President

Michael Cohen is the founder and President of Santa Barbara Adventure Company (SBACo), which he established in 1998 to create meaningful outdoor experiences rooted in the natural beauty of the Santa Barbara region.

Born and raised in Santa Barbara, Michael brings more than 35 years of outdoor leadership experience. His background includes guiding and leading expeditions across the western United States, including Idaho’s Middle Fork and Main Salmon rivers, the American, Tuolumne, Rogue, and the Grand Canyon, where he rowed baggage on multi-day trips. He has also led self-supported sea kayaking expeditions in Belize and worked as a diving instructor in the British Virgin Islands.

Before founding SBACo, Michael held leadership roles with one of California’s largest outdoor education organizations, where he developed a strong foundation in program management, safety standards, and experiential learning.

Under his leadership, SBACo has grown into one of California’s most established outdoor adventure companies, offering guided experiences ranging from Channel Islands sea cave kayaking to wine country tours and educational programs. The company has received national recognition, including being named the #1 Best Kayak Tour in the Nation by USA Today.

Michael continues to play an active role in the outdoor and tourism community. He serves as Chair of the Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary Advisory Council, sits on the Executive Board of Visit Santa Barbara, and contributes to the America Outdoors Association and the Santa Barbara South Coast Chamber of Commerce.

He has long been guided by a simple belief: that direct experiences in nature foster a deeper understanding of the environment and a lasting commitment to protecting it.

Learn more about Michael’s story: The Story of Mike

Education

B.S. and M.S. in Biological Sciences, with an emphasis on Marine Biology and Fisheries

Leadership Background & Experience

My favorite leadership experience is leading collaborative beach cleanups at the Channel Islands to remove lobster traps and other marine debris.

Favorite Adventure trip

Channel Islands Adventure Kayak tour

OTHER THAN GUIDING

Tide pooling while taking long walks on the beach!

Favorite piece of gear

My hat – to keep the sun off and to look cool, obviously 😉

Education

B.A. in Environmental Studies and Communication and an A.A. with an emphasis in Social and Behavioral Studies

Leadership Background and Experience

Eagle Scout and UCSB’s Leadership Training course. I serve as staff with UCSB’s Adventure Programs primarily teaching rock climbing, head lifeguard and 8+ years as a trained lifeguard with CPR/AED for the professional rescuer, 4+ years experience as a Water Safety Instructor, Wilderness First Aid certified, multiple club officer and organizing positions in college, treasurer and board member with California Student Sustainability Coalition.

Favorite Adventure Trip

My 2006 and 2007 trips to Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico due to the weeks of camaraderie built between scouts from around the country while constructing hiking trails and exploring the surrounding mountainsides. Each week of hiking consisted of 70+ miles across forested and deserted stretches with one highlight being the Super Black Death challenge – summit seven peaks within 24hrs.

Other than guiding

I spend my free time hiking, climbing, cooking, playing board and computer games, exploring the wilderness in my Jeep, learning Polynesian dance styles, and connecting with people/organizations that preserve the environment for future generations to relish.

Favorite piece of gear

My Spyderco Salt I knife! Handy and rustproof.

Education Background

I graduated in Hospitality by the Associcáo de Ensino de Santa Catarina, Brazil.

Leadership Background and Experience

I was an outdoor guide on Campeche Island in Florianópolis, Brazil for 3 years leading archeological hikes. I worked as a sailing instructor and kayaking guide in Mission Bay, San Diego for 6 years.

Favorite Adventure Trip

Sea Cave Kayaking at the Channel islands

Favorite Piece of Gear

Kayak and a paddle. Kayaking is my favorite thing to do on the water!

Education
B.A. In History from Westmont College, and an Honorary Masters degree in Photography from Brooks Institute of Photography.

Leadership Background
Chuck has been leading guided kayak trips at the Channel Islands NP for 16 years. He’s also been a beach lifeguard in Carpinteria for 25 years.

Favorite Adventure Trip
A 2-week rafting trip through the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR) from the North Slope of the Brooks Range to the Arctic Ocean in Northeast Alaska.

Other Than Guiding
Traveling, taking incredible scenery & wildlife photos (check out his Instagram account @chuckgrahamphoto or website: www.chuckgrahamphoto.com)

Favorite Piece of Gear
My old Canon EOS III film camera and a Canon 7D digital camera

Leadership Background and Experience

My life outside started when I was young. I went on my first backpacking trip when I was in the second grade. I started surfing when I was 13 and I’ve been rock climbing since college. I kayak surf or free dive when the waves are too small for regular surfing and I’ve traveled across the globe in search of good waves in exotic locales. I’m SCUBA and Apnea certified and a Wilderness First Responder. I’m at home in the ocean or in the outdoors.

