Channel Islands Kayaking Tours

Click through all our adventures below!

Sea Cave Kayaking

Sea Cave Kayak ~ Scorpion Anchorage, Santa Cruz Island

channel islands kayaking

Starting point and time: Ventura Harbor, 8am-5pm. Actual start times may vary.

Destination: Scorpion Anchorage, Santa Cruz Island, Channel Islands National Park

Level of difficulty:  Beginner through advanced welcome. Children under 12 must ride in double kayak with a parent.

Cost: $177 adult, $159 child under 12 years old. (Includes ferry boat transportation)

What if I already have ferry boat tickets?
Then the cost is $121 for your tour. Please call our office and we will discount your trip.

Group Discount Rates: $168 per person (6+ people), $158 per person (12+ people).  Additional $15 charge per single kayak. Discounts given on online & phone reservations.  Group discount rates cannot be used with other promotional discounts.

*All prices are per person.

Paddling time and distance: 2.5 miles, 3 hours of island kayaking.

Highlights: Whale watching on the boat ride, incredible Channel Islands kayaking, Channel Islands National Park visitors center, options for snorkeling and hiking,  an amazing island experience.

Trip includes: Authorized concessionaire boat transportation, Channel Islands kayaking gear (paddle jackets, helmets and wetsuits as necessary), double sea kayak, knowledgeable guide(s), kayaking lesson, natural history and marine ecology. Single kayaks are provided at an additional charge of $15 per kayak.

What if I want to snorkel?
There is no charge for using snorkel equipment. We have several wetsuits, snorkels and masks for our guests to use.

Additional Information on preparing for your Channel Islands Day Trip

Overview

If this is your first time kayaking Channel Islands National Park, then this is where you want to go. No other area of the park offers as many sea cave kayaking opportunities. Some of the most beautiful sea caves in the world can be found at Scorpion Anchorage.

This beloved California destination is renowned for incredible island kayaking, native wildlife, fantastic snorkeling and hiking opportunities. With our knowledgeable guides and the Channel Islands National Park Visitors Center, limitless discovery awaits. This area of California’s Channel Islands National Park was featured on Huell Howser’s television show California Gold.

Santa Barbara Adventure Company is an authorized kayak guide and outfitting service concessionaire for the Channel Islands National Park at Scorpion Anchorage and all other areas of the park. Dangerous conditions may exist at any time of the year, and we cannot guarantee cave exploration.

PLEASE NOTE:
Some tour dates are not available for online reservations. Please call for more dates and options.
(805) 884-WAVE or toll free (877) 885-WAVE.

Letsgo@sbadventureco.com

Painted Cave Kayak

Painted Cave Kayak Tour

painted cave kayaking excursion

Check for regular tour dates in Spring 2013.

If you have a group of 12 or more people, call our office for tour options.

Starting point and time: Santa Barbara Harbor, 7:30 am- 5:00 pm.

Destination: Painted Cave, Santa Cruz Island, Channel Islands National Park

Level of difficulty: Moderate to advanced welcome, no paddling experience is necessary. (not recommended for children 12 and under)

Cost: $199 adult, $170 child. (1-5 guests) Groups of 6 or more $179 per person. Discounts given on online & phone reservations. Group discount rates can not be used with other promotional discounts. Additional $15 charge per single kayak. No charge for snorkel gear.

Paddling time and distance: 2.5 miles, 2-3 hours of kayaking with snorkeling options.

Trip includes: Breakfast and lunch, charter boat transportation, double kayak and kayaking gear, wetsuit, paddle jacket, snorkeling masks, knowledgeable guide(s), kayaking lesson, natural history and marine ecology. Single kayaks are provided at an additional charge of $15 per kayak

Highlights: Get ready for a full day at sea . Explore Painted Cave, one of the largest sea caves in the world! Enjoy breakfast & a hot lunch, as well as whale watching on the boat ride where you may spot sea lions, otters, dolphins, marine birds and whales.

