call 957-9145 or visit flyaboveall.com/flyaway.htm.

Hearts Adaptive Riding Program

Healing with horses. 4420 Calle Real. Call 730-3635.

Isla Vista Bicycle Boutique

Cruiser, mountain bike, and electric bike rentals and repairs. 880 Embarcadero del Mar, Isla Vista. Call 968-FEET.

Ka nai’a Outrigger canoe club

Sign up with these folks for a regular paddle-powered meeting with the tides. Call 969-5595.

Mountain Air Sports

Rent a tent, a backpack, and other assorted camping gear. Then go get lost. 14 State St. Call 962-0049.

Paddle Sports

Kayak the coastline or enter the awe-inspiring sea caves of Santa Cruz Island. 117 B. Harbor Wy. Call 899-4925.

Perfect Laps

Learn to burn rubber from a champion racecar driver. Call 692-2479.

S.B. Adventure Company

Kayak, bike, climb, surf, and wine taste with the help of these professional extremists. Call 452-1942 or visit sbadventureco.com.

S.B. Sailing Center

Glide across the waves in the Double Dolphin, rent a sailboat or kayak, or learn to sail. 133 Harbor Wy. Call 962-2826 or visit sbsail.com.

S.B. Sport Fishing

Take home some of the sea’s bounty. 1762 1/2 Prospect Ave. Call 687-FISH.

S.B. Swim Club

Make swimming a daily routine and join the Swim Club! 401 Shoreline Dr. Call 966-9757.

Sea Landing Sportfishing

A wide spectrum of aquatic activities is offered, from jet ski and kayak rentals to fishing charters and Channel Island trips. 301 W. Cabrillo Blvd. Call 963-3564.

Sunset Kidd

Charter this private vessel for sunset sails, private parties, or weddings. Call 962-8222.

Surf Happens Surf School

Kid-oriented surf camp and private one-on-one lessons. 1117 Las Olas Ave. Call 966-3613 or visit surfhappens.com.

Truth Aquatics

Boats escort divers and/or fishers to all five Channel Islands. 301 W. Cabrillo Blvd. Call 962-1127.

Velo Pro Cyclery

Mountain bike rentals include a lock, tire pump, and the ever-important helmet. 633 State St. Call 963-7775.

Windhaven Glider Rides

Catch bird’s-eye views soaring above the Santa Ynez Mountains in an ultra-light glider. Based at Santa Ynez Airport. Call 688-2517.