Favorite Adventure Trip

I have two favorite trips, they were both so amazing that I can’t decide. One was the first time I did some real caving, underneath Crazy Horse Buttress in Chiang Mai, Thailand. It’s hard to describe how thrilling it is to rappel 100 feet into complete darkness. My other favorite trip was surfing at Lakey Peak in Sumbawa, Indonesia; what a great wave.

Favorite piece of gear

My favorite piece of gear is a Surfboard (of course) and the reason is that it’s the best way to connect with the ocean’s energy (and thus, the energy produced by the star at the center of our solar system!)

Education Background:

B.S. in Chemistry and Biochemistry from UC Santa Barbara.

Leadership Background and Experience:

I have instructed kayaking and guided outdoor trips with UCSB Adventure Programs, worked as a summer camp director and counselor, and graduated from my high school’s Outdoor Leadership Program. I am also certified for SCUBA, life guarding and am a Wilderness EMT.

Favorite Adventure Trip:

Self-supported sea kayaking expedition along the Santa Barbara coast.

Other Than Guiding:

Photography, more kayaking, playing games and spending time with friends and family.

Favorite Piece of Gear:

My Nalgene bottle, with all of its imperfections from adventuring. And my camera!

Education
Graduate of University of Minnesota , BA Degree in Public Administration/Urban Planning.

Leadership Background & Experience
Waterfront Director/Harbormaster for City of Santa Barbara, retired in 2001.  Worked as a manager for the City for 30 years, extensive experience at supervising staff, emergency response and project management.

Favorite Adventure Trip
Surf trips to Nicaragua with my son.

Other Than Guiding
… surfing, fishing, swimming, water polo, stand-up paddling, sailing, pretty much anything that gets me in or on the water.

Favorite Piece of Gear
Sun hat to keep my bald head from getting sunburned…😎

Education 
Wildlife First Responder, National Association for Interpretation

Favorite Adventure Trip
Channel Islands Discovery Tour

Other Interests
Snorkeling, photography, dancing

Favorite Piece of Gear
Snacks

Education
B.A. in Environmental Studies from U. C. Santa Barbara.

Leadership Background
I worked for the Santa Barbara County Park Department starting as a seasonal lifeguard and retiring as Deputy Director.  I have worked for eight years as a kayak guide leading tours at Channel Islands National Park.

Favorite Adventure Trip
Going on a long-range fishing trip to catch Yellowfin Tuna in the 100 to 200 pound plus range.

Other Than Guiding
Bodysurfing, swimming in the Santa Barbara Master’s Program, fishing from boats and from my kayak.  Any time on or in the ocean is good time.  Lastly, I enjoy living in Santa Barbara’s beautiful south county area.

Favorite Piece of Gear
My bodysurfing fins.  They have propelled me into countless waves.

Education
Currently studying marine biology at Santa Barbara City College

Leadership Background and Experience:
In addition to guiding kayak tours with Santa Barbara Adventure Company, I am a wilderness first responder and a crew member aboard the Lil Toot water taxi tug boat service.

Favorite Adventure Trip:
Snorkeling and sailing in Puerto Rico

Other Than Guiding:
I volunteer with Channel Islands Marine & Wildlife Institute (CIMWI) each week. I work in the rehabilitation center with seals and sea lions! Doing my best to help bring them back to full health so that they can be released back into the wild. It’s a very rewarding experience.

Favorite Piece of Gear:
My XTRATUF boots!

Education

Cal Poly San Luis Obispo Graduate with a BA in Experience Industry Management and a Child Development minor

Leadership Background and Experience

Kayak Guide for 2 years. 4 seasons of summer camp experience as activities leader and supervisor. Wilderness First Responder

Favorite Adventure Trip

Tied between any trip going up to Yosemite NP or the summer I worked in Jackson Hole, WY and I would end the work day paddleboarding with my friends in Grand Teton NP at sunset.

Other than guiding

Planning road trips. I’m a SoCal native who has a soft spot for the mountains, and I try to get up as often as I can! Hiking, biking, and jumping into some mountain lakes/rivers are some of my favorite things to do.

Favorite piece of gear

MCarly was an amazing guide and so was Jomel. We had such a fun time and were able to see many animals and learn so much! Thank you for the experience!y Nalgene that I can throw around and never dent! Always looking to add more stickers and the splash guard is essential. In the winter, I put a Nalgene with hot water in my sleeping bag to keep my toes warm!

Education Background:
B.S. in Psychology and Minor in Visual Arts from the University of California, San Diego
M.S. in Outdoor Leadership and Environmental Education from State University of New York, Cortland.