Overview

Explore the less traveled west end of Santa Cruz Island and the beautiful Painted Cave. Relax and let us take care of the all the details on this unforgettable Channel Islands kayaking tour. This all inclusive day trip departs out of the Santa Barbara Harbor aboard a splendid charter vessel complete with hot showers and bunks. Enjoy breakfast, first class whale watching, and a scenic cruise to Santa Cruz Island where the boat will dock giving you time to take an amazing kayak tour of Painted Cave. After exploring the magnificent cave, we give you some time for snorkeling, taking photos or to take a hot shower on the boat. A hot lunch will be served on the boat before heading back to Santa Barbara. Alcohol is not served on the boat but guests over 21 years old are welcome to bring their own to enjoy on the trip.

*Charter boat is subject to cancellation if trip date does not meet minimum booking numbers. Call for details.

Santa Barbara Adventure Company is an authorized kayak guide and outfitting service concessionaire for the Channel Islands National Park.

 

Kayak and Camp

Multiday Channel Islands Kayaking & Camping

Channel Islands National Park Camp

Paddling time and distance: 2-5 miles per day, 3-4 hours of actual paddling, visiting new areas of the island.

2-Day Kayaking and Camping trip: $329 adult/ $305 child. 3 person minimum. Book early for summer dates.

3-Day Kayaking and Camping trip: $450 adult/ $425 child. 3 person minimum. Book early for summer dates.

Group Rates Available. Please call or email if you are planning a group kayaking and camping trip.

Tent Rental (3 man tent): $15 per night (includes camp kitchen and stove)

Sleeping bag, pad, pillow and liner Rental: $20 per person, per night

Camping trip includes: Campground reservations, charter boat transportation, double kayak(s), Channel Islands kayaking gear (wetsuits, paddle jackets and helmets), use of snorkel gear, a camp kitchen, knowledgeable guides, kayaking lesson, natural history and marine ecology. Single kayaks are provided at an additional charge of $15 per kayak per day. We can provide you with tents and sleeping bags at an additional charge.

Highlights: Whale watching on the boat ride, world class Channel Islands kayaking, incredible marine environment , NPS visitors center, hiking with panoramic views, camping in a serene valley, brilliant star gazing.

Additional Information on preparing for your Channel Islands Camping Trip

Overview

Everyone should experience the relaxed pace of the island with at least one overnight. The evenings offer quiet solitude and each morning you’ll feel revitalized and eager to explore. Your guide will help to set up camp. There are ample opportunities to check out the Channel Islands Visitor’s Center, read, play music or games, etc. This beloved National Park destination is renowned for incredible sea caves, endemic wildlife, and fantastic snorkeling.

Santa Barbara Adventure Company is an authorized kayak guide and outfitting service concessionaire for the Channel Islands National Park at Scorpion Anchorage and all other areas of the park.

Online reservations are not available for this activity.
Please call or email to book (805) 884-WAVE or toll free (877)885-WAVE.

Letsgo@sbadventureco.com

Prisoners Harbor

Prisoner’s Harbor Kayak Tour

channel_isl_thumb

Starting point and time: Ventura Harbor, 7:30am-5pm. Actual start times may vary.

Destination: Prisoner’s Harbor, Channel Islands National Park

Level of difficulty: Beginner through advanced welcome. Children under 12 must ride in a double kayak with a parent.

Cost: $210 per person. Additional $15 charge per single kayak. No charge for snorkel gear.

Paddling time and distance: 2-4 miles, 3 hrs of actual kayaking with potential to snorkel.

2 person minimum. Subject to availability.

Highlights: Idyllic Channel Islands kayaking with dense kelp forests; whale watching opportunities on boat ride; chance to snorkel and explore a remote beach.

Overview

Kayaking along this quiet coastline, visitors observe marine life and birds including an occasional bald eagle. Your knowledgeable guide will acquaint you with this unique habitat and share favorite spots.

Trip includes: Authorized concessionaire boat transportation, single or double kayak, Channel Islands kayaking gear (wetsuits, paddle jackets and helmets), knowledgeable guides, kayaking lesson, natural history and marine ecology.

