Tag: Channel Islands

how did santa barbara get its name?

How Did Santa Barbara Get its Name?

The Spanish explorer Sebastian Vizcaino sailed through the channel between Santa Barbara and the Channel Islands in December of 1602. There was a dense fog during the voyage and when the fog cleared the islands could be seen in the distance. The channel was named Santa Barbara because the ship traveled through this area on…

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george billings ship found

George E Billings: A Ship Found

After 20 years of searching, a team of divers has found the George E Billings sunken in the Channel Islands Marine Sanctuary. The George E Billings was a five-masted lumber schooner/fishing barge with a gross tonnage of 1,260 tons. It was 224 feet long, 42 feet wide and had a draft of 18 feet. It…

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surf instructor landon

A Santa Barbara Legend: Landon Smith

It is safe to say we get a lot of applications from folks who want to teach surfing in Santa Barbara. I think there is an allure attached to the title “surf instructor.” Of course it is a special sort of person who can properly teach surf techniques and get guests of all ages and…

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sea lions in channel islands

Sea Lion Whitewater: A Guest’s Experience

Nothing makes us happier than receiving a glowing email from a past guest. Last week we received a really special email from Matt Brown. Matt was nice enough to share his amazing experience at Santa Cruz Island kayaking in a cave with his group. We thought his story was so great, we wanted to share it with everyone.…

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NBC featured Kayaking Channel Islands

Ali Fedotowsky Kayaks Channel Islands Park – Watch on NBC

NBC’s 1ST LOOK hosted by Bachelorette darling Ali Fedotowsky recently venture to the Channel Islands with us to have a sea cave kayaking adventure. NBC’S 1ST LOOK is an Emmy-winning, lifestyle show that takes you to the top destinations for thrilling adventures. If you are looking for the perfect date, Ali Fedotowsky has an awesome idea…

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Adam: Incredible Guide

Adam Sachs: Surfer, Kayaker & Incredible Guide

There are a lot of things that go into a great trip – logistics, permits, food, equipment, weather, etc…. they are all important. But there is one key ingredient that every great trip must have – an incredible guide. Now good weather helps – but an incredible guide can make even the dampest of days…

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Things to do in Santa Barbara

Graduation in Santa Barbara: Favorite Activities from an Alum

*Updated May 2019 It’s 70 degrees with a light coastal breeze, and the sun doesn’t set till 8 pm. Yep, it’s that time of year! School is ending, and not just for the summer, for many of Santa Barbarians its graduation! Whether you are that lucky graduate or their loving family,  June marks that special…

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Spring at Channel Islands Park

It is Spring at Channel Islands National Park and the islands are full of new life. The bald eagles are hatching and this year there is a record number of breeding pairs on the islands. It has been wonderful to hear of the success the The Institute for Wildlife Studies has been having with the bald…

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California Island Excursion, A New 3 Day Trip

***This tour is not running at this time — Review a listing of all our current islands tours here*** Are you ready for an amazing adventure? We have been working hard all Winter to develop a new epic California Island Adventure for you. This multi-day trip departs from Santa Barbara harbor and cruises to 3…

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island marine life

Ralph Clevenger: Photos from the Channel Islands

Recently Ralph Clevenger came by the warehouse and needed some equipment for a photography class he was instructing. Always up for an adventure, we agreed to help Ralph out with some Adventure Company kayaking gear for the trip. And then this week a disk of amazing photos arrived at our office. We were happy to see the…

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