California, United States
Self-guided scavenger hunts from $9, surf lessons, and e-boat rentals up to $98 per boat.
Most travelers in Ventura book surf lessons, e-boat rentals, or scavenger hunts. Of the 16 tours sold, half are priced $60–$100, and 81% cost under $100. Surf lessons appear in several forms, from group to private, while e-boat rentals and scavenger hunts fill out the rest of the catalogue.
The best-reviewed experiences are surf lessons, all rated above 4.9 stars, and e-boat rentals, which receive only 5-star reviews. Only one product is rated below 4 stars, a self-guided scavenger hunt. The median price is $63, but this is inflated by private tours priced per boat—most individual tickets are well below that.
Ventura’s catalogue is compact, with just 16 experiences. Surf lessons and water-based rentals make up the majority, joined by a handful of scavenger hunts and a single wine tour. Prices start at $9 for self-guided walking hunts and reach $301 for a full-day wine tour. A quarter of all tours cost under $25, but half sit in the $60–$100 range, reflecting the dominance of surf lessons and e-boat rentals.
The median price, $63, is skewed upward by rentals and tours priced per boat or group. Most options are self-guided or small-group activities, with only one full-day excursion. Four tours have been singled out for quality by the seller, but nearly all highly rated products are surf or boat experiences. Only one product is rated below 4 stars, and there are no low-rated tours with more than 10 reviews.
Category labels mix product types, so median prices reflect both group and private options. For instance, e-boat rentals and surf lessons both appear as 'On the Water' or 'Sports Lessons', but are charged differently. Free cancellation is available on just over half of the catalogue, which is typical.
Travelers looking for value can find group scavenger hunts from $9 per person, but these are self-guided and reviews mention ambiguous questions and route issues. The $18 scavenger hunt includes an interactive walking game, but one in four reviews rates it poorly, citing incorrect addresses and a lack of historical context. For groups, the $38 scavenger hunt is priced per group (up to 15 people), making it cost-effective, but it is unrated and all sales are final.
E-boat rentals dominate the $79–$98 range and are priced per boat (up to 10 people). These offer three hours on the water with a Bluetooth sound system, and reviews praise the friendly staff and easy process. All e-boat rentals are self-guided, and no negative reviews have been recorded. For groups of four or more, these can be better value per person than individual surf lessons.
Surf lessons range from $64 to $147 per person. The $64 Ventura Surf Lesson is the most reviewed, with 74 out of 75 reviewers giving it 5 stars and only one 4-star review. Reviewers highlight patient instructors and a positive learning environment. Private surf lessons ($109–$147) are highly rated as well, with praise for personalized instruction and clear communication. All surf lessons include equipment, but only some include transportation to the beach.
The $301 wine tour is the only full-day guided option. It includes wine tastings, a cheese board, and a walking tour in Solvang, with 195 minutes at stops out of 420 total. All reviews are 5 stars, and the tour includes admission at the wineries, unlike some cheaper options that do not include entry fees. This tour is best for travelers seeking a curated experience with transport included.
Overall, money is best spent on surf lessons or e-boat rentals for active travelers, and the wine tour for those wanting a full-day outing. Scavenger hunts are affordable but can disappoint due to navigation and content issues, as seen in their reviews.
Most tours confirm instantly, with 14 out of 16 offering immediate booking. Two may require follow-up confirmation, but this is rare. There are no sell-out warnings or seasonal trends noted, so last-minute booking is possible for most products.
Refund policies vary: just over half allow free cancellation, but several—including all e-boat rentals and group scavenger hunts—are non-refundable. Check cancellation terms before booking, especially for higher-priced or group activities.
Per group: for 6 people, less than half the price per head of any surf lesson.
0.0 ★ · 0 reviews · 3 h
Includes One scavenger hunt interactive walking activity for your entire group
Per boat: fits up to 10, so with a group costs less per person than any surf lesson.
5.0 ★ · 1 reviews · 3 h
Includes Bluetooth sound system · Classic Fantail Electric Boat Rental Experience
Only boat rental with a pink Fantail; same value as the other e-boats, just a different style.
5.0 ★ · 1 reviews · 3 h
Includes Pink Fantail Electric Boat Rental Experience · Bluetooth sound system.
Cheapest per-person scavenger hunt, but does not include admission to any paid sites.
5.0 ★ · 1 reviews · 2 h
Includes All taxes, fees and handling charges · Digital Copies of your adventure hunt photos · Individual role for each player
Shortest rental—just 3 minutes—while the other e-boats offer 3 hours for the same price.
0.0 ★ · 0 reviews · 3 min
Includes Bluetooth sound system · Pontoon WX Electric Boat Rental Experience
Only e-boat rental for up to 8 people; same price as 10-person options, so best for smaller groups.
5.0 ★ · 1 reviews · 3 h
Includes V17 Pontoon Electric Boat Rental Experience · Bluetooth sound system
The only scavenger hunt with both 1-star and 5-star reviews; opinions are sharply divided.
3.8 ★ · 4 reviews · 2 h
Includes Access to the interactive scavenger hunt tour and challenges you follow & find with your s
Most-reviewed surf lesson, and the only one with more than 70 reviews.
5.0 ★ · 75 reviews · 1 h 30 min
Includes Use of equipment (surfboard, wetsuit) · Expert instructor · 1.5-hour lesson
Only 2-hour surf lesson; includes all equipment, but transportation is not provided.
5.0 ★ · 11 reviews · 2 h
Includes Professional guide · Wetsuit provided according to your size · Surfboard
Only private 1-on-1 lesson; highest price per hour, but all reviews are 5 stars.
5.0 ★ · 4 reviews · 1 h 30 min
Includes Professional guide · All taxes, fees and handling charges · Wetsuit and surfboard
Longest surf lesson at 4 hours, but lunch is not included and transport is extra.
4.8 ★ · 4 reviews · 4 h
Includes Professional guide · Wetsuit provided according to your size · Surfboard
Only full-day tour; includes all wine tasting fees and LA pickup, unlike shorter options.
5.0 ★ · 3 reviews · 7 h
Includes Premium Wine Tasting in a public wine tasting room · Private wine tour with wine tasting and cheese board · Pick-up/drop-off from Los Angeles
3 h 15 min at the stops, of 7 h in total
Sold by Viator. Prices and review counts checked on 07/09/2026.
Surf lessons, e-boat rentals, and scavenger hunts make up most of Ventura’s 16 tours. There is also a single wine tour.
All listed e-boat rentals are priced per boat, accommodating up to 10 people. This can offer better value for groups.
Yes, all surf lessons include a surfboard and wetsuit. Some also provide instruction on beach safety and surfing conditions.
Group scavenger hunts and e-boat rentals are best for families, as both are priced per group or per boat and can accommodate several people.
Most tours confirm instantly, so last-minute booking is possible. However, for specific time slots, booking ahead is recommended.
Just over half of the tours allow free cancellation. E-boat rentals and some scavenger hunts are non-refundable, so check before booking.
One scavenger hunt is rated below 4 stars, with reviews mentioning route issues and ambiguous questions. All other tours are rated 4.75 stars or higher.
The wine tour includes wine tastings, a cheese board, a guided walking tour in Solvang, and pickup/drop-off from Los Angeles. Admission at all stops is included.
Walking tours, day trips and experiences around this area, on GetYourGuide.
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Booking is handled by Viator, part of TripAdvisor. Live prices, free cancellation on most.