Santa Barbara Adventure Company is an authorized kayak guide and outfitting service concessionaire for the Channel Islands National Park.

Some tour dates are not available for online reservations. Please call for more dates and options.
Please call or email to book (805) 884-WAVE or toll free (877) 885-WAVE for more options.

Letsgo@sbadventureco.com

Anacapa Island

Anacapa Island Kayak Excursion

Arch at Anacapa Island

Starting point and time: Oxnard Harbor, 8:30am – 5:00pm. Actual start times may vary.

Destination: Anacapa Island, Channel Islands National Park

Level of difficulty: Moderate to advanced welcome. (not recommended for children 12 and under)

Cost: $210 per person. Additional $15 charge per single kayak. No charge for snorkel gear.

Paddling time and distance: 3-4 miles, 3 hours of actual kayaking.

2 person minimum. Subject to availability.

Highlights: World class sea cave kayaking, thousands of nesting birds on Anacapa’s sheer cliffs, spectacular sea cave paddling, marine life including seals and sea lions, secluded coves, sea caves.

Overview

Explore the second smallest of the Channel Islands. Anacapa has little land mass and no predators to the birds or large pods of sea lions and seals in its secluded coves. Come be inspired and challenged by the elements that have shaped this extraordinary landscape.

Over half of the island has been set aside for nesting areas for sea birds, including the endangered California Brown Pelican. Anacapa offers amazing Channel Islands sea cave kayaking and bird watching.

Trip includes: Authorized concessionaire boat transportation, single or double kayak, paddling gear (wetsuits, paddle jackets and helmets), knowledgeable guides, kayaking lesson, natural history and marine ecology.

Santa Barbara Adventure Company is an authorized kayak guide and outfitting service concessionaire for the Channel Islands National Park at Scorpion Anchorage and all other areas of the park.

Some tour dates are not available for online reservations. Please call for more dates and options.
Please call or email to book (805) 884-WAVE or toll free (877)885-WAVE.

Letsgo@sbadventureco.com

Santa Barbara Island

Santa Barbara Island Kayak Tour

kayaking santa barbara island

Starting point and time: Ventura Harbor, 8am-5pm. Actual start times may vary.

Destination: Santa Barbara Island, Channel Islands National Park

Level of difficulty: Kayaking experience recommended, Adult only 18+.

Cost: $275 per day. 4 person minimum. $25 surcharge per kayak, this tour requires kayak transport to the island.

Paddling time and distance: 6 miles, 5 hours of actual kayaking.

Highlights: Whale watching on the boat ride, incredible Channel Islands kayaking (conditions permitting), hiking, camping options, amazing island experience.

Overview

The smallest of the eight Channel Islands, Santa Barbara is the perfect size for a one-day kayak trip around the entire island. This 6 mile kayak trip is limited to adults. Kayaking trips to Santa Barbara Island run infrequently.

Trip includes: Authorized concessionaire boat transportation, single or double kayak, kayaking gear (wetsuits, paddle jackets and helmets), knowledgeable guides, kayaking lesson, natural history and marine ecology.

Santa Barbara Adventure Company is an authorized kayak guide and outfitting service concessionaire for the Channel Islands National Park.

Online reservations are not available for this activity.
Please call or email to book (805) 884-WAVE or toll free (877) 885-WAVE.

Letsgo@sbadventureco.com

Multi-Island Adventure

California 3 Day Channel Islands Adventure

island adventure california

Upcoming Trips: June 14th-16th, July 5th-7th and August 4th-6th.

Cost: $1349, Early Bird discount – book 30 days or more prior to your trip departure and save $100 per person. Space is limited.

Group Discount Rates: $1124 per person (4+ people).  Group discount rates cannot be used with other promotional discounts.

