The Santa Barbara Land Shark is an amphibious bus – that is, it’s a Hydra Terra tour bus that takes passengers around the streets of Santa Barbara and next-door Montecito, then goes right into the harbor and continues the tour on sea. I’ve been to Santa Barbara, California lots of times before for romantic getaways and trips with my family, but had never tried the Land Shark. This past weekend we signed up for it. It was an informative and fun experience, albeit a little cheesy.
Our tour guide, Milo, clearly knows his Santa Barbara history. He pointed out many points of interest along the 
way, with a heavy emphasis on famous people. I found this a bit unfortunate, as Santa Barbara is a wonderful town for an upscale California vacation, even without knowing where stars ate or invested in real estate. Several times, people along State Street – Santa Barbara’s main thoroughfare – hooted at the Land Shark, and Milo enjoyed an easy repartee with them. He showed us Joe’s Cafe, which has the only large neon sign in the town (grandfathered in, it’s from the ’50′s).
Things got more interesting and exciting when we plunged into the ocean. Some of the yachts docked in the Santa Barbara Harbor are spectacularly gorgeous, with skiffs and dinghies right alongside. California sea lions, brown pelicans, and the odd egret (what was he doing there?) seemed unperturbed by our eager photo-snapping, though when a fishing boat tooted through, they all snapped to attention themselves.
All in all, my small group enjoyed the Santa Barbara Land Shark. We’d have really loved to hear more about the history of Santa Barbara and less about where James Cagney and Kevin Costner lowered their anchors, but I suppose a lot of California tourists want to hear about the movie stars. Ya gotta play to your audience, after all. In any case, one of the restaurant/bars Milo recommended ended up being our pre-dinner drinks spot. That was a relaxing way to end the Land Shark bus tour. Thanks, Milo!
Thanks for the great post! Santa Barbara is the best. It has such a mellow, unique vibe that you wouldn’t believe you were only an hour or so out of Los Angeles. We always try to go to the Missions and other historical landmarks when we are there. Really puts everything in perspective. Would love to live there, but HOO BOY, those real estate prices are ridiculous.
Keep up the great work
Paula
Visiting Santa Barbara is always a great time. The Landshark is such a unique attraction and a great thing for tourists to cross of their Santa Barbara to-do list. Down by the State Street harbor there are also sunset dinner and jazz cruises that are really great for a more mellow, romantic vibe. Paula, I agree, the real estate there is super ridiculous! Most of the time even trying to find a hotel there has prices off the richter scale.
[...] and shopping opportunities along the way. Another notable, fun activity in Santa Barbara is the Land Shark tour. The Santa Barbara Visual Arts website (sbva.org) is a good resource for planning what cultured [...]
The Land Shark is a ton of fun! We rented it out when my dear friend turned 21 back when we went to UCSB. Great night! They provided such a good time and it was a birthday worth remembering. I would love to go back on it but it is always so jam packed of tourists! Might have to get the group back together and get something going with that! It has been far too long. I love visiting now, older, I get to experience and appreciate a lot more that Santa Barbara has to offer. I really enjoy staying at the Sandman Inn (www.thesandmaninn.com). So inexpensive and one of the benefits of living in SB for a while-I know the best places to stay!
My daughter did the land shark for her 21st birthday with a bunch of friends when she went to UCSB. She said it was one of the best times she has ever had! It’s a great idea for a party bus or boat! Whenever I’m in town visiting I always see it going around and everyone always looks like they are having the best time! I’ve never had the chance to go on it personally but hopefully I can find the time soon enough! I travel there quite a bit and it’s just surprising! Hopefully we can have a mother/ daughter day and go on the Land Shark!