Leadership Background and Experience:
• Certified Wilderness Trip Leader
• Wilderness First Responder
• Backcountry guiding in Yosemite, Sequoia, and Kings Canyon National Parks for 4 years with Southern Yosemite Mountain Guides.
• Guiding and Instructing Boojum for 4 years in CA National and State Parks and National Forests.
• Developing and managing (3 years) the swim program at Yipirinya School, for indigenous students in grades pre-k to 12th grade in the heart of Australia’s outback, Alice Springs.
• Kindergarten teacher in Abu Dhabi for 3 years at Al Diyafah School.
• 20+ years playing rugby in the US, Australia, and the United Arab Emirates combined.

Favorite Adventure Trips:
• Bushwacking up the Arroyo de la Zorro to the Sierra de la Laguna in Baja California Mexico for 10 days
• Hiking the Annapurna Trail in Nepal for 2 weeks
• Island hopping in the Philippines, with snorkeling and sketchy motorbiking on Palawan island being some memorable moments

Other Than Guiding:
• Photography (Instagram: @miche_mosh_shots)
• Swimming, surfing, biking, running, writing, reading, listening to music, appreciating nature, traveling, gardening, painting, pottery, yoga, and road trips in the Taco

Favorite Piece of Gear:
Nikon Z6II camera and Garmin watch

Education Background:
Currently a Student at Santa Barbara City College and completed my EMT course and UC Santa Barbara.

Leadership Background and Experience:
I began as a Junior Counselor at a local summer camp and seemed to fit the outdoor guiding world of Santa Barbara great.

Favorite Adventure Trips:
An amazing 1.5-week surf trip down to Costa Rica with some lifelong friends.

Other Than Guiding:
I enjoy anything ocean-related, rock climbing, riding dirtbikes, camping, snowboarding, and really any adventure I can get after.

Favorite Piece of Gear:
Anything to help to keep me from getting sunburnt!

Education:
Recreation Admin BA from Humboldt State University. Outdoor Environmental Ed MS from the University of Edinburgh.

Leadership Background:
Lead Staff at Camp Stevens Summer Camp/Retreat Center, University Resident Advisor at Humboldt State University, Student Expedition Assistant at Humboldt State University

Favorite Adventure Trip:
Getting lost on the real-life Hogwarts grounds: the highlands and lochs of Scotland, via the Right-to-Roam Act!

Other Interests:
Folk Music and Dance, Wild Swimming in the Los Padres or anywhere where the magic calls, befriending any dog that will allow it.

Favorite Gear:
My sea-to-summit collapsible bowl for backpacking

Education:
I graduated from California State University Channel Islands with a B.S. in Environmental Science & Resource Management (ESRM) & B.S. in Business, minor in Economics.

Leadership Background:
Wilderness First Responder (WFR), 6+ years WaterSafety – Instruction certification, 5+ years as a lifeguard, Executive Committee member for Surfrider Ventura County and Chair for their Ocean Friendly Restaurants Program, President of the Women’s Soccer Club at my alma mater CSU Channel Islands, and taught high school for a year.

Favorite Adventure Trip:
In the summer of 2021, I thru-hiked the John Muir Trail (JMT) with my Dad. This trail is 211 miles of granite peaks and passes ranging from 11,000 to 14,000 feet. We never came off the trail to resupply so it was 20 days of remote backcountry setting. I found out that adding a package of Idahoan mashed potatoes with Mountain House freeze-dried Chicken & Rice tastes like backcountry fine dining. Completing the JMT with my Dad is one of my favorite adventures to date!

Other Interests:
I grew up on the Eastern Sierra Nevada Mountain range so Skiing and Backpacking are my bread and butter. I also enjoy traveling to various countries with friends and family or good ole fashioned American road trips. I also enjoy volunteering for non-profits committed to protecting public spaces for all to enjoy.

Favorite Gear:
My Osprey backpack! It is my home base when I am in the field.

Education Background:

Graduated from UC Davis in 2021 with a BS in Neurobiology, Physiology, & Behavior, and earned EMT certification in Fall 2021

Leadership Background and Experience:

I have been a Senior Lifeguard in Carpinteria for 5 years and a supervisor for the last 2-3 years, during which time I’ve been responsible for training new lifeguards and returning guards. I was also a team captain for varsity water polo for two years.

Favorite Adventure Trip:

Backpacking 105 miles from Carpinteria to the Carrizo Plains with Chuck Graham and 2 others. It was brutal and epic.

Other Than Guiding:

I love getting into the mountains, climbing, hiking and backpacking, as well as playing music and eating food with friends.

Favorite Piece of Gear:

My favorite piece of gear is my Patagonia R1 Fleece, I’ve had it since 2019 and it is always useful, always comfy, and never smells as bad as I think it should.

Education Background:

WSET level 2

Favorite Wine Country Experience:

Sipping dry Riesling in Australia

Favorite Varietal:

Syrah & Granache

Other Than Guiding:

I love to hike in the mountains and on the beach. I also love to grill and smoke different kinds of fish and meats.

Favorite Piece of Gear:

My Nalgene bottle, with all of its imperfections from adventuring. And my camera!