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Santa Barbara Adventure Company (SBACo), an adventure travel outfitter serving the California Central Coast since 1998, announced today that it has been awarded first place winner in the 2026 Newsweek Readers’ Choice Awards, earning recognition in the Best Adventure Tour Company category.
SBACo has been guiding outdoor experiences along California’s Central Coast since 1998, with a focus on connecting guests to the region’s breathtaking beauty. The company serves a wide range of guests — from visitors and local families to schools and corporate groups — through kayaking and snorkeling tours, wine experiences, outdoor education trips, and team-building programs.
A key part of SBACo’s operations is its role as the authorized concessioner for kayaking and snorkeling tours at Scorpion Anchorage on Santa Cruz Island within Channel Islands National Park. Combined with its recognition as a Leave No Trace Gold Standard Outfitter, the company has built a reputation for delivering well-executed experiences that reflect both operational consistency and a strong respect for the natural environment.
“We’re honored to be recognized by Newsweek readers,” said Michael Cohen, President and Founder. “This award reflects the work our team puts in every day to create meaningful experiences for our guests while maintaining a high standard across everything we do.”
The Newsweek Readers’ Choice Awards recognize standout businesses, brands, and experiences across a wide range of consumer categories. Winners are determined through a public voting process in which readers select the companies and organizations they believe deliver exceptional quality, value, and customer experience.
The 2026 program highlights leading companies across numerous industries, including the Adventure Awaits category, where Santa Barbara Adventure Company was named the No. 1 Best Adventure Tour Company.
“Each year, the Readers’ Choice Awards celebrate the best of the best, as chosen by the people who matter most — our readers,” said Newsweek Editor-in-Chief Jennifer H. Cunningham. “We’re proud to recognize those organizations that continue to raise the bar for quality, innovation, and customer experience.”
About Santa Barbara Adventure Company
Santa Barbara Adventure Company (SBACo) is an award-winning outdoor adventure outfitter based on California’s Central Coast. Operating since 1998, the company offers guided kayaking, snorkeling, and wine tours, surf and stand-up paddleboard lessons, outdoor education programs, and team-building experiences for corporate groups. SBACo is the authorized concessioner for kayaking and snorkeling tours at Scorpion Anchorage on Santa Cruz Island within Channel Islands National Park and is recognized as a Leave No Trace Gold Standard Outfitter. With a team of highly trained guides and a commitment to environmental stewardship and exceptional guest experiences, SBACo delivers outdoor experiences that are truly unforgettable. For more information, visit www.sbadventureco.com.
About Newsweek
Newsweek is the global digital news organization built around the iconic 93-year-old American magazine. Newsweek reaches 100 million people monthly with its thought-provoking news, opinion, images, graphics, and video delivered across a dozen print and digital platforms. Headquartered in New York City, Newsweek also publishes international editions in EMEA and Asia. For more information, visit www.newsweek.com.
Media Contact
Will Adams
Marketing Manager, Santa Barbara Adventure Company
will@sbadventureco.com
+1 805-884-9283