Multi-day trip includes: All food for 3 days (breakfast, lunch, snacks and dinner), charter boat transportation, live-aboard accommodations, double or single kayak(s), kayaking gear (wet suits, paddle jackets and helmets), snorkel gear, stand-up paddle boards, hiking on remote trails and pristine beaches, knowledgeable guides, kayaking lesson, natural history and marine ecology. No extra charges!

Highlights: Explore the Channel Islands by foot, kayak, SUP and snorkel. Incredible wildlife viewing opportunities abound with crystal clear water and some of the best wilderness kayaking, hiking and snorkeling locations in the world! Relax onboard after a day of adventure with hot showers and delicious and healthy fresh meals prepared by the chef.

Additional Information on preparing for your Channel Islands Multi Day Live aboard Trip

Overview

This is truly a unique experience and the best way to explore the most remote and often inaccessible parts of the Channel Islands National Park. This multi-day trip includes a variety of once in a lifetime experiences and is perfectly suited for those that are active and adventurous. The islands and surrounding waters are home to many amazing endemic animals and plants as well as archaeological and cultural resources that you will not see anywhere else in the world!

You will have plenty of opportunities to kayak, hike, snorkel, SUP and more. All of your food and accommodation is taken care of so you can fill your trip with maximum amounts of adventure and relaxation!

KayakingTypically we will paddle for 3-4 hours per day and travel 3-6 miles. There are often opportunities for shorter morning or evening paddles as well.

Hiking: multiple opportunities to set foot on the Islands and hike with a qualified naturalist. Distances range from 2-6 miles.

Stand Up Paddling: in the mornings or early evenings if conditions permit.

Snorkeling: most of the spots that we anchor will be at excellent snorkeling spots. We often have opportunities to snorkel from the kayaks as well.

Fishing: gear is not provided (you can bring your own or you can rent at the Sea Landing) but there will be time to fish each day. You also need to hold a valid fishing license (available for purchase at Sea Landing).

Sample itinerary:

The day before – check in at the Sea Landing at 8pm and get your gear on the boat. Meet your guide and the crew and you are free to make your own dinner plans in Santa Barbara. We leave the dock at 4am tomorrow so you are welcome to sleep on the boat tonight to avoid having to get up before dark!

Day 1 – Depart Santa Barbara Harbor early and wake up en route to San Miguel Island. Enjoy a hot breakfast on the boat before gearing up and receiving an orientation and safety briefing from your guide.   Explore the extraordinary caves and coves around Harris Point and Prince Island. Take in the abundance of marine life – sea lions, harbor and elephant seals abound – before landing at Cuyler Point and hiking with a qualified naturalist to Lester Point. Enjoy a relaxing afternoon of snorkeling from the boat and then head out for a short kayak or relax on the boat with your favorite beverage in hand to watch the sunset!

Day 2 – Kayak from Carrington Point to Bechers Bay on Santa Rosa Island, exploring the amazing kelps forests and crystal clear water before returning to the boat for lunch. Head out after lunch on one of the many great hiking trails and experience the ancient forests and stunning vistas. In the afternoon jump back on the boat and head to Forney’s Cove at Santa Cruz Island for an afternoon snorkel or sunset kayak.

Day 3 – Explore Santa Cruz Island and experience the world’s second largest sea cave – Painted Cave! Enjoy a downwind paddle from Emerald Bay to Painted Cave before jumping back on the boat and enjoying lunch. Snorkel around some of the best diving spots in the world before we head back to Santa Barbara.

* The itinerary is subject to change based on conditions which will be assessed by your guide and the boat captain each day. There are many more wonderful places to explore than those listed above and the captain and guide will choose the most appropriate locations each day based on the wind, swell and other factors.

* All kayaking, SUP, snorkeling and hiking is fully guided.

* All activities are optional meaning that you can stay on the boat and relax at any time.

* This trip requires a minimum number of participants before it is confirmed. Please call us to check if the trip is confirmed before booking any non-refundable travel or accommodations.

Santa Barbara Adventure Company is an authorized kayak guide and outfitting service concessionaire for the Channel Islands National Park at Scorpion Anchorage and all other areas of the park.

New Trip Badge!